Dexter Fowler is BACK

[TC in Mississippi]

I can see that. Winning window

I'm wondering how it plays out with Schwarber's playing time

It isn't Schwarber who will lose playing time, it's Soler. I think Soler will basically be the new Coghlan and the only reason that bothers me a little bit is that it probably doesn't raise his trade value at all unless he's so motivated that he looks like a beast when he does play.

 

[beckdawg]

I can see that. Winning window

I'm wondering how it plays out with Schwarber's playing time

Yeah that's the question. Dave Shoenfield took a stab at the idea without trading one here

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/p...l-plenty-of-playing-time-for-cubs-outfielders

It's a little low for my tastes on Soler but who knows. It's entirely possible this offense will be so good that you'll see a lot of games where the cubs are up 3-4 runs late and just let the kids play and give Fowler and others time off.

 

[DJMoore_is_fat]

I don't get this deal at all.

Whats not to get? We signed a guy who can play CF every day with a consistently high OBP to a no-risk contract. JHey can move to his natural position as the best RF in the game. Our bench becomes even more powerful with Soler and Baez.

We have major insurance in virtually every position in the event of an injury -- which will undoubtedly occur. We're a juggernaut and even though winning a WS is far from guaranteed -- we're going to be awfully tough to beat.

This deal is a no-brainer. In fact it's tough to believe Theo pulled this off. Credit Fowler for his desire to bring home the Holy Grail.

 

[Mr. Cub]

This is pretty crazy. Especially after all the Orioles stuff.

So basically we are the same team as last year minus Castro, Cogball and random guys. Plus we added 3 new guys.

It's kinda hard not to be excited but at the same time, we've been here before and we are the Cubs.

 

[greg23]

The of was a bit weak in cf and vs lhp....this move solves both....whats the issue and not to like?

 

[DJMoore_is_fat]

This is pretty crazy. Especially after all the Orioles stuff.

So basically we are the same team as last year minus Castro, Cogball and random guys. Plus we added 3 new guys.

It's kinda hard not to be excited but at the same time, we've been here before and we are the Cubs.

We are the Cubs but we have not been here before. 1985, 2004 and 2008 were nothing like this. But we are the Cubs and on-paper champs don't equal MLB champs.

Got to play the games and make it happen. But man, we're going to be tough.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Cubs get Fowler back to Center, move Heyward to his natural position... This has been an amazing off season. No doubt about it, the Cubs are all in... Like I wasn't excited enough before... !!!

How do we know Fowler is going back to CF and Heyward to RF?

 

[Parade_Rain]

I don't get this deal at all.

I think it's a deal where they want options at leadoff, defensive options and not worry about Baez as the number 1 backup to CF.

 

[KingDarude7]

Hell yeah!

 

[Parade_Rain]

I'm going to wait and see how Maddon uses all this talent. I think some people have been too quick to move Heyward over to RF.

 

[beckdawg]

How do we know Fowler is going back to CF and Heyward to RF?

I think it was mentioned int he press conference but i'm not 100% if the cubs said it or if it was just speculation. Either way, I think Heyward will play some in CF. The reality of the situation is you probably want all 4 guys playing over 100 games. And if memory serves, I believe Fowler crushed LHP and struggled some last season against RHP which sort of platoons well with Schwarber. So, on days where you have a Schwarber, Heyward Soler OF I think Heyward is obviously the CF.

 

[CSF77]

You would have to think Heyward gives superior D to Fowler in CF.

Ideal situation would be Schwarber taking over catching and Montero traded but I doubt he is at that point right now.

It is a toss up right now. I can't see putting 13 mil on the bench for late innings but you never know with this team

 

[NCChiFan]

How do we know Fowler is going back to CF and Heyward to RF?

The obvious answer is Heyward is the best RF in the game, period. Why make an Ave CF out of him, when you have one just as good, now on the team? But, to agree with you, we are talking Coach Madden here, Heywood may srart some games at first base.

 

[Parade_Rain]

The obvious answer is Heyward is the best RF in the game, period. Why make an Ave CF out of him, when you have one just as good, now on the team? But, to agree with you, we are talking Coach Madden here, Heywood may srart some games at first base.

The weird part is how people like you automatically think Heyward isn't going to be as good in CF as he is in RF. I suppose you could put Soler in LF, but his arm is that of RF.

 

[Shawon0Meter]

The Cubs don't have trade pieces, they have depth. Outside of the top 2 or 3 SP, they'll be able to work through a lot of what will go wrong. I'm a bit confused how it will all shake out but I'm glad Fowler is back.

 

[Bears4life]

He just wants to win.....maybe a part of history.....his family rooted with the people of this team, and the city....what ever way you want to look at it....he put money aside, and wants to just play a sport...a rare occurance in sports today...Good jobs Dexter !

 

[beckdawg]

http://www.bleachernation.com/2016/02/25/dexter-fowlers-agent-issues-harshly-worded-statement/

 

[TL1961]

Assumption: The Cubs are either planning on two things

1. Immediately trading Jorge Soler
or
2. Kyle Schwarber is their mostly full-time C

I cannot imagine Dexter Fowler came to Chicago to be a fourth OF.

Neither of those two things is good.

Schwarber at catcher will kill us.

Soler should not be traded, unless they get a real nice return. And he hasn't played long enough, or stayed healthy enough, to entice a team to give up a lot. But his bat is a big plus in our lineup, even with all the other bats.

 

[TL1961]

So very strange. There has to be a deal for pitching including Soler coming right? I assumed Coghlan going meant Austin Jackson.

I am baffled by people wanting Austin Jackson. For what, exactly?

 

[TL1961]

Baez makes the team simply because he is the only back up SS and has superior defense and flexibility to LaStella. Also, his bat still has an unlimited ceiling. Baez would have to get hurt or completely mess up his adjustments for the Cubs to send him down.

When the Cubs started Kerry Wood in the minors in 1998, a scout said "Give them the WS rings now, because if this kid can't make the team, they're obviously terrific."

Similar thought on Baez: If he doesn't make the roster, WOW!

There is simply no way he plays in the minors. I still believe, when you figure the bat, the speed and the D, he could still turn out to be as good or better than any of our youngsters. Could. Not saying it's a sure thing, and it is a nice problem to have, if he turns out to be 5th best. But the kid has a special tool set.