IST: Cubs vs. Nats

[SilenceS]

Not really relevant to my post.

But you beat women. That was his point

 

[JimJohnson]

But you beat women. That was his point

Not relevant in a Cubs thread.

 

[MDB111™]

The delusion with some fans is the thinking that this team is actually at a championship level. The numbers and facts prove much otherwise. A real fan wants to see this team win for real...not continue to buy into and promote this myth of greatness...or even that they are really good. They are not. Apparently Theo has his relatives on this board since they get so offended when it's rightly pointed out that the arrow points straight to him as the cause of this disaster. Nats have two players in the top 4 of their order who are hitting .300 or better. Others have much higher numbers than what this weak Cubs lineup in putting up...and that with a modest payroll after losing a HOF player in his prime. Nobody comes even close to Rendon as a hitter. .324 103 rbi's....high OPS. Or how about comparing lead off men? Trey Turner is hitting .300 with game changing speed. Compare to Heyward's .265 and under .200 in the month of August. Schwarber had a home run today...but is still waaaay down the list as far as power hitters go. Happ and his .237 average....Russell at .238...Bote in the .250's Our best hitters are in the low .280's....and finding a way to meltdown at the most important part of the season. Castellanos is the Cubs best hitter. Rizzo and Bryant are high in the rankings of OPS numbers....which make me really question the importance and impact of OPS as it relates to actually winning games. This team is 8 games over .500 and falling like an anvil in a Looney Tunes cartoon. In any other division this team wouldn't have a prayer. ..and are 2 1/2 games back in the league's weakest division as it is. Theo has failed. Thanks for 2016...but that is long gone. The leagues 2nd highest payroll and THIS...THIS garbage is the best you can do? We've been waiting 2 years for this team to "turn it on". You guys can keep buying into the Cubs myth of greatness...while they slip ever further into the abyss of the NL Central. 'Lovable Losers'? I don't see much "lovable" about a grossly under achieving baseball team that doesn't even seem to care.

Do they have the 2nd highest payroll? I heard they did? Do you know how I know thr Cubs have the 2nd highest payroll? BECAUSE YOU FUCKING MENTION IT IN EVERY ONE OF YOUR POSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God damn man. Find something new to ***** about.

 

[anotheridiot]

I don't think this team should be blown up or completely rebuilt. But change is needed and hardly anyone should be untouchable if the offer is a good one.

Which is at minimum, the reason why a change needed to be made with the manager and staff to lead better before blowing it all up.

 

[DrGonzo]

Hendricks, Darvish, Baez and Contreras are keepers. They just need to stay healthy. Castellanos can't stay this hot forever but I wouldn't trade him for just another prospect or a bullpen arm.

Bryant isn't worth a superstar contract to a team that isn't a real contender. Rizzo has been great despite the slumps - as a fan he's my favorite Cub -but he just turned 30 and his trade value won't ever get any better than it is now. They are stuck with Heyward but there's nothing that can be done about that and he's not actually horrible just overpaid.

Schwarber is still a defensive liability and not much of a situational hitter. Maybe it's too obvious but he still looks like a DH to me and I'd only consider not trading him if the DH was coming to the NL in 2020.

Russell needs a change of scenery, maybe he can turn it around in another town. The rest of them are just guys. They've flashed but either haven't hit their ceilings fast enough, or are at their ceilings which is worse.

Epstein brought one championship in my lifetime so maybe he can do it again. I'm not greedy, just hopeful in a tempered, Midwestern kind of way.

 

[Omeletpants]

Hendricks, Darvish, Baez and Contreras are keepers. They just need to stay healthy. Castellanos can't stay this hot forever but I wouldn't trade him for just another prospect or a bullpen arm.

Bryant isn't worth a superstar contract to a team that isn't a real contender. Rizzo has been great despite the slumps - as a fan he's my favorite Cub -but he just turned 30 and his trade value won't ever get any better than it is now. They are stuck with Heyward but there's nothing that can be done about that and he's not actually horrible just overpaid.

Schwarber is still a defensive liability and not much of a situational hitter. Maybe it's too obvious but he still looks like a DH to me and I'd only consider not trading him if the DH was coming to the NL in 2020.

Russell needs a change of scenery, maybe he can turn it around in another town. The rest of them are just guys. They've flashed but either haven't hit their ceilings fast enough, or are at their ceilings which is worse.

Epstein brought one championship in my lifetime so maybe he can do it again. I'm not greedy, just hopeful in a tempered, Midwestern kind of way.

Castellanos IS A FREE AGENT AFTER THIS YEAR

 

[Omeletpants]

But you beat women. That was his point

Our Mods are the biggest trolls

 

[DB012031]

Perhaps not the right thread but I have been thinking about this...What about some kind of KB for Mookie Betts swap? It appears that neither may stay with their original teams and Betts would solve some issues we have had for years (Stolen Bases and Power/RBI from the outfield). KB would most likely have to do a position switch with Boston to either First Base or Right Field. This would move Jey Hey over to Center permanently and then perhaps sign NC to play left, and look to move KS to the AL for prospects.

 

[DanTown]

Perhaps not the right thread but I have been thinking about this...What about some kind of KB for Mookie Betts swap? It appears that neither may stay with their original teams and Betts would solve some issues we have had for years (Stolen Bases and Power/RBI from the outfield). KB would most likely have to do a position switch with Boston to either First Base or Right Field. This would move Jey Hey over to Center permanently and then perhaps sign NC to play left, and look to move KS to the AL for prospects.

Because Betts is having an insanely similar year statistically as Bryant and giving up the one year difference in FA is not worth it. The only reason the Red Sox would trade Betts is because they don't feel they can resign him to a fair number, which if true makes you question why the Cubs would want to do that.

I really don't see this team as having a lack of talent except when they were throwing Almora/Descalsco out there and maybe they're a little too in love with Schwarber. Otherwise, the team makes sense in terms of a balance.

My dream off-season move is to sign Josh Donaldson to a large deal, make him your leadoff/3B guy, move KB to left, resign Castellanos, and just run out all the time next year

Donaldson
Castellanos
Bryant
Rizzo
Baez
Contreras
Heyward
Happ/Bote

 

[Parade_Rain]

Yet you're still here.

And he is the guy who never posts when the Cubs are winning.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Regardless I'm alittle disgruntled with this team ATM but I still believe that they need to turn over this offseason. The payroll is at 246 Mil and they are going to need to cut ties with Bryant. He is looking at a moster pay day and the Cubs are going to get worse by paying him. We should look at the Nats as a team that had to make a tough decision and walk but got better after.

Bryant is going to get a top 100 prospect and a 2nd player that plays up. Most teams will pull the trigger on it.

Baez IMO they should lock up. At worst he gets moved to 3B when Nico promotes next year. Over all a cheaper solution going forward.

On the rotation I would go with Rea and give him a opportunity to establish himself as a MLB starter as a Cub in 2020. 14-3 3.74 ERA really deserves an opportunity because some one else will give it if not.

Nico not as good of a defender is he? I thought the Cubs had another SS in AA or AAA who was a better defensive SS.

 

[Diehardfan]

Ahhh, I see Mike Murphy is back with his fire the manager coverall. I'm absolutely positive that's the solution.....LOL.
Pitchers will pitch better, hitters won't strike out with men on base....just plug in a new guy in the dugout and all is well.


Calling this guy another idiot is being generous.

 

[JimJohnson]

And he is the guy who never posts when the Cubs are winning.

Actually I do. I popped in one day last week after a victory to comfort Silence and tell him the Cubs will be fine.

 

[CSF77]

Nico not as good of a defender is he? I thought the Cubs had another SS in AA or AAA who was a better defensive SS.

Book is still out on him. There are 2 camps on him.

1. 2B bat plays up for it.
2. Athletic enough for SS.

at the end of the day the Cubs will push out the best chemestry. It matters little who has better D. We have seen that proven false with Baez and Russell.

 

[CSF77]

Because Betts is having an insanely similar year statistically as Bryant and giving up the one year difference in FA is not worth it. The only reason the Red Sox would trade Betts is because they don't feel they can resign him to a fair number, which if true makes you question why the Cubs would want to do that.

I really don't see this team as having a lack of talent except when they were throwing Almora/Descalsco out there and maybe they're a little too in love with Schwarber. Otherwise, the team makes sense in terms of a balance.

My dream off-season move is to sign Josh Donaldson to a large deal, make him your leadoff/3B guy, move KB to left, resign Castellanos, and just run out all the time next year

Donaldson
Castellanos
Bryant
Rizzo
Baez
Contreras
Heyward
Happ/Bote

I don't think that 246Mil will contain that team.

 

[CSF77]

Perhaps not the right thread but I have been thinking about this...What about some kind of KB for Mookie Betts swap? It appears that neither may stay with their original teams and Betts would solve some issues we have had for years (Stolen Bases and Power/RBI from the outfield). KB would most likely have to do a position switch with Boston to either First Base or Right Field. This would move Jey Hey over to Center permanently and then perhaps sign NC to play left, and look to move KS to the AL for prospects.

I'm not sure that would float to be honest.

Red Sox have a good 3B all ready. They would lose a GG RF and a MVP quality talent. They would be out a RF and would have to push Bryant off position.

Add to it it really solves nothing for the Cubs. They are stuck with the same situation but at RF vs 3B

I would honestly look at contenders looking for a 3B/1B RH Bat that can put up 6 WAR of value. Minn would be one team to look at. Maybe Bryant & Almora for Buxton and 2 prospect arms. Then they trade Chatwood and Q on separate deals to non contenders for IP relief for some A ball types that have talent. 45-50 rated types. Not top 100 level returns.

Like I said on this subject. They need to lower payroll ATM. That should be the top priority. It is really not about Joe or bringing in J. G. That is not a sure thing at all. But they need to control the biggest issue going forward. Being bad and cap locked is a issue that can not be ignored.

 

[CSF77]

Looking into the Twins.

Brusdar Graterol AAA Ranked #56 on top 100, Hits tipple digits.
Lewis Thorpe LHP AAA would be in competition for a pen job with a 4 pitch mix. Outside chance of a rotation slot.
Buxton, Byron 3 years of control. Pretty much a disappointment for a high pick. But holds value in his D.

Cubs trade Bryant and Almora. I'm pretty sure that deal would float from both teams point of view and Minn would be better able to pay Bryant.

Then deal out Chatwood and Q for players that would up rank the system again. Morte 15-30 rank types. More potential vs high floor types.

After that offer Scooter a 1 year plus.

line up:

Garnett 2B
Russell SS (to build value again)
Rizzo 1B
Baez 3B
Schwarber LF<-- See below
Contreras C
Heyward RF<--- Interchangeable on who is hot ATM
Buxton CF Could go #2 also again on who is hot ATM.

Bench more of multi position players. Happ, Bote would be locks. Contreras would also lock in. Last player I could see as a AAA/MLB type with options that they rotate around. Garcia and Trent Giambrone would be decent choices with Zag as a corner OF.

Rotation
Darvish, Hendricks, Lester, Alozay, Rae (Graterol in competition)

Long relief: Mills
MR Underwood
MR: Thorpe
MR: Phelps
SU: Wick
SU: Ryan
CL: Kimbrel

Now I'm not 100% sure on the 26th man and if it is being added in 2020. If so it would be tempting to have a 3rd catcher all season long. That way injury to a vital position is not this huge issue in season. I'm not against doing a 1 year with Lucroy.

 

[truthbedamned]

Looking into the Twins.

Brusdar Graterol AAA Ranked #56 on top 100, Hits tipple digits.
Lewis Thorpe LHP AAA would be in competition for a pen job with a 4 pitch mix. Outside chance of a rotation slot.
Buxton, Byron 3 years of control. Pretty much a disappointment for a high pick. But holds value in his D.

Cubs trade Bryant and Almora. I'm pretty sure that deal would float from both teams point of view and Minn would be better able to pay Bryant.

Then deal out Chatwood and Q for players that would up rank the system again. Morte 15-30 rank types. More potential vs high floor types.

After that offer Scooter a 1 year plus.

line up:

Garnett 2B
Russell SS (to build value again)
Rizzo 1B
Baez 3B
Schwarber LF<-- See below
Contreras C
Heyward RF<--- Interchangeable on who is hot ATM
Buxton CF Could go #2 also again on who is hot ATM.

Bench more of multi position players. Happ, Bote would be locks. Contreras would also lock in. Last player I could see as a AAA/MLB type with options that they rotate around. Garcia and Trent Giambrone would be decent choices with Zag as a corner OF.

Rotation
Darvish, Hendricks, Lester, Alozay, Rae (Graterol in competition)

Long relief: Mills
MR Underwood
MR: Thorpe
MR: Phelps
SU: Wick
SU: Ryan
CL: Kimbrel

Now I'm not 100% sure on the 26th man and if it is being added in 2020. If so it would be tempting to have a 3rd catcher all season long. That way injury to a vital position is not this huge issue in season. I'm not against doing a 1 year with Lucroy.

You're not even going to offer Castellanos anything? Let the best hitter on the squad as of now just walk?

 

[CSF77]

You're not even going to offer Castellanos anything? Let the best hitter on the squad as of now just walk?

No. Even with him they are struggling and will get more expensive. I see no logic in it right now.

The logical answer is to create payroll flexibility and to reload

 

[Discus fish salesman]

Looking into the Twins.

Brusdar Graterol AAA Ranked #56 on top 100, Hits tipple digits.
Lewis Thorpe LHP AAA would be in competition for a pen job with a 4 pitch mix. Outside chance of a rotation slot.
Buxton, Byron 3 years of control. Pretty much a disappointment for a high pick. But holds value in his D.

Cubs trade Bryant and Almora. I'm pretty sure that deal would float from both teams point of view and Minn would be better able to pay Bryant.

Then deal out Chatwood and Q for players that would up rank the system again. Morte 15-30 rank types. More potential vs high floor types.

After that offer Scooter a 1 year plus.

line up:

Garnett 2B
Russell SS (to build value again)
Rizzo 1B
Baez 3B
Schwarber LF<-- See below
Contreras C
Heyward RF<--- Interchangeable on who is hot ATM
Buxton CF Could go #2 also again on who is hot ATM.

Bench more of multi position players. Happ, Bote would be locks. Contreras would also lock in. Last player I could see as a AAA/MLB type with options that they rotate around. Garcia and Trent Giambrone would be decent choices with Zag as a corner OF.

Rotation
Darvish, Hendricks, Lester, Alozay, Rae (Graterol in competition)

Long relief: Mills
MR Underwood
MR: Thorpe
MR: Phelps
SU: Wick
SU: Ryan
CL: Kimbrel

Now I'm not 100% sure on the 26th man and if it is being added in 2020. If so it would be tempting to have a 3rd catcher all season long. That way injury to a vital position is not this huge issue in season. I'm not against doing a 1 year with Lucroy.

Honestly they should trade Rizzo because he is coming up on an extension decision and is getting to the point in his career where decline is inevitable. I love Rizzo, but the smart thing would be to capitalize on his value.

Also if Lester can manage to have a good first half next year, someone contender will overpay for his experience at the deadline.