Hoyer, McLeod officially join Cubs

[sneakypower]

You are assuming Stewart will definitely come free and be non-tendered. I'm just not sure that it's a lock to happen. I actually think Colorado might end up holding onto him. It comes down to whether or not they can find a better option (like David Wright), but do they really want to pony up the chips for Wright?

 

Also, Stewart does have some flags. I like his potential land wouldn't mind a gamble on him, but IIRC, there's been some work ethic concerns along with his aggressive style, for lack of a better word, at the plate.

there's also Arenado, who's probably considered the long-term answer if they don't involve him in a trade for Wright (who then would be the answer there)

 

there's red flags with Stewart, but playing it safe gets us nowhere; we lost 91 games last year and we'll need to take some gambles to right the ship - Stewart would have very little downside because he comes with such little cost, and immense potential upside for cost efficiency

 

there were similarly flags with Cameron Maybin and Franklin Morales, for example, and i'm excited for co-GMs who have shown the willingness and foresight to capitalize on other GMs' impatience

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'm expecting our bench to be significantly better than it was last season, FWIW. Tyler Colvin isn't exactly the best 4th OF in baseball, but he's not going to put up a .510 OPS again either. Koyie Hill will be replaced by Castillo or Clevenger but even if he isn't, even Koyie Hill isn't as bad as he was last year. Tony Campana was better than his numbers would indicate. Baker can do much better if whoever is managing doesn't try to make him hit righties.

 

The only performance we're likely to miss is Reed Johnson.

 

Completely agreed on the bench...I think DeWitt is the sleeper in the bunch, and I definitely think Colvin will be better next year. Internally, the Cubs can build a pretty good bench with what they have.

 

Any thoughts on looking at Jonathan Sanchez of the Giants this offseason anyone? He's looking like the odd man out over there, and he's got a really good arm for a lefty. Walks too many guys and is a little erratic, but another guy out there who can be had on the low.

[MWV]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

[KingCubsFan]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

Unfortunately, there probably isn't an option that can approach Ramirez's production, but Stewart has posted some pretty good OPS's against righties, and his upside is higher than any other third baseman we have in the system.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

Unfortunately, there probably isn't an option that can approach Ramirez's production, but Stewart has posted some pretty good OPS's against righties, and his upside is higher than any other third baseman we have in the system.

 

You sleep on the Vitters, though Stewart probably plays better D.

[Guest]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

Unfortunately, there probably isn't an option that can approach Ramirez's production, but Stewart has posted some pretty good OPS's against righties, and his upside is higher than any other third baseman we have in the system.

 

You sleep on the Vitters, though Stewart probably plays better D.

Vitters, Lake, Baez, Candelario all have pretty good to outstanding upside. None are likely to reach their potential, though. Vitters and Lake aren't patient enough and Lake has contact issues on top of that. Baez and Caldelario are both too far away and unproven. Stewart has shown more in the majors than any of them have shown in the minors so far.

[sneakypower]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

you must note he was a deplorable 2B and a bad OF, giving back 8 runs alone in his poor fielding at those spots (to say nothing of positional adjustments)

 

assuming he had only played at his natural position, where he's been a plus fielder, he'd have been comfortably over 4 WAR in roughly 2 full seasons worth of PA to date

[Guest]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

you must note he was a deplorable 2B and a bad OF, giving back 8 runs alone in his poor fielding at those spots (to say nothing of positional adjustments)

 

assuming he had only played at his natural position, where he's been a plus fielder, he'd have been comfortably over 4 WAR in roughly 2 full seasons worth of PA to date

 

David likes this post.

[MWV]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

you must note he was a deplorable 2B and a bad OF, giving back 8 runs alone in his poor fielding at those spots (to say nothing of positional adjustments)

 

assuming he had only played at his natural position, where he's been a plus fielder, he'd have been comfortably over 4 WAR in roughly 2 full seasons worth of PA to date

I am guilty of only quickly glancing at his fangraphs page. Thanks!

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Vitters, Lake, Baez, Candelario all have pretty good to outstanding upside. None are likely to reach their potential, though. Vitters and Lake aren't patient enough and Lake has contact issues on top of that. Baez and Caldelario are both too far away and unproven. Stewart has shown more in the majors than any of them have shown in the minors so far.

 

I mentioned Vitters specifically because I think he can be betterthan Stewart has shown to be (a roughly 1 WAR player with platoon numbers). I'm down for the Stewart idea as purely a stopgap, and it's probably best platooning with Baker/Dewitt who both hit lefties.

 

I didn't even check Stewarts split...laziness.

[KingCubsFan]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

Unfortunately, there probably isn't an option that can approach Ramirez's production, but Stewart has posted some pretty good OPS's against righties, and his upside is higher than any other third baseman we have in the system.

 

You sleep on the Vitters, though Stewart probably plays better D.

I figured Vitters would be brought up, but go look at Stewart's minor league stats. He was successful at every level.

[Guest]

I figured Vitters would be brought up, but go look at Stewart's minor league stats. He was successful at every level.

 

 

Wow. Absolutely killed it in the minors.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

Unfortunately, there probably isn't an option that can approach Ramirez's production, but Stewart has posted some pretty good OPS's against righties, and his upside is higher than any other third baseman we have in the system.

 

You sleep on the Vitters, though Stewart probably plays better D.

I figured Vitters would be brought up, but go look at Stewart's minor league stats. He was successful at every level.

 

Yeah I know the background....former top prospect....first round pick...good minors numbers...kind of player who'd generate interest if he was out there as an inexpensive maybe he breaks out option...still not someone I'm overly high on to see a leap in performance.

[davearm2]

While I have no problem with taking a shot with Ian Stewart's upside, I think he's a very long shot to approach Ramirez' production; he's accounted for 3.3 fWAR in his career (432 games). Platooned with Baker he might be an attractive option, if he can be had cheaply.

Unfortunately, there probably isn't an option that can approach Ramirez's production, but Stewart has posted some pretty good OPS's against righties, and his upside is higher than any other third baseman we have in the system.

 

You sleep on the Vitters, though Stewart probably plays better D.

I figured Vitters would be brought up, but go look at Stewart's minor league stats. He was successful at every level.

 

Yeah I know the background....former top prospect....first round pick...good minors numbers...kind of player who'd generate interest if he was out there as an inexpensive maybe he breaks out option...still not someone I'm overly high on to see a leap in performance.

You make him sound a lot like Alex Gordon.

[Guest]

I figured Vitters would be brought up, but go look at Stewart's minor league stats. He was successful at every level.

 

 

Wow. Absolutely killed it in the minors.

 

It's an important disclaimer that Colorado may have the most hitter-friendly path of MiLB affiliates in all of baseball. Still, definitely a strong pedigree there.

[sneakypower]

man, i was hoping against hope for like three years that we'd be able somehow to steal Gordon from the Royals, the countless times they had tired of his perceived failings

[toonsterwu]

You are assuming Stewart will definitely come free and be non-tendered. I'm just not sure that it's a lock to happen. I actually think Colorado might end up holding onto him. It comes down to whether or not they can find a better option (like David Wright), but do they really want to pony up the chips for Wright?

 

Also, Stewart does have some flags. I like his potential land wouldn't mind a gamble on him, but IIRC, there's been some work ethic concerns along with his aggressive style, for lack of a better word, at the plate.

there's also Arenado, who's probably considered the long-term answer if they don't involve him in a trade for Wright (who then would be the answer there)

 

there's red flags with Stewart, but playing it safe gets us nowhere; we lost 91 games last year and we'll need to take some gambles to right the ship - Stewart would have very little downside because he comes with such little cost, and immense potential upside for cost efficiency

 

there were similarly flags with Cameron Maybin and Franklin Morales, for example, and i'm excited for co-GMs who have shown the willingness and foresight to capitalize on other GMs' impatience

 

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind taking a gamble on Stewart. He'd be 2nd or 3rd on my list of outcomes at 3rd. I'm just not sold it's going to be that easy to pry him away. Arenado is a good year or two away. They didn't want to go with Wigginton last year, and this market doesn't exactly offer a clearcut FA upgrade outside of Aramis, who they are rumored to not be interested in. That leaves going after someone like David Wright, but then you'd be offering a lot of talent up to land him.

[toonsterwu]

 

You are assuming Stewart will definitely come free and be non-tendered. I'm just not sure that it's a lock to happen. I actually think Colorado might end up holding onto him. It comes down to whether or not they can find a better option (like David Wright), but do they really want to pony up the chips for Wright?

 

Also, Stewart does have some flags. I like his potential land wouldn't mind a gamble on him, but IIRC, there's been some work ethic concerns along with his aggressive style, for lack of a better word, at the plate.

 

 

I think a better characterization would just be inability to make contact. He's definitely patient.

 

Actually, I was trying to think of a word to note for his increasing aggressiveness outside of the zone, hence why I worded it that way. He makes solid contact on pitches in the strike zone, but when he's hacking/chasing pitches, he seems to get in trouble. Somewhat similar to the issues Brandon Wood has had to deal with, and it's debatable if major improvements can be made in that at this stage of his development.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

You make him sound a lot like Alex Gordon.

 

Gordon was better. Alot of guys can sound like a potential Alex Gordon...it's why guys like Hermida or even Bruce Chen continuously get shots....it's why StewArt will get a shot.

[sneakypower]

Gordon as of opening day 2011: 27 years old, career .244/.328/.405

Stewart as of opening day 2012: 27 years old, career .236/.323/.428

[Guest]

Gordon as of opening day 2011: 27 years old, career .244/.328/.405

Stewart as of opening day 2012: 27 years old, career .236/.323/.428

 

 

Stewart was also #4 on BA's top 100 at one point.

[imb]

yeah, he went like 30 hr 20 sb the year before that as a 19-year old.

[Rob]

Qualifying players who ended the season with a strikeout rate higher than Stewart's career 27.9%

 

2011: Mark Reynolds, Drew Stubbs

2010: Mark Reynolds, Adam Dunn, Drew Stubbs, Adam LaRoche

2009: Mark Reynolds, Jack Cust, Russell Branyan, Carlos Pena

2008: Mark Reynolds, Jack Cust, Ryan Howard, Mike Cameron

2007: Jack Cust, Ryan Howard, BJ Upton

 

Is it possible to be a productive player with that many strikeouts? Yeah. But it's not easy.

[Guest]

Qualifying players who ended the season with a strikeout rate higher than Stewart's career 27.9%

 

2011: Mark Reynolds, Drew Stubbs

2010: Mark Reynolds, Adam Dunn, Drew Stubbs, Adam LaRoche

2009: Mark Reynolds, Jack Cust, Russell Branyan, Carlos Pena

2008: Mark Reynolds, Jack Cust, Ryan Howard, Mike Cameron

2007: Jack Cust, Ryan Howard, BJ Upton

 

Is it possible to be a productive player with that many strikeouts? Yeah. But it's not easy.

 

 

Do you think, if he gets non-tendered, that there's a better bang for your buck (and I think that's the best approach to take with 3B, since there isn't much out there in terms of that position) candidate than him?

[Rob]

Qualifying players who ended the season with a strikeout rate higher than Stewart's career 27.9%

 

2011: Mark Reynolds, Drew Stubbs

2010: Mark Reynolds, Adam Dunn, Drew Stubbs, Adam LaRoche

2009: Mark Reynolds, Jack Cust, Russell Branyan, Carlos Pena

2008: Mark Reynolds, Jack Cust, Ryan Howard, Mike Cameron

2007: Jack Cust, Ryan Howard, BJ Upton

 

Is it possible to be a productive player with that many strikeouts? Yeah. But it's not easy.

 

 

Do you think, if he gets non-tendered, that there's a better bang for your buck (and I think that's the best approach to take with 3B, since there isn't much out there in terms of that position) candidate than him?

 

It likely depends on the ultimate goal of the organization and how far we feel we are from playoff contention.

 

If Theo pulls off some magic and we look like we're in the drivers seat for a playoff spot, I'd much rather go with DeWitt/Baker at 3B. There's much less chance of an implosion.

 

If we feel we're a game or two out, I might go with Kevin Kouzmanoff or Alberto Callaspo (depending on if the Angels are willing to move him. Looked like they would before the GM switch). They offer a bit higher upside that might be what it takes to get us over the top.

 

If we are way out of this thing, Stewart becomes a more attractive option just to see if he cant put it all together. For the record, I would love to have Stewart in AAA working on his approach. But giving him a starting job to begin the season is a scary proposition.