2013 Mock Offseason Thread

[SouthSideRyan]

How about we change the word filter so I never have to read the words Jeff Francouer again

[treebird]

How about we change the word filter so I never have to read the words Jeff Francouer again

 

agreed, we should all be referring to him as THE NATURAL

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Was talking about this same thing over at BN and came up with this stat:

 

The Colorado Rockies, who were almost as bad as us, fielded no pitchers of -1.0 bWAR or worse last season, and had a total of -3.7 bWAR for their worst 339.2 IP of pitchers last season.

 

The Cubs fielded three pitchers worse than -1.0 bWAR, and their worst 330 IP had a total of -8.5 bWAR.

 

Our worst pitchers were *five* wins worse than the Rockies’ worst pitchers, and the Rockies also sucked and had the worst overall pitching in the league.

 

And the Rockies had the worst pitching in the league.

 

And those 339 innings were all the sub-replacement innings the Rockies had. The Cubs 73.1 IP and -1.8 WAR worth of sub-replacement pitchers left on the roster.

 

If the Cubs can somehow manage to field bad players at the back of their roster instead of abysmally horrible players, the gain in immediate performance should be massive.

[nilodnayr]

Was talking about this same thing over at BN and came up with this stat:

 

The Colorado Rockies, who were almost as bad as us, fielded no pitchers of -1.0 bWAR or worse last season, and had a total of -3.7 bWAR for their worst 339.2 IP of pitchers last season.

 

The Cubs fielded three pitchers worse than -1.0 bWAR, and their worst 330 IP had a total of -8.5 bWAR.

 

Our worst pitchers were *five* wins worse than the Rockies’ worst pitchers, and the Rockies also sucked and had the worst overall pitching in the league.

 

And the Rockies had the worst pitching in the league.

 

And those 339 innings were all the sub-replacement innings the Rockies had. The Cubs 73.1 IP and -1.8 WAR worth of sub-replacement pitchers left on the roster.

 

If the Cubs can somehow manage to field bad players at the back of their roster instead of abysmally horrible players, the gain in immediate performance should be massive.

 

 

-2.9 of that bWAR came from starts in the last two months of the year from Germano, Rusin, and Raley, which was a product of trading two of our starters and Garza getting injured. Can't predict injuries, but I'd assume we are most likely going to trade away at least one SP next year as well. However, not only should Rusin and Raley hopefully be less terrible in 2013, but we've also added Vizcaino and converted Cabrera and potentially Loux or Rondon could step into the void as well. As Theo's stated the upper level pitching "wave" was nothing more than a piss ripple last year. Hes added quite a few interesting arms that could step into starting roles in the latter part of the season and perform somewhat admirably.

 

Volstad was another -1.9 and hes gone and Dolis was -1.2. In fact, speaking of the bullpen, Dolis, Corpas, and Coleman added up to -2.2 bWAR. Replacing them with more Bowden and Fujikawa and the other arm they may pick up should be another big boost.

[Warpticon]

How about we change the word filter so I never have to read the words Jeff Francouer again

 

It wouldn't work because nobody would spell Francoeur right. I mean, people had 8 years to learn "Ramirez" and still eft it up...

[neely crenshaw]

I get 77 with that group. Signing a #3 starter and adding an above average 3B or OF probably makes this a .500ish team.

 

Not a chance. You expand Rizzo to a year, but Lahair had a better first half, so it's break even unless you plan on Rizzo having a monster year, it would be nice but I don't see how we can plan on it.

You also had Dempster and Maholm being studs which I don't see being covered by this current staff.

 

The offense is at best equal, with pitching not as good compared to a team that lost 101...and that is not factoring in the trades of major league talent that will no doubt happen as we approach the deadline. I seriously can't see how adding baker, and schierholz makes this a 75 win team. Hopefully there's more coming but it sure looks like potential moves would make a little worse, rather than a little better right now although a solid starter would help. That starter and the bat might get them to 75.

 

we are banking on a lot of unknown to make claims of this type of improvement. Most of our moves have been gambles not sure things. Some may pan out, lots won't. To think that our young starters that were here, and others that were not will magically outperform last year with Dempster and Maholm for most of the year is not likely. It was far more likely that Volstad would be better than the guys from the end of the year. They get there sometime but most have only had moderate success in the minors and a cup of coffee at the bigs. I am not sure how we plan on them out performing last years staff. Even if guys like Russin and Raley are better, they were so bad that better would still be bad. Our homegrown pitchers do not look like they can be much help this year.

Edited December 6, 2012 by neely crenshaw

[Guest]

I get 77 with that group. Signing a #3 starter and adding an above average 3B or OF probably makes this a .500ish team.

 

Not a chance. You expand Rizzo to a year, but Lahair had a better first half, so it's break even unless you plan on Rizzo having a monster year, it would be nice but I don't see how we can plan on it.

You also had Dempster and Maholm being studs which I don't see being covered by this current staff.

 

The offense is at best equal, with pitching not as good compared to a team that lost 101...and that is not factoring in the trades of major league talent that will no doubt happen as we approach the deadline. I seriously can't see how adding baker, and schierholz makes this a 75 win team. Hopefully there's more coming but it sure looks like potential moves would make a little worse, rather than a little better right now although a solid starter would help. That starter and the bat might get them to 75.

 

As Kyle has repeatedly pointed out, the bottom of the pitching staff's harm is much more of the problem than the top half of the pitching staff's help. The bullpen depth is much, much better than last year, and with another SP added the SP depth will be much better as well. Of course, calling last year's true talent level 61 wins is also a faulty assumption, especially when brought up as an example of how we're going to replace half seasons from 2 pitchers who were good but far from ace-caliber.

[Little Slide Rooter]

The offense is at best equal, with pitching not as good compared to a team that lost 101...and that is not factoring in the trades of major league talent that will no doubt happen as we approach the deadline. I seriously can't see how adding baker, and schierholz makes this a 75 win team. Hopefully there's more coming but it sure looks like potential moves would make a little worse, rather than a little better right now although a solid starter would help. That starter and the bat might get them to 75.

 

 

Remember, we're not just adding Schierholtz; We're replacing Nothing (CF), DeJesus (RF) with DeJesus (CF) Schierholtz/Sappelt (RF). A few keys are Rizzo and Soriano being able to reproduce their 2012, and Baker and Feldman are both X Factors as well. Whomever slots into the 5 spot would have a tough time being worse than Volstad was.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

The roster situation is starting to get a little crowded.

 

We're at 41, we still need an MLB backup middle infielder at the bare minimum. We probably should be looking at another RP and a right-handed-hitting reserve OFer as well. And I think there's still hope for maybe another SP and RP.

 

The cuts are starting to get a little harder to make. I'm assuming Concepcion isn't getting DFA'd anytime soon, so the first three off would be Campana, Rusin and Raley. Maybe a reliever like Dolis or Beliveau?

[Cubswin11]

The roster situation is starting to get a little crowded.

 

We're at 41, we still need an MLB backup middle infielder at the bare minimum. We probably should be looking at another RP and a right-handed-hitting reserve OFer as well. And I think there's still hope for maybe another SP and RP.

 

The cuts are starting to get a little harder to make. I'm assuming Concepcion isn't getting DFA'd anytime soon, so the first three off would be Campana, Rusin and Raley. Maybe a reliever like Dolis or Beliveau?

I wouldn't lose much sleep if any or all of Campana, Rusin, Raley, Dolis, Beliveau, Clevenger, or L. Castillo were cut/DFA'd.

 

If Soriano/Barney/Marmol are traded this offseason yet I could see at least one of those guys in the group I mentioned being included to help free up space.

Edited December 7, 2012 by Cubswin11

[Little Slide Rooter]

The roster situation is starting to get a little crowded.

 

We're at 41, we still need an MLB backup middle infielder at the bare minimum. We probably should be looking at another RP and a right-handed-hitting reserve OFer as well. And I think there's still hope for maybe another SP and RP.

 

The cuts are starting to get a little harder to make. I'm assuming Concepcion isn't getting DFA'd anytime soon, so the first three off would be Campana, Rusin and Raley. Maybe a reliever like Dolis or Beliveau?

 

I can't imagine another OF unless we do away with one. Campana is the obvious. If we find ourselves in dire need of another LH OF, we have Jackson at AAA. If someone claims Scrappy McSparelegs, more power to them. Just block out the fans who have a fit when he hits .290 with a .300 OBP. Clevenger can go. If we ever need an emergency backup catcher, I'm pretty sure they keep Koyie Hill in a box somewhere. As for relievers, unless we trade Marmol, we'll go with what we have. There's already 5 in Marmol, Fukikawa, Russell, Camp, probably Rondon (if not, theresa an open spot.) Beyond that, between Dolis, Beliveau, McNutt, and Castillo, they'll have a high ceiling revolving door. We can always pick someone up at the end of ST. And if Bowden, Vizcaino, and Cabrera are all starters in Iowa, Rusin and Raley are expendable as well.

 

My guess is that if anything, we're more likely to trade guys on the 40 man for those we don't need to roster.

[davell]

It was mentioned by Hoyer today that we're still looking for an OFer. And a RH 3B option. My guess is we'll add another SP and RP as well. No way does Dolis get DFA'd, but I can see Lendy Castillo(could see him slip through), Beliveau, Campana and possibly Clevenger getting DFA'd at some point. There are also the 2 Cubans we likely will be after and its possible they'd require a spot as well, if we get one. Surely we've got a couple of trades in us this offseason to help out with the roster crunch.

[Little Slide Rooter]

If he did acquire an SP, whoever it is would hopefully be either. 3-4 year contract or a trade for someone under team control for 2-4. We could then trade Wood for a RH outfielder. Then, for 2014, the rotation would have Shark, new guy, perhaps 1-3 of Vizcaino, Bowden, Cabrera, and Rondon. If we kept Wood, another solid season establishes him as a strong back end starter. There's also the option of retaining Baker or(probably not and) Feldman. We could also extend Garza, or the 2014 FA class tentatively includes Lincecum if he bounces back (30,) Floyd(31,) JJ (30,) Hammel (31,) Lewis (34) as well as Volquez (30,) and Hughes (28) who could be cheaper options. Haren (33) will depend on how his 2013 self gamble goes. Johan's 34, and the Mets hold a 25MM option/5.5MM buyout. My guess is they trade him before put away my winter clothes. could be looking at a 2 year incentive heavy deal, could sucker someone into a 4-5 year deal. There's also some older fellows who could be options on higher $/less years, assuming we're looking somewhat ready to compete: Halladay (37): 20 MM vesting option, but since he's Roy Halladay, he'll probably meet it. Tim Hudson (38): has been stellar and mostly healthy. 14 year big league career and only twice posted an ERA above 4.

 

Depending on how 2013 goes for JJ, Lincecum, Johan, Haren, Garza, Hammel, and Lewis, 2014 could be an incredibly fruitful but expensive and high risk market for starting pithing.

[Guest]

The roster situation is starting to get a little crowded.

 

We're at 41, we still need an MLB backup middle infielder at the bare minimum. We probably should be looking at another RP and a right-handed-hitting reserve OFer as well. And I think there's still hope for maybe another SP and RP.

 

The cuts are starting to get a little harder to make. I'm assuming Concepcion isn't getting DFA'd anytime soon, so the first three off would be Campana, Rusin and Raley. Maybe a reliever like Dolis or Beliveau?

Can't imagine Dolis or Beliveau are going off the 40-man (nor Lendy Castillo, SCS).

[Hairyducked Idiot]

I'm not saying I expect it to happen, but if we *were* in on Michael Bourn, this sure might be what it would look like. Lots of other teams who need CFers signing different guys, us signing a RFer and seeming to have a lot of money to spend, David DeJesus trade rumor popping up.

[Bull]

How about we change the word filter so I never have to read the words Jeff Francouer again

 

Does anyone else think its ironic that this post is on the top of the page, so that every time we open this thread, we have to see the words Jeff Francouer?

[Cubswin11]

Cano apparently won't give the Yankees a discount after the year when he becomes a FA. IF Theo/Jed decide next offseason is the one to add some big FA's I would absolutely love to add him. I've always been a huge fan of Cano, we could either move Barney and he could play 2B or he could be our option for 3B. He'll be 30 next season and 31 during the season he'd be added.

 

“I don’t think he’ll be with the Yankees beyond next season,” one of the sources told the Daily News. “He’s not giving them a hometown discount, and they seem to be more interested in keeping their payroll down than winning.”

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/good-chance-cano-bolts-bronx-season-source-article-1.1215963

[Guest]

How about we change the word filter so I never have to read the words Jeff Francouer again

 

Does anyone else think its ironic that this post is on the top of the page, so that every time we open this thread, we have to see the words Jeff Francouer?

Click the highlighted document instead of the text link and it'll take you to the first unread post in the thread.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm not sure Cano will accept 1/8m with incentives

[davell]

I'm not sure Cano will accept 1/8m with incentives

Especially not when the Dodgers will give him 5/1 billion.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Some random names I wouldn't mind seeing us go after:

 

Ronny Cedeno as a super utility guy or replacement if Barney is traded.

 

Andres Torres as a CF platoon partner or maybe even straight starter if DeJesus is traded.

[Bull]

How about we change the word filter so I never have to read the words Jeff Francouer again

 

Does anyone else think its ironic that this post is on the top of the page, so that every time we open this thread, we have to see the words Jeff Francouer?

Click the highlighted document instead of the text link and it'll take you to the first unread post in the thread.

 

I like to get a running start at new posts. :D

[davell]

Some random names I wouldn't mind seeing us go after:

 

Ronny Cedeno as a super utility guy or replacement if Barney is traded.

 

Andres Torres as a CF platoon partner or maybe even straight starter if DeJesus is traded.

I'll say no on Cedeno. I think Valbuena fills the super utility role for us. He's been playing 2B in winter ball actually. Could be interpreted as a precursor to Barney getting dealt, I suppose. If he is dealt, I think I'd want Kelly Johnson as the everyday 2B. Torres is a very nice platoon fit with DeJesus. That platoon and a Schierholtz/Sappelt platoon could yield solid results.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

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.

[hankp101]

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