Offseason Rumors & Transactions Thread

[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.

 

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.

 

No I get where you're coming from, I've been fearful of "well hopefully we compete this year, but really we're all in for 2016" ever since the "next 18 months" talk started up.

[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.

 

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.

 

I think he says that stuff to not corner himself in negotiations and to protect himself in the fairly likely event that they don't sign everyone they'd like to this off-season.

[KingCubsFan]

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.

 

I think he says that stuff to not corner himself in negotiations and to protect himself in the fairly likely event that they don't sign everyone they'd like to this off-season.

Agreed. If they can get two pitchers for what they feel is fair value this offseason, I bet they'd do it regardless of who is a free agent next year.

[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?

 

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.

 

Well I guess that's where we differ. I don't think it matters. Additionally, Liriano being the 5th-6th most desirable pitcher having that millstone makes me think he'll get less than I expected (something like 3/39)

[rawaction]

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?

 

Yeah, I'm not really intersted in 1-year deals. Shouldn't be trying to fix a guy and sell him off anymore. And the Cubs already have enough guys to "fix". Turner, Doubront, and Straily are still works in progress. And it's not like they need to save a spot for next year for anyone. CJ still hasn't thrown 120 innings. Johnson has had his injuries and control issues too. Black doesn't have huge upside that you have to save a spot for in 2016.

[Abe Frohman]

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)

 

As much as I respect the Tim, do you really think it is going to take 4/60 to get McCarthy? Martin?

 

The straight up swap of Puig/Castro would be outstanding.

[Guest]

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.

 

 

I suppose it depends if you buy into his shoulder got better and he is the 2nd half version. In that scenario though, why eat the money? Just play Kemp if you're the dodgers.

 

I find it interesting how often Alcantara's name is thrown around. I would think his potential is worth more than he is in trade value. Probably true of Baez too. High-risk, high reward types at the upper levels don't seem like good trade bait - definitely I would think for Alcantara he may turn out to be a much better player than people expect.

[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.

 

 

I suppose it depends if you buy into his shoulder got better and he is the 2nd half version. In that scenario though, why eat the money? Just play Kemp if you're the dodgers.

 

I find it interesting how often Alcantara's name is thrown around. I would think his potential is worth more than he is in trade value. Probably true of Baez too. High-risk, high reward types at the upper levels don't seem like good trade bait - definitely I would think for Alcantara he may turn out to be a much better player than people expect.

 

Obviously there are others you'd like to deal first, but if it comes down to Kemp or Puig, I can't imagine they'd deal the latter first. I know there are "character" concerns, but he's younger, cheaper and better.

[Clem Fandango]

Kemp's offense re-surged but his defense was so bad that it practically cancelled out his offensive contributions and he was pretty league average as a result.

[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.

 

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

 

Yeah, I'm not really intersted in 1-year deals. Shouldn't be trying to fix a guy and sell him off anymore. And the Cubs already have enough guys to "fix". Turner, Doubront, and Straily are still works in progress. And it's not like they need to save a spot for next year for anyone. CJ still hasn't thrown 120 innings. Johnson has had his injuries and control issues too. Black doesn't have huge upside that you have to save a spot for in 2016.

 

I'm obviously not advocating flipping anyone. I'm just trying to be realistic. I DO expect us to get one TOR type this offseason. But I suspect we're likely to get one next offseason as well. Which is why I'm thinking a one year deal guy makes sense-immediately replaceable.

 

I get that maybe the one year guy doesn't work out. But that's why you have depth and it'd still give us time to trade for a guy at the deadline anyway.

 

I'd love to add two longterm TOR types now, but I don't see it happening in one offseason. And I'd rather have a one year guy who has the same general upside of the McCarthy's or Liriano's out there, but on a much shorter term.deal to where it'd give us the payroll to add another impact guy later. If we tie 40 mill up in Lester and one of Liriano or McCarthy for a while, coupled with other moves-I'm not sold we'd be able to throw another 20-25 mill per year at another guy the following season. Because I'm not sure how far our payroll will move pre-TV deal.

 

As for Masterson himself-use anyone else. If his velo dip isn't explainable then I don't want him. If it is, then he's got great one year potential.

[hawkeyecub]

My ideal offseason.

 

Sign Scherzer

Sign Lester

 

The correct answer.

[Cubswin11]

My ideal offseason.

 

Sign Scherzer

Sign Lester

 

The correct answer.

Indeed

[Thrilho]

For anyone worried about Martin blocking Schwarber, there's a fair chance the NL has the DH by the time Schwarber is ready to catch. If that happens, it allows Schwarber to break in without having to be the primary catcher on a contender.

[Guest]

My ideal offseason.

 

Sign Scherzer

Sign Lester

 

The correct answer.

 

yeah, i have no idea why people are saying we'll get starters over the next couple of offseasons when Scherzer and Lester are available now.

[Guest]

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?

 

Yeah, I'm not really intersted in 1-year deals. Shouldn't be trying to fix a guy and sell him off anymore. And the Cubs already have enough guys to "fix". Turner, Doubront, and Straily are still works in progress. And it's not like they need to save a spot for next year for anyone. CJ still hasn't thrown 120 innings. Johnson has had his injuries and control issues too. Black doesn't have huge upside that you have to save a spot for in 2016.

 

I'm obviously not advocating flipping anyone. I'm just trying to be realistic. I DO expect us to get one TOR type this offseason. But I suspect we're likely to get one next offseason as well. Which is why I'm thinking a one year deal guy makes sense-immediately replaceable.

 

I get that maybe the one year guy doesn't work out. But that's why you have depth and it'd still give us time to trade for a guy at the deadline anyway.

 

I'd love to add two longterm TOR types now, but I don't see it happening in one offseason. And I'd rather have a one year guy who has the same general upside of the McCarthy's or Liriano's out there, but on a much shorter term.deal to where it'd give us the payroll to add another impact guy later. If we tie 40 mill up in Lester and one of Liriano or McCarthy for a while, coupled with other moves-I'm not sold we'd be able to throw another 20-25 mill per year at another guy the following season. Because I'm not sure how far our payroll will move pre-TV deal.

 

As for Masterson himself-use anyone else. If his velo dip isn't explainable then I don't want him. If it is, then he's got great one year potential.

 

why aren't you seeing it happen in one offseason? i don't get it.

 

I'd rather sign Lester and SCherzer to two big deals and then let the chips fall where they may with a rotation of Scherzer, Lester, Arrieta, Hendricks, and Wood or whatever.

[KrisBryantisaBeast]

Not sure what the Rockies want for Cargo but depending on the price I might be interested in him.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/rockies-willing-to-listen-to-offers-for-carlos-gonzalez-troy-tulowitzki-110514

[davell]

why aren't you seeing it happen in one offseason? i don't get it.

 

Because we're not the only team in baseball unfortunately.

[Guest]

why aren't you seeing it happen in one offseason? i don't get it.

 

Because we're not the only team in baseball unfortunately.

 

but we won't be next offseason, either.

[SouthSideRyan]

For anyone worried about Martin blocking Schwarber, there's a fair chance the NL has the DH by the time Schwarber is ready to catch. If that happens, it allows Schwarber to break in without having to be the primary catcher on a contender.

 

Also Schwarber hasn't hit AA yet and may not be a catcher.

[Guest]

rotowowrld says we're still very keen on a trade for Cole Hamels.

 

trading for Hamels would be a great way of assuring we get at least one ace. Add to that Lester and baby, we've got a stew goin.

[SouthSideRyan]

rotowowrld says we're still very keen on a trade for Cole Hamels.

 

trading for Hamels would be a great way of assuring we get at least one ace. Add to that Lester and baby, we've got a stew goin.

 

Nah let's just add that to John Lannan or Kyle Kendrick

[Tryptamine]

rotowowrld says we're still very keen on a trade for Cole Hamels.

 

trading for Hamels would be a great way of assuring we get at least one ace. Add to that Lester and baby, we've got a stew goin.

 

If they'll take a headliner that doesn't include Bryant/Baez/Russell/Soler then by all means.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

if they took baez as the headliner I would have already made that deal

[Post Count Padder]

Is anyone worried about Hamels' arm falling off (any more than the FA pitchers)?

 

If we would be looking at a trade for Hamels, I know he was total garbage last but would taking on Dom Brown mean taking on less money/giving up less in return? Change of scenery could help, he's much better against righties and could be a decent platoon. Just thinking out loud.

[Guest]

if they took baez as the headliner I would have already made that deal

 

no