Cubs First Base Options for 2012

[nwfisch]

It appears that when there are guys on base, in scoring position, the Cubs fall flat on their face at too high of a rate.

 

[Rice Cube]

It appears that when there are guys on base, in scoring position, the Cubs fall flat on their face at too high of a rate.

It's annoying, but using "clutch" as a primary evaluator of talent is a recipe for trouble.

 

[nwfisch]

It's annoying, but using "clutch" as a primary evaluator of talent is a recipe for trouble.

That seems like an organization problem.

 

[Rice Cube]

That seems like an organization problem.

Yup. The Cubs are doing it wrong, and it trickles down even to the guys who are normally the good players because they don't get enough guys to drive home.

 

[ChiSportsRich]

To base a player's success off of RBI's is just silly. RBI's are more reliant on line up position and your teammates than it is for the actual player. Consider McGehee, he's on the Brewers. He has Braun and Fielder hitting ahead of him, which means he is going to get a ton of pitches to hit and he's going to have guys on base ahead of him. RBIs do anything but show McGehee's true talent level.

Didnt read all responses but heres my $.02:
Saber people undervalue RBIs whereas General Baseball fans overvalue RBIs. They take a bit of skill, also the rest of the line up matters and where u are in that line up matters but also, as with everything, a little luck is involved. I'd say all in all its about 20% skill, 30% Lineup, 25% batting position, 25% Luck

 

[dabynsky]

Didnt read all responses but heres my $.02:
Saber people undervalue RBIs whereas General Baseball fans overvalue RBIs. They take a bit of skill, also the rest of the line up matters and where u are in that line up matters but also, as with everything, a little luck is involved. I'd say all in all its about 20% skill, 30% Lineup, 25% batting position, 25% Luck

So if a statistic is only measure 20% skill why should we use it to help determine the value of a player? Not trying to pick on you, but just curious how you use it when by your own breakdown it is 20% determined by a player's ability.

 

[Mr. Cub]

What I have noticed with the Cubs as a team, even beyond this season and it's players is I swear we have more opportunities with bases loaded and no outs and get no runs from it. It's been like this for years no matter the players. I think it's a Cub thing, I expect that when I see that situation. I don't follow other teams near as much so idk how other teams usually fair in those situations.

 

[dabynsky]

What I have noticed with the Cubs as a team, even beyond this season and it's players is I swear we have more opportunities with bases loaded and no outs and get no runs from it. It's been like this for years no matter the players. I think it's a Cub thing, I expect that when I see that situation. I don't follow other teams near as much so idk how other teams usually fair in those situations.

We've been bad in that situation, but we have also been really bad at offense for a lot of seasons in all situations as well. Those are so frustrating that they stick out in your mind as well.

 

[Mr. Cub]

We've been bad in that situation, but we have also been really bad at offense for a lot of seasons in all situations as well. Those are so frustrating that they stick out in your mind as well.

They do stick in your mind. That's what I mean when I say for as long as I can remember it's like just a Cub thing to score no runs with no outs and plenty of runners in position to do so. It's quite mind boggling. Like my brother will come and be like "Cubs have 2 on and no outs" I will say so? I bet they don't score..... and they don't score. It always happens.

 

[Shawon0Meter]

If they care about winning now and in the future, they'll sign Fielder. If they care about winning now and taking it in the ass later, they'll sign Pujols.

If they have absolutely zero interest in winning, they'll put anybody there besides one of those two and miss out on this golden opportunity of having a choice of winning superstars.

The 1st baseman for next season will be pretty telling of the next 5 years in my book.

 

[bleacherbum54]

If they care about winning now and in the future, they'll sign Fielder. If they care about winning now and taking it in the ass later, they'll sign Pujols.

If they have absolutely zero interest in winning, they'll put anybody there besides one of those two and miss out on this golden opportunity of having a choice of winning superstars.

The 1st baseman for next season will be pretty telling of the next 5 years in my book.

I disagree I think there is better ways to use money than giving Prince 200+ million. Pitching wins in baseball. I actually wouldnt be surprised if we dont do much this year and the new GM evaluates the system and team and will be much more active next year and once Fonsos contract is up.

 

[daddies3angels]

I disagree I think there is better ways to use money than giving Prince 200+ million. Pitching wins in baseball. I actually wouldnt be surprised if we dont do much this year and the new GM evaluates the system and team and will be much more active next year and once Fonsos contract is up.

Problem on waiting another year or 2 is that 1B FA class is HORRIBLE. I agree pitching wins baseball games. I also think though getting a 27 y/o STUD in FA doesnt come around very often and Cubs need to take advantage.

 

[Mr. Cub]

I agree with the last few posters. Pitching does win and oh god do we need pitching. As far as the 1B available I would almost rather have prince than Pujols as well. Prince is in his prime and Pujols should start a somewhat decline anytime now unless he is what he's called... A machine.

 

[daddies3angels]

Another good reason this be good year to spend some money on FA is cause 1st RD pick is protected.

 

[Uman85]

The fact that Derrek Lee is on that list removes all credibility. Prince or Carlos Pena should be the 1B next year. If you keep Pena, then pitching must be the top priority in the offseason.

 

[ChiSportsRich]

So if a statistic is only measure 20% skill why should we use it to help determine the value of a player? Not trying to pick on you, but just curious how you use it when by your own breakdown it is 20% determined by a player's ability.

I dont think RBIs is a good determinant of a certain players skill, the only skill that goes into it is the ability to hit against the defense, for example, if there is runners on first and 3rd and a RH hitter at the plate often times the 2nd baseman will cheat up the middle and with the 1st baseman holding the runner on there will be a large gap in the right side of the infield. the ability to exploit that hole is infact a skill, the ability to hit the other way. but the runners first need to reach base, which has nothing to do with the batter up at the plate.

 

[X]

So, I think Fielder is a very viable possibility w/ Theo here now. He likes to sign stars, and he'll want to make a BIG move to get Cubs fans behind him. Hire Ryno, pay Fielder...you've already bought your first season of approval.

 

[CubbyBear2290]

I do really like Prince, really really like for that matter and he would be the gem to go after (I think they'll try their hat in that race) and could end up with him, but you guys are forgetting a few things especially with Theo going to be looking for OBP. A few guys I would not be surprised if we targeted.
1. Casey Kotchman (good OBP and Fielding)
2. Carlos Pena (just bringing him back)
3. Nick Swisher (yankees could not exercise option,nice defensively and good OBP and bat)

 

[Uman85]

I've heard Theo would pursue Pujols before Fielder.

 

[Lex L.]

I think if a player has a higher average with runners in scoring position, it could be reflective of how they change their approach at the plate based on the situation. There are other variables that can affect this but I think it's meaningful when a hitters AVG goes up with players in scoring position. When there's no one on base and they're a 3-5 hitter (as many 1B are), it makes sense that they would look to drive the ball more. But when there's a runner at second (especially with 2 outs) thats when you want to see the average go up in order to get that run home.