2019-20 Offseason Rumors/General Chit-Chat

[Post Count Padder]

lololol this offseason

 

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[JudasIscariotTheBird]

Wouldn't his ability to play baseball trump his interest or mindset?

[Brian]

Ok guys we've got a leadoff problem any suggestions?

 

How about that guy that hasn't played in two years?

 

Can he play?

 

umm...

 

Does he want to play?

 

yeah, let me get back to you.

[Brian]

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If we're just spitballing guys Ross liked to play with in 2013, how about Big Papi?

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

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If we're just spitballing guys Ross liked to play with in 2013, how about Big Papi?

Taking advantage of HGH exceptions for getting shot in the guts is the new market inefficiency.

[Brian]

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Pedro Strop informs me that there are three teams behind his services: Cubs, Marlins and Texas. "This weekend you may sign with one of those three teams." It could be a one-year contract, according to the Palenque native. You will choose the best offer.

[Post Count Padder]

Come back, Pedro.

[Post Count Padder]

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If we're just spitballing guys Ross liked to play with in 2013, how about Big Papi?

What's John Lackey up to?

[Brian]

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[champaignchris]

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What’s he going to say? “My boss ambushed me?”

 

But then, if the financial handcuffs were a surprise, I don’t see why Theo wouldn’t just walk.

[Cubswin11]

[17 Seconds]

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what a terrible quote

 

"paying for new good players? no, that was never happening. trading some guys for some other guys? also no"

[Bertz]

 

Bastian and Mooney both with articles since last night about a Baez extension. We've been hearing this all winter, so there's seemingly something there. I'm assuming at this point the offseason plan is either:

 

- KB out, ~$5M worth of bench help in, Javy extended, a little bit of money squirreled away for the deadline

- Q out, ~$2M worth of bench help in, Javy extended, austerity deadline

 

Probably depending on what the offers for KB look like.

[Cubswin11]

 

[Bertz]

 

 

Tangentially related: Michael Keaton would be a fantastic IGT theme this season

[Cubswin11]

[minnesotacubsfan]

 

Awesome

[ConstableRabbit]

 

If they’re going to extend Baez they’d almost certainly be over the CBT next year, which could be some justification for getting under this year given the penalties.

[Cubswin11]

 

If they’re going to extend Baez they’d almost certainly be over the CBT next year, which could be some justification for getting under this year given the penalties.

They shouldn’t extend him then so they have more freedom to add talent. IMO.

[Bertz]

 

I expected him to wind up being the LH part of our 2B situation. Hopefully this means we're aiming higher like Holt and not just letting it ride with Asuaje.

[Post Count Padder]

I had assumed we'd end up with him so that's a relief. Really hoping we sign Holt.

[Cubswin11]

Who is the RH part of 2B and, if Hoerner or even Bote, why do they need a platoon partner? Bote was worse against LHP last year, Hoerner in a platoon might hurt more than help him

Both them and maybe some Happ. Bote was way better vs LHP in 2018 and horsefeathers vs RHP. So jury is still out there, imo. Bote also may need to play some 3B with KB in the OF too. We don’t even know if Nico is good and he also may be in the CF mix (or may want him starting in AAA). Holt just adds some quality depth and it makes some sense for it to be a LHH capable of playing 2B (plus other spots). Just helps make the roster more versatile really and isn’t so much needing a platoon partner for guys at 2B, IMO.

[Cubswin11]

Both them and maybe some Happ. Bote was way better vs LHP in 2018 and horsefeathers vs RHP. So jury is still out there, imo. Bote also may need to play some 3B with KB in the OF too. We don’t even know if Nico is good and he also may be in the CF mix (or may want him starting in AAA). Holt just adds some quality depth and it makes some sense for it to be a LHH capable of playing 2B (plus other spots). Just helps make the roster more versatile really and isn’t so much needing a platoon partner for guys at 2B, IMO.

 

I just don't see the fit. He's basically been the same player as Bote for the past half decade now but with lower lows and worse defense. Bote himself has almost the exact same lines against RH and LH pitchers since coming up and is at the ages Holt had his best seasons, not a whole lot of incentive to look for a non-impact guy to take PAs away. Happ's got a 121 wRC+ / .357 wOBA against RHPs so he's not looking for a LHH partner and is probably the starting CF anyway where Holt couldn't help. Not going to find out if Hoerner's good by setting him up for only favorable matchups, that's the same trap as Almora all over again, but if he isn't they start Bote instead

He’s better than Descalso and does the contact thing, with a 26-man roster I see how he can fit and be used. I’d rather have him than Descalso, Asuaje, Giambrone, Hernan Perez, Short, etc break camp on the roster. It’s just like years past with the “how are all these guys going to play?” questions were asked when we had real depth, it always works itself out and is good to have over this sham depth we have right now.

[Cubswin11]

He’s better than Descalso and does the contact thing, with a 26-man roster I see how he can fit and be used. I’d rather have him than Descalso, Asuaje, Giambrone, Hernan Perez, Short, etc break camp on the roster. It’s just like years past with the “how are all these guys going to play?” questions were asked when we had real depth, it always works itself out and is good to have over this sham depth we have right now.

 

If this is how you feel about players like Bote, not really sure why, then Brock Holt of all players is not going to fix what ails you. I could see a situation where he's the best possible 26th man, but also think he could be a FA into ST when it's much easier to make that call. For now I think the FO should focus on moves that might actually move the needle for the Cubs

I do not feel that way about Bote or Happ or Nico. I feel the depth is a sham from Descalso, Almora, Asuaje, Hernan, etc down and it’s easily upgradable. Holt, Souza, Pillar, Dyson, etc. the former should all be like 17th—25th guys on a 13 man position player depth chart. Not multiple ones being in line to break camp.

[Bear Cub]

Forget Holt, re-sign Zobrist.