mlb trade rumors projects cubs arb. cases

[beckdawg]

Clayton Richard (5.154) – $1.1MM
Chris Coghlan (5.148) – $3.9MM
Jonathan Herrera (5.101) – $1.3MM
Travis Wood (5.004) – $6.4MM
Pedro Strop (4.156) – $4.7MM
Jake Arrieta (4.145) – $10.9MM
Jacob Turner (3.033) – $1.0MM
Hector Rondon (3.000) – $3.6MM
Justin Grimm (2.170) – $1.0MM

 

[knoxville7]

Clayton Richard (5.154) – $1.1MM
Chris Coghlan (5.148) – $3.9MM
Jonathan Herrera (5.101) – $1.3MM
Travis Wood (5.004) – $6.4MM
Pedro Strop (4.156) – $4.7MM
Jake Arrieta (4.145) – $10.9MM
Jacob Turner (3.033) – $1.0MM
Hector Rondon (3.000) – $3.6MM
Justin Grimm (2.170) – $1.0MM

bye bye travis wood for sure and probably Herrera and Richard too

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Clayton Richard (5.154) – $1.1MM
Chris Coghlan (5.148) – $3.9MM
Jonathan Herrera (5.101) – $1.3MM
Travis Wood (5.004) – $6.4MM
Pedro Strop (4.156) – $4.7MM
Jake Arrieta (4.145) – $10.9MM
Jacob Turner (3.033) – $1.0MM
Hector Rondon (3.000) – $3.6MM
Justin Grimm (2.170) – $1.0MM

Herrera and Richard are for sure gone. I think Wood depends on whether they find a lefty arm in the pen they like better. Wood has actually proven quite valuable as middle inning guy and can also spot start in a pinch. They know who he is and what he can do and that's not an outrageous salary for those qualities. I think they'll look for another lefty but it wouldn't shock me at all if they stayed with Wood.

 

[knoxville7]

Herrera and Richard are for sure gone. I think Wood depends on whether they find a lefty arm in the pen they like better. Wood has actually proven quite valuable as middle inning guy and can also spot start in a pinch. They know who he is and what he can do and that's not an outrageous salary for those qualities. I think they'll look for another lefty but it wouldn't shock me at all if they stayed with Wood.

at 6.4 mil I think they look elsewhere

 

[TC in Mississippi]

at 6.4 mil I think they look elsewhere

Again they will look but $6.4 million is not a terrible overpay there. If he'd take $5.5 I don't even think they'll look. I would guess a reliable pen lefty is at least $4.5 mil unless you're talking about a reclamation project and there is the factor of them knowing exactly what he is.

 

[knoxville7]

Again they will look but $6.4 million is not a terrible overpay there. If he'd take $5.5 I don't even think they'll look. I would guess a reliable pen lefty is at least $4.5 mil unless you're talking about a reclamation project and there is the factor of them knowing exactly what he is.

I hear ya, I just don't see him being back but time will tell. they still have rosscup for the lefty job and there will be options out there in FA and trade for them. they have been pretty darn good at finding those mentioned reclamation projects in pitchers

 

[DanTown]

I think what the Cubs do in FA depends on what they'll do in arbitration. Wood vs Richard is even enough that if you sign, for example, Jordan Zimmerman, you're probably going to want to save five million on a lefty out of the pen.

I think Coghlan, Rondon, Strop, Grimm, Turner are locks to get; Herrera is a lock to not get it; Wood and Richard are questionmarks; Arrieta is a maybe in terms of the Cubs offering a long term deal to buy him out (like 6/120 instead of Arbitration the next two years).

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I think what the Cubs do in FA depends on what they'll do in arbitration. Wood vs Richard is even enough that if you sign, for example, Jordan Zimmerman, you're probably going to want to save five million on a lefty out of the pen.

I think Coghlan, Rondon, Strop, Grimm, Turner are locks to get; Herrera is a lock to not get it; Wood and Richard are questionmarks; Arrieta is a maybe in terms of the Cubs offering a long term deal to buy him out (like 6/120 instead of Arbitration the next two years).

I think a lot of that is right but if they extend Jake it's going to be at least $28 mi/per. In two years, if he's still great, he could be the first guy to get $35 million. I see him leaving some money on the table but not much. 7/$190 might get it done. Still though you're exactly right on all these decisions affecting the others. It wouldn't shock me to see a $150 mil payroll but it wouldn't shock me if they stop at $140 mil either.

 

[Boobaby1]

at 6.4 mil I think they look elsewhere

I think Wood is a good buy at 6.4 Million. They signed Wada to 4 million for last year, and like someone else said, he is valuable all over which is what Maddon likes, and he can hit too.

Versatility for a little over 6 million is a good gamble IMO for this team.

 

[knoxville7]

I think Wood is a good buy at 6.4 Million. They signed Wada to 4 million for last year, and like someone else said, he is valuable all over which is what Maddon likes, and he can hit too.

Versatility for a little over 6 million is a good gamble IMO for this team.

wada should be gone too. for the 10 mil in savings by getting rid of those two I think you can find an upgrade for wood/wada at that price tag

 

[beckdawg]

The thing with wood is it sort of depends how they plan to attack a #5 starter. Fans wouldn't be happy but you could conceivably run Turner, Wood and one or two other names out there for your #5 starter. And worst case, you end up with Wood being a lefty long reliever which has more value than a righy in a similar fashion. $6.4 mil really isn't that much money when you're talking FA prices. For example, Jason Motte got $4.5 mil and Zach Duke got 3 year $15 mil. That's obviously just looking at him as a RP. Aaron Harang got $5 mil and Kyle Kendrick got $5.5 mil as starters/#6 guys.

You just simply can't have enough pitching depth these days. You could make a good argument about going 6-8 pitchers deep with some in Iowa. We've seen Wada get play this year with Richard, Beeler, Roach, and Harren all seeing starts. Jackson also played that mop up role you have to have on every team. On the plus side, the cubs probably will have Johnson in AAA next year as on "free" arm. I imagine they will work Edwards out of the pen mostly though a spot start here or there wouldn't be crazy. Carlos Pimentel pitched well and again isn't a terrible depth option. Jokisch is also around. And finally Turner will be around most likely so that gives you around 8 or so starters but going into spring training you probably want another 1-2 more.

Regardless, at $6.4 mil I don't think Wood is just a liability that you let him walk unless you have definite plans to upgrade. He's "the evil you know" and has a 2.95/2.53 ERA/FIP out of the pen and has been tied for the 2nd most valuable reliever(just looking at reliever stats here) with 1.1 fWAR behind Rodon and tied with Strop. And you're not paying him for a long term commitment. The risk with FA is you don't always know the guys you're getting and how they fit into the club house. Presumably Wood does fit as he's still here. So, sure he's probably over payed by $2-3 mil making that much but I think you can make a rather compelling argument that not rocking the ship is worth that. Obviously if that $2-3 mil is the difference between acquiring say David Price or whomever top flight starter then sure I can see that argument. However, I'm not sure how quick the cubs are going to be to play market price on another starter. I think they will try to trade for someone before signing one because they have a number of guys they can't protect from the rule 5 draft anyways.

 

[Boobaby1]

wada should be gone too. for the 10 mil in savings by getting rid of those two I think you can find an upgrade for wood/wada at that price tag

As lefties? Good luck. There aren't many out there with Wood's capabilities. Randy Choate will be a available, but he is also 40 I think and doesn't go long or spot start.

Now Wada I agree with, and players like Motte too.

Wood is pretty valuable to me, and the Cubs don't have much as far as lefties coming up through the system.

 

[knoxville7]

The thing with wood is it sort of depends how they plan to attack a #5 starter. Fans wouldn't be happy but you could conceivably run Turner, Wood and one or two other names out there for your #5 starter. And worst case, you end up with Wood being a lefty long reliever which has more value than a righy in a similar fashion. $6.4 mil really isn't that much money when you're talking FA prices. For example, Jason Motte got $4.5 mil and Zach Duke got 3 year $15 mil. That's obviously just looking at him as a RP. Aaron Harang got $5 mil and Kyle Kendrick got $5.5 mil as starters/#6 guys.

You just simply can't have enough pitching depth these days. You could make a good argument about going 6-8 pitchers deep with some in Iowa. We've seen Wada get play this year with Richard, Beeler, Roach, and Harren all seeing starts. Jackson also played that mop up role you have to have on every team. On the plus side, the cubs probably will have Johnson in AAA next year as on "free" arm. I imagine they will work Edwards out of the pen mostly though a spot start here or there wouldn't be crazy. Carlos Pimentel pitched well and again isn't a terrible depth option. Jokisch is also around. And finally Turner will be around most likely so that gives you around 8 or so starters but going into spring training you probably want another 1-2 more.

Regardless, at $6.4 mil I don't think Wood is just a liability that you let him walk unless you have definite plans to upgrade. He's "the evil you know" and has a 2.95/2.53 ERA/FIP out of the pen and has been tied for the 2nd most valuable reliever(just looking at reliever stats here) with 1.1 fWAR behind Rodon and tied with Strop. And you're not paying him for a long term commitment. The risk with FA is you don't always know the guys you're getting and how they fit into the club house. Presumably Wood does fit as he's still here. So, sure he's probably over payed by $2-3 mil making that much but I think you can make a rather compelling argument that not rocking the ship is worth that. Obviously if that $2-3 mil is the difference between acquiring say David Price or whomever top flight starter then sure I can see that argument. However, I'm not sure how quick the cubs are going to be to play market price on another starter. I think they will try to trade for someone before signing one because they have a number of guys they can't protect from the rule 5 draft anyways.

I agree with you on the pitching depth. that's why I think they keep a guy like turner and Richard for a combined 2.1 mil for that pitching depth and get rid of wood making 6.1 mil and take the savings. that's just my opinion....time will tell

 

[DanTown]

the sad thing is Cahill is going to cost a little bit but I have no problem having him back and inviting him to be a bullpen arm. Cahill had very strong strikeout numbers and had multiple pitches and if the velocity is there, he could be a good seventh inning guy or a guy capable of getting more than three outs.

Wood also isn't overpaid at 6 million, it's just the Cubs are potentially going to look at costs and they may say "you know, if we just want Travis to be a bullpen guy, let's try and get three or four pitchers on incentive deals for the same cost".

If it was me, unless it's Kimbrel or Chapman, the bullpen is probably fine if they can find one more eighth inning guy and a lefty who gets lefties out.

 

[Diehardfan]

Not sure why everyone is worried about saving money here and there. The Cubs have the huge national TV deal to share in, damn near everything the announcers do on radio and TV have a sponsor attached to it, all the new scoreboard signage, amazingly people are still buying rooftop seats(horrible views and all) plus this year's showing almost guarantees a 3 million plus gate next year. All that plus a team loaded with under aged stars having to wait for their big payday. Ricketts might just have to get the rights to print money next year.

 

[CSF77]

Clayton Richard (5.154) – $1.1MM
Chris Coghlan (5.148) – $3.9MM
Jonathan Herrera (5.101) – $1.3MM
Travis Wood (5.004) – $6.4MM
Pedro Strop (4.156) – $4.7MM
Jake Arrieta (4.145) – $10.9MM
Jacob Turner (3.033) – $1.0MM
Hector Rondon (3.000) – $3.6MM
Justin Grimm (2.170) – $1.0MM

Arrieta could go higher. 12 mil raise was the record for a raise. 10 mil would be reasonable. I could see him getting 12-16 to be honest.

1.1 mil on richard it worthy.

Turner not sure to be honest. 1 mil would be a decent price for a middle relief.
Wood would get starter cash for middle relief. pass
Herrea would be right price but not happening with Baez.
Strop might be over priced.
Rondon reasonable.
Grim I think is worth more.

Cog depends. If he is off the bench I would pass. The Cubs need a CF and that cash would be needed elsewhere.

 

[CSF77]

My prediction:
Arrieta signed to a deal. No arb.
Wood not offered.
Rondon signed to a 3 mil deal
Grimm signed to a 2 mil deal
Strop not sure to be honest.
Coghlan not sure.
Herera let go.
Richard given a 1.? offer. Back fill Wood's spot as long man LH.

Turner is a good question. He would back fill the long man role from the right side. That was Jackson's role then became Cahill's role. As we are seeing by what Cahill has been doing it is a needed role that is over looked. 1 mil would be a good offer but are they going to trust it to Turner?

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Arrieta could go higher. 12 mil raise was the record for a raise. 10 mil would be reasonable. I could see him getting 12-16 to be honest.

1.1 mil on richard it worthy.

Turner not sure to be honest. 1 mil would be a decent price for a middle relief.
Wood would get starter cash for middle relief. pass
Herrea would be right price but not happening with Baez.
Strop might be over priced.
Rondon reasonable.
Grim I think is worth more.

Cog depends. If he is off the bench I would pass. The Cubs need a CF and that cash would be needed elsewhere.

They might pass on Wood if they find someone better but again if they can sign him for $5.5 mil that's not starters money. You'd be lucky to find lefty who can work middle relief, sub as say a 7th inning guy and spot start for that money. There aren't many guys out there. Part of me hopes they find one part of me hopes they don't. There's something to be said for a guy who your coaching staff knows and knows your coaching staff.

 

[willycat]

My prediction:
Arrieta signed to a deal. No arb.
Wood not offered.
Rondon signed to a 3 mil deal
Grimm signed to a 2 mil deal
Strop not sure to be honest.
Coghlan not sure.
Herera let go.
Richard given a 1.? offer. Back fill Wood's spot as long man LH.

Turner is a good question. He would back fill the long man role from the right side. That was Jackson's role then became Cahill's role. As we are seeing by what Cahill has been doing it is a needed role that is over looked. 1 mil would be a good offer but are they going to trust it to Turner?

Don't quite get all the Turner 'love". Is he healthy? has he ever been healthy as a Cub? Get Price or Zimmerman and a LH relief specialist and the rest, including how much they will spend will take care of itself.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Don't quite get all the Turner 'love". Is he healthy? has he ever been healthy as a Cub? Get Price or Zimmerman and a LH relief specialist and the rest, including how much they will spend will take care of itself.

The one glaring deficiency the Cubs have, and likely will until some of their minor league pitchers are ready, is rotation depth. Turner was a once a blue chip TOR prospect. His 2014 peripherals before coming to Chicago suggest there's something there. Maybe not TOR but a solid rotation piece. If he can make the team in middle relief he's insurance if someone goes down. Either that or pay him, if you have to cut him try to sign him to a minor league deal and send him to Iowa. That might not work but it's worth a shot if he was close to making the team. You need a grand total 7-8 guys (including your starting 5) between majors and minors who can legitimately start ballgames if you need them to.