In season thread

[CSF77]

Olt is back up. Roach off the 40 man now. Have not heard a move on the major league roster.

Now I wonder how they will use Olt now? I would start him in LF. See what happens.

 

[CSF77]

Mike Olt (fractured right wrist) was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Iowa. To make room on the Cubs' 40-man roster, pitcher Donn Roach was designated for assignment.

 

[chibears55]

Every single expectation I've seen or heard from the Cubs brass, coming from those who have an ear for such things, is that Ross will play out his two year deal and be here in 2016. Schwarber is expected to be a part time catcher and likely 4-5 day a week LF next year and they want Ross to be there with him. That's not me saying that, that's coming from people who truly feel that's what the Cubs need to do next year. Of course Schwarber may stay down for a month and if he looks at least mediocre at C Montero could be traded by next year's deadline. It really is the only way to balance Schwarber's near ready bat and not quite ready catching, although scouts have said he's made remarkable progress behind the plate since he's been at AAA so all this could change. The fact remains that the team feels that the team feels that outside of Joe Maddon Ross is primarily responsible for the team's positive attitude and winning play. That's not reflected in BA or anything else but it is very baseball. The daily calls for Ross to go, something that won't happen for 15 months most likely, are really getting old.

If cubs bring then 39 YO Ross back , they better make sure the rest of bench can hit better then they have this year..

Ross will be a liability behind the plate and at the plate. .

Ross due to only make 2.5 mil in 2016... the cubs can easily eat that. ..


I won't accept schwarber having anything to do with LF until i see him playing games there in Iowa..


If they want Ross to be around and coach Schwarber, then pay him 2.5 mil to be a catchers coach or they can give him the title of assistant pitching coach..

If their going to contend next year, they cant give up a bench spot to someone who just gonna coach. ..

 

[CSF77]

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cub...fensive-slump-cubs-still-looking-for-pitching

But what about that struggling offense? The deadline isn't going to provide much help, according to Hoyer.

"That help is not going to come from the outside," he said. "We know we have some guys with track records that need to get back to where they belong. I think that will happen."

One veteran and one young player, in particular, can help the Cubs' cause more than others in the lineup. Dexter Fowler and Addison Russell are supposed to be the table setters. Russell’s on-base percentage has taken a nosedive so far this month, while Fowler has been under .300 for the past two.

"We have the pieces here to have a good offense," Hoyer said. "We have some guys struggling. We have to get back to scoring some runs."

If anything, an expanded roster in September might benefit the Cubs more than a trade. Could they realistically pick up a bat with more potential than Kyle Schwarber or Javier Baez? Granted, there are no guarantees with either player, but we've seen what they can do to a baseball. All it takes is one hot streak. Plus, the Cubs aren't replacing any of their veterans in the lineup anyway. Despite a solid staff, pitching help is still the need.

 

[CSF77]

Hoyer layed it out. He is looking for a starter. More of a depth type vs a ace. O wise he is going to status que. He expects Russell and Fowler to start to improve. Those 2 are struggling and is causing the stall in run generation.

I'm a little concerned on Russell though. He has really not looked like he is adapting to major league pitching yet. I thought they rush jobbed him as it is but to stick it out while he struggles is a head scratchier.

Just seems to me Jed is saying the season is what it is. They make it good for them but they are not deviating from the game plan. Note he said pitching depth. Not TOR. We already saw 1 example of depth in getting Richard. So from the looks of it it will be Lester opening up post ASG then Arrieta, Hendricks, Richard then Hammel to give him more time to rehab.

I would be surprised if they went anything higher than another journeyman starter looking to up his value. I would think the highest ended target that they would go for would be Justin Masterson. Seeing how he is making 9.5 mil and not really doing that great. I'll bet Jed could get him for next to nothing in talent while absorbing the whole contract. Shoot they could give them Olt for all I care.

 

[CSF77]

Rosenthal says the Blue Jays' stash of pitching prospects are drawing attention from other teams, with the Cubs, Padres, White Sox, Dodgers, and Reds scouting LHP Daniel Norris and the Padres, Marlins, Reds, Phillies, and A's all at RHP Jeff Hoffman's last start. Rosenthal adds that some of it could be routine scouting (including the Cubs presence), but says the Padres in particular could solve Toronto's needs with a package of closer Craig Kimbrel and one of San Diego's starting pitchers.

In the same article, Rosenthal adds that individuals within the Reds organization believe that right fielder Jay Bruce is "as good a bet as anyone to be traded". Bruce has heated up as the year has progressed and could provide a solid return given that he is under contract next season for $12.5M with a club option for 2017 worth $13M.

 

[CSF77]

To be honest here Norris would be a starter that the Cubs should pursue. His value should be equal to Baez.

 

[CSF77]

Padres Asking Other Teams About James Shields
July 12th, 2015 at 9:37pm CST • By Mark Polishuk
The Padres have asked teams about any possible interest in James Shields, Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com reports (Twitter link). The extent of these discussions isn’t known, as the Padres could’ve been simply doing due diligence on trade scenarios rather than seriously gauging the right-hander’s market, though the fact that Shields’ name has been floated at all is a notable step.

Following today’s win over the Rangers, San Diego enters the All-Star break with a 41-49 record that puts them 10 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and 7.5 games back of the Cubs for the second NL wild card spot. It’s a disappointing spot for a Padres team that made several major additions last offseason, and yet GM A.J. Preller hinted that his club’s trade deadline goal was to reload for 2016 rather than rebuild.

Still, Preller also noted that Padres were open to all options and “the biggest thing we preach to our scouts is to just be prepared for all different scenarios.” Dealing Shields would naturally present a far different “scenario” than dealing, say, a player on an expiring contract. As others have noted, trading Shields just months after the veteran and San Diego-area native signed a large multi-year contract would hurt the Padres in the eyes of both the fans and future free agents who might think twice about signing with the club.

Shields has a 4.01 ERA, 3.28 K/BB rate and a career-best 10.1 K/9 over 116 2/3 innings this season. Advanced metrics (3.30 xFIP, 3.25 SIERA) indicate that Shields’ 4.01 ERA is a bit high, as Shields has been hurt by a 17.9% home run rate — this number is not only well above Shields’ career average, it stands out even more as an outlier given that his home games are at one of baseball’s most notoriously pitcher-friendly ballparks.

Shields is guaranteed roughly $4.1MM for the remainder of this season, then $63MM over the 2016-18 seasons and a $16MM club option (with a $2MM buyout) for 2019. That’s a lot of salary for a 33-year-old hurler, yet since Shields can opt out after the 2016 season, a trading team might prefer such a potentially medium-sized commitment rather than deal for a pitcher on a guaranteed long deal (i.e. Cole Hamels) or one who can enter free agency this winter.

 

[CSF77]

Pads are needing a MI. Most likely will want Baez. They are most likely going to want to trade Their expiring deals also.

Shields is somewhat surprising and would take a wow factor to pull off. I'm thinking that they are trading Upton then they move Will Myers to LF. that opens up CF. that opens up a spot for Rymer Liriano.

So the biggest need is a every day SS. Baez would be a prime target for them. I'm not sure if Castro would be an easy sale. Shields is on the back end of 30 but Castro is out of whack right now. The way he used to be he would have excelled with a big out field to shoot the gap. Now not so much.

That said Shields and Venable for Baez and Edwards. Shields would add innings and stability to the rotation. It would end the Baez debate. Also should help in CF. .262/.335/.424 vs RH. not to mention would not be hard to keep Will as a 4th OF. Making 4.25 mil. Covers all 3. Bats LH. Good D. He is a solid 4th OF to keep in a year by year basis.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Pads are needing a MI. Most likely will want Baez. They are most likely going to want to trade Their expiring deals also.

Shields is somewhat surprising and would take a wow factor to pull off. I'm thinking that they are trading Upton then they move Will Myers to LF. that opens up CF. that opens up a spot for Rymer Liriano.

So the biggest need is a every day SS. Baez would be a prime target for them. I'm not sure if Castro would be an easy sale. Shields is on the back end of 30 but Castro is out of whack right now. The way he used to be he would have excelled with a big out field to shoot the gap. Now not so much.

That said Shields and Venable for Baez and Edwards. Shields would add innings and stability to the rotation. It would end the Baez debate. Also should help in CF. .262/.335/.424 vs RH. not to mention would not be hard to keep Will as a 4th OF. Making 4.25 mil. Covers all 3. Bats LH. Good D. He is a solid 4th OF to keep in a year by year basis.

I like Shields but in essence the Cubs would be paying prospect costs to pick up a contract they turned down in March without the benefit of the first year cost releif the Padres built in. I really think they will go all in for Price in the off season and picking up Shields and his contract now probably precludes that. I think they'll try to pry Tyson Ross away from San Diego but very well could end up with Andrew Cashner for Bosio to work on.

 

[dabears253313]

Rosenthal says the Blue Jays' stash of pitching prospects are drawing attention from other teams, with the Cubs, Padres, White Sox, Dodgers, and Reds scouting LHP Daniel Norris and the Padres, Marlins, Reds, Phillies, and A's all at RHP Jeff Hoffman's last start. Rosenthal adds that some of it could be routine scouting (including the Cubs presence), but says the Padres in particular could solve Toronto's needs with a package of closer Craig Kimbrel and one of San Diego's starting pitchers.

In the same article, Rosenthal adds that individuals within the Reds organization believe that right fielder Jay Bruce is "as good a bet as anyone to be traded". Bruce has heated up as the year has progressed and could provide a solid return given that he is under contract next season for $12.5M with a club option for 2017 worth $13M.

I'd be down with Daniel Norris.

 

[dabears253313]

Speaking of farms systems, does anyone know when Carl Edwards is going to go back to the starting rotation?

And will Dallas Beeler get a chance to start is Tsuyoshi Wada isn't ready? I'd personally like to see Beeler stay in the rotation. He seemed to do well in his combined starts for 2014 and 2015.

 

[SilenceS]

Rizzo is going to be the NL DH starter for the all star game.

Also, we have mentioned Baez is back swinging the bat but also LaStella is back doing baseball activities.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Speaking of farms systems, does anyone know when Carl Edwards is going to go back to the starting rotation?

And will Dallas Beeler get a chance to start is Tsuyoshi Wada isn't ready? I'd personally like to see Beeler stay in the rotation. He seemed to do well in his combined starts for 2014 and 2015.

I think they're ready to stretch out Carl Edwards this year if they need to.

 

[chibears55]

Speaking of farms systems, does anyone know when Carl Edwards is going to go back to the starting rotation?

And will Dallas Beeler get a chance to start is Tsuyoshi Wada isn't ready? I'd personally like to see Beeler stay in the rotation. He seemed to do well in his combined starts for 2014 and 2015.

Their talking carl edwards possibly being brought up later for the pen... cubs are to be stretching their relievers out in the system to be 2 inning relievers for when they come up and he one of them. .

I read the other day that as of now, Clayton Richards is in rotation after the break. ..

 

[TL1961]

Olt is back up. Roach off the 40 man now. Have not heard a move on the major league roster.

Now I wonder how they will use Olt now? I would start him in LF. See what happens.

Chris Coghlan is one of the few men on the team who knows what a professional at bat looks like. Why do so many people want to get him out of the lineup?

Hell, I know he's not Barry Bonds. But who on this team would you rather see in a meaningful situation? Rizzo and Bryant, yes. Anyone else?

 

[TL1961]

Their talking carl edwards possibly being brought up later for the pen... cubs are to be stretching their relievers out in the system to be 2 inning relievers for when they come up and he one of them. .

I read the other day that as of now, Clayton Richards is in rotation after the break. ..

"As of now" will be the key phrase. They will acquire somebody to take that spot. Or move Travis Wood into it. Either would be an improvement.

 

[chibears55]

"As of now" will be the key phrase. They will acquire somebody to take that spot. Or move Travis Wood into it. Either would be an improvement.

I think their happier with wood in pen then rotation. .

Yes , id be surprise if they don't trade for another starter b4 deadline

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[TC in Mississippi]

Their talking carl edwards possibly being brought up later for the pen... cubs are to be stretching their relievers out in the system to be 2 inning relievers for when they come up and he one of them. .

I read the other day that as of now, Clayton Richards is in rotation after the break. ..

They still consider him a starter though, don't forget that. Moving him to the pen was to preserve his arm and possibly have a reliever ready this year. If he stays healthy I expect he'll get spot starts as early as next year and have a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation eventually. Of course if he's absolutely exceptional as a late inning deliver plans can change.

 

[chibears55]

They still consider him a starter though, don't forget that. Moving him to the pen was to preserve his arm and possibly have a reliever ready this year. If he stays healthy I expect he'll get spot starts as early as next year and have a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation eventually. Of course if he's absolutely exceptional as a late inning deliver plans can change.

Doubt it...

Lester Arrieta Hammel Hendrick and new addition


He most likely will be traded in off season. ..