Offseason Stuff

[TL1961]

Since apparently you cant look it up, they are tenth at 68 million less than the cubs and red sox. You might say they are spending wisely.

I have allowed my work and home life to interfere with researching and discussing baseball 24/7.

I hang my head in shame.

 

[CSF77]

“Happ isn’t much of a dropoff from Bryant.”

Ok. ?

I tend to agree with you here. Nico is league avg at SS. Baez is in the GG convo at SS. If Nico was = Russell at SS then you could make the Baez to 3B trade Bryant.

I feel if a team knocks their socks off then they have to listen but they are not by any means forced to trade him at this moment.

 

[CSF77]

To be clear I feel the big fish this year will be Lindor and Jon Grey in trade. But 3B and SP are deep this year and trades will be back burner stuff vs for runners.

 

[Castor76]

“Happ isn’t much of a dropoff from Bryant.”

Ok. ?

As a left handed batter, Happ has a career slash line .248/.353/.502 versus Bryant's career slash of .284/.385/.516. The 35 points of BA translate directly to OBP and the slight uptick in SLG. When compared to what you'd have to pay Bryant versus Happ. And their slash w/ RISP, one has .268/.387/.473 while the other has .255/.378/.468. So when it counts most, there's virtually no difference

 

[CSF77]

As a left handed batter, Happ has a career slash line .248/.353/.502 versus Bryant's career slash of .284/.385/.516. The 35 points of BA translate directly to OBP and the slight uptick in SLG. When compared to what you'd have to pay Bryant versus Happ. And their slash w/ RISP, one has .268/.387/.473 while the other has .255/.378/.468. So when it counts most, there's virtually no difference

Pointless debate.

Bryant > Happ.

Happ has potential to be a everyday 3B. For sure he does and he could end up pretty good at it.

But this is more about. Win in 2020. Or reload in 2020.

That is the real debate that will unfold.

Trading Bryant is a clear signal of folding this year. There is no other way to view this.

So with this in mind I highly doubt that Theo folds on 2020 yet. Out of it in June and yes Bryant can start packing.

 

[CSF77]

Some background on Akiyama:

• The outfielder has spent nine seasons with the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball, hitting .301/.376/.454 in his career. Akiyama set NPB's single-season hits record with 216 in '15. Over the past five seasons ('15-19), he's posted a .399 on-base percentage.

• In October, there were reports that the Cubs, D-backs, Mariners and Padres were scouting Akiyama. So far this offseason, the Cubs, D-backs and Blue Jays have been linked to the unrestricted free agent, who is not subject to the posting process.

• Akiyama, who will turn 32 in April, sustained a fractured bone in his right foot on Oct. 31. With an entire offseason to recover, he is seeking a Major League opportunity. But Akiyama could still opt to stay in Japan on a new contract if the right fit doesn't present itself.

Two Major League evaluators -- one from a rival National League team and another from the American League -- felt Akiyama was more of a fourth outfielder than an everyday option. He was viewed as an average to slightly below-average defender at this point, but with good hand-eye skills and decent speed offensively. One called it "risky" to bank on him being a slam dunk, everyday center fielder.

 

[CSF77]

Pretty sure it will be the Cubs vs the Blue Jay's with Yu giving the Cubs a big edge.

Don't be shocked if the Cubs sign him in a sort of reset year.

I don't think anyone believes that the Cubs are 110% commited to 2020. They fall under pretenders going in. But I do see them sorting themselves this year.

That means no major moves this off season but will listen and only trigger huge returns.

They will let the season dictate their choices at the dead line.

They will get under tax.

They need to put out a team with out holes. CF is a hole. That signing seals it. Worst case platoon with Almora. Which makes sense.

The other hole is the 8th but with them thinking minor league on Morrow I see them sticking internal here. Wick proved solid and Morrow is icing on the cake

 

[Castor76]

Pointless debate.

Bryant > Happ.

Happ has potential to be a everyday 3B. For sure he does and he could end up pretty good at it.

But this is more about. Win in 2020. Or reload in 2020.

That is the real debate that will unfold.

Trading Bryant is a clear signal of folding this year. There is no other way to view this.

So with this in mind I highly doubt that Theo folds on 2020 yet. Out of it in June and yes Bryant can start packing.

It's not a pointless debate just because you say so. I didn't argue that Bryant is not better than Happ. My claim is that Bryant isn't so good he's untradeable, even this off season. You said the Cubs need to get under the CBT. Right now they are projected to have a 40 man of about 213.5 M. Maybe they trade Russell for a bag of baseballs and fill from within. That still puts them just over the tax. If they really want to get under that, they need to trade Bryant, Quintana, or Chatwood. There's always a market for pitching. There isn't always a market for third base. Unless WAS and ATL retain the respective FA and other teams decide to stand pat, then someone will lose out on them. The Cubs don't have to give him away, but I doubt that Bryant is a Cub come April.

 

[Omeletpants]

Brewers new jerseys

Brewers unveil new logo and jerseys

On Monday, the Brewers unveiled a familiar logo and new jerseys to help celebrate their 50th anniversary as a franchise.

mlb.nbcsports.com

 

[TL1961]

As a left handed batter, Happ has a career slash line .248/.353/.502 versus Bryant's career slash of .284/.385/.516. The 35 points of BA translate directly to OBP and the slight uptick in SLG. When compared to what you'd have to pay Bryant versus Happ. And their slash w/ RISP, one has .268/.387/.473 while the other has .255/.378/.468. So when it counts most, there's virtually no difference

So, in conclusion, you admit Happ would be a drop off, but the team could save money. They don't throw a parade for spending less.

Happ is no way, no how, Bryant's equal, Not batting. Not running. Not even fielding. Not close.

 

[TL1961]

Trading Bryant is literally the worst move the Cubs could make.

 

[greg23]

Trading Bryant is literally the worst move the Cubs could make.

Well, they could hire Nagy to run the offense or sign Trubisky to be their Ace.

Those would be worse moves.

 

[CSF77]

Trading Bryant is literally the worst move the Cubs could make.

Depends on the return. 2 top 100 you have to say yes.

 

[Castor76]

Trading Bryant is literally the worst move the Cubs could make.

After such convincing arguments, you have my vote. If the Cubs are set on getting under the tax as all reports indicate, then trading Bryant is their best move.

You know what else they don't throw parades for? Spending money. If the Cubs can find a deal worth the while, they should trade Bryant.

 

[TL1961]

Depends on the return. 2 top 100 you have to say yes.

A bird in hand....

 

[TL1961]

After such convincing arguments, you have my vote. If the Cubs are set on getting under the tax as all reports indicate, then trading Bryant is their best move.

You know what else they don't throw parades for? Spending money. If the Cubs can find a deal worth the while, they should trade Bryant.

Yep. Let’s all buy tickets to read the Ricketts’ financial statements. That sounds better than winning.

 

[CSF77]

A bird in hand....

KB used to say that also. I agree with you on some issues. But if you are losing him anyways you need to strike when the iron is hot.

Again I feel that this season needs to dictate choices. Not economics.

 

[Discus fish salesman]

It's not a pointless debate just because you say so. I didn't argue that Bryant is not better than Happ. My claim is that Bryant isn't so good he's untradeable, even this off season. You said the Cubs need to get under the CBT. Right now they are projected to have a 40 man of about 213.5 M. Maybe they trade Russell for a bag of baseballs and fill from within. That still puts them just over the tax. If they really want to get under that, they need to trade Bryant, Quintana, or Chatwood. There's always a market for pitching. There isn't always a market for third base. Unless WAS and ATL retain the respective FA and other teams decide to stand pat, then someone will lose out on them. The Cubs don't have to give him away, but I doubt that Bryant is a Cub come April.

You compared Bryant and Happs numbers as if that is a fair argument. Bryant plays everyday. Happ only plays when it is a favorable match up for him. Happ is far from a replacement for Bryant.

In saying all that TL is absolutely incorrect when he regurgitates trading Bryant is a bad move. If they keep Bryant and everyone else they are going to be the same team they’ve been the last few years. Competitive, but not a real contender and with zero financial flexibility. Also Bryant is leaving in free agency. A smart franchise recognizes their window closing and maneuvers to create a new window. Holding onto players to long is a mistake the cubs have made in the past

 

[beckdawg]

There's probably gonna be a few trades between today and end of business tomorrow. Rule 5 deadline is tomorrow. Also fwiw the cubs have 8 40 man spots open which is amongst the most in baseball. Seems likely the cubs will try to snag some fringe guys.

 

[CSF77]

You compared Bryant and Happs numbers as if that is a fair argument. Bryant plays everyday. Happ only plays when it is a favorable match up for him. Happ is far from a replacement for Bryant.

In saying all that TL is absolutely incorrect when he regurgitates trading Bryant is a bad move. If they keep Bryant and everyone else they are going to be the same team they’ve been the last few years. Competitive, but not a real contender and with zero financial flexibility. Also Bryant is leaving in free agency. A smart franchise recognizes their window closing and maneuvers to create a new window. Holding onto players to long is a mistake the cubs have made in the past

I don't think that he cares if it a good move or not. It has to do with winning now.

I get that honestly. Let the future dictate itself.

Say Bryant puts up 5 WAR by July and the Cubs really are not winning games under David. This is honestly a good possibility. Team A offers the Cubs a top 100 arm and a 3B prospect on the Cusp.

Sure you take it. You know that Bryant is gone in a year and now you are contemplating a over haul.

Flip side holds true also. Cubs rally behind David and you never trade out on a contender.

Worst case is what happened to SFG. Hot streak in July. Screwed them at the trade dead line because it was never sustainable.