Let's start projecting what the Cubs will look like in a few years!

[brett05]

The most realistic they got which wasnt that realistic was Wheeler straight up for Castro.

Thats probably a fair move

 

[CSF77]

That trade would be good

 

[Boobaby1]

They would get more production next year with:

CF Alcantara
SS Castro
1B Rizzo
RF Bryant
2B Baez
3B Valbuena
LF Ruggiano
C Castillo

Valbuena carries a better OBA over Lake or Cog. He is under control for 2 years.

Ruggiano has a more complete game over Lake.

Again look at OBA and Lake runs a 8:1 SO to BB ratio. He is worse than Olt in that regard.

Not to mention the worst thing to do is play musical chairs early in players careers. If you want him to play 2ND then don't put him at 3rd because it is convent for a year to do so. Not when you have control of a 3B to place hold.

I will bet my life that the Cubs won't go without signing a free agent starter somewhere. Plugging in what they have played with recently plus adding a couple of minor leaguers to the team is a recipe for disaster and a complete waste of another season.

Rizzo and Castro need help now, and you can't rely on Baez or Bryant to pick up all of the pieces. That is not the kind of thing you want to do to young guys. Ease them in by adding a 2-hole hitter and to me, Melky Cabrera would be ideal.

Need to put a bona fide player out there, even if it is on a 2-3 year contract, and even if it's in the 10-13 million or so per year range., and they might even pick up a Michael Morse type too on a short contract for RF since Soler and Scwarber are probably a couple years out.

CF Alcantara
LF Cabrera
1B Rizzo
3B Bryant
SS Castro
2B Baez
RF Morse/Ruggiano
C Castillo

This also leaves them room to throw major money at an ACE, even with the Cabrera signing.

I also look for the Cubs to rid E-Jax from the team in the off-season even if they have to eat some contract. There is enough to choose from with depth between Beeler, Hendricks, Wada, Strailey, Wood, and Arrieta. Throw a Lester or Scherzer at the top and let's play ball. :clap:

 

[CSF77]

They would have to pay 120 mil to get Lester or more.

I don't see it Boo. They are overloading right now in hitters.

I get it you don't trust in it. We'll guess my answer is look at the signs and deal with it.

At best they will add a 1 year but I believe that they will not.

I see Ruggiano holding LF unless Lake just starts to rake. I see 4 SS and 3 will be moved off position in the next 2 years. Guess what? OF will get filled.

 

[Boobaby1]

They would have to pay 120 mil to get Lester or more.

I don't see it Boo. They are overloading right now in hitters.

I get it you don't trust in it. We'll guess my answer is look at the signs and deal with it.

At best they will add a 1 year but I believe that they will not.

I see Ruggiano holding LF unless Lake just starts to rake. I see 4 SS and 3 will be moved off position in the next 2 years. Guess what? OF will get filled.

First off, Lake isn't going to be anywhere near the Cubs starting outfield ever again. He is a utility player, and now that the Cubs farm is in shape across the board, look for them to FINALLY spend some money. They have enough pieces in AAA to call up to keep payroll down, so yes, they have the flexibility to add a TOR starter. The only other way is to trade Castro.

The farm now has its waves of talent. At least four will hit the big stage next year, and Soler, Black. Johnson, Villanueva, and Russell appear to be heading to AAA next year, Vogelbach, McKinney, Amaya, Rademacher, and Almora to AA, and Schwarber to A ball.

If the line-up you suggested stands pat, the Union will be so far up the Cubs ass it won't be funny. Major market clubs are supposed to spend and not just reap the rewards with a low payroll. The line-up you have thrown out there is probably a 55 million dollar line-up even adding a flippable piece. They are also going to take the Tanaka money and use it, along with Soriano's, Sharks, Hammels, Nate's, Villy's and a slew of other cheapies.

Sorry, but getting players to simply flip is not going to happen anymore in my opinion. Not saying they will never be sellers again, but adding to extract is over.

I think you will be surprised this off-season, and the buzz for 2015 is going to be something to see.

 

[FrankieLyrical]

First off, Lake isn't going to be anywhere near the Cubs starting outfield ever again. He is a utility player, and now that the Cubs farm is in shape across the board, look for them to FINALLY spend some money. They have enough pieces in AAA to call up to keep payroll down, so yes, they have the flexibility to add a TOR starter. The only other way is to trade Castro.

The farm now has its waves of talent. At least four will hit the big stage next year, and Soler, Black. Johnson, Villanueva, and Russell appear to be heading to AAA next year, Vogelbach, McKinney, Amaya, Rademacher, and Almora to AA, and Schwarber to A ball.

If the line-up you suggested stands pat, the Union will be so far up the Cubs ass it won't be funny. Major market clubs are supposed to spend and not just reap the rewards with a low payroll. The line-up you have thrown out there is probably a 55 million dollar line-up even adding a flippable piece. They are also going to take the Tanaka money and use it, along with Soriano's, Sharks, Hammels, Nate's, Villy's and a slew of other cheapies.

Sorry, but getting players to simply flip is not going to happen anymore in my opinion. Not saying they will never be sellers again, but adding to extract is over.

I think you will be surprised this off-season, and the buzz for 2015 is going to be something to see.

Bolded. I agree 100%. We're going to make a BIG splash soon, I can feel it!

 

[CSF77]

I never put Lake in the convo for a reason. Not to mention Ruggiano has been getting the starts and Lake has not. They are not stupid.

I expect them to spend. But on a ace to replace Shark. Depending on the results this year with the AAA SP maybe a 2nd SP.

I do not see them giving Wada a shot next year. Beeler is on the 40 man. Joch and Hendricks are not. I do not see them making any cuts but I do see them added after trades are made etc.

I see Schoerholtz dropped via wavers. Sweeney retained as a 4th OF. Bonifacio traded. Lake demoted. Olt wavered.

Guys retained: Ruggiano LF, Valbuena 3B. I see Bryant moved to RF and Alcantara moved to CF. That has already started for Alcantara in AAA. He is playing CF more and more now. Bryant I believe they are on the fence about due to Soler. Making Bryant a RF road blocks Soler who they made an investment into. So there is some question at 3B/RF.

Over all I see them going after Lester and can see 120-130 mil offer for 6 years.

2nd player depends. If Soler and Russell destroy AA this year than they are not blocking shit. If the AAA SP suck they have to add a 2nd SP. Except Wada. I do not think they will retain a 34 yo with little MLB track record. If Beeler proves to be equal to or better than Jackson he has a shot to stay.

 

[brett05]

CSF,
What do you think Lester gets from any team but the Cubs on an offer?

 

[CSF77]

Anyways i do not believe the union can file a grievance over team payrolls. I'm union and that stuff doesn't sound like a issue that the union can fight over.

They can fight other issues like clubhouse habitability etc but team payroll?

 

[JP Hochbaum]

From all accounts that I am reading on BRyant is that he is fielding incredibly well in the minors, getting comparisons to Rolen.

We can't move anyone until they are forced to move.

 

[Parade_Rain]

So that would put Baez or Russell at 2B depending and one of them moves to OF?

 

[JP Hochbaum]

So that would put Baez or Russell at 2B depending and one of them moves to OF?

Right now no one has a position except Castro and Rizzo. People are putting too much into positions right now. As they are called up they will play based on how they perform.

Alcantara will be called up first and play 2nd or CF and if he struggles then the next guy that can play 2b/Cf will take some of his at bats and take the position away from him.

If a guy succeeds he will likely just stay there as it would be pointless to mess with that. So people will only be moved around if they fail so trying to guess the positions right now is pointless.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Thanks for the lecture, Dad. The title of the thread is "Let's start projecting what the Cubs will look like in a few years!". Alcantara isn't likely in their plans at 2B since he is playing CF in Iowa now.

 

[chibears55]

i think they may end up going this route..


C. Castillo RH
1B. Rizzo LH
2B. Baez RH
SS. Castro RH
3B. Russell RH
LF. Schwarber LH
CF. Alcantara SW
RF. Bryant RH

1. ALCANTARA
2. RUSSELL
3. BAEZ
4. BRYANT
5. RIZZO
6. CASTRO
7. SCHWARBER
8. CASTILLO


this is of course if their plan is to use their players in house, obviously these guys could be used to trade for pitching and or veteran position players

I could've gone either way with baez and Russell, their both same height and weight, I just figured baez will be up first and most likely get his start at 2B when he is up
so depending on if he looks comfortable and looks good there, they probably leave him there.

I put schwarber in LF over soler because I think schwarber will have more power and being a LH bat gives him an edge there..

Alcantara seems to be getting grooved for CF now and I think he will hold that down until ALmora is ready, of course if ALcantara becomes a stud its his job and Almora could be tradeable.

I think Bryant will start out at 3B when he brought up, but he will most likely be moved to RF when Russell arrives


it wouldn't surprise me when the dust clears on who they decide to go with on their parent club if Soler, Almora, and or Alcantara are used in trades..

I think Russell, Baez, and Bryant are guys their going to stick with for the long run

schwarber has an edge being a LH bat with power


pitching is up in the air.. the bullpen looks good with some young arms, I think they will probably look for more of a veteran closer in a couple of years if Rondon or Ramirez don't take it over next year..

the Rotation.. thankfully Jackson will be gone, maybe they could move him 2015 deadline..
I think Arrieta right now is the only sure starter that will be in rotation 2016..
Travis wood looks like he could become trade bait for 2015 deadline or off season if they can establish a starter or two from system with either Hendricks, wada, or beeler
and or sign a FA or two in off season..

I think this off season the main focus is going to be bringing in young MLB ready pitching

I can also see them bringing in veteran bats for the bench via FA more to help coach the kids and help them adjust this off season

 

[TL1961]

Russell is the one guy who could possibly force Castro to a different position. Either Castro at 3rd and Baez at 2nd, or vice versa.

Maybe Russell goes to 3rd. But there is a fair chance he will go to SS and Castro will move.

 

[chibears55]

Russell is the one guy who could possibly force Castro to a different position. Either Castro at 3rd and Baez at 2nd, or vice versa.

Maybe Russell goes to 3rd. But there is a fair chance he will go to SS and Castro will move.

Who on first what on second I don't know on third
Lol

 

[Hurvatat]

If we manage to keep these kids it will be great but I just don't see it.

 

[Captain Obvious]

If we manage to keep these kids it will be great but I just don't see it.

Why don't you think we'll be able to keep them?

 

[CSF77]

Predicting a time line:

I believe Alcantara sticks post ASG and switches between 2B/CF.

Games restart on the 18th. 3 vs Azl 3 vs SD, 3 vs stl 4 vs Col. During that time I expect heavy playing time to Barney and Schierholtz in an attempt to sell them off.

Bonifacio I believe will take 15 days in rehab or if Barney sells early they should bump up his return time to try to get a quick sale on him.

Other trade notes:

The Braves badly need lefty bullpen help and particularly like the Red Sox‘ Andrew Miller, David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes. Luis Avilan‘s struggles on Sunday are an example of the problems the Braves have had, O’Brien writes — Avilan entered in a 10-4 game in the eighth and faced three batters, giving up a single and two walks. By the time the inning was over, it was 10-7, and a blowout had suddenly become a save situation. Miller, who has struck out 14.4 batters per nine innings for Boston this season, would be a big upgrade. The Braves also like James Russell and Wesley Wright of the Cubs, O’Brien writes.

This lines up with why they added Rosscup to the roster. To see if he can get major league hitters out so they can sell one of the 2.

Another why might get shopped is Valbuena. 11.7 BB/ 20.7% SO rate. Along major league lines. ISO of .163 ranks avg=> Above avg. wOBA .332 again avg => above avg At 3B he is under powered but as a 2B he is above avg to good.

So if we are looking at return values I believe Luis Valbuena, Bonifacio and Wesley Wright hold the most return values.

On who we want them to sell: Mike Olt, Barney, Schierholtz.

Who they traded out:
I'm thinking they will push James Russell vs Wright FIP Wright 2.88 Russell 4.44. Makes the choice an easy one.
Carlos Villanueva is another one I believe they can sell. 3.63 FIP is above Avg so some team will keep him as a long man. That is where his success has come.

Bonifacio I believe will take too long and will be more of a waver wire deal. Schierholtz I believe gets pick up via wavers by a team looking for a LH bat off of the bench. Same with Barney.

So after the smoke clears I'm seeing:
Alcantara CF
Cog LF
Rizzo 1B
Castro SS
Baez 2B (Yes I believe they will pull the trigger)
Valbuena 3B
Ruggiano RF
Castillo C

That should hold til the end of the year.

Rotation:
Jackson (yes he is opening the 2nd half)
Wood
Arrieta

That is the opening series. Then a day off. Then they go into a 13 day run until the next off day. I could honestly see them starting status que then adding 2 starters on the first off day. I'm still predicting Wada and Hendricks at first but it could change as they have tossed them up and down depending on the results.

So it is going to come down to some one just taking the job. From what we have seen I would be hard pressed to vote against Wada and Hendricks.

But in the short stint
Fip:
Wada 2.54
Beeler 3.96
Hendricks 4.97

Right now 1 game could change that vastly for any of them. But Wada's line is along the same lines that he was producing in AAA.
BP:
I'm preidictng Vallbuena traded and Fuji promoted. He should help stabilize the back of the pen. Ramirez has settled into a strong 7th inning guy.

BP FiP

Excellent:
Rondon: 2.38
Ramirez 2.79

Above avg=> great
Strop 3.45
Schlitter 3.42

Avg
Grimm 4.08

Fuji makes a decent pen better. I would consider retaining him for 2015 and dropping Grimm when they add Viz.

 

[nwfisch]

Why don't you think we'll be able to keep them?

$$$.

Trading them away for "better" prospects.

But we know everything the Cubs do is the bestest :fap: