Cub's Prospect Watch And Development Discussion Thread

[brett05]

#TargetSale #VoteRizzo

 

[CSF77]

The Cardinals are the exception and not the rule. Yes, they did indeed spend to be competitive in the early 2000's as stated by owner Bill DeWitt. They then focused heavily on the farms pitching with then Scouting director, Jeff Lunhow, who is now the Astro's GM.

However, not every team is blessed to have one of the greatest flukes of all time fall into their hands in Albert Pujols who they could build a team around, and arguably also have the greatest catcher of all time come out of the farm too.

Speaking of, that little farm thing also netted them Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, and Matt Holiday.

Look around the leagues, and check out the Dodgers, Royals, A's, M's, Cardinals, Nat's, Brewers, Orioles, Giant's, Red's, Pirates, Braves, and others, and check out their better players and see how many are home grown. You might be surprised.

While I am in the boat to add pieces as you go from year to year, it will definitely make it more affordable to net the complimentary players you need with the more in-house product that you have on the field. It's common sense.

Their payroll will be starting at roughly 31 million next year, and with potentially 3 kids starting on the Cubs in 2014 making the league minimum, I can't think if a better time to start throwing a little cash out there to net a couple of good players to help round out this team. They could very well be competing next year for a playoff spot if they can bring in the right players, and they don't have to exceed 100 million mark to do it.

Get ready boys, because things are going to get crazy from here on out. :buttrock:

They decided to rebuild from the ground up. The Ricketts bought a 100 yo stadium in the need for a rehab and a team that let its farm system go to crap. Sure they got 2 quality SP out of it and now Baez and Alcantara but over all it was a crappy system.

Regardless they made a decision to build from the ground up. W/e not the same as having a strong system in place and no major stadium issues going on and just maintaining both.

Huge difference.

 

[CSF77]

It is like trying to say a oil change and a cracked block take the same resource to fix.

Cards system has been strong. They have a new stadium. They are just adding to a strong system in place.

Cubs had crap and a wreck of a ball park. Saying those 2 situations are equal is truly idiotic

 

[TL1961]

The only thing more idiotic is sinking hundreds of millions into a 100 year old park that is too small and has no room for all the necessary amenities.

 

[Parade_Rain]

They should have built elsewhere when they had the chance and made Wrigley low Class A or AAA or just let it become a monument

 

[Mr. Cub]

Apparently, Alcantara isn't getting sent back down now like expected. He will remain with the Cubs for the time being.

 

[theberserkfury]

They should have built elsewhere when they had the chance and made Wrigley low Class A or AAA or just let it become a monument

On a similar note, how much would it cost for the Cubs to just buy the rooftop owners' buildings? Would that just be impossible to pull off? Seems like buying them and then demolishing them (or something) would really open up options for expansion around the park...

 

[TL1961]

Well, I have thought spending on a 100 year old park was "idiotic", but if they spend as much as they say, at least this is no band-aid.

$575 million is a lot of dough, and can really make things better.

I just looked at the expansion plans (the link is on the Trib Sports page) and I must say, I am impressed. I pictured newer, fresher cramped quarters. But they are rebuilding the bleachers with bullpens underneath. They plan to expand the visitors clubhouse, and move the home clubhouse underground under the plaza along Clark street. This opens up room for batting cages and a 3rd base club.

The plaza would be a great gathering place. There is an addition at Addison and Waveland. The bleachers area extends farther back.

They plan to rebuild the upper deck portion as well, if I read correctly. That is a must, what with falling concrete and all.

I must say, it looks pretty darn good.

Now if they lose the troughs and the smell.......

 

[CSF77]

It needed the rehab if they were going to continue to play baseball there.

On the value of rebuilding or moving. They bought it and they decided the Cubs belong in Wrigg.

Honestly I grew up with the team. I loved Harry and Stone. I follow the team now because it keeps me in touch with the city I grew up in.

My opinion means less because I watch the Cubs live at petco in San Diego when they are in.

I'll defer to the locals on it. They have to stomach the park

 

[Parade_Rain]

They charge extra on the tickers right now for the smell from the troughs.

 

[TL1961]

I have been a fan of the park since my first visit - and Frosty Malt - 45 years ago.

But the reality of the size limitations and frustration with both rooftop owners and night game restrictions led me to the point where I thought they should move.

But there is hope for a worthwhile park after the rebuild.

 

[CSF77]

Apparently, Alcantara isn't getting sent back down now like expected. He will remain with the Cubs for the time being.

You have a link to this?

I would believe it after him going 4/5 today. The Cubs NEED him in the line up.

 

[TL1961]

You have a link to this?

I would believe it after him going 4/5 today. The Cubs NEED him in the line up.

Trib reporting it, among others.

I hope he never sees the minors again.

 

[chibears55]

@TheCCO: #Cubs: Cubs Announce Arismendy Alcantara will Stay with the Team, Kyle Hendricks Optioned to Iowa bit.ly/1qp9UXE #MLB

Alcantara not going anywhere...
Hendricks got sent down instead

 

[CSF77]

@TheCCO: #Cubs: Cubs Announce Arismendy Alcantara will Stay with the Team, Kyle Hendricks Optioned to Iowa bit.ly/1qp9UXE #MLB

Alcantara not going anywhere...
Hendricks got sent down instead

They have to figure the rotation pretty soon here.

 

[CSF77]

LF: Cog/Lake
CF: Ruggiano/Sweeney
RF: Schierholtz
3B: Valbuena/Olt
SS: Castro
2B: Barney/Alcantara
1B: Rizzo
C: Castillo/Baker

What makes the most sense is cutting Schierholtz. Move Sweeney/Ruggiano over to RF.
Alcantara to CF

Line up:
LF Cog/Lake
CF Alcantara
1B Rizzo
SS Castillo
3B Valbuena/Olt
RF Sweeney/Ruggiano
C Castillo/Baker
2B Barney

Barney has some trade value. Schierholtz has proven to be a 1 hit wonder last year.

 

[dabynsky]

They have to figure the rotation pretty soon here.

They have 11 days before they need to decide on a fourth and fifth starter.

 

[chibears55]

They have to figure the rotation pretty soon here.

With the All-Star break, the Cubs do not need a fourth or fifth starter until July 22. By optioning Dallas Beeler and Kyle Hendricks down Thursday, the Cubs will be able to recall both pitchers by the time a starter outside of Jake Arrieta, Edwin Jackson and Travis Wood is needed.


Renteria mentioned that they will discuss after the break which 2 of the 3 along with straily will join the rotation

 

[CSF77]

They have 11 days before they need to decide on a fourth and fifth starter.

I'm holding out for Hendricks and Wada.

Hendricks for next year. Wada because he is the best of the AAA rotation.

 

[CSF77]

Not sure on Straily yet. He was not impressive in his minor league stint. I would rather have them tinker on him on minor league level games vs on games at the major league level.

It is time they start making meaning full decisions vs plug and play tactics.