Cubs Spring Training Discussion Thread

[czman]

I think he has to see AAA pitching. If he is raking, he will be called up right before July. I dont see a scenario where they let him break camp with the big league club.

They are going to want to save the arb year.

I hope he makes it up this season. It would be something to be interested in.

 

[patg006]

more realistic then optimistic. .

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I437 using Tapatalk

LOL!!!!!

Olt is also a bad spring training from becoming Ian Stewart 2.0

Theo has also stated that players should have a full season at AAA.

So Baez will have to jump to AAA after only 54 games at AA and Bryant will have to completely skip AA after all of 36 games in A ball.

But as long as we are being realistic and all.

 

[SilenceS]

LOL!!!!!

Olt is also a bad spring training from becoming Ian Stewart 2.0

Theo has also stated that players should have a full season at AAA.

So Baez will have to jump to AAA after only 54 games at AA and Bryant will have to completely skip AA after all of 36 games in A ball.

But as long as we are being realistic and all.

Baez will be up at some point. Bryant at the earliest would be September. He will go to AAA about mid year if he is doing well.

 

[patg006]

Baez will be up at some point. Bryant at the earliest would be September. He will go to AAA about mid year if he is doing well.

IF they both do well this year.

IF is the biggest word in the English language.

54 games at AA and people are already putting him on the Mt Rushmore of the Cubs.

 

[JosMin]

IF they both do well this year.

IF is the biggest word in the English language.

54 games at AA and people are already putting him on the Mt Rushmore of the Cubs.

And if the Cubs spent $750 million on free agents there's still a chance they miss the playoffs.

IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF IF.

 

[patg006]

And if the Cubs spent $750 million on free agents there's still a chance they miss the playoffs.

IF you had only replied criticizing a statement that had actually been made instead of childishly making stuff up, you might get taken seriously.

 

[JosMin]

IF you had only replied criticizing a statement that had actually been made instead of childishly making stuff up, you might get taken seriously.

Just like how your assumption that the Cubs have a throng of promising talent making their way through the minors, yet none of them have an opportunity to become All-Star caliber players, let alone average everyday players, is something that all of us take "seriously".

:shrug:

 

[CSF77]

........

my crystal ball is lost. Sounds like some here found it.


Seriously though. Lets let the games be played first before judging the results.

 

[patg006]

Just like how your assumption that the Cubs have a throng of promising talent making their way through the minors, yet none of them have an opportunity to become All-Star caliber players, let alone average everyday players, is something that all of us take "seriously".

:shrug:

Again you are criticizing a statement that has never been made. I guess that is the only thing you can do.

No one has ever said that definitely not one will become average players.

People have pointed out that the odds of most people's expectations here are totally unrealistic and that history has shown the success rates are much lower than most here care to accept.

 

[JosMin]

Again you are criticizing a statement that has never been made. I guess that is the only thing you can do.

No one has ever said that definitely not one will become average players.

People have pointed out that the odds of most people's expectations here are totally unrealistic and that history has shown the success rates are much lower than most here care to accept.

Of course the assumptions are based on odds -- baseball is a game of averages. Everyone is aware that a majority of prospects never reach their full potential, which is precisely why the Cubs are going about recreating their team infrastructure in their current manner. My logic says that the more resources dedicated to the minor league system give the Cubs a better chance at developing players from that system, as opposed to limiting those chances by giving away compensatory picks from free agency signings. Think of it this way -- does a guy have a better chance to hit a home run if he's given one at-bat or six at-bats?

I've never once said that I expect every Cubs prospect to become Ernie Banks. My optimism stems from having an understanding how the front office is attacking a complete infrastructure overhaul and, more importantly, agreeing that this is the best way to create a sustainable roster. Do I think guys like Baez, Soler and Bryant have a chance to be All-Stars? Sure I do. Do I think guys like Alcantara, Almora, Edwards, Olt, etc., are more apt to becoming role players? Yup. And you know what, they could fall somewhere between. There's also a chance that some guy comes from out of nowhere and becomes a superstar -- we have no idea. You, however, keep needling the fact that "MOST OF THESE GUYS DON'T PAN OUT!!!!!!!!!!" We all know that. But what's wrong with stark optimism? We're fans, after all. Isn't that the point of being fan?

Clearly, you don't subscribe to that train of thought. Which is fine. You feel like the Cubs should be dedicating more resources to the major league team, even though they have way more holes that can be filled in one (or even two) off-seasons. Again, that's fine. It's your opinion. I've never once said it was a stupid opinion or that you're an idiot for having that opinion.

Do I feel like there were some improvements we could've made in free agency that could make the Cubs a touch better this year that doesn't impede a guy like Olt or Vitters (who I feel are most likely to get an opportunity to play at Wrigley early) or even somebody like Alcantara, Baez, Bryant or Hendricks getting shots later this summer? Absolutely, I do. I was glad we got Veras to help in the bullpen. On the same token, I'm disappointed that our only "real" offensive addition was Bonifacio. I would've like to see another guy added to the mix to protect against lefties and a "real" second basemen. But you know what? It didn't happen. So, I don't dwell on it.

tl;dr -- I feel like the Cubs need to build through the minor leagues and supplement any roster holes with sparing free agent signings (Braves, Cardinals, Rays, etc). You want the Cubs to feel more comfortable to spend big on filling multiple holes and leave any openings for the prospects who're closer to making it to Wrigley (what the Red Sox did when they called up Bogaerts after already having Stephen Drew, what the Rangers did with the Fielder/Kinsler swap knowing they had Profar ready to go at a middle infield spot).

Differing opinions.

 

[theberserkfury]

Again you are criticizing a statement that has never been made. I guess that is the only thing you can do.

Lol... this is hilarious...

 

[CSF77]

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs' Nate Schierholtz was sent home as a precautionary measure after a collision in the outfield with Junior Lake during a drill on Friday.

Cubs manager Rick Renteria said Schierholtz checked out fine and should be back on Saturday.

The Cubs were doing fly-ball drills when the accident happened in shallow right field.

"They were both calling for [the ball], and it sounds like Junior might have gotten him with the back side," Renteria said. "You're talking about two strong men."

Lake converted to outfield late last season, having spent most of his career at third base.

 

[dabynsky]

Do I feel like there were some improvements we could've made in free agency that could make the Cubs a touch better this year that doesn't impede a guy like Olt or Vitters (who I feel are most likely to get an opportunity to play at Wrigley early) or even somebody like Alcantara, Baez, Bryant or Hendricks getting shots later this summer? Absolutely, I do. I was glad we got Veras to help in the bullpen. On the same token, I'm disappointed that our only "real" offensive addition was Bonifacio. I would've like to see another guy added to the mix to protect against lefties and a "real" second basemen. But you know what? It didn't happen. So, I don't dwell on it.

I like the addition of Ruggiano, and am cautiously optimistic that he might be more than just a guy to platoon with Schierholtz or Sweeney. I honestly think he has a shot at being this year's Schierholtz, but who knows until they actually start playing. But I've been quietly pegging Ruggiano as the guy that surprises on the offensive side.

 

[nwfisch]

[video=youtube;quKraecWnTs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quKraecWnTs[/video]

Next year begins today.

 

[cubsneedmiracle]

Anywho.. Beyond just reading a page of utter and complete idiotic bullshit (why I got tired of dealing with this)

Olt coming back to form.. Hopefully adapting to MLB quality pitching. Would be a huge boost.

We'll see if it happens.

 

[patg006]

Of course the assumptions are based on odds -- baseball is a game of averages. Everyone is aware that a majority of prospects never reach their full potential, which is precisely why the Cubs are going about recreating their team infrastructure in their current manner. My logic says that the more resources dedicated to the minor league system give the Cubs a better chance at developing players from that system, as opposed to limiting those chances by giving away compensatory picks from free agency signings.

Not everyone is aware that a majority of prospects never reach their full potential. You have people already posting how the 2015 opening day roster will have THREE prospects in it.

My logic says that developing more resources to BOTH the major league roster as well as the minor league system is better than putting your eggs all in one basket.

Oh my god, a compensatory draft pick!!!! :fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap::fap:

The Cubs first round pick the last few years has been protected which means the most they would have had to give up in exchange for a Type A Free Agent is a compensatory first round or second round draft pick.

A Type A free agent will probably give you at least average major league production 90% of the time. A second round draft pick will give you average major league production probably about 5% of the time.

So had they signed Fielder a couple years ago that means they wouldn't have drafted Pierce Johnson.

Going back to the year 2000, the most productive 2nd round draft picks the Cubs have ended up with is Bobby Hill, who was only productive for the team cause he was traded for Aramis Ramirez and DJ Lemathieu who got traded for Ian Stewart.

I will take the Type A free agent over any of that.

Seems like you'd rather have the 5% lottery ticket.

You, however, keep needling the fact that "MOST OF THESE GUYS DON'T PAN OUT!!!!!!!!!!" We all know that. But what's wrong with stark optimism? We're fans, after all. Isn't that the point of being fan?

Again, clearly everyone does not know that or we wouldn't have to read about projected lineups for next year that include 3 prospects, 2 of which have barely even made a dent at AA at the most.

There is a difference between stark optimism and being completely unrealistic. Most fall into the latter category.

What is wrong with being realistic and not believing in fairy tales, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy?

You feel like the Cubs should be dedicating more resources to the major league team, even though they have way more holes that can be filled in one (or even two) off-seasons.

But somehow the minor league system will fill all these holes when signing actual major league players can't??

I feel like the Cubs need to build through the minor leagues and supplement any roster holes with sparing free agent signings (Braves, Cardinals, Rays, etc). You want the Cubs to feel more comfortable to spend big on filling multiple holes and leave any openings for the prospects who're closer to making it to Wrigley (what the Red Sox did when they called up Bogaerts after already having Stephen Drew, what the Rangers did with the Fielder/Kinsler swap knowing they had Profar ready to go at a middle infield spot).

Differing opinions.

The Braves and Cardinals are far mote active in FA than people care to recognize cause it fits their theory.

They started their run back in the early 90's with FA signings like Terry Pendleton and Greg Maddux then helped keep the success going with other FA signings like Andres Gallaraga and Brian Jordan to name a couple.

Just last year they gave BJ Upton a big FA deal and basically took on Justin's salary in a trade which is close to signing him as a FA and often will trade for players that other teams can't/won't pay for like Tim Hudson and Dan Uggla.

The Cardinals have also recently signed players like Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran to FA deals.

Have both teams done an exceptional job with their farm systems? Of course, but it is just that. An exceptional job. It is the exception to the rule, not the rule. Because these teams have done it, it doesn't mean that other teams will be able to duplicate the same success. If it was that easy, everyone would have done it.

The Rays are run the way the are because they have to. Not because they think it is the best way, but because it is the only way they can be run. The Cubs do not have near the limitations in place financially that the Rays do, yet you and others seem to think it is smartest to limit the Cubs resources.

And yes I, and others, would prefer to see the Cubs run like the Red Sox and Rangers.

Big boy clubs that have had quite a bit of success at the major league level lately. Not sure why that is such an absurd thing to want.

Some of us dont think it is right to have a top 5 revenue team, that is charging top 5 ticket prices to be run like a small market, tight budget team like Tampa, Kansas City or Pittsburgh or to literally waste multiple seasons at the major league level.

This is the third season in a row that the major league season will be a complete and total waste that many people will celebrate as a success cause they will end up with a top 5 draft pick while other teams will get to celebrate a trip to the playoffs.

 

[nwfisch]

There is a difference between stark optimism and being completely unrealistic. Most fall into the latter category.

What is wrong with being realistic and not believing in fairy tales, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy?

:clap:

Nothing.

 

[marines1]

Cubs prospect Javier Baez showed off his power with a windshield-breaking home run. http://atmlb.com/1fGSQoY

 

[JosMin]

Cubs prospect Javier Baez showed off his power with a windshield-breaking home run. http://atmlb.com/1fGSQoY

Been :fap:ing to this all day <3

It actually wasn't a baseball, he swung his nuts and spiderwebbed the **** out of that windshield. Heed this warning, NL Central.

 

[CSF77]

MESA, Ariz. -- When Arodys Vizcaino finished throwing his live batting practice session, one of the first people to shake his hand to congratulate him was Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein.

The Cubs have waited a long time for Vizcaino, 23, to show what he did on Saturday. The right-hander, acquired from the Braves in the Paul Maholm trade in 2012, was rehabbing at that time from Tommy John surgery on his elbow. He had a setback last season, but on Saturday, he looked healthy.

"I would've never known [he was hurt] just from the way he looked today," said catcher Eli Whiteside, who caught Vizcaino. "He looked really good."

It's too early to say who will be the surprise of Spring Training, but Vizcaino may be the leader so far.

"He looked very, very good," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said of Vizcaino, who is projected to pitch out of the bullpen. "We're very pleased with his session. Very sharp, live fastball, breaking ball, he was burying his pitches when he needed to. He's progressing well. We're happy to say there are no setbacks and we hope it continues that way."

The right-hander does have some Major League experience, pitching in 17 games in relief for the Braves in 2011. That's the last time he appeared in a game, missing both '12 and '13.

"I thought his stuff looked really good today," Whiteside said. "Most of his stuff was down in the zone. He obviously had good velocity. The ball was coming out of his hand good. I think that's really what you're looking for now is how the ball's coming out of their hand. He had spin on his breaking ball, was able to locate down in the zone. It all looked good today."

Ryan Sweeney thought so, too. Sweeney had to face Vizcaino in the live batting practice session.

"I'd never seen him before and I didn't know he throws a changeup," Sweeney said. "He throws a hard changeup, too. There was a 10-mph difference from what his heater is, and that throws you off a little bit. His slider was good, too. It looked like he was throwing with good command, too, this early in camp."

The radar gun was hitting 97, 98 mph on Vizcaino's fastball. That's encouraging. His take?

"Everything felt good -- my elbow, shoulder, everything," Vizcaino said.

That's what the Cubs want to hear.