Offseason discussion/rumors

[SilenceS]

http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-c...er-baez-and-all-other-pieces-fitting-together

Ben Zobrist is a three-time All-Star and a World Series MVP with a $56 million contract, no-trade protections and enormous respect inside the clubhouse. Zobrist is secure enough to admit that the Cubs will need to play Javier Baez more this year, even if it means shifting back to more of a super-utility role.

Baez became a breakout star as the Cubs won their first World Series title since 1908, starting all 17 playoff games at second base, making highlight-reel plays look routine, turning tagging into an art form and showcasing his confident personality. Baez has no doubt that he should be an everyday player.

The Cubs are built with depth, flexibility and the 162-game marathon in mind. A potential six-man rotation – with the Brett Anderson deal becoming official on Thursday – and a collection of versatile defenders should help keep them fresh for October (and lead to inevitable grumbling about messing with routines and timing).

After a winter where he faced repeated questioning about the way he managed Games 6 and 7 in the World Series, Joe Maddon will again have to massage egos, entertain/inform/distract the media and not lose sight of the big picture. Bench coach Dave Martinez and pitching coach Chris Bosio should at least expect to have some difficult conversations with frustrated players, putting out fires before it gets back to Maddon's office.

Zobrist vs. Baez will be one of countless variables when Maddon sits down at a Starbucks and writes out the lineup on his iPad.

"There's all kinds of stuff going on there," Maddon said. "Of course, you've got to keep everybody involved. (With Kyle) Schwarber being well, you look at Schwarber a lot in left field. And then you look at Javy at second base with Zo. You can even think about Zo in the outfield in right when you want to put Jason (Heyward) in center.

"I'm not worried about that right now."

In part because the Cubs went through this in spring training last year, when Dexter Fowler shocked the baseball world by taking a one-year, $13 million guarantee and showing up at the team's Arizona complex.

"It was kind of right around this time last year that we started having sort of more serious dialogue with Dexter about possibly coming back," general manager Jed Hoyer said at Cubs Convention in mid-January. "Up on the white board in my office, we all sat around and tried to figure out the playing time.

"We had (Jorge) Soler up there. We had Schwarber up there. We had Heyward up there. And (with) Dexter, we were trying to figure out how we could get him enough at-bats.

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"We kept saying: ‘If all the guys are healthy, it's going to be tight, but we can figure this out. And that's going to be Joe's problem.'"

By Game 3, Fowler and Schwarber had crashed into each other in Chase Field's left-center gap. The violent collision forced Schwarber to get major surgery on his left knee, setting the stage for a dramatic World Series return.

"It's a great lesson on depth," Hoyer said.

Zobrist will turn 36 in May and already has a World Series ring from the 2015 Kansas City Royals. He's a patient switch-hitter with contact skills and the ability to play all over the infield and outfield for a team that will be pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle, tailoring lineups for the opposing pitcher and setting specific defensive alignments behind that game's starter.

Beyond the 39 homers and 102 RBI, Kris Bryant won last year's National League MVP award with his strong defensive play all over the field, allowing Maddon to get more and more creative with his lineup decisions and in-game adjustments. Bryant, Heyward, Jon Jay, Albert Almora Jr. and Matt Szczur have the athleticism to play center field this season. Schwarber and Willson Contreras have experience in the outfield and behind the plate.

Maddon watched Baez develop last year and again brought up the idea of awarding a Gold Glove to a super-utility guy. When figuring out where to play Baez defensively – at least before that spectacular playoff performance – Maddon would take into account that game's starting pitcher and information from The Geek Department and try to figure out where the ball should be hit most often.

"He does some things on the field that you just don't teach," third base coach Gary Jones said. "He's one of the most instinctive guys that I've ever been around in my 30-plus years in this game. He just does things on the field that make you go: ‘Wow.'"

That's why Zobrist understood Maddon's decision to let Baez take over second base in October and early November.

"I'm going to talk about rest from Day 1," Maddon said. "I really think it's important, whether it's pitchers or position players to really be aware of giving guys rest.

"Zo's another year older. The last two years, he's played very deep into the year. (And) it's a long spring training with the WBC (World Baseball Classic) going on. Just try to get a pulse of everybody, where they're at, what you think they might need.

"Like last year, we were all worried about how we were going to figure out the outfield – and then two guys run into each other in Arizona. All of a sudden, it takes care of itself. I don't want that to happen that way. But I really believe that we'll be able to parcel the work out, based on conversation and just giving guys rest."

 

[anotheridiot]

**** them with Schwarber and Fowler crashing together, Fowler was in left fucking field and should have backed off the first week of the season. **** Fowler already.

Last year to me it was Joe pushing "his" guys for the all star game. If Zobrist or Bryant played more outfield, odds are they might have been overlooked for the mid summer waste of time. If Joe wants to push Javy to the all star game, thats where he will play more. We know Pittsburgs Harrison made the all star game playing all over, but it was a weak 3rd base year.

This tagging thing, man, I dont know. Two years ago all they did was complain that the cub middle infielders were catching the ball ahead of the base instead of allowing that 95 mph baseball to get to the base. Javy's tags are going to make more little league coaches turn gray, its the wrong thing to do.

 

[Diehardfan]

**** them with Schwarber and Fowler crashing together, Fowler was in left fucking field and should have backed off the first week of the season. **** Fowler already.

Last year to me it was Joe pushing "his" guys for the all star game. If Zobrist or Bryant played more outfield, odds are they might have been overlooked for the mid summer waste of time. If Joe wants to push Javy to the all star game, thats where he will play more. We know Pittsburgs Harrison made the all star game playing all over, but it was a weak 3rd base year.

This tagging thing, man, I dont know. Two years ago all they did was complain that the cub middle infielders were catching the ball ahead of the base instead of allowing that 95 mph baseball to get to the base. Javy's tags are going to make more little league coaches turn gray, its the wrong thing to do.

You have the classic forum handle. It just fits your posts perfectly.....

 

[CSF77]

You have the classic forum handle. It just fits your posts perfectly.....

Quite eloquently also.

 

[CSF77]

So where do most have the Cubs. Over or under last year?

My take is it may end up a wash with the lead off. Fowler's D should be better but Schwarber's potential HR total should nix that edge.

That leaves CF platoon vs the rotational LF last year. I honestly have to give the edge to last year due to Baez getting more AB's at 2B and 3B. That will be a issue with Baez taking away AB's from stronger OBA hitters in Schwarber and Zobrist.

RF should balance out the OF because Heyward most likely will not slump 2x in a row.

So the OF should be a wash.

IF should be the same. No real change.

C: Depends if Contreras starts to mature or is a work in progress with his framing. Add to it will his O suffer with him dedicating 100% to perfecting his catching skills. I believe in his potential. But even Yadi went through many seasons before his O sparked. You have to expect a decent OBA because that is what comes natural but the rest may take time. So most likely a push with less framing and game calling than Ross and Montero gave. So over all a loss.

Bench. Push. Last years bench would have started on many teams. I doubt there will be much change.

Pen improvement. Can't fault that area. Should end up a top 3 pen in baseball. Last year it was a fault where they were vulnerable in close games after the 7th.

Countered by the rotation. Hammel won 14 games. I'm having a hard time seeing that total out of the #5. Add to it they may end up going with a 6 man rotation which would lower the games started by the top 3. Which in it self is a minus by adding 3 guys that are back of the rotation just to save some wear on arms. Jake should bounce back in a contract year but you are also dealing with a year older Lackey and Hendricks that lacks top end stuff and you hope the league doesn't catch up to his intelligence. Over all a minus. No one expects a injury free repeat.

So over all it looks like a push. Each weaker area is countered by a new strength. But the real factor I see is the lacking of desire. Last year they were on a mission to break the curse. This year I don't see that ambition. I have seen it with the off season moves geared to save payroll. With out that killers instinct I'm questioning if they will break 100 wins.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

So where do most have the Cubs. Over or under last year?

My take is it may end up a wash with the lead off. Fowler's D should be better but Schwarber's potential HR total should nix that edge.

That leaves CF platoon vs the rotational LF last year. I honestly have to give the edge to last year due to Baez getting more AB's at 2B and 3B. That will be a issue with Baez taking away AB's from stronger OBA hitters in Schwarber and Zobrist.

RF should balance out the OF because Heyward most likely will not slump 2x in a row.

So the OF should be a wash.

IF should be the same. No real change.

C: Depends if Contreras starts to mature or is a work in progress with his framing. Add to it will his O suffer with him dedicating 100% to perfecting his catching skills. I believe in his potential. But even Yadi went through many seasons before his O sparked. You have to expect a decent OBA because that is what comes natural but the rest may take time. So most likely a push with less framing and game calling than Ross and Montero gave. So over all a loss.

Bench. Push. Last years bench would have started on many teams. I doubt there will be much change.

Pen improvement. Can't fault that area. Should end up a top 3 pen in baseball. Last year it was a fault where they were vulnerable in close games after the 7th.

Countered by the rotation. Hammel won 14 games. I'm having a hard time seeing that total out of the #5. Add to it they may end up going with a 6 man rotation which would lower the games started by the top 3. Which in it self is a minus by adding 3 guys that are back of the rotation just to save some wear on arms. Jake should bounce back in a contract year but you are also dealing with a year older Lackey and Hendricks that lacks top end stuff and you hope the league doesn't catch up to his intelligence. Over all a minus. No one expects a injury free repeat.

So over all it looks like a push. Each weaker area is countered by a new strength. But the real factor I see is the lacking of desire. Last year they were on a mission to break the curse. This year I don't see that ambition. I have seen it with the off season moves geared to save payroll. With out that killers instinct I'm questioning if they will break 100 wins.

Last year I picked them for 95 wins, this year I'll go there again. I realize that by pythagorean record the Cubs actually underperformed last year and that this team is probably pretty close to last year's team but I don't think winning more that 95 games is something you predict. All that said I think the 3 keys are this

1) The rotation stays healthy which is a huge if as we know it's the exception when a rotation is relatively healthy all year like we were last year.
2) The performance of Heyward and Schwarber are the keys. If Heyward bounces back and Schwarber hits like we think he can this team could very well be better than anyone could predict. Those are big ifs though.
3) Does the team first attitude continue after winning a World Series. To me this is a variable no one talks about. There were reports that Maddon lost the confidence of his veterans at times in Tampa Bay, could that happen here? I think it's unlikely given the makeup of these guys but it is something to watch.

 

[CSF77]

Last year I picked them for 95 wins, this year I'll go there again. I realize that by pythagorean record the Cubs actually underperformed last year and that this team is probably pretty close to last year's team but I don't think winning more that 95 games is something you predict. All that said I think the 3 keys are this

1) The rotation stays healthy which is a huge if as we know it's the exception when a rotation is relatively healthy all year like we were last year.
2) The performance of Heyward and Schwarber are the keys. If Heyward bounces back and Schwarber hits like we think he can this team could very well be better than anyone could predict. Those are big ifs though.
3) Does the team first attitude continue after winning a World Series. To me this is a variable no one talks about. There were reports that Maddon lost the confidence of his veterans at times in Tampa Bay, could that happen here? I think it's unlikely given the makeup of these guys but it is something to watch.

My key is the rotation also. They have to be able to go 6 innings keeping the runs down on avg. the pen is so deep that you can just hand it to them in the 7th on a every day basis.

 

[beckdawg]

Last year I picked them for 95 wins, this year I'll go there again. I realize that by pythagorean record the Cubs actually underperformed last year and that this team is probably pretty close to last year's team but I don't think winning more that 95 games is something you predict. All that said I think the 3 keys are this

1) The rotation stays healthy which is a huge if as we know it's the exception when a rotation is relatively healthy all year like we were last year.
2) The performance of Heyward and Schwarber are the keys. If Heyward bounces back and Schwarber hits like we think he can this team could very well be better than anyone could predict. Those are big ifs though.
3) Does the team first attitude continue after winning a World Series. To me this is a variable no one talks about. There were reports that Maddon lost the confidence of his veterans at times in Tampa Bay, could that happen here? I think it's unlikely given the makeup of these guys but it is something to watch.

I get the rationale but I think it's frankly a bit low. It's more than just Heyward. Contreras played half a season. Schwarber obviously is back. Baez could take another step forward as could Russell. Obviously injuries happen but offensively outside of Contreras is there really a spot they are super vulnerable? I guess CF and maybe 1B though you could potentially plug Bryant or Schwarber in at 1B. Then there's obviously the rotation staying healthy but with the depth they've recently added I'm less concerned there. It's pretty much a given they will target pitching at the deadline given the potential of losing both Arrieta and Lackey.

And the thing is, they aren't even that vulnerable if they don't hit. Their defense and base running elevates the floor of performance. They are a team that can beat you in a 1-0 game if their pitching well and can out slug you if they are hitting. And if both are playing well then good luck.

 

[chibears55]

So where do most have the Cubs. Over or under last year?

My take is it may end up a wash with the lead off. Fowler's D should be better but Schwarber's potential HR total should nix that edge.

That leaves CF platoon vs the rotational LF last year. I honestly have to give the edge to last year due to Baez getting more AB's at 2B and 3B. That will be a issue with Baez taking away AB's from stronger OBA hitters in Schwarber and Zobrist.

RF should balance out the OF because Heyward most likely will not slump 2x in a row.

So the OF should be a wash.

IF should be the same. No real change.

C: Depends if Contreras starts to mature or is a work in progress with his framing. Add to it will his O suffer with him dedicating 100% to perfecting his catching skills. I believe in his potential. But even Yadi went through many seasons before his O sparked. You have to expect a decent OBA because that is what comes natural but the rest may take time. So most likely a push with less framing and game calling than Ross and Montero gave. So over all a loss.

Bench. Push. Last years bench would have started on many teams. I doubt there will be much change.

Pen improvement. Can't fault that area. Should end up a top 3 pen in baseball. Last year it was a fault where they were vulnerable in close games after the 7th.

Countered by the rotation. Hammel won 14 games. I'm having a hard time seeing that total out of the #5. Add to it they may end up going with a 6 man rotation which would lower the games started by the top 3. Which in it self is a minus by adding 3 guys that are back of the rotation just to save some wear on arms. Jake should bounce back in a contract year but you are also dealing with a year older Lackey and Hendricks that lacks top end stuff and you hope the league doesn't catch up to his intelligence. Over all a minus. No one expects a injury free repeat.

So over all it looks like a push. Each weaker area is countered by a new strength. But the real factor I see is the lacking of desire. Last year they were on a mission to break the curse. This year I don't see that ambition. I have seen it with the off season moves geared to save payroll. With out that killers instinct I'm questioning if they will break 100 wins.

I'm going with under, more so because of the SP then the offense...

The SP is questionable on what to expect from them..

Lester came back and had an outstanding year with 19 wins 2.44 ERA.
Not sure if he can duplicate that at age 33

Arrieta(31) , though he ended up with 18 wins and a good ERA of 3.10 did struggle in second half.
In his FA year, it could go either way for him..
He could have a good year or he might press a bit looking for a big time contract and trying to not get hurt.

Hendricks had a career year all around..
16 wins 2.13 ERA
I don't think he'll come close to duplicating the ERA, though I do think he can be good enough for another 15 wins.

Lackey will be 38..
I'm expecting a lot of bad games and maybe even an injury stint from him at some point.
I'd be surprise if he gets 10 wins and or finishes above .500

Hammel and his 15 wins gone from the 5 hole.
In not sure we should expect that from either Montgomery and or Anderson..

So, all in all its gonna come down to Lester Arrieta and Hendricks to be top notch again..
Hope Lackey and whoever ends up at 5 don't totally suck ass.

I'm not high on the SP going into season now, I'm hoping their able to grab a top notch starter before deadline.


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[beckdawg]

@ pitching not repeating

I'm not sure I agree there. I mean Hendricks likely falls off some but I think a large part of why the cubs were so good was their team defense. They were +82 DRS and +73.0 UZR. Astros were #2 with 51 DRS. Giants were #2 with 47.7 UZR. Cubs were nearly double in both cases. That's an astronomical gap. For example the 31 DRS difference is the difference between the Astros and the #9 Indians(17 DRS) or like wise the #9 Red Sox(22.2 UZR).

 

[beckdawg]

Cubs have apparently signed Williams Perez to a minor league deal. Total depth option but he's only 25 so there is that. Not a bad guy to audition for ST.

 

[CSF77]

Cubs have 38 pitching invites now. They are stocking up for sure.

My biggest issue is the staff. But a second issue is LF not being open to give Baez the start at 2B. If it was Heyward at CF and Zo in RF with Almora coming in late game I would believe the O would be better by far.

Pitching wise they just have to keep it close for 6 innings. The pen is so deep that they could go 7-9 Grimm/Strop/Rondon on not so close days or when the "A" squad needs a blow. Then Ueraha/Edwards/Wade in nail biters.

That stability will strengthen the rotation knowing that they have to manage a game and limit vs shut down

 

[beckdawg]

But a second issue is LF not being open to give Baez the start at 2B. If it was Heyward at CF and Zo in RF with Almora coming in late game I would believe the O would be better by far.

Would it though? Baez hit .273/.314/.423 last year. Almora hit .277/.308/.455. If you think Baez has another break through then fine but given both provide great defense and have thus far anyways hit similarly I don't really think it's that big of a deal. And obviously Almora might be better than he showed in his first call up. Baez will see his playing time and people will move around. And that's not even mentioning the fact the cubs offense is projected at 29.4 fWAR for 2017 right now which is a full 3 wins over the #2 team.

Ultimately I doubt you really want Schwarber Heyward and Zobrist in the outfield at the same time. Zobrist is ok in RF but he's no longer stellar there and you're likely sacrificing a fair bit with Schwarber in LF already.

 

[chibears55]

@ pitching not repeating

I'm not sure I agree there. I mean Hendricks likely falls off some but I think a large part of why the cubs were so good was their team defense. They were +82 DRS and +73.0 UZR. Astros were #2 with 51 DRS. Giants were #2 with 47.7 UZR. Cubs were nearly double in both cases. That's an astronomical gap. For example the 31 DRS difference is the difference between the Astros and the #9 Indians(17 DRS) or like wise the #9 Red Sox(22.2 UZR).

Sure the defense was way above great last year..
So now your not only counting on that again...

You think Lester going to be above his norm again.

Arrieta going to be very good Arrieta again all year or most of it.

You agree Hendricks going to drop off a little..

youre counting on Lackey being good all year..

whoever ends up at 5 to match the outstanding performance they got from Hammel in that 5 hole.
That right there is asking a lot from 2 guys who one hasn't really started much and another coming off surgery.


Last year it was a combination of very good SP, offense, defense, and streaky bullpen that carried them to 103 wins..

I just think this year the SP going to drop a bit, especially with Lackey and the 5 hole.
The offense should be better, especially if Heyward comes around.
The defense should be solid again..
The bullpen , if Strop and Rondon can rebound from last year late struggle should be one of the better ones in league..

So, because I think the SP drops some I don't feel its a sure 100 win team, but because of the offense, defense, and the potential of bullpen being very good. I do think their a 90+ win team.





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[chibears55]

Cubs have 38 pitching invites now. They are stocking up for sure.

My biggest issue is the staff. But a second issue is LF not being open to give Baez the start at 2B. If it was Heyward at CF and Zo in RF with Almora coming in late game I would believe the O would be better by far.

Pitching wise they just have to keep it close for 6 innings. The pen is so deep that they could go 7-9 Grimm/Strop/Rondon on not so close days or when the "A" squad needs a blow. Then Ueraha/Edwards/Wade in nail biters.

That stability will strengthen the rotation knowing that they have to manage a game and limit vs shut down

I knew they signed a lot, didn't realise it was that many...

Makes me wonder now if towards end of ST, they make some minor trades with some of these guys for low end minor leaguers to stock that part of system for future.

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[CSF77]

I knew they signed a lot, didn't realise it was that many...

Makes me wonder now if towards end of ST, they make some minor trades with some of these guys for low end minor leaguers to stock that part of system for future.

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http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/215122152/chicago-cubs-possess-pitching-surplus/

Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Mike Montgomery, Carl Edwards Jr., Hector Rondon, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop, Anderson, Davis, Uehara and Duensing are known quantities. Anderson and Duensing must show they're healthy and on track but in general these guys have the luxury to pace themselves toward April.
But that hardly means camp will be dull, as there are lots of intriguing storylines lower on the depth chart. Here's a clip-and-save breakdown of those guys, by their purpose in camp:
Rule 5 guy
Caleb Smith, a live-armed lefty from the Giants' organization, has struck out 13 per nine innings but never pitched above Class A. The Cubs don't seem to have any place to put him, but they liked him enough to pay the Brewers to select him for them in the draft of unprotected Minor Leaguers. Since Smith can't be sent out without being offered back to San Francisco, he'll be in a one-of-a-kind situation in camp.
First responders
RHP: Jim Henderson, Fernando Rodriguez, Felix Pena, Williams Perez, Jake Buchanan and Seth Frankoff.
LHP: Jack Leathersich and David Rollins.
Henderson and Rodriguez might be the most important depth guys in the group of pitchers going to camp without jobs. Henderson saved 28 games for Milwaukee in 2013 and is healthy again after a battle with shoulder injuries that limited him in '14 and '15. Rodriguez made 90 appearances for Oakland the past two seasons. His four-seam fastball averages 94 mph with deception and life, giving right-handed hitters fits.

Next wave
RHP: Eddie Butler, Jose Rosario, Duane Underwood Jr. and Pierce Johnson.
LHP: Rob Zastryzny.
Zastryzny is the first pitcher drafted by Theo Epstein's Chicago regime to reach Wrigley Field, and he looked comfortable in a Major League uniform. He's more about pitchability than stuff and a fast start at Iowa could make him a candidate for a midseason promotion.
No one in camp is more interesting than Butler, who qualifies as the 7A starter after being acquired from Colorado in a minor trade earlier this week. He was the 46th overall pick of the 2012 Draft and was a highly regarded prospect with the Rockies, but he couldn't crack the combination to the safe at Coors Field.
You hear about pitchers who are better after Tommy John surgery, and Rosario looks like one of them. He missed 2015 while recovering from surgery and turned in a terrific performance last season, when he was used exclusively in relief.
Underwood, 22, should return to the Double-A rotation this season, which isn't really behind schedule. But the hype about him isn't what you'd expect for a second-round Draft choice. Johnson was the second player drafted by Epstein in Chicago, after Albert Almora Jr., and carried big expectations coming out of pitching-rich Missouri State. He's had a hard time staying healthy and pitching effectively and is entering a make-or-break spring and season.
Medically cleared
RHP: Conor Mullee, Ryan Williams, Aaron Brooks and Andury Acevedo.
LHP: Zac Rosscup and Manny Parra.
Rosscup was acquired in the Hendry trade that cost the Cubs future Rays ace Chris Archer. Rosscup made 61 appearances for the Cubs in 2013-15. He's coming back from arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder last May and intent on working his way back into a role as a late-inning neutralizer of left-handed hitters.
Williams, a product of East Carolina University, has pitched more effectively than anyone else in the Cubs' system since being drafted in the 10th round in 2014. His 2.29 career ERA includes his work at Iowa last season, before shoulder tightness stopped him after nine starts. Williams is an important guy to get healthy.
Mullee, who was waiver-claimed from the Yankees, has had a tough time staying healthy. He was having a breakthrough season at age 28 when numbness in his hand shut him down last summer. Brooks was seen as rotation depth after being acquired from Oakland, but he must answer questions about a hip injury. Acevedo likewise had created excitement as a potential bullpen piece before knee surgery ended his 2016 season in April.
Parra, a veteran who has started and relieved, missed last season after Tommy John surgery.
Eye openers
RHP: Casey Kelly, Maikel Cleto, Daniel Corcino, Jhondaniel Medina and Dylan Floro.
LHP: Gerardo Concepcion.
More than Anthony Rizzo, Kelly, 27, was seen as the key to the Adrian Gonzalez-to-Boston trade by San Diego. A first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2008, Kelly is a Tommy John survivor. Cleto has an arm you love (fastballs in the range of 97-99 mph), but Major League hitters have rendered him ineffective by making him throw strikes.
Once compared to Johnny Cueto as a prospect for the Reds, Corcino worked as a Double-A reliever for the Dodgers last year after a series of injuries in 2015 lowered expectations for him. Medina, who turns 24 next week, is the youngest guy on this list. He pitched effectively for four seasons in the Pirates' system as a right-handed reliever, but he never escaped the shuttle between Altoona and Indianapolis.
Concepcion made three Major League appearances over the course of a five-year, $6 million contract, and he timed them well enough to receive a World Series ring. Good work if you can get it.

 

[CSF77]

Duensing: Not a fan. 5.9 career k/9 for a BP arm is not good. There are too many times a guy is called in with no room for error and you can't put a high contact rate guy in that situation.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duensbr01.shtml

Smith is worth keeping with a career 13.0 K/9 in the minors. Keep him as the 2nd lefty behind Montgomery. If he struggles pull a phantom injury and promote Rosscup.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=smith-007cal

I doubt Jim Henderson, Fernando Rodriguez stick. They will most likely bounce and look elsewhere. Too good to play AAA baseball but not going to crack this squad.'

I agree that it is Jake Buchanan and Seth Frankoff that will be the injury reserve for the rotation. They need to develop Eddie Butler and Rob Zastryzny more. Johnson is about gone.

That is about it. I don't see too much contests going on and they should break camp with 13.

 

[SilenceS]

Hammel signs with Royals. 2 years 16 mill guarantee

 

[beckdawg]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/02/yankees-made-starlin-castro-available-in-trade-talks.html

 

[anotheridiot]

Hammel signs with Royals. 2 years 16 mill guarantee

theres even a third year option in that deal.