You're the GM (Game)

[chibears55]

Interesting, Victorino is going back to SH which would give Maddon even more flexibility with the OFers and PHers

Schwarber LH
Heyward LH
Soler RH
Fowler SH
Victorino SH

He can also go with
Baez RH
Zobrist SH
Bryant RH

Talk about depth in OF just on major league roster itself

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Interesting, Victorino is going back to SH which would give Maddon even more flexibility with the OFers and PHers

Schwarber LH
Heyward LH
Soler RH
Fowler SH
Victorino SH

He can also go with
Baez RH
Zobrist SH
Bryant RH

Talk about depth in OF just on major league roster itself

I still would be very surprised if Victorino makes this team although La Stella has options and I supposed they could go with Ross, Baez, Victorino and Soler. With OF time at a premium this would surprise me. Jim Bowden on MLB radio suggested yesterday that, if it were him making the call, Soler could go down and start the year at AAA. Now THAT would really surprise me.

 

[chibears55]

I still would be very surprised if Victorino makes this team although La Stella has options and I supposed they could go with Ross, Baez, Victorino and Soler. With OF time at a premium this would surprise me. Jim Bowden on MLB radio suggested yesterday that, if it were him making the call, Soler could go down and start the year at AAA. Now THAT would really surprise me.

I still don't see a reason to carry 8 relievers, seems like a waste and dumb to deplete your bench for in NL. .

Your going to need that extra bat more then reliever for the most part. ..


I also find it hard to believe Victorino would sign here without almost a guarantee to make roster as long as he has a good spring. ..
im sure he could of signed with another team for 2 mil and a guarenteed spot on roster .

We shall find out


Dont know why people hate on Soler, yea he needs to show he can stay healthy which the depth in OF now will help giving him days off, but id rather have his potential bat in lineup over Fowler and i like Fowler too...

I just think signing Fowler who a SH just gave Maddon the opportunity to give Heyward ,and more so Schwarber and Soler a few more extra days rest especially when facing lefties for schwarber and certain righties for Soler..

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I still don't see a reason to carry 8 relievers, seems like a waste and dumb to deplete your bench for in NL. .

Your going to need that extra bat more then reliever for the most part. ..


I also find it hard to believe Victorino would sign here without almost a guarantee to make roster as long as he has a good spring. ..
im sure he could of signed with another team for 2 mil and a guarenteed spot on roster .

We shall find out


Dont know why people hate on Soler, yea he needs to show he can stay healthy which the depth in OF now will help giving him days off, but id rather have his potential bat in lineup over Fowler and i like Fowler too...

I just think signing Fowler who a SH just gave Maddon the opportunity to give Heyward ,and more so Schwarber and Soler a few more extra days rest especially when facing lefties for schwarber and certain righties for Soler..

Victorino wanted a place to play ST, if he plays well he'll catch on with someone be it the Cubs or another team. He didn't have a whole lot of takers. Murton is a similar case.

The team has been pretty consistent in saying they will carry 13 pitchers. Part of that is that I think there are a lot of arms that they like in the pen. Rondon, Strop, Grimm and Wood and Warren are locks. Cahill and Brothers are pretty close to locks. Ramirez is the wild card here. If he had options maybe they'd break camp with 12 pitchers but he doesn't and if he shows anything this spring they're going to want to keep him. That still leaves Richard off the roster and they do like him. I'd be surprised if they go with a 5 man bench to start the season.

 

[chibears55]

Victorino wanted a place to play ST, if he plays well he'll catch on with someone be it the Cubs or another team. He didn't have a whole lot of takers. Murton is a similar case.

The team has been pretty consistent in saying they will carry 13 pitchers. Part of that is that I think there are a lot of arms that they like in the pen. Rondon, Strop, Grimm and Wood and Warren are locks. Cahill and Brothers are pretty close to locks. Ramirez is the wild card here. If he had options maybe they'd break camp with 12 pitchers but he doesn't and if he shows anything this spring they're going to want to keep him. That still leaves Richard off the roster and they do like him. I'd be surprised if they go with a 5 man bench to start the season.

Murton is definitely a showcase signing, for him at worse he plays in state and in Iowa after being in Japan. .

We don't know what the interest level was in Victorino but yes im sure it wasn't alot, plus i dont think he has any connection with team like murton has or with management to be given a showcase spot on team with a million roster deal and million games played deal...
He could of went to any team he had connection to for that, like the Phillies , if it was just to showcase himself. .

Again, i just think he was offered an opportunity to make team if he had a good ST as a 5th OFer/SH PH


unless im missing it, i haven't seen anything where maddon says he going north with 13 pitchers this year..

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Murton is definitely a showcase signing, for him at worse he plays in state and in Iowa after being in Japan. .

We don't know what the interest level was in Victorino but yes im sure it wasn't alot, plus i dont think he has any connection with team like murton has or with management to be given a showcase spot on team with a million roster deal and million games played deal...
He could of went to any team he had connection to for that, like the Phillies , if it was just to showcase himself. .

Again, i just think he was offered an opportunity to make team if he had a good ST as a 5th OFer/SH PH


unless im missing it, i haven't seen anything where maddon says he going north with 13 pitchers this year..

The 13 pitchers thing has been alluded to a lot, and they did it most of the time last year, although you never know I suppose. If Ramirez doesn't pitch well I could see him traded and open up a bench spot. The thing with so many guys to play the OF, and so many late inning combinations in moving guys around I don't see a 4 man bench as a problem and if they do send La Stella down they're a little thin in the infield with Coghlan gone who could play there some. Aside for the 4 man OF rotation Baez, Zobrist and Bryant can all play out there. Plus Victorino at this point is a defensive replacement not a threat with the bat. It is going to be interesting though.

 

[chibears55]

The 13 pitchers thing has been alluded to a lot, and they did it most of the time last year, although you never know I suppose. If Ramirez doesn't pitch well I could see him traded and open up a bench spot. The thing with so many guys to play the OF, and so many late inning combinations in moving guys around I don't see a 4 man bench as a problem and if they do send La Stella down they're a little thin in the infield with Coghlan gone who could play there some. Aside for the 4 man OF rotation Baez, Zobrist and Bryant can all play out there. Plus Victorino at this point is a defensive replacement not a threat with the bat. It is going to be interesting though.

I think the extra reliever was mainly used at beginning of seasons when starters weren't /aren't expected to go as deep in games. .

I guess we shall see what he goes with..
One thing for sure, it nice when the only real situation he needs to figure out in ST is if he going north with 8 relievers or 5 bench players. ..

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I think the extra reliever was mainly used at beginning of seasons when starters weren't /aren't expected to go as deep in games. .

I guess we shall see what he goes with..
One thing for sure, it nice when the only real situation he needs to figure out in ST is if he going north with 8 relievers or 5 bench players. ..

This is true!

I think they are really going to limit starter's innings this year with the kind of relief arms they've built up in Warren, Cahill and Wood. Arrieta in particular is going to have to be watched closely. That's likely the reason they would go with 13 pitchers.

 

[SilenceS]

The thinking behind the 13 relievers is the Cubs are looking to pull starters earlier. They have a plan in place to limit Arrieta and Hendricks innings early in the year. I do not know if they have the same plan with the other pitchers, but I know specifically, those were the two pitchers that they thought ran out of steam towards the end of last season. They have a new regiment they are following and I would guess they would stick to the plan barring injury.

As for Victorino, he is an absolute waste of a roster spot and is a name only. He is desperate to make a team. The Cubs have had him working in LF. He is a showcase for other teams. He has lost almost every skill that made him valuable and I always thought he was over rated to begin with.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

As for Victorino, he is an absolute waste of a roster spot and is a name only. He is desperate to make a team. The Cubs have had him working in LF. He is a showcase for other teams. He has lost almost every skill that made him valuable and I always thought he was over rated to begin with.

Tell us how you really feel though. LOL.

Seriously I don't disagree with you. He makes absolutley zero sense and it smacks of a favor to him just so he has a friendly place to play in ST hoping to catch on with another team.

 

[chibears55]

The thinking behind the 13 relievers is the Cubs are looking to pull starters earlier. They have a plan in place to limit Arrieta and Hendricks innings early in the year. I do not know if they have the same plan with the other pitchers, but I know specifically, those were the two pitchers that they thought ran out of steam towards the end of last season. They have a new regiment they are following and I would guess they would stick to the plan barring injury.

As for Victorino, he is an absolute waste of a roster spot and is a name only. He is desperate to make a team. The Cubs have had him working in LF. He is a showcase for other teams. He has lost almost every skill that made him valuable and I always thought he was over rated to begin with.

I think it more of limiting the 100+ pitches games then pulling them early innings wise..

That would make more sense then limiting your starters to say 6 ip, then task your pen unnecessarily. .


It not the IP that wears them out its the pitches thrown that does that. ..

Again , you dont need that extra 8th reliever to get through 2 or 3 Innings. .

Needing that extra guy on bench is needed for in alot more situations in NL then having that 8th reliever. ..
double switches, defensive purpose, PH, PR, injury

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I get what you're saying but with the versatility of this team I don't think that 5th bench guy is needed. Your late inning defensive replacement in LF is going to be Zobrist more often than not with Baez or La Stella taking over at 2B. I think you're going to see a lot of movement and a lot of combinations.

 

[Parade_Rain]

I get what you're saying but with the versatility of this team I don't think that 5th bench guy is needed. Your late inning defensive replacement in LF is going to be Zobrist more often than not with Baez or La Stella taking over at 2B. I think you're going to see a lot of movement and a lot of combinations.

He will be a "Mad"don scientist with all the possibilities.

 

[chibears55]

I get what you're saying but with the versatility of this team I don't think that 5th bench guy is needed. Your late inning defensive replacement in LF is going to be Zobrist more often than not with Baez or La Stella taking over at 2B. I think you're going to see a lot of movement and a lot of combinations.

Ok, but your limited with PH, PR, double switches, etc.

You hold off on the catcher as long as possible as it is, so now your limiting yourself to 3 players to PH, PR, double switches, and defensive replacement in 7th,8th, 9th ...



Everyone has their preference, im old school and like having 5 guys on the bench

 

[beckdawg]

I still don't see a reason to carry 8 relievers, seems like a waste and dumb to deplete your bench for in NL.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here but I thought I remember reading they plan to use a 6 man staff to start the season after leaning heavy on Arrieta last year. Whether or not they do that all season likely remains to be seen. My thoughts are that probably start with a very versatile bench. Early in the season you're probably not resting starters much anyways so it's more about in game roster moves and having versatile players allows for pinch hitting. It also helps that Wood isn't a terrible hitting pitcher. That's one of the reason I felt having another CF option was important because it seems like they are going to rely on Baez to fill a lot of holes.

 

[chibears55]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here but I thought I remember reading they plan to use a 6 man staff to start the season after leaning heavy on Arrieta last year. Whether or not they do that all season likely remains to be seen. My thoughts are that probably start with a very versatile bench. Early in the season you're probably not resting starters much anyways so it's more about in game roster moves and having versatile players allows for pinch hitting. It also helps that Wood isn't a terrible hitting pitcher. That's one of the reason I felt having another CF option was important because it seems like they are going to rely on Baez to fill a lot of holes.

I read an article where they think Maddon might be looking to do more bullpen games like he did last year over starting Hendricks. ..

Also with having Wood, Warren, and possibly Richards in pen
you won't see Arrieta, Lester, or Lackey go deep into games unnecessarily like in blowouts , etc. You could see them just go the 5 or 6 then give way. .

I think they will just monitor pitch counts more closely early on to keep the top 3 fresh for August and beyond ..

 

[CSF77]

I read an article where they think Maddon might be looking to do more bullpen games like he did last year over starting Hendricks. ..

Also with having Wood, Warren, and possibly Richards in pen
you won't see Arrieta, Lester, or Lackey go deep into games unnecessarily like in blowouts , etc. You could see them just go the 5 or 6 then give way. .

I think they will just monitor pitch counts more closely early on to keep the top 3 fresh for August and beyond ..

They have Wood, Cahill, Warren for those days. Pretty much could pitch til the 7th inning.

I'm expecting Wood, Cahill, Warren, Ramirez, Grimm, Strop, Rondon and a 2nd lefty to break camp. So 8 in the pen.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

They have Wood, Cahill, Warren for those days. Pretty much could pitch til the 7th inning.

I'm expecting Wood, Cahill, Warren, Ramirez, Grimm, Strop, Rondon and a 2nd lefty to break camp. So 8 in the pen.

I think Brothers is a near lock. If they don't take 8 they'd have to trade or DFA Ramirez.

 

[DanTown]

Ok, but your limited with PH, PR, double switches, etc.

You hold off on the catcher as long as possible as it is, so now your limiting yourself to 3 players to PH, PR, double switches, and defensive replacement in 7th,8th, 9th ...



Everyone has their preference, im old school and like having 5 guys on the bench

Cubs aren't going to be doing a lot of base stealing off the bench even with Victorino or Sczcur. PH matters every 9 PA so you need maybe one or two guys there. I mean the Cubs have four guys who likely start a game and don't come out: Rizzo (1B), Bryant (3B), Russell (SS), and Heyward (CF/RF). Basically you're only moving around eight guys in four roster spots.

Considering the third time through penalty that Hendricks/Hammel are likely to encounter, I'd say keeping an 8th reliever is more important than a 5th guy on the bench. Especially because your bullpen is likely to have an arm in it that probably can't go.

 

[CSF77]

Cubs aren't going to be doing a lot of base stealing off the bench even with Victorino or Sczcur. PH matters every 9 PA so you need maybe one or two guys there. I mean the Cubs have four guys who likely start a game and don't come out: Rizzo (1B), Bryant (3B), Russell (SS), and Heyward (CF/RF). Basically you're only moving around eight guys in four roster spots.

Considering the third time through penalty that Hendricks/Hammel are likely to encounter, I'd say keeping an 8th reliever is more important than a 5th guy on the bench. Especially because your bullpen is likely to have an arm in it that probably can't go.

Cubs starters are pretty fast so speed on the bench is not a dynamic that changes the team.