Offseason discussion/rumors

[CSF77]

Trevor Clifton also.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Soler: expendable

Happ: lacks high ended D that the Cubs prefer. If he ends up a LF he is Blocked by Schwarber. 2B blocked by Baez. They also have 3 years of control of Zobrist who is a older version of Happ.

So both are expendable.

On pitching I would expect Underwood or Stennet with Steele or Sands. All are around AA level and would impact with in 2 years.

I doubt the lower level guys will be talked about due to them being too early in their development

Happ lacks the high end D that the Cubs prefer, but the Cubs are willing to put Schwarber in LF?

 

[CSF77]

Happ lacks the high end D that the Cubs prefer, but the Cubs are willing to put Schwarber in LF?

Schwarber could hit .300/.400/.600 with 40 bombs.... you excuse some short comings

 

[Goose22]

This is my Chistmas wish list-

Do what it takes to get Fowler resigned, even for four years at a "home town" discount, if that's what it takes ( and I think he would jump at the chance to stay with the Cubbies if that type of deal was in place.) I mentioned this after he came off the DL this past summer...Fowler was a great set-up guy for this lineup on "O" and his defense will still be good for the duration of that contract. Almora and Sczur can spell Fowler, Zobrist, Hayward, and Schwarber in the rotation of OF'ers. Deal for Archer who will serve as a security blanket for losing Arrieta after next season (Let's face it...Arrieta will go to the highest bidder, even if it is a little league team in Siberia...and he has definitely earned that right.) Montgomery takes the place of Hammel this year and hopefully pans out to be a long term starter in the rotation as an insurance to any injuries in the starting rotation. Steady the bullpen with a few off season acquisitions and let Edwards Jr., a healthy Strop, and a healthy Rondon battle it out for the closer spot during the early portion of the season. If the closer position needs to be addressed by the trade deadline, spend the $ to rent a closer like we did this year with Chapman. I would like to see Chapman return or pick up Jansen, but given my Christmas list to this point, I don't think Santa (a.k.a. Theo) can deliver all that I have asked for! Just throwing this out there for fun! Please don't waste your time Theo wannabe's...this is just a wish list!

 

[CSF77]

This is my Chistmas wish list-

Do what it takes to get Fowler resigned, even for four years at a "home town" discount, if that's what it takes ( and I think he would jump at the chance to stay with the Cubbies if that type of deal was in place.) I mentioned this after he came off the DL this past summer...Fowler was a great set-up guy for this lineup on "O" and his defense will still be good for the duration of that contract. Almora and Sczur can spell Fowler, Zobrist, Hayward, and Schwarber in the rotation of OF'ers. Deal for Archer who will serve as a security blanket for losing Arrieta after next season (Let's face it...Arrieta will go to the highest bidder, even if it is a little league team in Siberia...and he has definitely earned that right.) Montgomery takes the place of Hammel this year and hopefully pans out to be a long term starter in the rotation as an insurance to any injuries in the starting rotation. Steady the bullpen with a few off season acquisitions and let Edwards Jr., a healthy Strop, and a healthy Rondon battle it out for the closer spot during the early portion of the season. If the closer position needs to be addressed by the trade deadline, spend the $ to rent a closer like we did this year with Chapman. I would like to see Chapman return or pick up Jansen, but given my Christmas list to this point, I don't think Santa (a.k.a. Theo) can deliver all that I have asked for! Just throwing this out there for fun! Please don't waste your time Theo wannabe's...this is just a wish list!

Rumor is they are looking at Blackmon and the cheaper Travis Jankowski in trade

 

[CSF77]

Travis Jankowski Would be interesting. 30 SB 45 BB and 100 SO in 335 AB's.

Vs L .155/.220/.179. Vs R: .275/.368/.359

So he is a platoon player and fits into a CF with Almora. His cost can't be much.

 

[DanTown]

Why are people so infatuated with the idea the Cubs need to get a left-handed hitting CF? Between Schwarber, Heyward, Almora, Soler, and Bryant (when Baez plays the IF with Zobrist at 2B), there is simply very few PA for a guy and there simply isn't that much need. I mean Almora is mostly going to bat 8/9 and so would any realistic replacement so what's the value?

If the Cubs want to go get a left-handed hitting OF, would still prefer going after a Matt Joyce than a bottom of the order guy. Basically, the real need the Cubs have is a lefty who can lead-off on days Zobrist sits (assuming you want to sit Zobrist more against righties than lefties).

I'm also incredibly hesitant to move forward with the idea that Mike Montgomery is ever going to be a high value starter for this team. I mean he really would have to be Rich Hill (upping his curveball usage to at lest 40%) for me to really buy in there. I don't trust his command nor do I trust his fastball enough for me to think he's a six inning guy. I tend to believe he can be a high leverage reliever similar to Andrew Miller if the Cubs wanted to do that and I tend to believe that's more valuable than a 2 WAR starter.

 

[CSF77]

Why are people so infatuated with the idea the Cubs need to get a left-handed hitting CF? Between Schwarber, Heyward, Almora, Soler, and Bryant (when Baez plays the IF with Zobrist at 2B), there is simply very few PA for a guy and there simply isn't that much need. I mean Almora is mostly going to bat 8/9 and so would any realistic replacement so what's the value?

If the Cubs want to go get a left-handed hitting OF, would still prefer going after a Matt Joyce than a bottom of the order guy. Basically, the real need the Cubs have is a lefty who can lead-off on days Zobrist sits (assuming you want to sit Zobrist more against righties than lefties).

I'm also incredibly hesitant to move forward with the idea that Mike Montgomery is ever going to be a high value starter for this team. I mean he really would have to be Rich Hill (upping his curveball usage to at lest 40%) for me to really buy in there. I don't trust his command nor do I trust his fastball enough for me to think he's a six inning guy. I tend to believe he can be a high leverage reliever similar to Andrew Miller if the Cubs wanted to do that and I tend to believe that's more valuable than a 2 WAR starter.

They need a lead off. Zobrist is too old to play lead off every day. They have no back up option.

If this was just about CF and they had a young lead off already then it would be Almora every day.

I like the Archer direction. Montgomery and RobZ in the pen has potential.

 

[CSF77]

I would trade Soler Happ and 2 minor league arms for Archer.

This opens up OF playing time for Zobrist.

At that point I would keep Zo at 130-140 games. Lead off vs lefties 4 hitter vs righties.

Now trading for Travis would cost something around a 15-25 is prospect. He is not a every day guy. Really only has speed as a high grade. I could see a even swap with Williams which gives a major league ready arm to them. He might excell in that park.

At that point Travis is the lead off vs right handed starters and a PR on his off days.

Plus speed is a weapon this team lacked.

 

[brett05]

I would trade Soler Happ and 2 minor league arms for Archer.

Problem is the Cubs have no quality minor league arms to pull that deal off. The cost for Archer is much higher than what you have proposed.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Problem is the Cubs have no quality minor league arms to pull that deal off. The cost for Archer is much higher than what you have proposed.

I would bet money on the fact that Soler, Happ, Dylan Cease and Oscar De La Cruz would get you Archer after a down year. Not a doubt in my mind. The problem is I seriously doubt the Cubs would pay that.

 

[chibears55]

Why are people so infatuated with the idea the Cubs need to get a left-handed hitting CF? Between Schwarber, Heyward, Almora, Soler, and Bryant (when Baez plays the IF with Zobrist at 2B), there is simply very few PA for a guy and there simply isn't that much need. I mean Almora is mostly going to bat 8/9 and so would any realistic replacement so what's the value?

If the Cubs want to go get a left-handed hitting OF, would still prefer going after a Matt Joyce than a bottom of the order guy. Basically, the real need the Cubs have is a lefty who can lead-off on days Zobrist sits (assuming you want to sit Zobrist more against righties than lefties).

I'm also incredibly hesitant to move forward with the idea that Mike Montgomery is ever going to be a high value starter for this team. I mean he really would have to be Rich Hill (upping his curveball usage to at lest 40%) for me to really buy in there. I don't trust his command nor do I trust his fastball enough for me to think he's a six inning guy. I tend to believe he can be a high leverage reliever similar to Andrew Miller if the Cubs wanted to do that and I tend to believe that's more valuable than a 2 WAR starter.

Cause that what the Cubs brass say their looking for..

A LH hitting CFer who can split time with Almora cause they don't feel Almora ready to take over CF everyday and they prefer Heyward in RF.

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[SilenceS]

Problem is the Cubs have no quality minor league arms to pull that deal off. The cost for Archer is much higher than what you have proposed.

Dylan Cease is flying up the charts. He has another good year with no set backs. He is easily a top 50 prospect for an arm. The guy is Ace potential

 

[chibears55]

Found this trade suggestion...


@ESPNChicago: Four trades I'd like to see happen before the winter meetings dlvr.it/Mm5qs4 #Cubs


3.*Tampa Bay Rays*and*Chicago Cubs

The trade

Rays get 2B/OF Ian Happ, RF*Jorge Soler, OF Albert Almora and RHP*Carl Edwards. Cubs get RHP*Chris Archer, CF*Kevin Kiermaier*and RHP*Alex Colome.

Why it works

For the Rays:*The Rays get three everyday players who are all non-arbitration-eligible. They get a long-term solution at second base with Happ, who is a high-OBP hitter with the potential to hit 15-18 homers and steal bases. Soler would get the opportunity to play every day, and if he does, he’ll be projected to hit 20-25 home runs. Almora would take over center field as a plus-plus defender while Edwards can replace Alex Colome as the Rays’ closer. The deal will also save the Rays approximately $50 million in future salaries for both players during their control years, which is extremely important -- at least until they get a new stadium.

For the Cubs:*The Cubs get another top-of-the-rotation starter in Archer to go along with*Jon Lester,*Jake Arrieta,*Kyle Hendricks*and*John Lackey. They would control Archer through 2021 and protect themselves in case they lose both Arrieta and Lackey after next season through free agency. But that isn’t the only obvious benefit. Kiermaier would give them the best defensive center fielder in baseball to replace free agentDexter Fowler, while Colome could take over as closer for the departedAroldis Chapman. The deal would also allow them to hold onto all of their very best young players and prospects, including*Kyle Schwarber,Javier Baez, Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease. The Cubs can trade Happ because they have Baez blocking him, and they can trade Soler because they have Schwarber and Heyward blocking him.



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[SilenceS]

Found this trade suggestion...


@ESPNChicago: Four trades I'd like to see happen before the winter meetings dlvr.it/Mm5qs4 #Cubs


3.*Tampa Bay Rays*and*Chicago Cubs

The trade

Rays get 2B/OF Ian Happ, RF*Jorge Soler, OF Albert Almora and RHP*Carl Edwards. Cubs get RHP*Chris Archer, CF*Kevin Kiermaier*and RHP*Alex Colome.

Why it works

For the Rays:*The Rays get three everyday players who are all non-arbitration-eligible. They get a long-term solution at second base with Happ, who is a high-OBP hitter with the potential to hit 15-18 homers and steal bases. Soler would get the opportunity to play every day, and if he does, he’ll be projected to hit 20-25 home runs. Almora would take over center field as a plus-plus defender while Edwards can replace Alex Colome as the Rays’ closer. The deal will also save the Rays approximately $50 million in future salaries for both players during their control years, which is extremely important -- at least until they get a new stadium.

For the Cubs:*The Cubs get another top-of-the-rotation starter in Archer to go along with*Jon Lester,*Jake Arrieta,*Kyle Hendricks*and*John Lackey. They would control Archer through 2021 and protect themselves in case they lose both Arrieta and Lackey after next season through free agency. But that isn’t the only obvious benefit. Kiermaier would give them the best defensive center fielder in baseball to replace free agentDexter Fowler, while Colome could take over as closer for the departedAroldis Chapman. The deal would also allow them to hold onto all of their very best young players and prospects, including*Kyle Schwarber,Javier Baez, Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease. The Cubs can trade Happ because they have Baez blocking him, and they can trade Soler because they have Schwarber and Heyward blocking him.



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I dont get the backend. Keirmaier and Almora are about the same player with Almora being under control with more bat potential. Colome isnt a shut down closer and Edwards has bigger potential and under control. Happ Soler and another arm for Archer. I can see that. I dont get the back end part in the Cubs head.

After further inspection, Colome is under control until 2021. He did have an outstanding year, but I still dont want to give up Edwards. Maybe something else for him. I still dont get the Almora for Keirmaier. Almora is Theo first draft pick and is incredible in CF. I just dont get that swap.

 

[Omeletpants]

Found this trade suggestion...


@ESPNChicago: Four trades I'd like to see happen before the winter meetings dlvr.it/Mm5qs4 #Cubs


3.*Tampa Bay Rays*and*Chicago Cubs

The trade

Rays get 2B/OF Ian Happ, RF*Jorge Soler, OF Albert Almora and RHP*Carl Edwards. Cubs get RHP*Chris Archer, CF*Kevin Kiermaier*and RHP*Alex Colome.

Why it works

For the Rays:*The Rays get three everyday players who are all non-arbitration-eligible. They get a long-term solution at second base with Happ, who is a high-OBP hitter with the potential to hit 15-18 homers and steal bases. Soler would get the opportunity to play every day, and if he does, he’ll be projected to hit 20-25 home runs. Almora would take over center field as a plus-plus defender while Edwards can replace Alex Colome as the Rays’ closer. The deal will also save the Rays approximately $50 million in future salaries for both players during their control years, which is extremely important -- at least until they get a new stadium.

For the Cubs:*The Cubs get another top-of-the-rotation starter in Archer to go along with*Jon Lester,*Jake Arrieta,*Kyle Hendricks*and*John Lackey. They would control Archer through 2021 and protect themselves in case they lose both Arrieta and Lackey after next season through free agency. But that isn’t the only obvious benefit. Kiermaier would give them the best defensive center fielder in baseball to replace free agentDexter Fowler, while Colome could take over as closer for the departedAroldis Chapman. The deal would also allow them to hold onto all of their very best young players and prospects, including*Kyle Schwarber,Javier Baez, Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease. The Cubs can trade Happ because they have Baez blocking him, and they can trade Soler because they have Schwarber and Heyward blocking him.



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love it

 

[chibears55]

I dont get the backend. Keirmaier and Almora are about the same player with Almora being under control with more bat potential. Colome isnt a shut down closer and Edwards has bigger potential and under control. Happ Soler and another arm for Archer. I can see that. I dont get the back end part in the Cubs head.

Yea, I think he over thinking it with trying to solve all Cubs need in 1 trade...

Plus

The Rays are looking for young SP to replace Archer

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[beckdawg]

Dylan Cease is flying up the charts. He has another good year with no set backs. He is easily a top 50 prospect for an arm. The guy is Ace potential

Actually if he's healthy it's not entirely unrealistic he is a top 20 prospect. MLB.com graded him out at 70/60/50/50 on his fastball/curve/change/control. Alex Reyes is currently listed as the #7 over player(#2 pitcher) with 70/60/50/45 grades. Lot depends on Cease's health though but he definitely has the tools.

 

[SilenceS]

Actually if he's healthy it's not entirely unrealistic he is a top 20 prospect. MLB.com graded him out at 70/60/50/50 on his fastball/curve/change/control. Alex Reyes is currently listed as the #7 over player(#2 pitcher) with 70/60/50/45 grades. Lot depends on Cease's health though but he definitely has the tools.

A lot of scouts believe he will fly up the minors if healthy and the Cubs dont put a big restriction on him. They have cleaned up his delivery where he is way more consistent. He hit a 100 on the gun after his surgery. He needs to refine his changeup. He has changed his breaking ball into a hard breaker that people are comparing to Doc Goodens breaking ball. They think he will rise two levels this year in the Cubs org.

 

[CSF77]

Soler and Happ with Underwood or Stinnett and either Steele or Sands is a good starting point. Clifton could replace the RH but I wouldn't pack Underwood and Clifton.