How Many Wins For The Cubs In 2014?

[beckdawg]

The organization has been about "punting" if they are not in the race. I fully expect them to NOT be in the race. Therefore, they will once again trade off assets.

What would be the point of keeping any assets or replacing them with people who can throw now?

If the Cubs are 25 games under .500, does anyone really care who is on the mound? I don't. Might as well go for the #1 pick in the draft. That seems to be more of the focus anyways from the FO, and in many forums, it seems to be acceptable.

I'd rather see what Rusin, Hendricks and any other kids do anyways. Let them get their feet wet in a meaningless season. At least they will be put in game situations with real professionals in a play-off run.

I am more anxious to see Baez, Alcantara, Viscaino, Hendricks, and Olt then I am Barney, Valbuena, and Schierholz.

Frankly, I have seen what they bring to the table and UI's and borderline starters just doesn't excite me. Never has, never will.

All I'm suggesting is if injuries happen and they do what your suggesting and they gen injuries they could end up having to play starters who aren't ready to be in the majors which would set back their development. I'm no suggesting a Wood/Arrieta/Grimm type should excite you.

 

[Boobaby1]

Sense when has Tommy John surgery been performed on shoulders?

LOL! "Scar arm" might have been more appropriate.

Since we are talking about posting errors, I get the sense that you are taking a jab at me. See how that works?

 

[Boobaby1]

All I'm suggesting is if injuries happen and they do what your suggesting and they gen injuries they could end up having to play starters who aren't ready to be in the majors which would set back their development. I'm no suggesting a Wood/Arrieta/Grimm type should excite you.

But the front office has set out to have pitching depth. That was their goal. Surely you are not suggesting that they haven't taken it into account that they may very well be trading off 40% to 60% of the rotation like they have done in the past, oh, I don't know, two years?

They managed to get through those years with not too much worry. I doubt this one will be any different.

 

[CSF77]

LOL! "Scar arm" might have been more appropriate.

Since we are talking about posting errors, I get the sense that you are taking a jab at me. See how that works?

You were calling him out on a injury that has a lower chance of recovery. IE: rotator cuff tear.

T.J. recoveries tend to be strong post op. They replaced a tendon in his elbow with a stronger one.

Most pitchers go through one.

So honestly you were just bashing him as being broken down like Prior or Wood vs noting that guys like Stras went through the same procedure and recovered fine.

It just sounds like you are just looking to hate on him IMO.

 

[CSF77]

But the front office has set out to have pitching depth. That was their goal. Surely you are not suggesting that they haven't taken it into account that they may very well be trading off 40% to 60% of the rotation like they have done in the past, oh, I don't know, two years?

They managed to get through those years with not too much worry. I doubt this one will be any different.

Guys I'm expecting for them to cash out:

1. Schierholtz. Last year of control.
2. Carlos V. Last year of control.
3. Either Shark or Hammels. Back fill with McDonald

I believe that Theo and Shark will figure it out this year. Either Shark steps up in production and Theo gives him what he wants due to his performance. Or Shark keeps at this performance level and has to accept less. No team is going to give Theo what he wants in talent for shark.

So I would figure Hammels would be the one to go then. They already have McDonald signed for this year and Viz could become a rotation candidate next year.

It should work out in the end. They could even give McDonald a contract if needed. He has a nice wipe out slider so he might bounce back here.

 

[SilenceS]

We want Baez! :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap: We want Baez!

 

[beckdawg]

But the front office has set out to have pitching depth. That was their goal. Surely you are not suggesting that they haven't taken it into account that they may very well be trading off 40% to 60% of the rotation like they have done in the past, oh, I don't know, two years?

They managed to get through those years with not too much worry. I doubt this one will be any different.

2012 they didn't have enough depth pre-trading dempster let alone after it. Their #4-5 pitchers were utter garbage. 2013 they gambled on Baker who gave them depth but even then they traded for Arrieta when dealing Feldman. Garza had semi-been replaced most of the season anyways due to injuries by Rusin and someone else who's slipping my mind atm.

From what's been said it seems like they are full in on Sanchez and Grimm as bullpen arms not starters. Obviously things can change but if as you suggest they have thought this out then there must be some other idea at hand. Maybe they like someone like Beeler more than I think. I don't know but I feel like Arrieta having an injury already shows the questionable depth. If McDonald is good enough to warrant keeping it's maybe less of an issue but I'm not sure he will be. Perhaps the reason they picked up Liam Hendricks was for this eventuality and they got squeezed by 40 man roster issues.

Frankly, I'm criticizing their lack of depth they added over the offseaosn which is a bit ironic considering how often I'm characterized as a "fanboy" here by some.

 

[Boobaby1]

2012 they didn't have enough depth pre-trading dempster let alone after it. Their #4-5 pitchers were utter garbage. 2013 they gambled on Baker who gave them depth but even then they traded for Arrieta when dealing Feldman. Garza had semi-been replaced most of the season anyways due to injuries by Rusin and someone else who's slipping my mind atm.

From what's been said it seems like they are full in on Sanchez and Grimm as bullpen arms not starters. Obviously things can change but if as you suggest they have thought this out then there must be some other idea at hand. Maybe they like someone like Beeler more than I think. I don't know but I feel like Arrieta having an injury already shows the questionable depth. If McDonald is good enough to warrant keeping it's maybe less of an issue but I'm not sure he will be. Perhaps the reason they picked up Liam Hendricks was for this eventuality and they got squeezed by 40 man roster issues.

Frankly, I'm criticizing their lack of depth they added over the offseaosn which is a bit ironic considering how often I'm characterized as a "fanboy" here by some.

That's fine if you feel that way. My point still stands that if the Cubs are 20-25 games out of 1st place, does it really matter about pitching depth at that point. The season is over. Time to punt yet again, and start over.

 

[Boobaby1]

You were calling him out on a injury that has a lower chance of recovery. IE: rotator cuff tear.

T.J. recoveries tend to be strong post op. They replaced a tendon in his elbow with a stronger one.

Most pitchers go through one.

So honestly you were just bashing him as being broken down like Prior or Wood vs noting that guys like Stras went through the same procedure and recovered fine.

It just sounds like you are just looking to hate on him IMO.

Nope! I wasn't hating on him. I was referencing a joke that apparently not everyone got. I was called out for spelling two Cubs players names incorrectly by a staff member.

So I simply retaliated in jest. It doesn't hide the fact however that Vizcaino has went through some surgeries, and both Rizzo and Schierholtz can't hit lefties.

Sure is funny how people can rake former players through the coals, but GOD forbid anyone taking a poke at a mediocre core player, a mediocre outfielder, or potential future Cub who has yet to throw a meaningful pitch in two plus years. LOL

 

[CSF77]

That is fine. I don't remember if I have torched any ex-Cubs. I stated fact that both Feldman and Garza were less effective in the AL.

League sure was part of the story another part most likely was due to Bosio's game plan and the under rated game calling of Castillo. Even Feldman gave advice to Hammels on Wrigg and how to play the wind there.


To be honest here Bosio has a proven track record going on here with reclamation projects. It has to pitching to hitter weakness or cold zone pitching. It has worked with Maholm/Feldman/Wood. All 3 increased their values under Bosio.

Regarding Shark or Jackson. They are more stuff pitchers. I'm not sure if they are taking to the game plan or just lack pitch command and excursion.

Regardless I'm not too concerned with the rotation. Arreta is still going through evaluations to see if he breaks camp. If not I expect just a move up with McDonald starting and most likely Rondon hitting the pen. He has good enough stuff to handle the 7-8 inning duties.

Regardless, I'm mostly concerned with the O. If they go with what is projected that is going to affect W/L more than the staff will.

I'm hoping Olt just comes in an dominates this spring. That alone makes the line up border line respectable and becomes a good spring board for guys like Baez to filter in later year.

Honestly next year we might have a different opinion of this team.

 

[beckdawg]

That's fine if you feel that way. My point still stands that if the Cubs are 20-25 games out of 1st place, does it really matter about pitching depth at that point. The season is over. Time to punt yet again, and start over.

I mean I guess what I'm saying is while I agree with you for the team it really wouldn't matter who they threw out there, for the individual player that is forced up it could really hurt his development. This is what happens to a lot off rule 5 picks. They are forced on to the MLB roster of a team and aren't ready which sets back their development.

 

[brett05]

To be honest here Bosio has a proven track record going on here with reclamation projects. It has to pitching to hitter weakness or cold zone pitching. It has worked with Maholm/Feldman/Wood. All 3 increased their values under Bosio.

What Bosio has done is remarkable. I think he's a top ten pitching coach and I'd be happy to take him on the South Side if Cooper ever decided to hang it up.

 

[Boobaby1]

I mean I guess what I'm saying is while I agree with you for the team it really wouldn't matter who they threw out there, for the individual player that is forced up it could really hurt his development. This is what happens to a lot off rule 5 picks. They are forced on to the MLB roster of a team and aren't ready which sets back their development.

I would hazard to guess that anyone they feel is worth keeping, they will take every precautionary step to at least try and ensure longevity. It isn't as if the Cubs are blessed with an abundance of really good arms in AAA. They would throw the Rusin's, Raley's of past, McDonald or whomever out there.

The only pitfall I could see is if Iowa is in the play-off picture. If they are, at that point, how many of those players would be up in Chicago, and who in AA might take their place moving up the ladder?

At this point, it is all speculation. Hell, Shark may be gone before the season even starts. Who knows?

 

[Boobaby1]

That is fine. I don't remember if I have torched any ex-Cubs. I stated fact that both Feldman and Garza were less effective in the AL.

League sure was part of the story another part most likely was due to Bosio's game plan and the under rated game calling of Castillo. Even Feldman gave advice to Hammels on Wrigg and how to play the wind there.


To be honest here Bosio has a proven track record going on here with reclamation projects. It has to pitching to hitter weakness or cold zone pitching. It has worked with Maholm/Feldman/Wood. All 3 increased their values under Bosio.

Regarding Shark or Jackson. They are more stuff pitchers. I'm not sure if they are taking to the game plan or just lack pitch command and excursion.

Regardless I'm not too concerned with the rotation. Arreta is still going through evaluations to see if he breaks camp. If not I expect just a move up with McDonald starting and most likely Rondon hitting the pen. He has good enough stuff to handle the 7-8 inning duties.

Regardless, I'm mostly concerned with the O. If they go with what is projected that is going to affect W/L more than the staff will.

I'm hoping Olt just comes in an dominates this spring. That alone makes the line up border line respectable and becomes a good spring board for guys like Baez to filter in later year.

Honestly next year we might have a different opinion of this team.

We better have because I can't think of a soul, other than the absolute homers of course, who are satisfied with where they are in Chicago as a team.

 

[czman]

I am feeling a bit optimistic, lord only know why, so I picked between 71-80.

I think that is the top end of what they can do. They will probably win 68 games, but +/-5 puts them in the range.

 

[SilenceS]

Baez is going to come up and make Trout look like a chump! Championship!

 

[beckdawg]

I would hazard to guess that anyone they feel is worth keeping, they will take every precautionary step to at least try and ensure longevity. It isn't as if the Cubs are blessed with an abundance of really good arms in AAA. They would throw the Rusin's, Raley's of past, McDonald or whomever out there.

The only pitfall I could see is if Iowa is in the play-off picture. If they are, at that point, how many of those players would be up in Chicago, and who in AA might take their place moving up the ladder?

At this point, it is all speculation. Hell, Shark may be gone before the season even starts. Who knows?

I guess. But like I said, their starter depth leaves something to be desired.

 

[SilenceS]

Pierce Johnson could position himself. Hendricks should see some time towards end of season. There are also some back end rotation types the Cubs may look at.

 

[Flacco4Prez]

Finally gonna start getting help from the farm this season. I think the Cubs finish with 70 wins this year. Going to be fun to see how some of the prospect shape up in the bigs or a higher level in the minors. A lot to watch this year

 

[zack54attack]

71.