Cubs offseason needs/ Talk

Discus fish salesman

Well-known member
Joined:
Mar 31, 2018
Posts:
15,843
Liked Posts:
20,547
Typical misconception of Wrigley.....when the wind blows out, it plays small.....when it blows in, it plays as big as any park in baseball. The fact is, the wind blows in far more than it blows out. Not the biggest HR park even in the division....Wrigley is 4th. Not even the biggest HR park in Chicago.....more were hit on the south side.



"Built originally for the Chicago Whales of the Federal League in 1914, Wrigley Field (then known as “Weeghman Park”) didn’t begin to resemble its current day form until 1938. That was the point at which the oddly off-center bleachers were added to the outfield, along with the taller-than-average brick walls covered with ivy. Wrigley Field is no doubt a classic one-of-a-kind stadium with a rich history rivaled only by Fenway Park among active venues. But as much as it’s appreciated historically, Wrigley is just as interesting for how it influences the game on the field.

  Perhaps its most notable in-play feature is how receptive it is to the strong winds that blow into and out of nearby Lake Michigan. Average wind speed is about 11 mph (2nd highest in MLB) and its strong effect on fly ball distance is not closely matched by any other park. BallparkPal estimates the difference between an in-blowing 10-mph wind and an out-blowing one to be 22.9 feet of carry (the next closest is Citizens Bank Park at 13.9 feet).

  Although wind direction is highly variable from day-to-day, it tends to blow from the right (41%) more often than from the left (26%), and it blows in (52%) more than it does out (32%). Temperature also tends to vary a decent amount over the course of a season as games below 60 degrees are just as common as those played in 80 and above. While Wrigley Field’s central tendency is to play as a pitchers park, it can just as easily set up as the most favorable park for hitters on a given day. Overall, the North Side Chicago venue ranks #1 in all of MLB in variability and it isn’t particularly close.

  Also unmatched by any other is its peculiar shape. Wrigley has the deepest foul pole measurements in MLB (354 to left, 355 to right) and the corners of the field are guarded by 16-foot tall walls on each side. As difficult as it is to hit a home run down the line, the types of fly balls that make it into the left field bleachers can sometimes be considered criminal. Although the fence is about 3 feet taller than average, the ‘368’ sign in shallow left-center field marks one of the top HR spots that exist among active stadiums."
Also the jumbotron and right field board seem to have cut down the wind effect some. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on that
 

Discus fish salesman

Well-known member
Joined:
Mar 31, 2018
Posts:
15,843
Liked Posts:
20,547

@CSF77
 

knoxville7

I have the stride of a gazelle
Donator
CCS Hall of Fame '22
Joined:
Jul 12, 2013
Posts:
20,216
Liked Posts:
14,139
Location:
The sewers
My favorite teams
  1. Chicago Cubs
  1. Chicago Bulls
  1. Chicago Bears
  1. Tennessee Volunteers

Discus fish salesman

Well-known member
Joined:
Mar 31, 2018
Posts:
15,843
Liked Posts:
20,547

@CSF77 will lose his shit, but ESPN predicts Turner to get the 2nd largest contract this offseason behind only judge.
I've seen the cubs already are being aggressive with senga and likely will be in on other high price FAs as well. How could this be? I thought it was rizzo and that's all this year?
 

CSF77

Well-known member
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
18,654
Liked Posts:
2,843
Location:
San Diego
Paywall doesn't help reading it. I'll take your word.

First on the page? Not really a major provider of info and mere speculation.

At the end of the day everyone is tossing horseshoes at what the market will bring.

On Rizzo: NYY slapped him with a Q offer. Cubs will not go there.

I can push odds though.

Cubs will spend. 100%
Cubs will dump big into one guy: 30%
Cubs will spread out the payroll to address many short comings. 100%
 

Diehardfan

Well-known member
Joined:
Jun 10, 2010
Posts:
9,599
Liked Posts:
6,984
Location:
Western Burbs
My favorite teams
  1. Chicago Cubs
  1. Chicago Bulls
  1. Chicago Bears
  1. Chicago Blackhawks

@CSF77 will lose his shit, but ESPN predicts Turner to get the 2nd largest contract this offseason behind only judge.
I saw that too. And as much I'd love to see the extra speed and the keystone of Turner and Hoerner.....if this is truly the case, I'd rather they pass on him. Seems like with the holes they need to fill, spreading the money around a bit might be a wiser choice. Three large salaries like Bogaerts, Rodon and Senga makes more sense to me than a giant salaried Turner plus whoever else they can fit in.
 

SilenceS

Moderator
Staff member
Donator
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
21,846
Liked Posts:
9,041
Couples of things I have seen, Cubs are linked to the SS's of course and Abreu.

But, they could pull some trades. Ramon Laureano seems to be a target since the A's are looking to get rid of him and Murphy to not pay their arbitration around 4 million each.

They have them connected into starting pitching with a trade. This may a buy low type thing.

This is my own thought but the Angels desperately need a LF. If the Cubs decide to go the trade route with Happ. They could match up and may over pay considering they have two of the best ball players in the league and havent sniffed the playoffs.
 

CSF77

Well-known member
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
18,654
Liked Posts:
2,843
Location:
San Diego
Here are three Cubs storylines that emerged this week during the GM Meetings:

1. Mervis has 'earned' chance for first base
The incredibly swift rise of slugging prospect Matt Mervis in the Cubs' farm system this year is on the collective mind of the front office. Mervis could compete for the starting first-base job in Spring Training, but that will not stop Chicago's search for depth and power this winter.

So, as Mervis continues to launch homers in the Arizona Fall League, the Cubs are looking at possibilities for first base and designated hitter. Free agent José Abreu is one name that has been linked to the Cubs as a possible short-term possibility.

"[Mervis] has earned a lot of runway and playing time going forward," Hoyer said. "He's had such a great year at three levels and now the Fall League. He's a big part of our plans. That said, we've talked about depth a lot and it's important to keep building that depth.

"So, he's very much in our plans, but I think we're also going to be active in exploring alternatives that can play first, that can play DH and I think that's really important."


In 137 games across High-A, Double-A and Triple-A this year, the 24-year-old Mervis hit .309 with 36 homers, 119 RBIs and a .984 OPS. Through 15 games for Mesa in the AFL, he had as many homers (six) as strikeouts, along with a .999 OPS, through 61 plate appearances.

Hoyer said adding lefty power is important for the Cubs, but he noted that a "strength of the market" this winter is right-handed options. Hoyer would not specifically discuss the veteran Abreu, who won the American League MVP for the White Sox in 2020, launched 30 homers in '21 and hit .304 (.824 OPS) in '22.

2. Cubs weighing catching situation
Hoyer has made it no secret that the Cubs plan on offering free-agent catcher Willson Contreras a one-year, $19.65 million qualifying offer before Thursday's 4 p.m. CT deadline. If Contreras rejects the offer, that ensures the Cubs will receive a compensatory Draft pick in the event the All-Star catcher signs elsewhere.

The expectation is that Contreras will reject the one-year offer in favor of seeking a multi-year deal, especially after the catcher called free agency a "dream come true" this past season.

Without addressing Contreras specifically, Hoyer was asked how he views Chicago's catching situation for 2023 and beyond. At the moment, the Cubs have veteran Yan Gomes under contract and backup P.J. Higgins in the fold. Adding depth there will be on the team's to-do list this winter.

"It's a two-way position," Hoyer said. "Obviously you want guys that can hit, but it's a run-prevention position. So much of it is game-calling, preparation, feeling strongly about that everything that pitchers do is a 'we' thing. It's about that teamwork and that collaboration."

Contreras becomes a free agent
Nov 4, 2022 · 0:24
Contreras becomes a free agent
3. Cubs expected to spend, target shortstop
Multiple MLB executives who were asked about the Cubs this week expressed the belief the North Siders were on the cusp of an important offseason of impact additions. When agent Scott Boras held court on Wednesday, he echoed that sentiment.

"I think that the Cubs are ready to begin the truest form of their rebuilding process at the Major League level," Boras said. "I think they feel that their Minor League system is in the place now where they need multiple Major Leaguers to allow for them to build that platform for their success.

"I think it's identifiable now, where before they were moving veteran players, now their agenda is certainly to acquire them and to build something that they think brings them back to 2016 levels."

Boras, of course, represents Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts, who are in a class of elite free-agent shortstops with Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson this offseason. The Cubs are expected to be involved in the bidding for an impact shortstop, especially given Nico Hoerner's ability and willingness to move to second base, if necessary.
 

CSF77

Well-known member
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
18,654
Liked Posts:
2,843
Location:
San Diego
Nov. 8: LHP Drew Smyly declines mutual option for 2023
Last offseason, the Cubs signed Smyly to a one-year, $5.25 million contract (including an option for '23 or a $1 million buyout). The 33-year-old lefty has declined the option, which will add him to this year's free-agent pool. The Cubs maintain interest in working on a new deal with Smyly, who dealt with injuries in '22, but had a 3.47 ERA in 106 1/3 innings (22 starts).

Nov. 6: C Willson Contreras, LHP Wade Miley become free agents
Coming off his third career All-Star campaign, Contreras hits the market as an impact hitter for teams looking for a starting catcher. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at the end of the season that Chicago would make a one-year qualifying offer to Contreras for 2023, ensuring that the Cubs gain a compensatory Draft pick if the catcher rejects the offer and signs elsewhere. In seven years with the Cubs, the 30-year-old Contreras slashed .256/.349/.459 in 734 games, posting a 115 OPS+ in that period. He hit a .243/.349/.466 slash line with 22 homers, 55 RBIs and a career-best 128 OPS+ in 2022.

Miley, 35, is coming off an injury-marred season that limited him to nine games (eight starts) for the Cubs, who claimed him off waivers and picked up a $10 million option for 2022. The veteran lefty had a 3.16 ERA in 37 innings but was plagued by a left shoulder issue for most of the season. Miley did log five appearances in September/October, recording a 3.50 ERA with 16 strikeouts and six walks in 18 innings in an effort to show he could still help a team in 2023.

• All Cubs transactions

INJURY UPDATES
LHP Justin Steele (lower back strain)
Expected return: 2023
Steele's final start of the season came on Aug. 26, when he exited with lower back tightness and landed on the injured list. Before the end of the season, the left-hander threw multiple bullpen sessions and was ready for a normal offseason program. Steele, 27, solidified his place in the rotation this year with a 3.18 ERA and 126 strikeouts against 50 walks in 119 innings (24 starts). He spun a 2.05 ERA in his final 14 turns for the Cubs and will return as a favorite for a job in the 2023 starting staff. (Last updated: Oct. 5)

LHP Steven Brault (left shoulder strain)
Expected return: 2023
Brault was examined by a team doctor on Sept. 27 and the Cubs announced the pitcher sustained a reaggravation of the left lat strain that ailed him earlier this season. Brault returned to Arizona to begin a rehab program. In nine appearances for the Cubs in July and August, Brault had a 3.00 ERA with eight strikeouts and five walks in nine innings. Brault will be eligible for arbitration this offseason. (Last updated: Oct. 5)

2B Nick Madrigal (right groin strain)
Expected return: 2023
Madrigal ended the season on the injured list due to a left groin strain. The 25-year-old second baseman also dealt with a lower-back issue this year and appeared in only 59 games (his last coming on Sept. 9). After hitting .317 across 2020-21 with the White Sox, Madrigal hit .249 with a .587 OPS in his injured-marred '22 campaign. Before the season ended, Madrigal said he planned on making "major changes" to his nutrition and strength and conditioning program in the offseason. (Last updated: Oct. 5)

RHP Kyle Hendricks (right shoulder strain)
Expected return: 2023
Hendricks was limited to 16 starts (84 1/3 innings) due to a persistent right shoulder issues, which brought his season to a close after a July 5 outing. The veteran righty had a 4.80 ERA, giving him a 4.78 ERA in 48 starts across 2021-22, following a seven-year run with a 3.12 ERA. Hendricks is in Arizona, where he is focusing on a strength program to target specific delivery adjustments. Hendricks is under contract for $14 million in 2023, and he expressed optimism before the end of this season about having a relatively normal offseason schedule. (Last updated: Oct. 5)

RHP Alec Mills (lower back strain)
Expected return: TBD
The Cubs announced that Mills underwent a lower-back discectomy to remove the damaged portion of a disc. Per the team, the surgery "went well" for the righty. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on Aug. 26. After throwing only seven pitches against the Red Sox in his start on July 2, Mills departed the game due to low back pain. The Cubs then placed Mills on the 15-day IL the following day. The righty missed the first three months of this season while on the injured list due to a similar back issue and a right quad injury. Mills, 30, has posted a 9.68 ERA in seven appearances (two starts) this year. (Last updated: Oct. 5)

OF Rafael Ortega (left ring finger fracture)
Expected return: 2023
Ortega fractured his left ring finger and saw his season come to an end on Sept. 13, when he was hit by a pitch from Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom. The 31-year-old outfielder hit .241 (.688 OPS) in 118 games as a versus-righties option in his second year with the Cubs. Ortega is under contract for 2023. (Last updated: Oct. 5)
 

CSF77

Well-known member
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
18,654
Liked Posts:
2,843
Location:
San Diego


1. Aaron Judge. Eight years, $332MM.

Steve Adams’ prediction: Yankees / Tim Dierkes’ prediction: Yankees / Anthony Franco’s prediction: Yankees / Darragh McDonald’s prediction: Yankees


2. Carlos Correa. Nine years, $288MM.

Steve: Giants / Tim: Giants / Anthony: Twins / Darragh: Giants


3. Trea Turner. Eight years, $268MM.

Steve: Phillies / Tim: Phillies / Anthony: Giants / Darragh: Dodgers

4. Xander Bogaerts. Seven years, $189MM.

Steve: Dodgers / Tim: Twins / Anthony: Dodgers / Darragh: Mariners

5. Dansby Swanson. Seven years, $154MM.

Steve: Cubs / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Twins

6. Carlos Rodon. Five years, $140MM.

Steve: Mets / Tim: Mets / Anthony: Rangers / Darragh: Phillies

7. Jacob deGrom. Three years, $135MM.

Steve: Rangers / Tim: Rangers / Anthony: Cardinals / Darragh: Mets

10. Willson Contreras. Four years, $84MM.

Steve: Twins / Tim: D-backs / Anthony: Rays / Darragh: Astros

11. Kodai Senga. Five years, $75MM.

Steve: Cubs / Tim: Red Sox / Anthony: Red Sox / Darragh: Padres

12. Josh Bell. Four years, $64MM.

Steve: Astros / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Astros / Darragh: Giants

17. Sean Manaea. Four years, $52MM.

Steve: Royals / Tim: Royals / Anthony: Orioles / Darragh: Cubs

18. Andrew Heaney. Three years, $42MM.

Steve: Mets / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Mets / Darragh: Red Sox

19. Jose Abreu. Two years, $40MM.

Steve: Twins / Tim: Mariners / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Cubs

21. Noah Syndergaard. Three years, $36MM.

Steve: Giants / Tim: Blue Jays / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: White Sox

31. Zach Eflin. Two years, $22MM.

Steve: Dodgers / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Tigers / Darragh: Royals

32. Carlos Estevez. Three years, $21MM.

Steve: Cubs / Tim: Phillies / Anthony: D-backs / Darragh: Blue Jays
 

knoxville7

I have the stride of a gazelle
Donator
CCS Hall of Fame '22
Joined:
Jul 12, 2013
Posts:
20,216
Liked Posts:
14,139
Location:
The sewers
My favorite teams
  1. Chicago Cubs
  1. Chicago Bulls
  1. Chicago Bears
  1. Tennessee Volunteers


1. Aaron Judge. Eight years, $332MM.

Steve Adams’ prediction: Yankees / Tim Dierkes’ prediction: Yankees / Anthony Franco’s prediction: Yankees / Darragh McDonald’s prediction: Yankees


2. Carlos Correa. Nine years, $288MM.

Steve: Giants / Tim: Giants / Anthony: Twins / Darragh: Giants


3. Trea Turner. Eight years, $268MM.

Steve: Phillies / Tim: Phillies / Anthony: Giants / Darragh: Dodgers

4. Xander Bogaerts. Seven years, $189MM.

Steve: Dodgers / Tim: Twins / Anthony: Dodgers / Darragh: Mariners

5. Dansby Swanson. Seven years, $154MM.

Steve: Cubs / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Twins

6. Carlos Rodon. Five years, $140MM.

Steve: Mets / Tim: Mets / Anthony: Rangers / Darragh: Phillies

7. Jacob deGrom. Three years, $135MM.

Steve: Rangers / Tim: Rangers / Anthony: Cardinals / Darragh: Mets

10. Willson Contreras. Four years, $84MM.

Steve: Twins / Tim: D-backs / Anthony: Rays / Darragh: Astros

11. Kodai Senga. Five years, $75MM.

Steve: Cubs / Tim: Red Sox / Anthony: Red Sox / Darragh: Padres

12. Josh Bell. Four years, $64MM.

Steve: Astros / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Astros / Darragh: Giants

17. Sean Manaea. Four years, $52MM.

Steve: Royals / Tim: Royals / Anthony: Orioles / Darragh: Cubs

18. Andrew Heaney. Three years, $42MM.

Steve: Mets / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Mets / Darragh: Red Sox

19. Jose Abreu. Two years, $40MM.

Steve: Twins / Tim: Mariners / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Cubs

21. Noah Syndergaard. Three years, $36MM.

Steve: Giants / Tim: Blue Jays / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: White Sox

31. Zach Eflin. Two years, $22MM.

Steve: Dodgers / Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Tigers / Darragh: Royals

32. Carlos Estevez. Three years, $21MM.

Steve: Cubs / Tim: Phillies / Anthony: D-backs / Darragh: Blue Jays
Turner getting the highest AAV of the SS’s on this one too!
 

zack54attack

Bears
Staff member
Donator
CCS Hall of Fame '19
Joined:
Apr 16, 2010
Posts:
18,833
Liked Posts:
7,449
Location:
Forest Park
My favorite teams
  1. Chicago Cubs
  1. Chicago Fire
  1. Chicago Bulls
  1. Chicago Bears
  1. Chicago Blackhawks
  1. North Carolina Tar Heels
So it's going to be Dansby and Abreu?
 

SilenceS

Moderator
Staff member
Donator
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
21,846
Liked Posts:
9,041
Interesting that the Astros and Cubs had a deal in play for Contreras and it got squashed by Jim Crane.
 

CSF77

Well-known member
Joined:
Apr 16, 2013
Posts:
18,654
Liked Posts:
2,843
Location:
San Diego
Only speculation by beat writers. They are rarely right.

I found it interesting that 3 were on Dansby to Chi. He seems like the Lowest paid of the 4 and CNL needs more than one guy this off-season.

Abreu to me makes sense. Cubs need a 1B/DH to work with Mervas.

Kodai seems like a hat toss. BP arms Cubs should be in on.

Dansby is a upgrade to Madgral and then Mad becomes a nice trade chip to add depth
 

Top