In season thread

[TC in Mississippi]

31 pitch 5th inning. That messed him up.

4x's through:

Lester 21.2 IP 6.23 ERA
Arrieta 26.2 IP 2.03 ERA
Hammel 25.1 IP 3.55 ERA
Wood 23.2 IP 3.04 ERA
Hendricks 20.2 IP 5.23 ERA

I feel good about 3/5th's of the rotation right now.

LF: Baez went 1 for 6. Alcantara is mires under .200 vs AAA pitching. I'm not holding my breath for them. Coghlan: .228/.290/.456 BB% is right at 10% and his SO% 22.8%. So alittle high for a guy that lacks power. You would expect him to be more of a contact hitter. Last year: 10% BB 21% SO's. Difference was his .283 BA in 2014. This feels like a repeat of Sweeney 2013 => 2014 and Schierholtz 2013 =>14. They had a 1 year peak but over all are not quality MLB players. IE 4th OF playing starting roles.

I feel the answer lies outside of the org. Guy I would target is Josh Reddick. A's could use Baez. Mega trade Josh and Gray for any package (non roster guys they want.) Including Schwarber, Almora, Vogelbach etc. Think of a return of Edwards, Torres, Jimenez with Vogelbach and McKinney for Riddick and Gray. Cubs end up with a strong 5 man rotation with strong corner OF. A's get a haul of legit prospects. Which is very needed for a small market team.

Riddick becomes a F/A after the 2016 season. So they would be buying 1 year of control on top of this year. That is worth 2 quality prospects. Gray has not hit arb yet. He could get 3-4 just by himself. 6 guys in return would not be a reach here. I would wait until after the draft so last year's picks are up for trade also.

I like your trade alot, the question is when does Beane give up the ghost in that division? They've gone 3-7 in their last 10 but their schedule is going to ease up a bit. Let's hope they're out of that division race in June. They do need a restock badly and it's right in Beane's MO to do that. FWIW I think the A's are going to be the trade partner or at least the major one. I just get this sense that everyone knows it's about Sonny Gray.

 

[CSF77]

That doesn't matter. He sold out last year and came up short. He needs to reload or find another job. That is his reality.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Well unless this year's gamble pays off. That what I was saying. If he thinks they can stay in the race he's not making moves like that.

 

[WrigleyvilleTimes]

The Cubs Playoff Push Is Being Driven By Role Players: Part 1 of 4

Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler, Starlin Castro: the fast starting Cubs and their star youngsters are the talk of baseball. But if their potential playoff push is going to materialize, Joe Maddon’s bunch needs solid, dependable role players.

While excitement builds, impatience still lingers as the corner-turning stage of the rebuild takes shape. After three full seasons watching a team that’s literally been built to lose, fans’ expectations seem to have become understandably proportionate to the waiting period. The organization’s glut of elite young talent has predictably hogged the spotlight, while the members of said-glut have made the team’s role players look boring and worthless.

Not every player on a winning baseball team can be an early twenty-something hype machine. Sorry.

Just because no one is writing about the potential Hall of Fame careers of the guys who sit a little farther down the bench doesn’t mean we should automatically launch them to the other end of the value spectrum. The players who make up the gray area of a roster over a 162 game season, especially in the National League, are critical.

Here’s the first of four crucial Cubs who are frequently overlooked or labeled with declarations of “This guy sucks!” They’re generally unappreciated, but they could be the keys to a Cubs World Series.

Travis Wood

Pedigree: Rd 2, Pick 12 2005 by the Reds

Wood’s career with the Cubs has been a roller coaster ride since he arrived here in the December 2011 deal that sent reliever Sean Marshall to the Cincinnati. He seemed to break out in 2013, posting a 3.11 ERA, but got stuck in the mud a season ago, dragging his way to an unacceptable 5.03 ERA.

Public opinion on Wood is that he’s not very good, just another guy filling a spot until someone better comes along. He doesn’t throw hard, with a career average fastball velocity of 89.2 mph, he’s never posted an impressive win/loss record, and he wasn’t especially hyped as a prospect.

Wood even gets overshadowed in the Cubs rotation by the fan fair surrounding Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, the excitement over up-and-coming Kyle Hendricks, and Jason Hammel’s signed-traded-signed routine.

In 2015, however, Wood has been clearly the Cubs’ best starting pitcher aside from Jake Arrieta, leading the team in strikeouts. He’s allowed three runs or fewer in each of his four starts, including a seven inning gem against the Pirates in his fourth start that featured nine punch outs, no walks, and a brilliant seventh inning in which he struck out the side. Read more...

 

[CSF77]

The Cubs Playoff Push Is Being Driven By Role Players: Part 1 of 4

Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler, Starlin Castro: the fast starting Cubs and their star youngsters are the talk of baseball. But if their potential playoff push is going to materialize, Joe Maddon’s bunch needs solid, dependable role players.

While excitement builds, impatience still lingers as the corner-turning stage of the rebuild takes shape. After three full seasons watching a team that’s literally been built to lose, fans’ expectations seem to have become understandably proportionate to the waiting period. The organization’s glut of elite young talent has predictably hogged the spotlight, while the members of said-glut have made the team’s role players look boring and worthless.

Not every player on a winning baseball team can be an early twenty-something hype machine. Sorry.

Just because no one is writing about the potential Hall of Fame careers of the guys who sit a little farther down the bench doesn’t mean we should automatically launch them to the other end of the value spectrum. The players who make up the gray area of a roster over a 162 game season, especially in the National League, are critical.

Here’s the first of four crucial Cubs who are frequently overlooked or labeled with declarations of “This guy sucks!” They’re generally unappreciated, but they could be the keys to a Cubs World Series.

Travis Wood

Pedigree: Rd 2, Pick 12 2005 by the Reds

Wood’s career with the Cubs has been a roller coaster ride since he arrived here in the December 2011 deal that sent reliever Sean Marshall to the Cincinnati. He seemed to break out in 2013, posting a 3.11 ERA, but got stuck in the mud a season ago, dragging his way to an unacceptable 5.03 ERA.

Public opinion on Wood is that he’s not very good, just another guy filling a spot until someone better comes along. He doesn’t throw hard, with a career average fastball velocity of 89.2 mph, he’s never posted an impressive win/loss record, and he wasn’t especially hyped as a prospect.

Wood even gets overshadowed in the Cubs rotation by the fan fair surrounding Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, the excitement over up-and-coming Kyle Hendricks, and Jason Hammel’s signed-traded-signed routine.

In 2015, however, Wood has been clearly the Cubs’ best starting pitcher aside from Jake Arrieta, leading the team in strikeouts. He’s allowed three runs or fewer in each of his four starts, including a seven inning gem against the Pirates in his fourth start that featured nine punch outs, no walks, and a brilliant seventh inning in which he struck out the side. Read more...

I'll disagree that Wood has been #2 behind Arrieta. While close Hammel has been more contestant game to game. Wood has been brilliant or avg depending on the day. I need to see 15 starts out of him before I can pass judgement on him.

 

[SilenceS]

It's cold. Wood is an extreme fly ball pitcher. Let's see where he is at when the ball starts traveling


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TL1961]

That doesn't matter. He sold out last year and came up short. He needs to reload or find another job. That is his reality.

You think Billy Beane's job is in jeopardy??

 

[CSF77]

You think Billy Beane's job is in jeopardy??

If he keeps status que and they miss the play offs. Yes. Oakland is small market and has survived by trading short term control for long term control. They traded away Geo Gonzalez and kept winning. I doubt they will change what has worked for them.

 

[chibears55]

@jonmorosi: The White Sox have the second-worst record in #MLB since the start of 2013, ahead of only the (now-first place) Astros.

Interesting. ...

 

[TC in Mississippi]

If he keeps status que and they miss the play offs. Yes. Oakland is small market and has survived by trading short term control for long term control. They traded away Geo Gonzalez and kept winning. I doubt they will change what has worked for them.

Billy Beane has a job for life. I wouldn't worry about him much. He plays for short windows, the ownership recognizes that and with the funds at hand that works for them. The only person in baseball I would be more shocked in getting fired, even in the face of poor performance, is Robin Ventura.

 

[CSF77]

Quick Hits: Cubs, Dodgers, Martin, Rays
By Charlie Wilmoth [May 10, 2015 at 10:54pm CDT]
The Cubs‘ pitching staff is having trouble this month, and it’s unclear where help will come from, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago writes. It isn’t the best time of the year to make trades. While the Phillies likely don’t feel they have to wait until the trade deadline to make a Cole Hamels deal, such a trade might be easier for the Cubs to strike after some time to make sure they’re contenders. And finding relief help in the trade market will likely be more straightfoward later in the summer. Rafael Soriano is available via free agency, but the Cubs aren’t likely to sign him unless they’re more impressed with him than other teams have been. Here’s more from around the big leagues.

 

[CSF77]

I'm pretty sure that Philly will want 2 blue chip prospects for Cole. We are talking Gleyber Torres and Duane Underwood. Then add Dan Vogelbach in. If that is what it took (Toss Wood in to get some cash relief/open a roster spot) than they should do it before the season goes into the shitter.

I wouldn't look into a pen arm. They still have Ramirez on the mend as it is. He returns and the pen gets a major boost. Grimm hasn't given up a run yet. For that matter he hasn't given up a hit. I'm guessing they are easing him back but I'm guessing the will start leaning on him more soon. The pen is a lesser concern.

Major concern is adding a vet bat in LF. With the ups and downs of the youth they need a proven hitter.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I'm pretty sure that Philly will want 2 blue chip prospects for Cole. We are talking Gleyber Torres and Duane Underwood. Then add Dan Vogelbach in. If that is what it took (Toss Wood in to get some cash relief/open a roster spot) than they should do it before the season goes into the shitter.

I wouldn't look into a pen arm. They still have Ramirez on the mend as it is. He returns and the pen gets a major boost. Grimm hasn't given up a run yet. For that matter he hasn't given up a hit. I'm guessing they are easing him back but I'm guessing the will start leaning on him more soon. The pen is a lesser concern.

Major concern is adding a vet bat in LF. With the ups and downs of the youth they need a proven hitter.

I think Hamels is going to Houston, and maybe not too long from now. If the Astros get him they could conceivably run away and hide, as shocking as that is, and they have more than enough in the farm system to make that trade. Kind of Ruben Amaro Jr.'s wet dream to be honest. The Astros have looked ordinary in the last 10 games and still hold a 5 game lead in the AL West. If I'm them I make something happen now.

 

[JZsportsfan]

I don't think the Cubs can address all their needs during the season without ruining their depth on the farm. A LF and SP is going to be needed to make the playoffs, and that's assuming the return of Grimm and Ramirez fixes the bullpen

 

[CSF77]

I don't think the Cubs can address all their needs during the season without ruining their depth on the farm. A LF and SP is going to be needed to make the playoffs, and that's assuming the return of Grimm and Ramirez fixes the bullpen

It would tax the farm for sure. But it depends on how much control they buy.

Cole Hamels lhp
6 years/$144M (2013-18), plus 2019 option

6 years/$144M (2013-18), plus 2019 club option
signed extension with Philadelphia 7/25/12
$6M signing bonus
13:$19.5M, 14:$22.5M, 15:$22.5M, 16:$22.5M, 17:$22.5M, 18:$22.5M, 19:$20M club option ($6M buyout)
2019 option guaranteed at $24M if Hamels 1) has 400 IP in 2017-18, including 200 IP in 2018, and 2) is not on the disabled list with a shoulder or elbow injury at the end of the 2018 season
limited no-trade protection (may block trades to 20 clubs each season) (for 2014 season, may block deals to all clubs except Atlanta, Boston, LA Angels, LA Dodgers, NY Yankees, San Diego, St. Louis, Texas and Washington) (no-trade list for 2015 season includes Boston but not Chicago Cubs)

With Cole you are buying 4 + this year. That is a strong selling point and I agree that it would cost 2 blue chip prospects. Baez is a given here. Phills could plug and play with him right away. There is a need at MI with them so it works over all. Schwarber is another that they could sell easily. He is very rough as a catching prospect. His bat is plus and it plays anywhere. Phills should have a opening at 1B with Howard so Schwarber would have a home there. Adding 2 arms would seal the deal and they don't have to be high rated at that point.

Now a bat is tricky. You really want a LH hitter that hits for power. Shoot I would want cargo

Carlos Gonzalez cf
7 years/$80M (2011-17)

7 years/$80M (2011-17)
signed extension with Colorado 1//11/11
$3M signing bonus
11:$1M, 12:$5M, 13:$7.5M, 14:$10.5M, 15:$16M, 16:$17M, 17:$20M
award bonuses: $25,000 each for Gold Glove, All-Star selection. $50,000 for Silver Slugger. $75,000 for LCS MVP. $0.1M each for MVP, WS MVP
$1M assignment bonus if traded

He is getting into the $$$ starting this year and I'll bet that the Rocks could deal him out with the right package. He is scuffling but has a proven track record. I'm thinking Gleyber Tores, Duane Underwood and CJ Edwards. Almora might be a guy that might want as a sub for a top arm. Cubs would have to extend Fowler or let Alcantara go back to CF in 2016 then,.

So ya there are options out there and yes you are looking at losing 4 blue chips but after it is said and done. Theo and his crew put together this farm and I'm guessing they can continue to do so year by year.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

Do you really think it would take that big of a package to get him? I mean he's approaching this year, played his whole career in Coors where his away splits are interesting, was pretty bad last year and abysmal so far this year, and set to make $37M over the next two years.

I know the Rockies aren't just going to give him away, but guys like Torres and Underwood are probably going to be making the midseason top 100 lists. Hell, Torres might be one of our top 3 prospects by the end of the year.

 

[CSF77]

Do you really think it would take that big of a package to get him? I mean he's approaching this year, played his whole career in Coors where his away splits are interesting, was pretty bad last year and abysmal so far this year, and set to make $37M over the next two years.

I know the Rockies aren't just going to give him away, but guys like Torres and Underwood are probably going to be making the midseason top 100 lists. Hell, Torres might be one of our top 3 prospects by the end of the year.

Cubs have Castro and Russell playing up the middle and they are long term. A LH power bat that plays plus D. Closest thing in the system is McKinny.

Last 2 years have been bad but his last good year was 2013. Home .273/.354/.576 Away .332/.381/.606

His 2014 season was marred by multiple injuries and he finished the campaign on the 60-day disabled list...had two surgeries, one to remove a tumor from his left index finger in June and another to repair a left knee patella tear in August...His 70 games played and 281 plate appearances are his fewest in his seven-year Major League career...Despite the injuries and missed time, crushed 11 home runs and drove in 38 RBI...was his sixth-straight season with at least 10 home runs...the only Rockie with more seasons of 10-plus home runs are Helton (13), Walker (8) and Bichette (7)...managed nine go-ahead RBI and five game-winning RBI in his limited time...Had two separate 10-game hitting streaks in 2014, including a 10-gamer to begin the season (March 31-April 11), the longest of his career to begin a campaign...also had a 10-gamer April 28-May 8...Crushed his second career "Splash Hit" on April 11 at San Francisco (other: May 25, 2013) off Madison Bumgarner...is only Rockie with multiple "Splash Hits"...only Corey Dickerson also has a "Splash Hit" as a Rockie, also in 2014...Notched his first career five-hit game on May 6 vs. Texas...five hits is a career-high...Began the season as the Rockies left fielder but moved to right field when Michael Cuddyer was placed on the disabled list...had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in right field with two outfield assists in 17 games...Versatile defensive outfielder that has played 456 career games in left field, 200 games in center field and 135 games in right field...has three Gold Glove Awards.

 

[CSF77]

Cubs: 2B Tommy La Stella (strained oblique) was sent to Double-A Tennessee on Thursday for a rehab assignment and will be in the lineup on Friday . C David Ross left in the eighth inning with abdominal tightness.

 

[chibears55]

Baez was pulled from game today...
no indication why yet...

 

[CSF77]

Baez was pulled from game today...
no indication why yet...

Find out soon. But would make sense with them hitting the road to activate him. Wada will start Wed. So we could see 2 go down. I'm still betting Schilter and Rosscup.