Cubs sign Brian Matusz to minor league contract

[Banedon]

Per twitter reports.

[badger]

hopefully this means Richards' days are numbered.

[CyHawk_Cub]

[tweet]

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[sneakypower]

[Tim]

Most obvious move ever.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Most obvious move ever.

my exact thought

[Banedon]

Most obvious move ever.

 

Only surprise is that it took as long as it did.

[davell]

Most obvious move ever.

 

Only surprise is that it took as long as it did.

 

Still really nice to see though, lots of teams need bullpen help. This could wind up being a very important signing.

[Post Count Padder]

FINALLY.

 

Maybe he stays hurt or can't regain his form from the last couple years but this is still a good signing. Of course it comes after Richard goes two whole appearances without allowing a run.

[davell]

Evidently, we're going to stretch him out.

[Tim]

Evidently, we're going to stretch him out.

I wonder if they're doing that in an effort to help him find his proper mechanics again. Or if that was the hook they used to get him to sign with us. Or if they seriously think they can Arrieta him.

[Cubswin11]

He hasn't started a game since 2012, fwiw. If I had to guess they are having him start in the minors as a way to better have him work on things to get straightened out. But who knows.

[Aaron_Kennelly]

Yay!

[Aaron_Kennelly]

Evidently, we're going to stretch him out.

I wonder if they're doing that in an effort to help him find his proper mechanics again. Or if that was the hook they used to get him to sign with us. Or if they seriously think they can Arrieta him.

 

I like this, either way. Try to Arrieta him, and if it doesn't work he can still do the 'pen thing. And even if they aren't trying to Arrieta him, it gives us a longer look at him. And it might give him more opportunity to fix his ails.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Evidently, we're going to stretch him out.

I wonder if they're doing that in an effort to help him find his proper mechanics again. Or if that was the hook they used to get him to sign with us. Or if they seriously think they can Arrieta him.

 

I think it's the Cahill plan, just with the added step of some AAA starts. Keep him stretched out enough that future starting isn't ruled out, have him as a multi-inning RP option late in the season, bring him back in free agency(or arbitration if he's down long enough) as rotation depth, and have him settle as a multi-inning reliever after he inevitably fails to make the rotation.

[Banedon]

Mostly well wishes, but this thread could get really fun if Mastusz has success...

 

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php/153500-Cubs-Signed-Matusz

[Bull]

Evidently, we're going to stretch him out.

I wonder if they're doing that in an effort to help him find his proper mechanics again. Or if that was the hook they used to get him to sign with us. Or if they seriously think they can Arrieta him.

 

I think it's the Cahill plan, just with the added step of some AAA starts. Keep him stretched out enough that future starting isn't ruled out, have him as a multi-inning RP option late in the season, bring him back in free agency(or arbitration if he's down long enough) as rotation depth, and have him settle as a multi-inning reliever after he inevitably fails to make the rotation.

How many of these do we need though? the Cubs need someone to come in in the 6th or 7th and get Bryce Harper or Matt Adams or David Ortiz out. I think matusz can still be that guy.

[BigSlick]

I really like this signing. At worst he's done, at best, we've added a decent lefty to the pen that we're in need of.

 

EDIT: Jesus he's only 29? I thought he was in his mid-30s with how long we've heard about his trials and travails

Edited June 14, 2016 by BigSlick

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I wonder if they're doing that in an effort to help him find his proper mechanics again. Or if that was the hook they used to get him to sign with us. Or if they seriously think they can Arrieta him.

 

I think it's the Cahill plan, just with the added step of some AAA starts. Keep him stretched out enough that future starting isn't ruled out, have him as a multi-inning RP option late in the season, bring him back in free agency(or arbitration if he's down long enough) as rotation depth, and have him settle as a multi-inning reliever after he inevitably fails to make the rotation.

How many of these do we need though? the Cubs need someone to come in in the 6th or 7th and get Bryce Harper or Matt Adams or David Ortiz out. I think matusz can still be that guy.

 

When you have more than one then those two roles aren't mutually exclusive. Much like Wood last year, you can use him to eat innings when needed, and you can use him to erase left handed hitters in close games.

[sneakypower]

I really like this signing. At worst he's done, at best, we've added a decent lefty to the pen that we're in need of.

at best:

http://i.imgur.com/PxIb7HS.jpg

[Little Slide Rooter]

Can we use him like we've used Arrieta?

[Bull]

 

I think it's the Cahill plan, just with the added step of some AAA starts. Keep him stretched out enough that future starting isn't ruled out, have him as a multi-inning RP option late in the season, bring him back in free agency(or arbitration if he's down long enough) as rotation depth, and have him settle as a multi-inning reliever after he inevitably fails to make the rotation.

How many of these do we need though? the Cubs need someone to come in in the 6th or 7th and get Bryce Harper or Matt Adams or David Ortiz out. I think matusz can still be that guy.

 

When you have more than one then those two roles aren't mutually exclusive. Much like Wood last year, you can use him to eat innings when needed, and you can use him to erase left handed hitters in close games.

Dont confuse the boy; let focus on doing one thing good, then we can talk about doing something else! I do like stretching him out o get him more reps, but if he comes up, Cahill, warren, and wood are fine as long men, imho.

[Banedon]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

Well duhhhh.

[CubinNY]

I really like this signing. At worst he's done, at best, we've added a decent lefty to the pen that we're in need of.

at best:

http://i.imgur.com/PxIb7HS.jpg

Awesome, you even flipped the picture.

[jersey cubs fan]

I really like this signing. At worst he's done, at best, we've added a decent lefty to the pen that we're in need of.

at best:

http://i.imgur.com/PxIb7HS.jpg

Awesome, you even flipped the picture.

pitcher