All Spring Training IGT

[chibears55]

I still think they go with 5 bench players..

I figured Victorino was in but he seemed to tail off a bit and I haven't noticed him getting much playing time of late, as it seems Andreoli getting a good chunk of PT now.

So, I'm going with the bench as of now being...

C. Ross
IF Lastella
IF Baez
OF Fowler/Soler
OF Andreoli


I like Kowasaki but I think he only goes IF they decide to keep LaStella or Baez down


Sent from my LG-V495 using Tapatalk

 

[SilenceS]

Victorino is hurt. He sucks. He is waste of a roster spot. You already have a non hitting bench player in Ross. No reason for the Cubs to have two non hitting bench players. Victorino cant even play good defense anymore. The Cubs do not need him in any way

 

[beckdawg]

The bench is going to be Ross, Soler, Baez and La Stella if the latter is healthy. He just started some basic drills again yesterday so that's in doubt. Alcantara certainly had a chance to take that spot until La Stella returns, possibly even holding on to it, but he has been terrible defensively this spring. My only pint was that there are only so many opportunities for a young player on a crowded roster and he blew this one. He may not get another although that isn't etched in stone.

The problem with Victorino or even Kawasaki is that you usually don't use a veteran player to keep a seat warm for a young player like La Stella. It's not really conducive to clubhouse chemistry. Andreoli might get the nod almost by default.

I don't particularly see what La Stella has done to basically be given a spot. For one thing, he has options so it's not a case of keep him or cut him. Additionally, he's not a strong defender(little worse than average) and he's only been ok as a hitter with marginal power. That plus the fact he's not really been healthy since the trade. To me that spot is basically a case of playing the hot hand which at the moment is not La Stella. It's not going to kill you in either way. What probably happens at least in my view is they use that roster spot to shuffle around some like they did laster year with Baxter Szczur and so on. As that pertains to Alcantara, what I envision if things go well for him is likely a late July/August call up. If he's playing like he can he's the type of player that can be a spark late in the season.

From what I've read the cubs have a some what easy schedule early on. So, it's entirely possible they might get out to a big lead early and around that time they might essentially be locks for the playoffs. That in turn would allow them to be a bit more liberal with their bench use and another versatile player like Alcantara would be a nice addition. Plus, if things are going well you have a switch hitter who can steal ready for the playoffs.

 

[TL1961]

The players we have give Maddon a lot of flexibility. so it would seem fewer bench players could be possible.

But let's not forget that Maddon will double switch during the national anthem, and tends to use a very high number of player often. He'd use 30 guys per day if he could.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I don't particularly see what La Stella has done to basically be given a spot. For one thing, he has options so it's not a case of keep him or cut him. Additionally, he's not a strong defender(little worse than average) and he's only been ok as a hitter with marginal power. That plus the fact he's not really been healthy since the trade. To me that spot is basically a case of playing the hot hand which at the moment is not La Stella. It's not going to kill you in either way. What probably happens at least in my view is they use that roster spot to shuffle around some like they did laster year with Baxter Szczur and so on. As that pertains to Alcantara, what I envision if things go well for him is likely a late July/August call up. If he's playing like he can he's the type of player that can be a spark late in the season.

From what I've read the cubs have a some what easy schedule early on. So, it's entirely possible they might get out to a big lead early and around that time they might essentially be locks for the playoffs. That in turn would allow them to be a bit more liberal with their bench use and another versatile player like Alcantara would be a nice addition. Plus, if things are going well you have a switch hitter who can steal ready for the playoffs.

Baez is the backup all 4 IF positions, there is no way they don't come north with one more infielder which is why it's a shame Alcantara missed his opportunity. I read today that they expect La Stella to be ready opening day so I fully expect him to make the team as he is that second infielder and also a lefty bat off the bench. If not La Stella who is that 4th bench spot?

 

[chibears55]

The players we have give Maddon a lot of flexibility. so it would seem fewer bench players could be possible.

But let's not forget that Maddon will double switch during the national anthem, and tends to use a very high number of player often. He'd use 30 guys per day if he could.

Having players with flexibility is great but it doesn't mean it ok to shorten the bench, just means Maddon can mix up a lineup more.





Sent from my LG-V495 using Tapatalk

 

[chibears55]

Baez is the backup all 4 IF positions, there is no way they don't come north with one more infielder which is why it's a shame Alcantara missed his opportunity. I read today that they expect La Stella to be ready opening day so I fully expect him to make the team as he is that second infielder and also a lefty bat off the bench. If not La Stella who is that 4th bench spot?

Kawasaki could easily be the guy to replace LaStella

Sent from my LG-V495 using Tapatalk

 

[DanTown]

I don't particularly see what La Stella has done to basically be given a spot. For one thing, he has options so it's not a case of keep him or cut him. Additionally, he's not a strong defender(little worse than average) and he's only been ok as a hitter with marginal power. That plus the fact he's not really been healthy since the trade. To me that spot is basically a case of playing the hot hand which at the moment is not La Stella. It's not going to kill you in either way. What probably happens at least in my view is they use that roster spot to shuffle around some like they did laster year with Baxter Szczur and so on. As that pertains to Alcantara, what I envision if things go well for him is likely a late July/August call up. If he's playing like he can he's the type of player that can be a spark late in the season.

From what I've read the cubs have a some what easy schedule early on. So, it's entirely possible they might get out to a big lead early and around that time they might essentially be locks for the playoffs. That in turn would allow them to be a bit more liberal with their bench use and another versatile player like Alcantara would be a nice addition. Plus, if things are going well you have a switch hitter who can steal ready for the playoffs.

LaStella is a bat that you can trust to come in against legit bullpen arms late in the game and make contact.

 

[SilenceS]

I will say the Cubs do like LaStella short stroke. The Cubs were the worst team against hard throwers last year and LaStella has no problem getting around on hard throwers. Its why he was involved in the playoffs. Considering Baez and Soler strike out at a good clip. LaStella would probably be a piece they want.

 

[beckdawg]

Baez is the backup all 4 IF positions, there is no way they don't come north with one more infielder which is why it's a shame Alcantara missed his opportunity. I read today that they expect La Stella to be ready opening day so I fully expect him to make the team as he is that second infielder and also a lefty bat off the bench. If not La Stella who is that 4th bench spot?

Well certainly they would keep another infielder. But like I said I think it's just as likely if not more that they would send La Stella to AAA and keep Kawasaki. He's also a left handed bat and can play infield.

 

[beckdawg]

I will say the Cubs do like LaStella short stroke. The Cubs were the worst team against hard throwers last year and LaStella has no problem getting around on hard throwers. Its why he was involved in the playoffs. Considering Baez and Soler strike out at a good clip. LaStella would probably be a piece they want.

Get that thought process but again, Kawasaki has a career 9.3%/16.0% bb/k rate. La Stella is better from a pure contact stand point at 9.4%/10.8% but it's not like Kawasaki is bad. La Stella offers you no power(2 HRs in 435 PAs), little speed(4 SB), and he's below average defensively(-1.7 UZR/150 at 2B over 809.2 innings or -2 DRS). Kawasaki isn't worlds better. He also has no power. He has a bit more speed with 10 SB in 712 PAs and he's a slightly better defender at 2.5 UZR/150 at 2B over 688.1 innings or -1 DRS, 18.8 UZR/150 over 151.0 innings at 3B or 1 DRS and 1.9 UZR/150 over 731.2 innings at SS or 2 DRS.

So, of the two, I'd slightly favor Kawasaki especially when you consider if you take him on the active roster you still can option La Stella. Ultimately, I think the biggest knock against La Stella is he can't really play SS while Kawasaki has. Now that might not seem like much of a concern because obviously Baez is your primary back up. However, the plan appears to be a bunch of rotating players around to get everyone playing time. And if Russell get's hurt Baez is stuck at SS and he's sort of what makes a lot of that rotating possible.

 

[CSF77]

All I have to say is worrying about the 25 man is far nicer than worrying about who was on 1st and 3B back a few years ago.

 

[CSF77]

Get that thought process but again, Kawasaki has a career 9.3%/16.0% bb/k rate. La Stella is better from a pure contact stand point at 9.4%/10.8% but it's not like Kawasaki is bad. La Stella offers you no power(2 HRs in 435 PAs), little speed(4 SB), and he's below average defensively(-1.7 UZR/150 at 2B over 809.2 innings or -2 DRS). Kawasaki isn't worlds better. He also has no power. He has a bit more speed with 10 SB in 712 PAs and he's a slightly better defender at 2.5 UZR/150 at 2B over 688.1 innings or -1 DRS, 18.8 UZR/150 over 151.0 innings at 3B or 1 DRS and 1.9 UZR/150 over 731.2 innings at SS or 2 DRS.

So, of the two, I'd slightly favor Kawasaki especially when you consider if you take him on the active roster you still can option La Stella. Ultimately, I think the biggest knock against La Stella is he can't really play SS while Kawasaki has. Now that might not seem like much of a concern because obviously Baez is your primary back up. However, the plan appears to be a bunch of rotating players around to get everyone playing time. And if Russell get's hurt Baez is stuck at SS and he's sort of what makes a lot of that rotating possible.

I believe if LaStella is healthy he is playing. Kawasaki is a optinon right now. I believe they will look at if from a needs perspective and as it is they have 4 starters in the OF. The IF they have Baez. Alcantara would have been ideal as he can play both. That said looking at the IF both Bryant and Zorbrist can play in the OF so adding a IF makes more sense as it can free up either depending on the need.

If we are just talking about adding a pure hitter I would say Murton. You don't just go out and break Ichigo's hits record and just scoff it off. Still as far are team needs go he is not a necessary piece and would fit better on a team like the Royals who seem to do well with guys with his intangibles.

 

[DanTown]

Get that thought process but again, Kawasaki has a career 9.3%/16.0% bb/k rate. La Stella is better from a pure contact stand point at 9.4%/10.8% but it's not like Kawasaki is bad. La Stella offers you no power(2 HRs in 435 PAs), little speed(4 SB), and he's below average defensively(-1.7 UZR/150 at 2B over 809.2 innings or -2 DRS). Kawasaki isn't worlds better. He also has no power. He has a bit more speed with 10 SB in 712 PAs and he's a slightly better defender at 2.5 UZR/150 at 2B over 688.1 innings or -1 DRS, 18.8 UZR/150 over 151.0 innings at 3B or 1 DRS and 1.9 UZR/150 over 731.2 innings at SS or 2 DRS.

So, of the two, I'd slightly favor Kawasaki especially when you consider if you take him on the active roster you still can option La Stella. Ultimately, I think the biggest knock against La Stella is he can't really play SS while Kawasaki has. Now that might not seem like much of a concern because obviously Baez is your primary back up. However, the plan appears to be a bunch of rotating players around to get everyone playing time. And if Russell get's hurt Baez is stuck at SS and he's sort of what makes a lot of that rotating possible.

You can't quote hitting stats without giving slash lines

LaStella - .254/.327/.332 (was .269/.324/.403 last year in limited time)
Kawasaki - .234 /314/.284

LaStella is also 7 years younger, a small part of your future, and on the 40 man roster. This seems like classic overthinking. LaStella plays multiple positions too (he played 3B last year) and he was on the roster last year and he's someone you expect to be on future teams. Why would you get rid of him for a year to just give a 34 y/o who can't hit a chance?

even if you wanted to say they're equals, you take the guy who is already on the 40 and the guy who you think has a long term future with your organization. Kawaski is a camp body.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Spencer Patton is making a name for himself with the team this spring and, Ramirez were to open the season on the DL, could very well make the roster. He hasn't shown much in a couple of cups of coffee in the bigs with Texas but maybe Bosio has figured something out with this guy. Looking even at his minor league stats the BB/9 scares me but then again I'm not watching him in camp every day.

 

[CSF77]

Think it would be more about velocity and control vs spring numbers

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Think it would be more about velocity and control vs spring numbers

They like what they've seen, his issues have been command. He's no flame thrower though topping off in the low nineties but with Ramirez velocity continuing to be an issue they may think giving Patton a shot and putting Ramirez on the DL makes some sense.

 

[beckdawg]

You can't quote hitting stats without giving slash lines

LaStella - .254/.327/.332 (was .269/.324/.403 last year in limited time)
Kawasaki - .234 /314/.284

LaStella is also 7 years younger, a small part of your future, and on the 40 man roster. This seems like classic overthinking. LaStella plays multiple positions too (he played 3B last year) and he was on the roster last year and he's someone you expect to be on future teams. Why would you get rid of him for a year to just give a 34 y/o who can't hit a chance?

even if you wanted to say they're equals, you take the guy who is already on the 40 and the guy who you think has a long term future with your organization. Kawaski is a camp body.

Well the cubs are at 39 on the 40 man anyways. As for La Stella as I said before you're not cutting him. He has options. Whether or not you like La Stella the fact remains he's a bench player and that's all he's ever going to be. So while he's 7 years younger that really doesn't matter much because it's not like he's Baez and you have to get value out of him. On top of that, he's not been healthy. My view is both are throw away players to an extent. You use them for what you need at the time and I think a more versatile Kawasaki is a more useful player.

 

[CSF77]

They like what they've seen, his issues have been command. He's no flame thrower though topping off in the low nineties but with Ramirez velocity continuing to be an issue they may think giving Patton a shot and putting Ramirez on the DL makes some sense.

He is on the 40 man so it wouldn't be a reach.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Off the Cubs for a second has anyone seen what Travis Shaw has been doing for the Red Sox? He's hitting .474 with an OPS of 1.237 in ST. After a nice showing last year where he hit 13 HR and slashed .274/.331/.491 in almost 250 PA the Red Sox have an possible decision to make. There's a lot of reason to believe this kid is an everyday ball player with superior production to the two player he's ostensibly backing up in Sandoval and Ramirez but how to you sit down that money and deal with guys who have little value on the bench? Anyway just interesting, carry on.