2013 Mock Offseason Thread

[toonsterwu]

As of today, is there anyone on the roster that could credibly backup 1b?

 

In terms of experience, the next man up on the 40 would probably be Josh Vitters. Wouldn't surprise me if they signed a guy to compete for a backup role, a Jeff Baker-esque guy that can man a few positions.

 

_____

 

As for cuts, I still have a tough time seeing Clevenger cut. We'd still need an upper level catcher in the minors and it's not often a team goes with just 2 catchers on the 40 (particularly considering how weak the catching position is in the upper levels of the farm).

 

If we need cuts, Campana's probably near the top, if not first, because Szczur is now on the 40 and can be utilized as a pinch runner. Might not have Campana's speed, but he'd fill a depth OF/pinch runner role just fine in an emergency (obviously, better off for him to be developing in AA/AAA). There really isn't another apparent cut on the positional side of the 40.

 

Pitching wise, Raley/Rusin is probably first up (Rusin in all likelihood). Neither guy is one that you'd be bothered about losing. After that, it's tough to figure. I have doubts they'd cut both Raley and Rusin. I doubt they are thinking about cutting guys like Concepcion or Castillo right now, but push came to shove, I wonder if they'd consider it. I actually sort of wonder about Michael Bowden. If they are desperate for spot, it wouldn't surprise me if they tried to do something with Rondon, either biting the bullet or trying to work out a deal with Cleveland. There's a lot of average guys on the 40, but there aren't that many apparent cut options.

 

That said, I think they are probably waiting to see the dominoes fall as it pertains to FA bats, and then they'd hope to move Soriano. Marmol might be a bit tougher to move, as teams seem willing to gamble on arms being able to close. Might be more of an May/June type move, if someone's closer goes down and he's performing well. There don't seem to many teams looking for late inning arms right now. Maybe Detroit changes their mind on Bruce Rondon. Half-wonder if we ate enough money if the Yankees would consider him in a setup role.

[jumbo]

As of today, is there anyone on the roster that could credibly backup 1b?

 

In terms of experience, the next man up on the 40 would probably be Josh Vitters. Wouldn't surprise me if they signed a guy to compete for a backup role, a Jeff Baker-esque guy that can man a few positions.

 

I seem to remember reading that Clevenger could back up 1b and maybe 3b, although he hasn't played much third at all. Maybe I'm confusing that with someone else. Castillo has a few games at 1B, but I can't imagine that they keep three catchers because two of them can back up 1B. Seems a given that he starts at AAA

[Little Slide Rooter]

I like Valbuena a lot too, but we need two backup if, and the other needs to be RH.

 

If we're playing Cheap Platoons , I want to splurge a little on depth. Our IF depth sucks after Valbuena.

 

There's Watkins, though he doesn't meet the RH guideline. We'll likely load up on Tolberts, E Gons, and Amezagas at AAA too.

[jersey cubs fan]

As of today, is there anyone on the roster that could credibly backup 1b?

 

In terms of experience, the next man up on the 40 would probably be Josh Vitters. Wouldn't surprise me if they signed a guy to compete for a backup role, a Jeff Baker-esque guy that can man a few positions.

 

I seem to remember reading that Clevenger could back up 1b and maybe 3b, although he hasn't played much third at all. Maybe I'm confusing that with someone else. Castillo has a few games at 1B, but I can't imagine that they keep three catchers because two of them can back up 1B. Seems a given that he starts at AAA

 

I would not say Clevenger would be a credible 1B backup.

[biittner77]

Would they consider Soriano, if he doesn't get traded, as an option to back up 1st? It would keep his bat in the lineup, save wear and tear plus it would make him more marketable for a mid season trade if such becomes available.

 

Would they just leave Vitters up as the back up corner guy? He's played 3rd, 1st and LF though I've never heard how he looked in the OF.

[Little Slide Rooter]

If we do manage to move Soriano or DeJesus, any interest in Delmon Young? Havn't heard a peep about him all offseason. He's only 27, which could make him appealing at the right price, assuming they're OK with the whole sociopath thing.

[Backtobanks]

If we do manage to move Soriano or DeJesus, any interest in Delmon Young? Havn't heard a peep about him all offseason. He's only 27, which could make him appealing at the right price, assuming they're OK with the whole sociopath thing.

 

I would guess you answered your own question by mentioning the "whole sociopath thing".

[CubsWin]

If we do manage to move Soriano or DeJesus, any interest in Delmon Young? Havn't heard a peep about him all offseason. He's only 27, which could make him appealing at the right price, assuming they're OK with the whole sociopath thing.

It appears very important, and with good reason, to the front office to acquire players that adhere to the philosophy and approach to the game that they are trying to establish. Bringing in a veteran example for the younger players that doesn't play the "Cubs way" is counter-productive to establishing this approach and would send the wrong signal to the rest of the team and make Sveum's already hard job that much harder.

 

Delmon Young doesn't play good defense, isn't patient at the plate and isn't known to be very coachable. Those reasons might even outweigh the "sociopath thing".

[davell]

Is everyone going to freak out if we sign Brent Lillibridge to be our 25th man? He's making a decision soon and its between 3 NL teams.......

[Little Slide Rooter]

Is everyone going to freak out if we sign Brent Lillibridge to be our 25th man? He's making a decision soon and its between 3 NL teams.......

 

I can't imagine Lilibridge being any better than Logan Watkins, who already has a spot in our ever crowded 40 man roster.

 

To answer the question, I don't know about freak out, but if an object of little value is within reach if it were to happen, there's a good chance that I'd throw it at the wall.

[Clem Fandango]

Cubs signed Jensen Lewis to minor league deal

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2012/12/16/chicago-cubs-sign-pitcher-jensen-lewis-to-minor-league-deal/

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Is everyone going to freak out if we sign Brent Lillibridge to be our 25th man? He's making a decision soon and its between 3 NL teams.......

 

I'm not going to be happy, but I've resigned myself that we're going to have someone pretty awful in the "right-handed infield depth" role.

 

The field of interesting free agents that fit our needs has really, really thinned in the last week or so.

[neely crenshaw]

Is everyone going to freak out if we sign Brent Lillibridge to be our 25th man? He's making a decision soon and its between 3 NL teams.......

 

I'm not going to be happy, but I've resigned myself that we're going to have someone pretty awful in the "right-handed infield depth" role.

 

The field of interesting free agents that fit our needs has really, really thinned in the last week or so.

 

Look at it this way, we have very nice RH hitting back ups players, they just happen to be starters...

[Backtobanks]

Fom MLBTR:

 

The Orioles have spoken with at least six teams about possible trades, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports. The Orioles are seeking a middle of the order bat, but aren't willing to trade their best prospects to obtain one. While there's some interest in pitchers such as Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman and Zach Britton, there are indications the Orioles wouldn't want to trade more than one of them. Plus, their trade value isn't particularly high.

Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#sE7KrrFg4axzAmF9.99

 

How about a deal with the Orioles: Soriano + Vitters + $$$$ for Tillman + Betemit. Soriano gives them a DH/ middle of the order bat, while Betemit gives us a platoon 3B/utility IF (including a little experience at 1B). Adding Tillman gives us another option for the rotation now and in the future.

[davell]

It's not going to surprise me at all if we wind up with Nick Swisher. Solid from both sides of the plate, can play multiple positions, seemingly good clubhouse guy, excellent plate discipline, and evidently a market that doesn't include the major market teams.

[Clem Fandango]

Sounds like the Indians are in on Swisher petty big though, plus he's 32 and will probably be able to get 3-4 years in a deal given his consistency. Not sure how much the age/years thing gels with what the front office is trying to do. I'd love to have Swisher on the team, though

[WrigleyField 22]

I'd go Nick Swisher, but I'd kind of rather get a CF.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WrigleyField 22]

I'd go Nick Swisher, but I'd kind of rather get a CF.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Little Slide Rooter]

If Bourne isn't an option, I'd still love to get a hold of a low risk OF and perhaps trade DeJesus. I'm talking a low risk guy, a former top prospect that's still young enough that they could be productive big leaguers but also at a discount price. A few options:

 

Dom Brown: probably won't fit into the low cost catagory. If they wouldn't give him up for Soriano, with 90% of his salary covered, I'm not sure what it would take.

 

John Mayberry Jr.: former 1st rounder, twice. 29 years old and has hit for a bit of power at the big league level. Doesn't get on base much though.

 

Michael Taylor: A's have a glut of outfielders. Taylor's 27 and has hit well in the minors but not much big league succes in small sample size.

 

Jose Tabata: former stud prospect. Still 24, but Pirates may be moving in. If not:

 

Travis Snider: still could pan out, though it's getting late.

 

Roger Bernardina: Seemed to be figuring it out with the bat last year. Nats acquisition of Span to go with Morse, Werth, and that other guy could make this Shark bait. At the right price, I'd give him a look.

 

Carlos Peguero: not sure what the Mariners are doing, but he was once a solid prospect and is 26.

 

Delmon Young: he certainly has the young, former top prospect, decent power thing going.

 

Wil Venable: while he's not Chase Headley, he does rank 13th in negative home/road OPS splits over the past years with .775 on the road vs. .683 at Cavernous Hell Hole Stadium.

 

These are simply flier worthy options at the right price. Certainly nothing resembling a sure thing. Any other similar possibilities?

[davell]

Snider is younger than everyone on your list, other than Tabata. Why's it getting late for him?

[Cubswin11]

SIGN HIM UP!

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/ugueth-urbina-return-baseball-spending-nearly-six-years-090149949--mlb.html