Winter Meeting (Trades)

[CSF77]

Well Cleveland isn't the only person the cubs are talking to apparently. We know they have talked to the Braves recently and apparently the Padres both of whom appear to be garbage next year. The braves starting rotation consists of Julio Teheran, 25 year old Williams Perez(4.78/4.87 ERA/FIP), 23 year old Matthew Wisler(4.71/4.93 ERA/FIP), 24 year old Mike Foltynewicz(5.71/5.05 ERA/FIP) and not really sure who their 5th is. Ball park guess is Manny Banuelos who has had injury issues in the past and who had a 5.13/5.37 ERA/FIP last season. Suffice to say, Hammel would probably be their #1 pitcher if they deal Teheran. San Diego's rotation consists of Tyson Ross, James Shields, and Andrew Cashner all three of whom have been mentioned in various trade talks to numerous teams. Ian Kennedy went to FA so 28 year old Odrisamer Despaigne(5.80/4.77 ERA/FIP) would be their #4. They have no solid answer at their #5 starter.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Hammel has immense trade value. My point is more that Hendricks has far more value to the cubs than Hammel does and neither of them really should make or break a trade. The meat of the trade will be your Soler/Baez type and maybe a Vogelbach or McKinney or whomever if it is to occur. It's just that with the way things are being reported, if the cubs are to move anyone it's almost certainly going to be someone making actual money. It's great the cubs found a way to sign Heyward but by all indications they are likely close to maxed out budget right now. And Arrieta has 2 years left before FA. So, if you're freeing someone up from the starting rotation you'd prefer to replace Hammel's contract with Teheran/Ross/whomever and keep Hendricks' rookie deal.

Again, whether or not Cleveland/Atlanta/Padres/whomever does that trade is some what inconsequential because I don't see the cubs agreeing to a deal where they have to give up someone who's as cheap and effective as Hendricks when they know Arrieta's is about to get $10-15 mil more per season.

Depends on what that team is trying to do. If they are looking to get past for a year sure Hammel is fine. But IMO if you are looking to rebuild your team you are looking at talent in return.

I do not consider Hendricks "talent" He is a bottom of the rotation arm. Until he proves that to be untrue. So if he was a part of a deal it would be to cover the innings in the rotation lost while they take on a few quality players.

If it was me and I was looking to rebuild I would take Hendricks to not take back contract. Then I want 2 quality prospects for my pitcher. Depending on my needs. Cubs have a few quality prospects in Happ, Almora, McKinney. Arms are ok. Cease maybe the best arm in the system. I would target Underwood as he is the safest bet to become a major league starter.

That is the way I would approach it. Why would I take on Hammel and the 9 mil. If I was wanting to get that type I would pay it on the market. That quality is out there.

 

[CSF77]

They are still exploring cf options. That could be a 1/3 of your lineup and 2/5 your pitching staff. That is a lot of turnover


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Still rumor. Seems their main goal is getting a cost controlled arm. IDK they could go into S/T status Que and would be the favored. But upgrade either Hendricks or Hammel and this team starts to look like a 100+ win team.

I would look to sell Soler and Hendricks and bring back something. After resign Fowler to play CF. This team would be something to watch then.

Someone could be Andrew Heaney, Henry Owens etc. I would prefer a 2nd LH arm slotting after Lackey.

 

[beckdawg]

Depends on what that team is trying to do. If they are looking to get past for a year sure Hammel is fine. But IMO if you are looking to rebuild your team you are looking at talent in return.

I do not consider Hendricks "talent" He is a bottom of the rotation arm. Until he proves that to be untrue. So if he was a part of a deal it would be to cover the innings in the rotation lost while they take on a few quality players.

If it was me and I was looking to rebuild I would take Hendricks to not take back contract. Then I want 2 quality prospects for my pitcher. Depending on my needs. Cubs have a few quality prospects in Happ, Almora, McKinney. Arms are ok. Cease maybe the best arm in the system. I would target Underwood as he is the safest bet to become a major league starter.

That is the way I would approach it. Why would I take on Hammel and the 9 mil. If I was wanting to get that type I would pay it on the market. That quality is out there.

Well whether or not you view him as talent I think this organization does. So, I doubt it really matters. As for Hammel vs the field in FA, good luck there. Mike Pelfrey got 2 years $16 mil and isn't anywhere near as good as Hammel.

 

[czman]

the more I look at this the more I want Soler in RF for at least a year. The Cubs are very left handed right now. They kind of need Soler and his bat from the right side. The biggest worry is injury with him. The Cubs could be starting 5 LHs most games, LF/CF/RF/1B/C and that does not count Zobrist at 2b who is a switch hitter.

 

[chibears55]

the more I look at this the more I want Soler in RF for at least a year. The Cubs are very left handed right now. They kind of need Soler and his bat from the right side. The biggest worry is injury with him. The Cubs could be starting 5 LHs most games, LF/CF/RF/1B/C and that does not count Zobrist at 2b who is a switch hitter.

C. Montero LH
1B. Rizzo LH
2B Zobrist SH
SS. Russell RH
3B Bryant RH
LF Schwarber LH
CF Heyward LH
RF. Soler RH

I agree if they do trade Soler, they would have to bring in another RH or SH to play CF , otherwise they will be LH heavy in lineup with Bryant being the only power threat from right side.

That would probably rule out Span and might favor a return of Fowler who might agree to a slightly discounted deal to return

 

[Sunbiz1]

Gotta give props to Theo:

The week before last he made a statement Cubs cannot afford to compete for Greinke, a statement it turns out was designed to throw off the competition.

Cubs have the best GM in baseball.:yep:

 

[chibears55]

Was just checking out the cubs payroll which sits in the 130s now, without the addition of the 2nd yr players and 7 Arbs.

Was wondering if any of the Arbs would accept a lesser deal just to be able to stay on team now, like Wood, Grimm, and Strop.