kenley jansen watch thread

[Sammy Sofa]

Awful human being aspects aside, I just think that despite his talent he's got too much weird horsefeathers going on in terms of being used outside of traditional save situations for what he will command.

[JennieGarthAlgar]

I don't think our FO ever had any real intention of resigning him. We'll see.

[Tim]

At the moment, give me Jansen and Cecil for relief.

[davell]

The World Series ended perfectly, because Chapman wasn't on the mound. Give me Jansen over Chapman 10 times out of 10. I dgaf about losing a draft pick.

 

That said, I'll be a bit surprised if they give a closer big money. Maybe they've changed their stance, but my guess is we don't wind up with one of the big name FA guys, but a guy like Colome.....

[KingCubsFan]

The World Series ended perfectly, because Chapman wasn't on the mound. Give me Jansen over Chapman 10 times out of 10. I dgaf about losing a draft pick.

 

That said, I'll be a bit surprised if they give a closer big money. Maybe they've changed their stance, but my guess is we don't wind up with one of the big name FA guys, but a guy like Colome.....

Given the way guys like Miller, Chapman and Jansen were used (and the fact that we gave up our top prospect to Chapman), I think smart front offices already see the value in having a truly elite relief guy. And that especially holds true in the playoffs where they can pitch basically every game. I'd prefer Jansen over Chapman, but I'd definitely like to have one of them in the fold over the next several years.

[JennieGarthAlgar]

http://imgur.com/6ofCmpe

[jumbo]

I want Jansen and Chapman. A fifth starter is not needed in the playoffs and having two guys that can shorten the game has proven to be worth a lot, especially in the 5 game series.

[biittner77]

The World Series ended perfectly, because Chapman wasn't on the mound. Give me Jansen over Chapman 10 times out of 10. I dgaf about losing a draft pick.

 

That said, I'll be a bit surprised if they give a closer big money. Maybe they've changed their stance, but my guess is we don't wind up with one of the big name FA guys, but a guy like Colome.....

Given the way guys like Miller, Chapman and Jansen were used (and the fact that we gave up our top prospect to Chapman), I think smart front offices already see the value in having a truly elite relief guy. And that especially holds true in the playoffs where they can pitch basically every game. I'd prefer Jansen over Chapman, but I'd definitely like to have one of them in the fold over the next several years.

 

How much, if at all, does it affect the decision to bring Chapman back that he doesn't like pitching more than one inning and doesn't like pitching in non save situations? It seems like Miller embraced that role and excelled where Chapman did it but didn't like it. I know his usage would be different during the regular season but if part of the justification of bringing him back is being used in a variety of situations has to be addressed.

[Gmoney08]

Theo & Jed were very vocal one of the reasons we wanted Aroldis was we didnt want to face him on the Giants, Nats or Dodgers in the playoffs.

 

I doubt they still want to do that in 2017, especially after moving Gleyber for him.

 

Im feel they want at least one of Jansen/Chapman in pinstripes.

[Regular Show]

So, I haven't posted in awhile and it's been a crazy couple of weeks from pure elation to utter dejection and despair. I share the same sentiment as J. Oliver on Last Week Tonight -- horsefeathers 2016 (other than the Cubs winning it all).

 

Anyway, I can't tell what the Cubs Front Office is trying to do, in regards to the Closer spot and I guess the BP, in general. They claim they're "trying to find the next A. Miller or W. Davis or even H. Rondon" which is great, but the chances of actually doing that are slim. Front Offices everywhere are trying to do that, and it's just going to get harder and harder to unearth these hidden gems. It is possible...

 

I think the Cubs FO is just BS-ing everyone again just like last offseason, when they did a stealth pursuit of B. Zobrist and J. Heyward. No one knew exacly how much they were willing to spend last offseason and it exceeded everyone's expectations. Now, coming off a deep postseason run and huge profits and declining J. Hammels' option, we know they have the deep pockets to re-sign Chapman or sign K. Jansen or M. Melancon. I mean Melancon won't even command that much money or years. So, I think or hope the Cubs are just hiding their intentions and playing down their interest when talking to Jansen's agents. The Dodgers seem like they're okay with signing Chapman and gaining en extra draft pick when Jansen signs elsewhere.

 

I still very much want the Cubs to sign K. Jansen (5 yrs/$90 million is fine) since he'll be worth it come playoff time.

 

Interested in what everyone else thinks about Theo and Jed's comments and who you want to be the Closer next year.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Ken Rosenthal[/url]"]*The Cubs have done background work on free-agent closer Kenley Jansen, but their inquiries appear more a matter of due diligence than the foundation of a serious pursuit, major-league sources said.

 

Team officials repeatedly have said that their combined free-agent investment of $272 million last winter in Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and John Lackey amounted to two offseasons worth of spending.

 

The last thing the Cubs want to do is overspend on a closer when it might cost them the chance to make a run next winter at Japanese pitcher/outfielder Shohei Otani – or pursue other opportunities in the future.

 

One thing the Cubs do want to add: a left-handed hitting center fielder to complement to Albert Almora Jr. The team wants to protect Almora next season, believing he will be more fully ready to emerge in 2018.

[imb]

Ken Rosenthal[/url]"]*The Cubs have done background work on free-agent closer Kenley Jansen, but their inquiries appear more a matter of due diligence than the foundation of a serious pursuit, major-league sources said.

 

Team officials repeatedly have said that their combined free-agent investment of $272 million last winter in Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and John Lackey amounted to two offseasons worth of spending.

 

The last thing the Cubs want to do is overspend on a closer when it might cost them the chance to make a run next winter at Japanese pitcher/outfielder Shohei Otani – or pursue other opportunities in the future.

 

One thing the Cubs do want to add: a left-handed hitting center fielder to complement to Albert Almora Jr. The team wants to protect Almora next season, believing he will be more fully ready to emerge in 2018.

 

Gross

[UMFan83]

Ken Rosenthal[/url]"]*The Cubs have done background work on free-agent closer Kenley Jansen, but their inquiries appear more a matter of due diligence than the foundation of a serious pursuit, major-league sources said.

 

Team officials repeatedly have said that their combined free-agent investment of $272 million last winter in Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and John Lackey amounted to two offseasons worth of spending.

 

The last thing the Cubs want to do is overspend on a closer when it might cost them the chance to make a run next winter at Japanese pitcher/outfielder Shohei Otani – or pursue other opportunities in the future.

 

One thing the Cubs do want to add: a left-handed hitting center fielder to complement to Albert Almora Jr. The team wants to protect Almora next season, believing he will be more fully ready to emerge in 2018.

 

Gross

 

Yeah I mean I'd prefer to do everything possible to put together the best team we can next year since it's the last year of Jake and McHorseteeth.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

11/30/15:

 

Meanwhile, the Cubs probably only have the financial firepower to add about $20MM to their annual payroll this winter. Sources tell Rosenthal that the club’s payroll will be in the $130-140MM range for the foreseeable future.

 

12/1/15:

 

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

 

12/3/15: http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/free-agent-market-oakland-as-sonny-gray-chicago-white-sox-chris-sale-ken-rosenthal-notes-120215

 

The Cubs could sign free agent Jason Heyward to play center or right, but only if they traded Jorge Soler and addressed their rotation in a cost-efficient manner.

 

12/4/15: Cubs sign Lackey

 

12/8/15: Cubs sign Zobrist, trade Castro

 

12/11/15: Cubs sign Heyward

[Clem Fandango]

Yeah when it comes to team finances and future plans, I don't really trust anything the media says they've got sources on. Theo and Co. have shown over the years they can be wildly unpredictable in the best ways possible. I also hate it when people say "They spent XXX million dollars last offseason" as if that's how much they added in payroll for the next season. The Cubs have $110 million in guaranteed dollars for 2017 and only four players in arbitration. FOUR. Those players are Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon, and Justin Grimm. Arrieta made $10.7 mil this year. Be generous and say he gets $15 mil for 2017. Rondon and Strop each made about $4.5 mil a piece. Let's be generous and say they get $6.5 mil a piece. Grimm made $1.275 mil, be generous and say he gets $3.5 million.

 

That's $141 million before accounting for the league minimums of our young guys. That figure is about $30 million LESS than what our payroll was this season.

 

They've got plenty of room, Ken. You dingus.

[ScrubMD]

Yeah when it comes to team finances and future plans, I don't really trust anything the media says they've got sources on. Theo and Co. have shown over the years they can be wildly unpredictable in the best ways possible. I also hate it when people say "They spent XXX million dollars last offseason" as if that's how much they added in payroll for the next season. The Cubs have $110 million in guaranteed dollars for 2017 and only four players in arbitration. FOUR. Those players are Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon, and Justin Grimm. Arrieta made $10.7 mil this year. Be generous and say he gets $15 mil for 2017. Rondon and Strop each made about $4.5 mil a piece. Let's be generous and say they get $6.5 mil a piece. Grimm made $1.275 mil, be generous and say he gets $3.5 million.

 

That's $141 million before accounting for the league minimums of our young guys. That figure is about $30 million LESS than what our payroll was this season.

 

They've got plenty of room, Ken. You dingus.

 

But you also have to account for all the money they spent on champagne, the travel costs from the 17 extra games, etc. Could be a significant financial burden for the next couple years.

[mdwilla]

Yeah when it comes to team finances and future plans, I don't really trust anything the media says they've got sources on. Theo and Co. have shown over the years they can be wildly unpredictable in the best ways possible. I also hate it when people say "They spent XXX million dollars last offseason" as if that's how much they added in payroll for the next season. The Cubs have $110 million in guaranteed dollars for 2017 and only four players in arbitration. FOUR. Those players are Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon, and Justin Grimm. Arrieta made $10.7 mil this year. Be generous and say he gets $15 mil for 2017. Rondon and Strop each made about $4.5 mil a piece. Let's be generous and say they get $6.5 mil a piece. Grimm made $1.275 mil, be generous and say he gets $3.5 million.

 

That's $141 million before accounting for the league minimums of our young guys. That figure is about $30 million LESS than what our payroll was this season.

 

They've got plenty of room, Ken. You dingus.

 

Playoff revenue , the inveitable ticket price increase, additional seats in the old bullpens, and new $$$ seats behind home plate. Theo and company are playing possum.

[raw]

IDK it seems pretty likely that the Cubs either re-sign Fowler or spend on a closer. They aren't going to just accept downgrades at several positions. CF without Fowler would be a huge downgrade. SP likely would be a downgrade from Hammel to Montgomery or whoever. RP would be a downgrade if Monty is not there. And then closer is a downgrade going back to Rondon from Chapman. I think the Cubs have set a pretty high standard, and if there was ever a year to maintain it by not making marginal moves it's 2017, when coming off a ton of playoff revenue and the potential to clear tons of money after the season.

 

Unless the Cubs can pull off some amazing trades for pre-arb players at CF, SP, and RP.....they are going to spend money this offseason.

[Bryants Disco Ball]

IDK it seems pretty likely that the Cubs either re-sign Fowler or spend on a closer. They aren't going to just accept downgrades at several positions. CF without Fowler would be a huge downgrade. SP likely would be a downgrade from Hammel to Montgomery or whoever. RP would be a downgrade if Monty is not there. And then closer is a downgrade going back to Rondon from Chapman. I think the Cubs have set a pretty high standard, and if there was ever a year to maintain it by not making marginal moves it's 2017, when coming off a ton of playoff revenue and the potential to clear tons of money after the season.

 

Unless the Cubs can pull off some amazing trades for pre-arb players at CF, SP, and RP.....they are going to spend money this offseason.

 

On the other hand, finally winning the World Series and having a core returning that still has a chance to do it again even with some departures could make them feel like they don't have to do things they may not believe in. Meaning give $20 million to a closer.

[biittner77]

Maybe they will just see what they have through the season and see how they feel about renting someone at the deadline. The Cubs really have a lot of close games last season so not having a dominant closer isn't that big of a deal through July. The comments about "Looking for the next great closer" supports that idea.

[Gmoney08]

Id rather bring Chapman back then Fowler.

 

& I love Dex.

 

I want Aroldis pitching in postseason for us. Having a guy that could do what he did in game 5 is very very rare.

[Regular Show]

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but I'm pretty sure we're not bringing Chapman back. Those still clamoring for the Cubs to re-sign him have their reasons, but I really don't think the Cubs are interested in him. They know him very well at this point. Maybe Chapman wants to come back and something will be worked out. I doubt it though.

 

I think they either sign K. Jansen at the Winter Meetings, or they trade for a Closer. I also predict the Dodgers will sign Chapman.

 

Also, the one player we should all definitely want back is Fowler -- NOT Chapman. I think he'll get offered way more than the Cubs feel comfortable with and it'll most likely be a 4-5 yr deal. I'll miss Dexter -- one of favorite Cubs' Players of All-Time (Yes, even if he was here only for 2 yrs).

[Tryptamine]

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but I'm pretty sure we're not bringing Chapman back. Those still clamoring for the Cubs to re-sign him have their reasons, but I really don't think the Cubs are interested in him. They know him very well at this point. Maybe Chapman wants to come back and something will be worked out. I doubt it though.

 

I think they either sign K. Jansen at the Winter Meetings, or they trade for a Closer. I also predict the Dodgers will sign Chapman.

 

Also, the one player we should all definitely want back is Fowler -- NOT Chapman. I think he'll get offered way more than the Cubs feel comfortable with and it'll most likely be a 4-5 yr deal. I'll miss Dexter -- one of favorite Cubs' Players of All-Time (Yes, even if he was here only for 2 yrs).

 

Maybe I'm wrong, but I never got the impression the Cubs were all that interested in keeping Chapman long term.

[davell]

I really don't see us paying the money it'd take for Chapman, Jansen, or even Melancon.....

 

I figure Holland is our highest priority closer via FA, assuming they liked his showcase anyway. If not, then I'd suspect it'll be via trade anyway, as far as filling up the pen.....

 

Guys I suspect we've got a chance on thru trade.....

 

Alex Wilson and Justin Wilson-Detroit(Alex is a Theo guy)

Alex Colome, Brad Boxberger, Enny Romero-TB

Kyle Barraclough-Miami

Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera-KC

David Robertson-White Sox(I could see them dealing HIM to us, to get out from underneath the contract-but it'd still cost us something remotely useful)

Oakland-Sean Doolittle, John Axford, Ryan Dull, Liam Hendriks

Arizona-Randall Delgado, Andrew Chafin

Minnesota-Taylor Rogers

Colorado-Jake McGee(I think they're buying, but could see them trying to move him because he struggled last year)

Philadelphia-Hector Neris

San Diego-Brad Hand

 

 

Obviously, not all these guys are closers(or even set up guys necessarily). But its from this group that I'd expect one or two additions from. Some as secondary pieces in trades, others as the primary target.

[Gilby]

Does Colome have much of an injury history? Like I wonder if they'd trade for him to close in 2017 with the idea of having him take one of Jake/Lackey's rotation spot in 2018 and beyond.