FREE AGENT Signings

[CSF77]

A catcher's main job is torwards the pitching staff. Pirate pitchers spoke highly of him. $$$ should not matter here.

 

[Parade_Rain]

I've changed my mind about Martin. Bring him on.

 

[TL1961]

A catcher's main job is torwards the pitching staff. Pirate pitchers spoke highly of him. $$$ should not matter here.

Agreed.

I was cool toward this acquisition initially, but he is highly regarded when it comes to handling pitchers and framing pitches. I am concerned with anyone batting .211, but there aren't many positions on which the Cubs can spend $ on FA right now, so it won't hurt.

 

[JZsportsfan]

This would also be a huge loss for the Pirates which is a very nice bonus

 

[TL1961]

This would also be a huge loss for the Pirates which is a very nice bonus

Yeah, they've already conceded the loss. They traded for a catcher to back fill.

 

[JZsportsfan]

Well shit, Blue Jays set to sign Martin to a 5-year deal

5/$82 million. Sucks the Cubs didn't sign him, but for that money I'm glad it didn't happen. At least it hurts Pittsburgh

 

[TL1961]

Was worried that a 5th year would swing the deal away from Chicago. But glad we didn't give him a 5 year contract for $82 million.

 

[JZsportsfan]

Very busy day today on the baseball front. Peter Gammons just said the Cubs were, "Stunned" to hear he was going to the Jays. I guess the Jays still have a little window to compete. Been underperforming the past couple of years, and could maybe make a run in the East with the Yankees, and Red Sox in a bit of a funk.

Plus the Heyward trade, and Stanton. Happy Hot Stove season

Onto Lester now. Meeting Wednesday

 

[TL1961]

2019 Russell Martin at $16 million will be no bargain.

 

[fatbeard]

Was worried that a 5th year would swing the deal away from Chicago. But glad we didn't give him a 5 year contract for $82 million.

That's just stupid money for a catcher of his age.

 

[beckdawg]

I never liked the Martin signing. I thought I remember something being said about the Padres wanting to move some of their catchers. Yasmani Grandal would be an interesting get if the cost isn't that high.

 

[TL1961]

Marin's OBP in 2014 was >.400, but waaaayyy below that in other years.

Upon hearing the news, I looked to see who Toronto had last year at C, figuring he may be available now.

Dionner Navarro. I had forgotten.

 

[chibears55]

5/82 im glad the cubs didnt touch that

No martin. . Heyward.. looking like a typical cubs off season so far

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I never liked the Martin signing. I thought I remember something being said about the Padres wanting to move some of their catchers. Yasmani Grandal would be an interesting get if the cost isn't that high.

I wanted Martin, I thought he really hit a lot of the Cubs needs in one player (veteran leadership, OBP, upgrade at catcher) but he wasn't an essential add. If they sign Lester and another pitcher this will be forgotten soon. The Blue Jays may not forget in year 4 or 5 though. Hey be glad for Martin who is by all accounts a really good guy who struck paydirt.

 

[JZsportsfan]

MLBN saying the Cubs are now making Miguel Montero their top priority for catcher

 

[brett05]

MLBN saying the Cubs are now making Miguel Montero their top priority for catcher

He's signed for three years with Dbacks for like $40 million I think.

 

[Icculus]

Why not just hold on to Castllo?

 

[chibears55]

Why not just hold on to Castllo?

Exactly. . Not like the guy totally sucked, he just in his 3rd full season

Prefer to spend that 16 mil towards a TOR pitcher and a solid hitting LFer

 

[beckdawg]

I wanted Martin, I thought he really hit a lot of the Cubs needs in one player (veteran leadership, OBP, upgrade at catcher) but he wasn't an essential add. If they sign Lester and another pitcher this will be forgotten soon. The Blue Jays may not forget in year 4 or 5 though. Hey be glad for Martin who is by all accounts a really good guy who struck paydirt.

Well here's my issue with Martin. One, he's no where near the age range of the rest of the team which I guess to an extent is the point. If he'd been say 29 I would have had less issue but catchers don't hold up well. Additionally, I think Castillo is a fine player. He obviously has some work to do but I think you can get the same kind of impact Martin would give you out of a lessor hitter to platoon with lefties similar to what they did in 2013.

 

[SilenceS]

Martin isnt worth the money or years. He wont reproduce last season. We see this all the time. I was kind of disappointed how much Theo and them were going after him. Seemed they were a little desperate. You waited this long. Lets see what the kids can do together.