Trade deadline/rumors

[CubsWin]

He has less value when you have Contreras, Bryant, Szczr, Almora, Soler that can play LF

How good do you think Schwarber is going to be? (I know, defensively he'll always be Keith Moreland). I think he's going to be a 40 HR guy.

 

[Raskolnikov]

How is it LF or nothing?

Contreras/Schwarber sounds like the catching staff of 2017. Montero looks bad. Trade or reduce to third catcher. His body is breaking down. imo.

Contreras is young and can carry a load, Schwarber will be a good compliment who can also get some starts in LF, DH against AL and pinch hit. Not to mention if they didn't have Rizzo I'm sure he could play first since he can handle heat coming at him.

It sounds like he exactly fits the Maddon mold of poisition flexibility.

I mean if Rizzo went down for a few days, sure maybe you slide Bryant over for his reach. But 1/2 a season or something and I think you would see Schwarber moved over there. ???

 

[Omeletpants]

How is it LF or nothing?

Contreras/Schwarber sounds like the catching staff of 2017. Montero looks bad. Trade or reduce to third catcher. His body is breaking down. imo.

Contreras is young and can carry a load, Schwarber will be a good compliment who can also get some starts in LF, DH against AL and pinch hit. Not to mention if they didn't have Rizzo I'm sure he could play first since he can handle heat coming at him.

It sounds like he exactly fits the Maddon mold of poisition flexibility.

I mean if Rizzo went down for a few days, sure maybe you slide Bryant over for his reach. But 1/2 a season or something and I think you would see Schwarber moved over there. ???

After this severe of a surgery there is little chance anyone would let Schwarbie catch anytime in the near future. Catching takes a real toll on the knees let alone those surgically repaired. I'm betting his days as a catcher are over, Rover

 

[Omeletpants]

How good do you think Schwarber is going to be? (I know, defensively he'll always be Keith Moreland). I think he's going to be a 40 HR guy.

He's a 30 HR potential guy. He is only limited by his inanbility to hit LH pitching. Against certain lefties he won't sniff the lineup

 

[beckdawg]

He's a 30 HR potential guy. He is only limited by his inanbility to hit LH pitching. Against certain lefties he won't sniff the lineup

I mean that was basically the argument on Rizzo for awhile. Granted Rizzo is probably plus defensively at 1B but it's not like 1B is SS in terms of difficulty. At the moment Rizzo is one of the 10-15 best hitters in baseball.

 

[Omeletpants]

I mean that was basically the argument on Rizzo for awhile. Granted Rizzo is probably plus defensively at 1B but it's not like 1B is SS in terms of difficulty. At the moment Rizzo is one of the 10-15 best hitters in baseball.

And Schwarber could improve against LH but how will he get the reps to prove it with all the guys that can play LF

 

[czman]

I am not sold on Schwarber going forward with the Cubs. Contreras looks like the real deal. Schwarber may not be able to play catcher after his injury. So catcher may be out.

I don't think the NL will have the DH in the next two season.

I question if he can play LF after that injury, with his weight, and still be able to hit like we think.

I kind of worry that this injury may force him to 1st base (blocked by Rizzo) or DH (wrong league).

Well I think Schwarber may have the best bat of the group, he has such a compact quick swing that stays in the zone a long time, I question where he plays and stays healthy/productive at. Major knee injuries to heavy people don't always end up well.

 

[Omeletpants]

If he is traded I will be sad, but will understand why

 

[beckdawg]

And Schwarber could improve against LH but how will he get the reps to prove it with all the guys that can play LF

Who's taking his reps? Contreras is a C and as of next season he's basically taking Ross' job. Surely you'd start Schwarber over Soler given your views on Soler. Almora is playing CF next year. None of the younger OF bats are Schwarber. Only argument I see is Bryant with Baez at 3B but we've seen how Maddon uses Baez. There's really not much "blocking" him unless you keep Soler and i'm not sure they do that. Despite being young Soler is actually making around $3-4 mil because his contract was an IFA one.

I'd imagine Maddon may rest Schwarber against particularly nasty LHP but Russell has also been shit vs lefties and he's basically playing every day.

 

[czman]

I'd imagine Maddon may rest Schwarber against particularly nasty LHP but Russell has also been shit vs lefties and he's basically playing every day.

Russell sat the other day vs a lefty and I think he may see some more games off against them. Honestly it is past time for it. He will need to sort some things out in the off-season.

 

[TL1961]

He has less value when you have Contreras, Bryant, Szczr, Almora, Soler that can play LF

Contreras is going to be at catcher.

Almora projects as CF.

Szczur? Really?

You bash Soler but now he makes Schwarber less valuable?

The Cubs have a lot of talent and versatility, which makes any one player less indispensable. But do you not see Schwarber's bat getting him playing time over the guys you listed?

He was starting right out of the gate this year, and the team looks at his bat - rightfully so - as elite.

 

[cubsmann]

Who's taking his reps? Contreras is a C and as of next season he's basically taking Ross' job. Surely you'd start Schwarber over Soler given your views on Soler. Almora is playing CF next year. None of the younger OF bats are Schwarber. Only argument I see is Bryant with Baez at 3B but we've seen how Maddon uses Baez. There's really not much "blocking" him unless you keep Soler and i'm not sure they do that. Despite being young Soler is actually making around $3-4 mil because his contract was an IFA one.

I'd imagine Maddon may rest Schwarber against particularly nasty LHP but Russell has also been shit vs lefties and he's basically playing every day.

Next year were looking at Schwarber, Almora, and Bryant in the OF, with Baez playing third, Russell at SS, Rizzo at 1B, and Zobrist at 2B and Contreras catching. I can't wait for this to be the everyday lineup as I think we are going to be better next year than we have been this year if that's even possible. Schwarber can hit LH pitching and even if he can't its not like he can't , he's just not all that good at it. The only way to get better at it is the see more LH pitching. The guy is only 23 and trading him now for a reliever would be very unwise. I don't think Epstein will as he has said repeatedly that Schwarber and Baez are untouchable. We should probably take the guy at his word. He's been pretty consistent and unless he's lying through his teeth I have to believe that neither Schwarber nor Baez will be anywhere other than in a Cubs uniform for the foreseeable future.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Next year were looking at Schwarber, Almora, and Bryant in the OF, with Baez playing third, Russell at SS, Rizzo at 1B, and Zobrist at 2B and Contreras catching. I can't wait for this to be the everyday lineup as I think we are going to be better next year than we have been this year if that's even possible. Schwarber can hit LH pitching and even if he can't its not like he can't , he's just not all that good at it. The only way to get better at it is the see more LH pitching. The guy is only 23 and trading him now for a reliever would be very unwise. I don't think Epstein will as he has said repeatedly that Schwarber and Baez are untouchable. We should probably take the guy at his word. He's been pretty consistent and unless he's lying through his teeth I have to believe that neither Schwarber nor Baez will be anywhere other than in a Cubs uniform for the foreseeable future.

If Schwarber, Almora and Bryant are in the OF where's Heyward?

 

[beckdawg]

If Schwarber, Almora and Bryant are in the OF where's Heyward?

With the way Maddon's mind works, surely he's pitching.

 

[fatbeard]

Next year were looking at Schwarber, Almora, and Bryant in the OF, with Baez playing third, Russell at SS, Rizzo at 1B, and Zobrist at 2B and Contreras catching. I can't wait for this to be the everyday lineup as I think we are going to be better next year than we have been this year if that's even possible. Schwarber can hit LH pitching and even if he can't its not like he can't , he's just not all that good at it. The only way to get better at it is the see more LH pitching. The guy is only 23 and trading him now for a reliever would be very unwise. I don't think Epstein will as he has said repeatedly that Schwarber and Baez are untouchable. We should probably take the guy at his word. He's been pretty consistent and unless he's lying through his teeth I have to believe that neither Schwarber nor Baez will be anywhere other than in a Cubs uniform for the foreseeable future.

You forgot about Heyward. Odds on Baez will remain in his super-sub role against RHP next year while starting at 3B against LHP (or when Lester is on the mound), moving Bryant to LF and Schwarber sitting:

vs. RHP
1. S Zobrist 2B
2. L Heyward RF
3. R Bryant 3B
4. L Rizzo 1B
5. R Contreras C
6. L Schwarber LF
7. R Russell SS
8. Pitcher
9. R Almora CF

vs. LHP
1. S Zobrist 2B
2. L Heyward RF
3. R Bryant 3B
4. L Rizzo 1B
5. R Contreras C
6. R Baez 3B
7. R Russell SS
8. Pitcher
9. R Almora CF

 

[Raskolnikov]

Win the championship, trade the old guy (Zobrist) high, or keep him as your super sub.

Pray Heyward takes player option.

If not, then at that time trade Soler.

Russell, Bryant, Rizzo, Baez, contreras, Arrieta,

All appear to be an untradable core

Soler, Schwarber, Almora,

Are right there but I think the outfield log jam, needs, play and injuries will eventually determine who stays. The trick is selling high but still choosing right.

I repeat...Epstein can't plan RF long term until Heyward options. The Yankees may stay firm until deadline, then offer Soler for Miller. I think he is just gone because he has value and no spot.

He will got hot and get traded. It's hard to gauge what Scezur, coghlin, and prospects may be able to bring.

I hope the Cubs keep them all. I fear they might be getting too comfortable since every prospect keeps coming up all star.

 

[czman]

I don't know if I agree with all the talk about Almora starting in CF next season.

I think people are under selling Szczur. His bat plays and he should probably be batting 2nd right now and playing LF 3 days a week.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

The Marlins look like they're making a trade for Fernando Rodney fro the Padres. The Dodgers have picked up Bud Norris from Atlanta.

 

[CSF77]

Matt Moore is being shopped by the Rays. He seems to be coming back from TJ now. I was thinking, as Vogelbach was scouted by them, trying to deal here and put Moore in the pen for the rest of the year. Then get him ready to start next year.

 

[CSF77]

I don't know if I agree with all the talk about Almora starting in CF next season.

I think people are under selling Szczur. His bat plays and he should probably be batting 2nd right now and playing LF 3 days a week.

Off topic. But unless they decide to retain Fowler I wouldn't bet on it.

I see it as Zobrist as the lead off until Happ is ready. Almora hits lower in the order.

The only hit on Albert is his walk ratio. Even then his strike out ratio is low also. So he is the type to put the ball into play more than not. What is going to define him will be his ability to hit to all fields to take advantage of a high contact rate.

There is nothing wrong with guys like this but they have to hit lower in the order. Unless they hit .350+ then it don't matter.