Phillies (Nola) vs Cubs (Taillon): 4/27/25, 6:10pm

[squally1313]

16 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

I don't want to dismiss the Cubs being a player short - I really think they came into the year one player short. I just don't want to pin it all on a single moment. It feels like everything; Luzardo, Scott and Bregman, in a vacuum you go "oh yeah I get it" on why it didn't go down. But the zoom-out doesn't change the fact they needed one more.

Yeah I didn't have a huge problem with any of the individual decisions that were made in the offseason but we ended up with a good not great roster and a $30m hole in the budget. I defend Jed and Co more than most around here, but that money kinda needs to be spent on an elite starting pitcher trade or a Tucker extension at this point. And it would have been simpler and better for the 2025 team to just get that money spent in the offseason and have a full season worth of $30m of talent. 

 

[Jason Ross]

1 minute ago, squally1313 said:

Yeah I didn't have a huge problem with any of the individual decisions that were made in the offseason but we ended up with a good not great roster and a $30m hole in the budget. I defend Jed and Co more than most around here, but that money kinda needs to be spent on an elite starting pitcher trade or a Tucker extension at this point. And it would have been simpler and better for the 2025 team to just get that money spent in the offseason and have a full season worth of $30m of talent. 

 

Yeah, I think that's all fair criticism. I can understand every move, but by being patient, the Cubs have put themselves in a bit of a hole in that, they never got that other thing. Whether it was another high leverage arm, or a SP, or a bat...they feel light. Based on the Cubs actions this offseason, they would probably agree. 

Thankfully, I think the Cubs will likely escape the unforced error. Coming out of April with a .500 record at this point, no matter what, is a huge W. They have a super weak period where they (should - *knock on wood*) beat up on the Rockies, Marlins, Reds and White Sox. If they're still at a 95 win pace at the beginning of June, they really have to make it 30 more days without falling off before they can go use prospect capital to right the wrong. 

In a weird sense, being one player short has probably given them some extra clarity on guys like Brad Keller (who really looks like a breakout reliever) and Colin Rea (who I wrote about here today, and am cautiously optimistic about the changes). But they'll still need an impact player before year's end. 

[Rcal10]

13 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

Yeah, I think that's all fair criticism. I can understand every move, but by being patient, the Cubs have put themselves in a bit of a hole in that, they never got that other thing. Whether it was another high leverage arm, or a SP, or a bat...they feel light. Based on the Cubs actions this offseason, they would probably agree. 

Thankfully, I think the Cubs will likely escape the unforced error. Coming out of April with a .500 record at this point, no matter what, is a huge W. They have a super weak period where they (should - *knock on wood*) beat up on the Rockies, Marlins, Reds and White Sox. If they're still at a 95 win pace at the beginning of June, they really have to make it 30 more days without falling off before they can go use prospect capital to right the wrong. 

In a weird sense, being one player short has probably given them some extra clarity on guys like Brad Keller (who really looks like a breakout reliever) and Colin Rea (who I wrote about here today, and am cautiously optimistic about the changes). But they'll still need an impact player before year's end. 

 Cubs are a bat short, but I am willing to wait in that until Shaw comes back. And I think he will come back. Besides, who can they get now anyway? Arenado, McMahon? At what cost? I think the bigger need is a front of the rotation starter. But, again, at what cost? And who? Alcantara? Lopez? If they talk about either I have to think guys like Cassie and Alcantara are brought up. Which would be easier to deal if they extended Tucker. Then they would have 2 outfield spots covered for multiple years. Makes Alcantara (OF) and Cassie more expendable. Cubs need to work things out with Tucker so they know what they can trade to add wheee they need help. If not now, when? If not Tucker, who? Time for the FO/ownership to change the narrative on them. Time to extend Tucker and PCA and act like the large market team they are. Then trade for a solid starting pitcher. If they do sign the two outfielders they know exactly what they can trade. Even if 3rd remains a weakness the team should still be good enough to win and win in thenlkahiffs, if they add a TOR arm. 

[BKHoo]

What about Joe Ryan? I don’t know his contract situation but the Twins seem bad this year. 

[KCCub]

1 minute ago, BKHoo said:

What about Joe Ryan? I don’t know his contract situation but the Twins seem bad this year. 

He's got two years of Arb left after this season. I think they'll rather move Pablo Lopez as he's in year 2 of his 4/$73.5m contract. 

[squally1313]

10 minutes ago, KCCub said:

He's got two years of Arb left after this season. I think they'll rather move Pablo Lopez as he's in year 2 of his 4/$73.5m contract. 

Twins still have a 40% chance of making the playoffs per FG. Zac Eflin is certainly not a sexy name but he put up 2.8 fWAR last year (and 4.9 the year before) and is on his last year of a deal that pays him $16m this year for Baltimore, who are already down to 15% playoff odds and would likely be the kind of team to prioritize a shorter reset/rebuild and near MLB ready prospects. 

Man, did I just advocate for a Zac Eflin trade in April. Logging off for the day. 

[PeanutPunch33]

I went to the game last night, best seats I've ever had.  4 rows behind Cubs dugout.  Heckled RIcketts when he walked past right after the game ended.  Matthew Boyd, one of the nicest players I've ever interacted with.  When I yelled out his name he turned around and chatted with me for a few seconds and said he'd throw me a ball if there was an opportunity.  PCA's speed is insane to watch live, he's probably faster than Tyreke Hill 

[Rcal10]

3 hours ago, squally1313 said:

Twins still have a 40% chance of making the playoffs per FG. Zac Eflin is certainly not a sexy name but he put up 2.8 fWAR last year (and 4.9 the year before) and is on his last year of a deal that pays him $16m this year for Baltimore, who are already down to 15% playoff odds and would likely be the kind of team to prioritize a shorter reset/rebuild and near MLB ready prospects. 

Man, did I just advocate for a Zac Eflin trade in April. Logging off for the day. 

It is crazy to talk about now, but since we are Mitch Keller would also be an option. He is signed theu 29’ but I can see the pirates trading him. I think they are always open for business if it means lowering their teams payroll. 

[We Got The Whole 9]

Speaking of Pirates pitching, are they gonna call up Chandler against us lol

[thawv]

15 hours ago, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Speaking of Pirates pitching, are they gonna call up Chandler against us lol

Their rotation has been set, and he's not in it.