Offseason Rumors & Transactions Thread

[Guest]

Maeda isn't even likely to be as good as Hammel, McCarthy or other mid rotation types out there right now. There's no reason at all to pass on elite talent for a guy like him.

 

You shut your lying mouth.

 

Personally, my dream offseason involves Maeda + Liriano on the SP front, not sure if Liriano getting a QO has changed my mind on the latter.

 

Why do you like Maeda so much?

 

Do you remember the last Japanese P(or specifically, SP) that came over that didn't meet or exceed even optimistic projections? Me either.

 

That and he's half a decade younger than the alternatives.

 

Who gives a [expletive] about QOs?

 

I really wanted Liriano, but then I learned we'll have to give up our 25th ranked prospect and probably sign him to a cheaper contract, so passssssssss

 

I said I hadn't made up my mind ya spaz. More than anything I'm not really sure what Liriano's contract will look like, at least compared to other FA. There's also some trade possibilities that I might prefer to Liriano.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

My ideal offseason.

 

Sign Scherzer

Sign Lester

yep.

 

As long as we are dreaming, let's follow that up with Bosio fixing Turner, Straily, and Doubront, and we actually start trading #4 SPs (preferably to the Mets, for ironical purposes)

[jersey cubs fan]

My ideal offseason.

 

Sign Scherzer

Sign Lester

yep.

 

As long as we are dreaming, let's follow that up with Bosio fixing Turner, Straily, and Doubront, and we actually start trading #4 SPs (preferably to the Mets, for ironical purposes)

signing guys you can afford is not dreaming or magically fixing bad pitchers

[gscool89]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24785104/cubs-looking-again-at-cole-hamels-other-top-free-agent-pitchers

The Cubs, already connected heavily in speculative reports about top free-agent pitchers Jon Lester and Max Scherzer, are also interested in Cole Hamels, according to sources, and are expecting to talk to the Phillies about him.

 

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Cubs will look into Hamels, who's comparable to the top two free-agent pitchers, and also available.

 

It isn't known how the Cubs are prioritizing the top available starting pitchers, but suffice it to say they will investigate all three, and possibly James Shields, who has connections with new Cubs manager Joe Maddon. Chicago has a superb group of young position players but to compete, it must upgrade its pitching staff, particularly the rotation.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

My ideal offseason.

 

Sign Scherzer

Sign Lester

yep.

 

As long as we are dreaming, let's follow that up with Bosio fixing Turner, Straily, and Doubront, and we actually start trading #4 SPs (preferably to the Mets, for ironical purposes)

signing guys you can afford is not dreaming or magically fixing bad pitchers

 

I'll lay 15:1 we don't sign Scherzer and Lester.

[jersey cubs fan]

 

I'll lay 15:1 we don't sign Scherzer and Lester.

I'd lay 25:1.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

 

I'll lay 15:1 we don't sign Scherzer and Lester.

I'd lay 25:1.

 

Come on, man! I was hoping to get my money in good!

 

Normally if I'm hoping for a 80:1 outcome (which I think it is closer to), I'd consider it dreaming.

[XZero771679666304]

I like the Cubs' chances to sign Lester, but I really don't think they will even seriously pursue Scherzer. I can't say why I think that, though.

 

I think both is a pipe dream, and not just because PTR. Signing the top two FA SP would be a tall order for any team with any budget.

 

Lester and one of the second tier guys, maybe even Lester & Shields or Hamels via trade, but not Scherzer.

[davell]

I'm thinking Bosio has a solid chance at fixing Mesterson(turning him back into serviceable). I'd take anyone on a one year deal that can be had at that, that can then put up decent numbers for a 3/4.

 

I'm not going to go out and say my ideal offseason is signing Lester AND Scherzer, because as much as I'd love it, I just don't see it happening.

 

I guess the best outcome I can see pitching-wise for us and its still super slim, is to sign Lester early. Then get Shields on a 4 year deal if he really did love playing for Maddon, later in the offseason.

[Clem Fandango]

I like the Cubs' chances to sign Lester, but I really don't think they will even seriously pursue Scherzer. I can't say why I think that, though.

 

I think both is a pipe dream, and not just because PTR. Signing the top two FA SP would be a tall order for any team with any budget.

 

Lester and one of the second tier guys, maybe even Lester & Shields or Hamels via trade, but not Scherzer.

 

Yeah, I'm sold on Lester being a Cub. The fact that he doesn't cost a DP, his history with Theo, etc. it lines up too perfectly for him not to be their #1 target and for the Cubs not to be his #1 destination. Adding Scherzer on top of that would be amazing, but I don't think they spend on two aces. I would be super happy if they got Lester and McCarthy, though McCarthy's resurgence probably won't help those matters, unless he'd just be super jazzed about playing for the Cubs and would take less money, but I don't see that happening.

 

I've sort of been on the "meh" side of things with Russell Martin because I don't like how much we'd have to commit to get him, and the fact that if Schwarber can stick at catcher even remotely well, Martin would be out by year 3 I'd have to imagine, and it'd take more than that to land him. But I really would like Martin on the team. If the offseason was Lester and Martin I'd be happy. Lester, Martin, and McCarthy I'd be thrilled. Lester, Scherzer, and Martin I'd probably need to see a doctor because my erection will have lasted longer than 4 hours.

[XZero771679666304]

I also think they're not going to blow the wad on multiple SP this offseason because they're planning at taking a run at Price next offseason, if he's available. I thought that before Maddon was hired, and feel more that way now.

[Guest]

New dream...

 

I'm going to blindly believe Jersey and his conclusion that the Dodgers are going to trade Puig. They need a shortstop, so I'm going to go with a Castro/Puig swap.

 

so...

 

My ideal - we actually have $60M to spend this offseason after arbitration raises and payroll projecting to rise in coming years...

 

Lester 6/150 (20, 26, 26, 26, 26, 26)

McCarthy 4/60 (15, 15, 15, 15)

Martin 4/60 (15, 15, 15, 15)

 

With $10M to spend on other stuff

 

April - June

C - Martin

1B - Rizzo

2B - Valbuena

SS - Javy

3B - Bryant

LF - Soler

CF - Alcantara

RF - Puig

 

SP - Lester, Arrieta, McCarthy, Hendricks, Wada/Wood/Doubront/Straily/Turner

RP - Rondon, Ramirez, Strop, Vizcaino, Rivero, Wright

 

Bench - Castillo, IF1, IF2, Upton, OF2

 

July - November (that's right, November!)

C - Martin

1B - Rizzo

2B - Javy

SS - Russell

3B - Bryant

LF - Soler

CF - Alcantara

RF - Puig

 

SP - Lester, Arrieta, McCarthy, Hendricks, Wada/Doubront/Straily/Turner

RP - Rondon, Ramirez, Strop, Vizcaino, Rivero, Wright

 

Bench - Castillo, Valbuena, IF2, Upton, OF2

 

Jackson gets dumped for Upton. He sits the bench for the most part, but gets reunited with Maddon. Joe gets a very flexible roster and can position guys to succeed against particular pitchers, give Soler's hammy's time off once in a while, etc.

 

Wood gets traded for minor league restocking.

 

We spend the $10M on solid bench bats and/or Andrew Miller for another lock down reliever (my preference is the former, not the latter).

[jersey cubs fan]

New dream...

 

I'm going to blindly believe Jersey and his conclusion that the Dodgers are going to trade Puig.

 

love it!

[SouthSideRyan]

 

Who gives a [expletive] about QOs?

 

I really wanted Liriano, but then I learned we'll have to give up our 25th ranked prospect and probably sign him to a cheaper contract, so passssssssss

 

I said I hadn't made up my mind ya spaz. More than anything I'm not really sure what Liriano's contract will look like, at least compared to other FA. There's also some trade possibilities that I might prefer to Liriano.

 

But why would losing out on it give you pause?

[SouthSideRyan]

I like the Cubs' chances to sign Lester, but I really don't think they will even seriously pursue Scherzer. I can't say why I think that, though.

 

I think both is a pipe dream, and not just because PTR. Signing the top two FA SP would be a tall order for any team with any budget.

 

 

Becuase teams with gobs of available money usually have several clear openings to fill. Assuming we're riding it out with our position prospects, we do not.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm thinking Bosio has a solid chance at fixing Mesterson(turning him back into serviceable). I'd take anyone on a one year deal that can be had at that, that can then put up decent numbers for a 3/4.

 

I'm not going to go out and say my ideal offseason is signing Lester AND Scherzer, because as much as I'd love it, I just don't see it happening.

 

I guess the best outcome I can see pitching-wise for us and its still super slim, is to sign Lester early. Then get Shields on a 4 year deal if he really did love playing for Maddon, later in the offseason.

 

And if Masterson doesn't get fixed, you've thrown away a season trying to fix a 3/4 guy for what reason exactly?

[SouthSideRyan]

I also think they're not going to blow the wad on multiple SP this offseason because they're planning at taking a run at Price next offseason, if he's available. I thought that before Maddon was hired, and feel more that way now.

 

And I think that's really dumb.

[Vinestal]

New dream...

 

I'm going to blindly believe Jersey and his conclusion that the Dodgers are going to trade Puig.

 

love it!

Tim who are we trading to get Puig in your dream senario?

[SouthSideRyan]

New dream...

 

I'm going to blindly believe Jersey and his conclusion that the Dodgers are going to trade Puig.

 

love it!

Tim who are we trading to get Puig in your dream senario?

 

He said Castro. I feel like that's a little light for Friedman.

[Vinestal]

New dream...

 

I'm going to blindly believe Jersey and his conclusion that the Dodgers are going to trade Puig.

 

love it!

Tim who are we trading to get Puig in your dream senario?

 

He said Castro. I feel like that's a little light for Friedman.

Oh yeah that's right, I think that's light as well, they'll want more I think.

[Guest]

I also think they're not going to blow the wad on multiple SP this offseason because they're planning at taking a run at Price next offseason, if he's available. I thought that before Maddon was hired, and feel more that way now.

 

And I think that's really dumb.

 

Like really, really.

[XZero771679666304]

I also think they're not going to blow the wad on multiple SP this offseason because they're planning at taking a run at Price next offseason, if he's available. I thought that before Maddon was hired, and feel more that way now.

 

And I think that's really dumb.

 

You can think that, and I'm not saying I agree with it. But they have repeatedly said "we don't have to get all out starting pitching in one offseason" or something similar. I don't agree with holding back to wait for a particular player who may or may not be available, but unless there is a wave of extensions, next offseason's FA SP pool is going to be really deep.

 

I just think Price is going to be the guy.

[Guest]

I think Jersey is right actually. They won't get anything for any of their other outfielders. Castro and B prospects?

[Guest]

 

Who gives a [expletive] about QOs?

 

I really wanted Liriano, but then I learned we'll have to give up our 25th ranked prospect and probably sign him to a cheaper contract, so passssssssss

 

I said I hadn't made up my mind ya spaz. More than anything I'm not really sure what Liriano's contract will look like, at least compared to other FA. There's also some trade possibilities that I might prefer to Liriano.

 

But why would losing out on it give you pause?

 

Because it matters, and because receiving a QO indicates that my expectation for what Liriano would get may be too conservative, to the point where he's no longer my #1 choice for the 2nd SP added.

[XZero771679666304]

I think Jersey is right actually. They won't get anything for any of their other outfielders. Castro and B prospects?

 

After last season, I think they could get something for Kemp, if they eat some of his salary.