Max Scherzer Anyone?

[TC in Mississippi]

You can make an educated guess

Of course you can. Betting on left handers in their late thirties almost always makes more sense. Scherzer is going to get more money than Lester because of the lights out kind of pitcher he is now, not what he's going to be in year 7. Lester was paid with the idea that he's not quite as good right now but over term could be more consistent. In my mind that's worth more and I think that's how our FO thinks too since they never even sniffed Scherzer. Other teams feel differently.

 

[JimJohnson]

In my mind that's worth more and I think that's how our FO thinks too since they never even sniffed Scherzer. Other teams feel differently.

In fairness, we don't really know that they haven't or will not sniff Scherzer.

 

[Boobaby1]

The market for free agent pitching is starting to dwindle, and with how the Cubs have showcased their desire to groom position players (due to lessened volatility) and acquire starting pitching externally, I think it's more likely the package assets and trade for a pitcher. Teams are starting to inquire about Travis Wood and I could see a team looking to take him and some prospects in return for a front line guy. David Price and Cole Hamels seem like obvious choices, especially Hamels since Amaro has been in direct contact with the Cubs about Wood's availability.

Still anxious to see how the Cubs solve their left field issue and one more starter.

At this point, I'd rather the Cubs trade Wood and maybe Castillo also to Philadelphia for Ben Revere if they are interested. He is something the Cubs are lacking too, which is top of the order, good average, speedsters. Alcantara isn't there, and maybe never will be. He is also a centerfielder in which Alcantara maybe never will be either.

If I am shipping off prospects, I would do it for something like a Mat Latos given his age, if he doesn't re-sign and the Marlins are dumping salary at the break, or just wait until next year and see what shakes out so they don't lose much, if any prospects.

There are a lot of options moving forward, and teams all of the time are dumping players. The Cubs should just sit back and pounce at the right opportunity.

 

[TL1961]

At this point, I'd rather the Cubs trade Wood and maybe Castillo also to Philadelphia for Ben Revere if they are interested. He is something the Cubs are lacking too, which is top of the order, good average, speedsters. Alcantara isn't there, and maybe never will be. He is also a centerfielder in which Alcantara maybe never will be either.

If I am shipping off prospects, I would do it for something like a Mat Latos given his age, if he doesn't re-sign and the Marlins are dumping salary at the break, or just wait until next year and see what shakes out so they don't lose much, if any prospects.

There are a lot of options moving forward, and teams all of the time are dumping players. The Cubs should just sit back and pounce at the right opportunity.

I'm afraid a hasty trade of Castillo will net less than he is worth to the Cubs. he hits lefties, Montero doesn't. They should split time, with Montero getting most of it. But if they trace Castillo, they'll be weak at backup C now, and will need a full time one in 2017 or 2018. (No, I do not think Schwarber, with the body of an O Lineman, will play catcher in MLB. (I hope I am wrong.)

 

[DJMoore_is_fat]

At this point, I'd rather the Cubs trade Wood and maybe Castillo also to Philadelphia for Ben Revere if they are interested. He is something the Cubs are lacking too, which is top of the order, good average, speedsters. Alcantara isn't there, and maybe never will be. He is also a centerfielder in which Alcantara maybe never will be either.

If I am shipping off prospects, I would do it for something like a Mat Latos given his age, if he doesn't re-sign and the Marlins are dumping salary at the break, or just wait until next year and see what shakes out so they don't lose much, if any prospects.

There are a lot of options moving forward, and teams all of the time are dumping players. The Cubs should just sit back and pounce at the right opportunity.

I'd like to add Revere. Hopefully we can give up something other than Castillo though. At Montero's age, it's not unthinkable to imagine he might miss some action here and there with small injuries. But having a top of the order guy who can get on base and play CF would be a good fit. Will have enough power with the trio of Soler, Babe Ruth Jr (Bryant), and Rizzo.

Now that Rizzo has some help, I wouldn't be surprised to see him have an even better year in 2015. He could be a .300/.375 with 35 HR/110 RBI guy.

 

[czman]

Wait and get Rick Porcello next season. He will be young and good. Pay for the 20's not the 30's.

 

[JimJohnson]

Wait and get Rick Porcello next season. He will be young and good. Pay for the 20's not the 30's.

Cubs need another TOR.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Cubs need another TOR.

From what I'm reading they simply don't have the money left for one this year with the debt service restraints. They have about $10 mil left with some holes to fill. With the signage deals in place and making money they'll have money next year, but not now. I think for thus year a Brett Anderson or, and I can't believe I'm saying this, Jake peavy might have to suffice and that's going to be a pretty good rotation for a team that's realistically a year away from serious WS contention. Maybe you skip spending the $10 million and save it for a trade deadline deal. What they can't do is sign Shields, Scherzer or trade for another of that ilk.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

So free agency is still moving along with the biggest fish left being Max Scherzer and as was always inevitable it come down to the Yankees. Scott Boras has apparently told all potential suitors that Scherzer will take no less than $200 million and is prepared to go well into the new year to wait for that. With that declaration the Tigers promptly declared themselves out for his services. The Giants and Red Sox have entered a bidding war for James Shields and neither is really interested in spending $200 mil. I just read a piece that stated in no uncertain terms that after missing the playoffs for the last two years the Yankees have no choice but to sign Scherzer and should simply fork over the $200 mil and be done with it, once again bidding against themselves and proving that Scott Boras sets payroll in MLB. I guess my question is this; will NY sink into the sea if the Yankees miss the playoffs again? NY has very quietly made some nice moves in the lower levels of the minor leagues and could have some trade pieces in a year or two and their MLB pitching is not destitute so why do this now? I realize the AL East is always tough but Tampa Bay isn't a factor, Baltimore may not be as good and even if they get Shields the Red Sox are a good but not world dominance type of club. I'd call Toronto the early favorite but my point is the division is competitive and the Yankees are a factor. Listen I know the Yankees can't lose on purpose line the Cubs did but can't they wait to get better incrementally? I'd let Boras and Scherzer twist in the wind.

 

[JimJohnson]

From what I'm reading they simply don't have the money left for one this year with the debt service restraints. They have about $10 mil left with some holes to fill. With the signage deals in place and making money they'll have money next year, but not now. I think for thus year a Brett Anderson or, and I can't believe I'm saying this, Jake peavy might have to suffice and that's going to be a pretty good rotation for a team that's realistically a year away from serious WS contention. Maybe you skip spending the $10 million and save it for a trade deadline deal. What they can't do is sign Shields, Scherzer or trade for another of that ilk.

I don't know about all that but the speculation is that Lester was promised the Cubs would go for broke to win. I don't think signing Jake Peavy constitutes going for broke.

 

[czman]

Cubs need another TOR.

They do not need another 30 year old this season. The lineup is not ready.

 

[CSF77]

I don't know about all that but the speculation is that Lester was promised the Cubs would go for broke to win. I don't think signing Jake Peavy constitutes going for broke.

I don't think he is match.

Lester
Arrieta
Hammel
Hendricks
Wada

Wood/Jackson trade chips

Turner/Doubront MR.

They have depth right now. Peavy is bottom of the rotation at this point. We have better potential in Turner making the next step in progression. I believe Turner will be solid long term and Hendricks is the stop gap as his talent is limited. Wada IMO is a cheep 1 year filler until Price hits the market.

Max is interesting and he is a legit #1. The only way I'm behind the move if it ever happened if it came as a package deal where Bryant is given a long term deal and opens up at 3B and Arrieta is given a 6 year deal to boot. Basically a package plan.

 

[JimJohnson]

I don't think he is match.

Lester
Arrieta
Hammel
Hendricks
Wada

Wood/Jackson trade chips

Turner/Doubront MR.

They have depth right now. Peavy is bottom of the rotation at this point. We have better potential in Turner making the next step in progression. I believe Turner will be solid long term and Hendricks is the stop gap as his talent is limited. Wada IMO is a cheep 1 year filler until Price hits the market.

Max is interesting and he is a legit #1. The only way I'm behind the move if it ever happened if it came as a package deal where Bryant is given a long term deal and opens up at 3B and Arrieta is given a 6 year deal to boot. Basically a package plan.

I think Scherzer is too much cash. I'd rather the Cubs try to trade for a stud like Zimm or Cueto.

 

[Parade_Rain]

I think Scherzer is too much cash. I'd rather the Cubs try to trade for a stud like Zimm or Cueto.

You still going to want to trade for one of those guys if they blow a game in the post-season?

 

[JimJohnson]

You still going to want to trade for one of those guys if they blow a game in the post-season?

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I don't know about all that but the speculation is that Lester was promised the Cubs would go for broke to win. I don't think signing Jake Peavy constitutes going for broke.

If by "go for broke" you mean a win now mentality where they consider mortgaging the future for a small contention window, well then no I seriously doubt that he was promised that or would want that. Lester is here for six years and he wants to be a on a perennial contender. Selling the farm for Hamels or blowing the budget for Scherzer is the kind of late period Hendry thinking that got us in the deep weeds to start with. Call this year a trial run with an option to improve at the deadline.

 

[CSF77]

I think Scherzer is too much cash. I'd rather the Cubs try to trade for a stud like Zimm or Cueto.

It would cost Russell to start. Baez at the moment has lower value due to his SO rate but has potentially more due to his power. Castro has years of control and holds more value than a rental in a deal.

I believe they will wait until the market shakes out more. My opinion is Price will be their #1 target next year.

 

[brett05]

It would cost Russell to start. Baez at the moment has lower value due to his SO rate but has potentially more due to his power. Castro has years of control and holds more value than a rental in a deal.

I believe they will wait until the market shakes out more. My opinion is Price will be their #1 target next year.

I'm thinking Price never makes it to Free Agency. Especially if Det loses Max, Price seems like a no brainer re-sign.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I think Price is the target next year too but his price tag could nutty in the extreme. I think he'll get about what Scherzer gets. A lot could change between now and then and they might get someone at the deadline that would eliminate a run at Price.

 

[brett05]

I think Price is the target next year too but his price tag could nutty in the extreme. I think he'll get about what Scherzer gets. A lot could change between now and then and they might get someone at the deadline that would eliminate a run at Price.

I agree that Price will get more than Max. Price will be a year younger, better track record, and a dominant Lefty.