lee traded to atlanta for 3 minor league pitchers

[Guest]

Sickels on Lopez:

 

Robinson Lopez, RHP: Lopez was in the Gulf Coast League last year and pitched great, with a 1.29 ERA and a 42/12 K/BB in 49 innings. He turns 19 in March and isn't guaranteed a spot in full-season ball to begin the year: he may start off in extended spring and report to Danville in June. But for our purposes here we will assign him to a long relief role at Rome, with a promotion to the rotation on tap should one of the starters get injured or promoted to higher level. Lopez has a 90-94 MPH and his secondary stuff is promising, if inconsistent.

 

18) Robinson Lopez, RHP, Grade C+: 4.38 ERA, 67/37 K/BB in 88 innings for Rome, 80 hits. Not great, not awful, just 19 years old.

[risico]

Soriano was absolutely terrible as an infielder. He has been above-average as an outfielder. Why would you move him to an infield position that he has never played when he is already a decent defender in the outfield?

 

again, so you're saying playing 2nd base is similar to playing 1st?

 

but regardless of if he's as good an outfielder as he is at first base, playing colvin in left allows a much greater value. or colvin can play first, i don't care.

 

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

[Guest]

It's kind of frustrating that they gave him away for nothing real good and payed for him. Hendry's GM nickname is probably "Niceguy Jim".

Gee, I thought the Cubs got quite a good return for six weeks of Derrek Lee.

 

Robinson Lopez, 19 year old dominican pitcher with a decent frame who dominated rookie ball as a 18 year old, made the jump all the to low A this year and started off strong but struggled as the year went on but who has still held opponents to under a hit per inning. If he repeats Low A next season, he'll still be a year young for the league. And two relievers a 23 year old, 6'4" lefty, Tyrelle Harris, who has basically dominated at every level on his way to AA where he is just under a strikeout per inning and as a WHIP under 1. And a 22 year old lefty, Jeff Lorick, who I'm less excited about, but who has allowed less than a hit per inning, as respectable WHIP of 1.22 on the year.

 

By my estimation, it isn't likely that either Lopez or Harris will be good major leaguers, but it is possible. And that's not a bad return for 6 weeks of a struggling firstbaseman.

By my estimation they got nothing and payed Atlanta for the services. It's not a big deal, b/c like you wrote it will only be for the remainder of the season and playoffs.

 

I think Hendry was doing Lee a favor for being a good citizen. Kind of like early parol. I don't necessarily have a problem with it and I didn't expect a top 10 prospect, but I would have liked to have gotten someone of value instead of a straight salary dump. That's why I said it was "kind of frustrating".

[Sammy Sofa]

They did get at least one player of value.

[javy knows my name]

PAID.

[Geech]

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

 

I don't think that makes much sense. LF is as big of an offensive position as 1B, so if Soriano has value in LF then he should have value at 1B.

 

Besides, it eases the logjam in the OF, which is worthwhile.

[Guest]

They did get at least one player of value.

Did you look at his A ball numbers? They weren't terrible, but they weren't good. In low A. The only thing going for him is that he's 19.

 

It's ok, I'm not saying it was a bad trade or anything like that.

[Sammy Sofa]

They did get at least one player of value.

Did you look at his A ball numbers? They weren't terrible, but they weren't good. In low A. The only thing going for him is that he's 19.

 

Only being 19 is pretty huge.

[Outshined_One]

They did get at least one player of value.

Did you look at his A ball numbers? They weren't terrible, but they weren't good. In low A. The only thing going for him is that he's 19.

 

Only being 19 is pretty huge.

 

As is having a 96 mph fastball.

 

At 19.

[davell]

They did get at least one player of value.

Did you look at his A ball numbers? They weren't terrible, but they weren't good. In low A. The only thing going for him is that he's 19.

 

It's ok, I'm not saying it was a bad trade or anything like that.

 

He's a very intriguing guy. Stats aren't the best thing to judge kids of that age on. Go look at Chris Archer's stats before we acquired him from Cleveland. We got a kid with solid upside here and the more I read, the better I think we did on this one.

[Sammy Sofa]

They did get at least one player of value.

Did you look at his A ball numbers? They weren't terrible, but they weren't good. In low A. The only thing going for him is that he's 19.

 

It's ok, I'm not saying it was a bad trade or anything like that.

 

He's a very intriguing guy. Stats aren't the best thing to judge kids of that age on. Go look at Chris Archer's stats before we acquired him from Cleveland. We got a kid with solid upside here and the more I read, the better I think we did on this one.

 

Especially with the record of success the Cubs have with pitching prospects.

[Outshined_One]

When I read something like this:

 

Going forward, Lopez is a pitcher whose game could make significant strides with increased preparation and game experience. While I appreciated his focus with the bases empty, his difficulty with runners on left a lasting negative impression. For Lopez, his growth will start in the bullpen as his preparation was sorely lacking compared to a pitcher like Tanner Bushue who oozed professionalism. Due to Lopez’ two-pitch mix, it’s easy to project him as a power reliever, but I feel much better about his ability to stay in the rotation than former teammate Arodys Vizcaino. If the over/under was set at number four starter, I’d take the over, but it would be a purely speculative gut play.

 

I'm optimistic.

[davell]

Who said that O_O ?

[Magnetic Curses]

any chance Soriano/Colvin see time at first?

I don't want to see Soriano anywhere near the infield.

 

why?

 

a 1B has to Catch the ball. Soriano can't catch the ball. Problem

 

oh please hang out for a while and post lots

[SouthSideRyan]

any chance Soriano/Colvin see time at first?

I don't want to see Soriano anywhere near the infield.

 

why?

 

a 1B has to Catch the ball. Soriano can't catch the ball. Problem

 

Plus he's got that stupid hop, his foot would never be on the bag

 

Next person to make this joke is getting cut.

[Flames24Rulz]

Soriano's a much better option at 1B than guys like Hoffpauir and Nady.

[flyseye]

Great. Now we have nothing to show for Hee-Seop Choi.

[Magnetic Curses]

Soriano was absolutely terrible as an infielder. He has been above-average as an outfielder. Why would you move him to an infield position that he has never played when he is already a decent defender in the outfield?

 

again, so you're saying playing 2nd base is similar to playing 1st?

 

but regardless of if he's as good an outfielder as he is at first base, playing colvin in left allows a much greater value. or colvin can play first, i don't care.

 

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

 

since the corner outfield spots are power positions, i'd say he'd be around what he is now. if colvin doesn't work out in left, fine, but his salary allows the cubs to go spend some money on pitching. for what he's provided this season, he's been a great value, and to not at least give one of your top prospects a shot to start after a pretty good first season is dumb, considering the money he will save you if he sustains a +.800 OPS.

[risico]

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

 

I don't think that makes much sense. LF is as big of an offensive position as 1B, so if Soriano has value in LF then he should have value at 1B.

 

Besides, it eases the logjam in the OF, which is worthwhile.

 

1B has a lower replacement value than LF (-12.5 to -7.5). Factor in that Soriano is an above-average LF and would likely be a below-average 1B and you see that he loses almost all of his current value, making him a replacement level player.

 

Soriano currently is not a great LF, but "not great" and "replacement level" are very, very different things. He would be a near replacement-level 1B.

 

And what would we gain out of it? Colvin is having a career year with numbers that seem completely unsustainable and his wOBA is nearly identical to that of Soriano. It's not worth it at all. You're better off signing an average 1B and letting one of those guys sit.

[Outshined_One]

Who said that O_O ?

 

It's at the bottom of the scouting report in the link.

 

Scouting the Sally is one of the better prospect blogs out there. The guy who runs it has a very nice handle on the game and periodically posts reports on players that come through Savannah. He's built up a good reputation, to boot.

[Magnetic Curses]

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

 

I don't think that makes much sense. LF is as big of an offensive position as 1B, so if Soriano has value in LF then he should have value at 1B.

 

Besides, it eases the logjam in the OF, which is worthwhile.

 

1B has a lower replacement value than LF (-12.5 to -7.5). Factor in that Soriano is an above-average LF and would likely be a below-average 1B and you see that he loses almost all of his current value, making him a replacement level player.

 

Soriano currently is not a great LF, but "not great" and "replacement level" are very, very different things. He would be a near replacement-level 1B.

 

And what would we gain out of it? Colvin is having a career year with numbers that seem completely unsustainable and his wOBA is nearly identical to that of Soriano. It's not worth it at all. You're better off signing an average 1B and letting one of those guys sit.

 

 

so, sign a replacement level first baseman even though soriano would likely be replacement level, neglect pitching and continue to be stupid with money? oh yeah, and i forgot that you should also bench your cheap rookie who just most probably put up a +.800 OPS in his first year, either that or the guy who's making 20 million. yeah, great plan!

[Guest]

They did get at least one player of value.

Did you look at his A ball numbers? They weren't terrible, but they weren't good. In low A. The only thing going for him is that he's 19.

 

It's ok, I'm not saying it was a bad trade or anything like that.

 

A few people have already said it but it bears repeating, the 19-year old thing is a big deal.

[KaiserCesar]

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

 

I don't think that makes much sense. LF is as big of an offensive position as 1B, so if Soriano has value in LF then he should have value at 1B.

 

Besides, it eases the logjam in the OF, which is worthwhile.

 

1B has a lower replacement value than LF (-12.5 to -7.5). Factor in that Soriano is an above-average LF and would likely be a below-average 1B and you see that he loses almost all of his current value, making him a replacement level player.

 

Soriano currently is not a great LF, but "not great" and "replacement level" are very, very different things. He would be a near replacement-level 1B.

 

And what would we gain out of it? Colvin is having a career year with numbers that seem completely unsustainable and his wOBA is nearly identical to that of Soriano. It's not worth it at all. You're better off signing an average 1B and letting one of those guys sit.

 

 

so, sign a replacement level first baseman even though soriano would likely be replacement level, neglect pitching and continue to be stupid with money? oh yeah, and i forgot that you should also bench your cheap rookie who just most probably put up a +.800 OPS in his first year, either that or the guy who's making 20 million. yeah, great plan!

 

The bolded words are not the same. I'd prefer making a move for a bigger time 1B, but I agree that Colvin and Soriano should both play. It's not the end of the world if you have Colvin, Fuk, Byrd and Soriano as 4 outfielders again.

[Magnetic Curses]

You're subtracting value at one position to add a marginal amount of value at another. Soriano at 1B is essentially a replacement-level player. Making that move intentionally just to get Colvin some at-bats doesn't sound like a good idea, especially since Colvin's numbers have been in a decline recently and he doesn't have the peripherals to indicate that his performance early in the season was anything sustainable.

 

I don't think that makes much sense. LF is as big of an offensive position as 1B, so if Soriano has value in LF then he should have value at 1B.

 

Besides, it eases the logjam in the OF, which is worthwhile.

 

1B has a lower replacement value than LF (-12.5 to -7.5). Factor in that Soriano is an above-average LF and would likely be a below-average 1B and you see that he loses almost all of his current value, making him a replacement level player.

 

Soriano currently is not a great LF, but "not great" and "replacement level" are very, very different things. He would be a near replacement-level 1B.

 

And what would we gain out of it? Colvin is having a career year with numbers that seem completely unsustainable and his wOBA is nearly identical to that of Soriano. It's not worth it at all. You're better off signing an average 1B and letting one of those guys sit.

 

 

so, sign a replacement level first baseman even though soriano would likely be replacement level, neglect pitching and continue to be stupid with money? oh yeah, and i forgot that you should also bench your cheap rookie who just most probably put up a +.800 OPS in his first year, either that or the guy who's making 20 million. yeah, great plan!

 

The bolded words are not the same. I'd prefer making a move for a bigger time 1B, but I agree that Colvin and Soriano should both play. It's not the end of the world if you have Colvin, Fuk, Byrd and Soriano as 4 outfielders again.

 

sure, if you're relatively happy with your pitching staff and have no desire to make a run at cliff lee or revamp the bullpen.

 

getting an "average 1b" would be like throwing money away. if you think 1b is an area of need and you're serious about contending, you go after fielder or gonzalez.

[risico]

There's a huge difference between "average" and "replacement level".

 

Also, the Cubs don't seem to be in a position to spend a bunch of money. If they could sign a great 1B I'd be all for it, but if not you have to look for a cost-effective option. Soriano isn't a cost-effective option.

 

I imagine next season Soriano will play left and Colvin will be the regular RF. The Cubs will either sign an average 1B as a stopgap or they will try to promote someone from within and hope they can hold the position until more money comes off the books.