Around The MLB: Free Agent Signings And Trades Discussion Thread

[Zvbxrpl]

That was Markakis 3 years ago and he just turned 31. In now way a game changer, you can find that type of production for cheaper.

Those are career averages.

He's not a game changer, signing him thinking he would be would be stupid.

H'e an underrated, important role playing piece that adds a trade chip a couple years from now if one of these prospects pans out and the OF becomes crowded.

You know what you have in Markakis. We know Coghlan and Ruggiano wont be with this team 2 years from now. And if they are, people need to be fired and shot.

I'm not expecting the worst, but its getting disheartening to see everyone else making moves when the cubs said they would be big players. I'm sick of talking about doing something, its about time this front office walks the walk.

Want me to be happy? Do whatever you gotta do to sign Lester. He's a game changer that helps this team take the next step forward. Jason Hammel on a 2-3 year deal isn't going to cut it. And I'm also not saying pull a Mariners or a Yankees and blow hundreds of millions added to current payroll.

But you cant sit on your ass, hoping Lester's catcher is the key to signing the guy when we all know the money will be. Of course, he couldn't be any worse than Wellington Castillo at calling a game.

 

[BrewCrewFan]

Some rumors going around that the Cubs are the team that offered Chase Headley 4/65. The guy is a legit reporter with sources who broke the Castillo signing.

No idea why the Cubs would do that with all the IF prospects you have.

 

[beckdawg]

Some rumors going around that the Cubs are the team that offered Chase Headley 4/65. The guy is a legit reporter with sources who broke the Castillo signing.

No idea why the Cubs would do that with all the IF prospects you have.

I seem to recall some thoughts of playing him in LF by reporters but i could be mistaken.

 

[chibears55]

Some rumors going around that the Cubs are the team that offered Chase Headley 4/65. The guy is a legit reporter with sources who broke the Castillo signing.

No idea why the Cubs would do that with all the IF prospects you have.

Maybe their thinking of playing bryant in LF

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Some rumors going around that the Cubs are the team that offered Chase Headley 4/65. The guy is a legit reporter with sources who broke the Castillo signing.

No idea why the Cubs would do that with all the IF prospects you have.

Maybe it's part of a trade scenario. Bryant goes to LF, Baez, Russell or Castro go in a trade?

In other news Dave Martinez is now the bench coach for your Chicago Cubs.

 

[chibears55]

Maybe it's part of a trade scenario. Bryant goes to LF, Baez, Russell or Castro go in a trade?

In other news Dave Martinez is now the bench coach for your Chicago Cubs.

I think we need to stop talking about russell as part of 2015, i think the earliest we see him will be may of 2016 as he probably goes the Bryant route.

 

[beckdawg]

I think we need to stop talking about russell as part of 2015, i think the earliest we see him will be may of 2016 as he probably goes the Bryant route.

He'll be 21. Baez was up at 21. Russell spent the majority of the year at AA last year and probably will start in AAA. Not saying he's a lock to see the majors but it wouldn't be a shock to see him on a Soler like timeline especially if the team is playing well.

 

[chibears55]

He'll be 21. Baez was up at 21. Russell spent the majority of the year at AA last year and probably will start in AAA. Not saying he's a lock to see the majors but it wouldn't be a shock to see him on a Soler like timeline especially if the team is playing well.

Ok.. kris bryant going to be 23 in January and still not up..

I just think the cubs will take him on the Bryant path and wait to get the extra year from him..

 

[SilenceS]

Baez is kind of an anomaly to me with Theo. Theo preached that minor leaguers will get around 500 at bats at every level. They held true to that statement mostly except Baez. So, that says 2 things to me.

1. Baez forced they hand.

2. Theo and them jumped on the Baez bandwagon which would mean they have confidence in him.

I have read that Baez works extremely hard. He is constantly working to get better and has proven many people wrong. Shit, Kris Bryant even came out and said what that guy can do is pretty remarkable. I know people think Baez isnt a Theo guy, but his promotions and fast track seem to tell me otherwise.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

He'll be 21. Baez was up at 21. Russell spent the majority of the year at AA last year and probably will start in AAA. Not saying he's a lock to see the majors but it wouldn't be a shock to see him on a Soler like timeline especially if the team is playing well.

It's also his second trip to AAA and he most likely would be starting for Oakland right now if he hadn't been traded.

 

[SilenceS]

They have a lot to figure out this year. I see no way they move Castro off short for Russell this year. Also, Russell would have to switch positions to come up. I see no trades this off season or doing the season unless its for a big fish for a playoff push.

 

[cbfan]

I seem to recall some thoughts of playing him in LF by reporters but i could be mistaken.

He has played LF in SD.

 

[CSF77]

Was thinking after they let Cabrera go and they have a need for shortstop would be a fair trade for Austin hedges to the Cubs for Castro or Russell

 

[TC in Mississippi]

They have a lot to figure out this year. I see no way they move Castro off short for Russell this year. Also, Russell would have to switch positions to come up. I see no trades this off season or doing the season unless its for a big fish for a playoff push.

If he comes up I think he plays 3B. I still think Bryant is destined for LF which is trouble in that I think Schwarber is too but that problem is a ways off.

 

[TL1961]

I think we need to stop talking about russell as part of 2015, i think the earliest we see him will be may of 2016 as he probably goes the Bryant route.

I don't think discussing him as an IF while questioning an acquisition of an IF means Russell will be here in 2015. But the rumor was 4 years for Headley, and Russell clearly figures in long before that contract is up.

 

[TL1961]

Baez is kind of an anomaly to me with Theo. Theo preached that minor leaguers will get around 500 at bats at every level. They held true to that statement mostly except Baez. So, that says 2 things to me.

1. Baez forced they hand.

2. Theo and them jumped on the Baez bandwagon which would mean they have confidence in him.

I have read that Baez works extremely hard. He is constantly working to get better and has proven many people wrong. Shit, Kris Bryant even came out and said what that guy can do is pretty remarkable. I know people think Baez isnt a Theo guy, but his promotions and fast track seem to tell me otherwise.

Baez will play much better in 2015 than most people expect. When he came up, people expected him to be Babe Ruth day one. When he struggled, people gave up on him. The Cubs surely haven't, and won't. We'll be happy with Baez.

 

[chibears55]

I don't think discussing him as an IF while questioning an acquisition of an IF means Russell will be here in 2015. But the rumor was 4 years for Headley, and Russell clearly figures in long before that contract is up.

It kinda does when you mention him for a possible trade to make room for another IFer in 2015. ..

That talk could wait til next off season when you have more of an idea where all these guys are at if they are the ones hooked to headley...

 

[TL1961]

It kinda does when you mention him for a possible trade to make room for another IFer in 2015. ..

That talk could wait til next off season when you have more of an idea where all these guys are at if they are the ones hooked to headley...

I thought the question was "Why get Headley with Castro, Russell, Baez?" and I said Russell would clearly figure into that, even if not up in 2015.

If the question truly is "Do we trade Russell if we get Headley?", that certainly is a different story.

I have said I do not expect any trade of Castro any time soon, as he is a proven major leaguer, and people are undervaluing that by a mile. But I will be SHOCKED if they trade Russell. I think they are figuring Russell to be their SS for a long time. He's the best defender, which is huge. And he can hit. They have room for all three - Castro, Russell, Baez. I won't be surprised if/when they ultimately move one of them, but I don't expect it soon. (Why should they?)

 

[chibears55]

I thought the question was "Why get Headley with Castro, Russell, Baez?" and I said Russell would clearly figure into that, even if not up in 2015.

If the question truly is "Do we trade Russell if we get Headley?", that certainly is a different story.

I have said I do not expect any trade of Castro any time soon, as he is a proven major leaguer, and people are undervaluing that by a mile. But I will be SHOCKED if they trade Russell. I think they are figuring Russell to be their SS for a long time. He's the best defender, which is huge. And he can hit. They have room for all three - Castro, Russell, Baez. I won't be surprised if/when they ultimately move one of them, but I don't expect it soon. (Why should they?)

Look at post 65 from Mississippi. ....

I could see maybe one gets moved but not til at least next off season or maybe deadline if it brings in a starter like price..

 

[CSF77]

Baez is kind of an anomaly to me with Theo. Theo preached that minor leaguers will get around 500 at bats at every level. They held true to that statement mostly except Baez. So, that says 2 things to me.

1. Baez forced they hand.

2. Theo and them jumped on the Baez bandwagon which would mean they have confidence in him.

I have read that Baez works extremely hard. He is constantly working to get better and has proven many people wrong. Shit, Kris Bryant even came out and said what that guy can do is pretty remarkable. I know people think Baez isnt a Theo guy, but his promotions and fast track seem to tell me otherwise.

I took it as face value. They knew he was going to struggle and he needed to see what he needed to work on this off season. They have been pretty transparent about it.

On Russell in 2016? No I do not see that. I believe he is called up at the trade deadline. Either for another team or after Castro is traded. It will vome down to who gives back the right pitchers and what the demand is at the deadline.