Braves (López) vs Cubs (Peterson): 09/14/26, 6:40 PM

[Rcal10]

38 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

Good win. Offense looked really good; they beat up on Lopez the way you'd hope. Assad a little iffy in the pen, but whatever. David Peterson, very good. Since coming to Chicago Peterson has been shockingly good:

4.15 ERA, 4.27 FIP, 3.99 xFIP. 20.6 K%, 10.6% BB%, 

You'd hope for a bit better walk and strikeout rate, but a 50% groundball rate will help erase the walks. 

As an aside, I think he's shown enough worth to consider a multi-year contract (Two years and like a third option with a buyout on his end?) as a good 4/5 option for a rotation that could probably use that.

I would be fine with him and Holmes signed. Then trade for a starting pitcher. Maybe look into Detmers again. Hopefully Cabrera for his customary bad first year whenever coming to the Cubs, over. Then you have maybe Steele and Brown. Also Garrett and maybe Wiggins and Assad as other options. Maybe even consider Civale. I just don’t see this team with a standard 5 man rotation who all get 28-32 starts with just some fill in pitchers. Seems more like 7-8 guys all getting 12-30 starts. 

Edited 3 hours ago by Rcal10

[gflore34]

8 hours ago, Soul said:

AZ walks it off with a 2-run homer.

 

LOL

I honestly believe AZ is done, losing 2 of 3 to the Rangers did them in and, despite the Marlins being awful on the road, they'll get one vs. AZ.  Then AZ has the Yankees and Padres, they don't have enough starting pitching to hang in and their bullpen has to be nearing exhaustion.

Edited 2 hours ago by gflore34

[mk49]

1 hour ago, Jason Ross said:

Good win. Offense looked really good; they beat up on Lopez the way you'd hope. Assad a little iffy in the pen, but whatever. David Peterson, very good. Since coming to Chicago Peterson has been shockingly good:

4.15 ERA, 4.27 FIP, 3.99 xFIP. 20.6 K%, 10.6% BB%, 

Since the AS break (10 starts), Peterson has been arguably the best SP for us.  Yes, BB% is high, but 

3.19 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 3.51 xFIP, 22.5% K%, 10.2% BB%, 56.7% GB%, 0.9 fWAR (by far the best on the team)

Yeah, the Cubs should consider re-signing him.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by mk49

[Jason Ross]

1 hour ago, Rcal10 said:

I would be fine with him and Holmes signed. Then trade for a starting pitcher. Maybe look into Detmers again. Hopefully Cabrera for his customary bad first year whenever coming to the Cubs, over. Then you have maybe Steele and Brown. Also Garrett and maybe Wiggins and Assad as other options. Maybe even consider Civale. I just don’t see this team with a standard 5 man rotation who all get 28-32 starts with just some fill in pitchers. Seems more like 7-8 guys all getting 12-30 starts. 

I'd sign one of Holmes/Peterson quick, and then I'd be heavily focused on Skubal. 

I know, I know, everyone is going to dog pile with the "the Cubs would never" thing, and they deserve skepticism there, but there's some belief on the part of people who have some knowledge on these things that the Cubs have admired Skubal and their belief is they will be involved. Based on those things we can fully assume they know the general price at that point and they know Boras. 

I wouldn't bet on it happening, but if I really think about everything, I'm more inclined to believe the first mega contract they would dole out would be a SP regardless of their roster construction and given their roster construction and potential generational type talent on a team-friendly deal? This is the time.

[Rcal10]

2 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

I'd sign one of Holmes/Peterson quick, and then I'd be heavily focused on Skubal. 

I know, I know, everyone is going to dog pile with the "the Cubs would never" thing, and they deserve skepticism there, but there's some belief on the part of people who have some knowledge on these things that the Cubs have admired Skubal and their belief is they will be involved. Based on those things we can fully assume they know the general price at that point and they know Boras. 

I wouldn't bet on it happening, but if I really think about everything, I'm more inclined to believe the first mega contract they would dole out would be a SP regardless of their roster construction and given their roster construction and potential generational type talent on a team-friendly deal? This is the time.

It is the time and he is the guy. And I trust you when you speak as to them having interest. But for me, I can’t put him in any plans. I would rather think smaller and be shocked if they proved me wrong. Besides that, I think if they signed Holmes and Peterson and traded for a young starting pitcher with a few years of control left, the rotation would be solid. Maybe go after the best pen arm via free agency and keep Seiya. They are going to add many pen arms. They have a lot of guys signed for next year, already. 

[Jason Ross]

1 minute ago, Rcal10 said:

It is the time and he is the guy. And I trust you when you speak as to them having interest. But for me, I can’t put him in any plans. I would rather think smaller and be shocked if they proved me wrong. Besides that, I think if they signed Holmes and Peterson and traded for a young starting pitcher with a few years of control left, the rotation would be solid. Maybe go after the best pen arm via free agency and keep Seiya. They are going to add many pen arms. They have a lot of guys signed for next year, already. 

As with the offseason, I wouldn't put him in the plans, but we should also realize that Skubal is going to plug the market. You can *probably* get someone like David Peterson, who was essentially on the DFA-chopping block mid-year and isn't going to be heavily valued in on a quick one/two year deal with a team like the Cubs (it's kind of perfect-storm placement for him, to be fair). Peterson builds value to hit the market again at 32 or 33 and the Cubs get a back-end guy. Win-win.

Beyond that, the market is likely going to be a standstill. Even with the CBA stuff. It probably speeds up a bit (teams and players don't have the time to dance in a protracted offseason) but Skubal is going to set the market and then the market will follow (as we usually see). So I think we can do two things:
1. Enter the market with Skubal in mind, do our thing
2. Understanding backup plans

[Rcal10]

2 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

As with the offseason, I wouldn't put him in the plans, but we should also realize that Skubal is going to plug the market. You can *probably* get someone like David Peterson, who was essentially on the DFA-chopping block mid-year and isn't going to be heavily valued in on a quick one/two year deal with a team like the Cubs (it's kind of perfect-storm placement for him, to be fair). Peterson builds value to hit the market again at 32 or 33 and the Cubs get a back-end guy. Win-win.

Beyond that, the market is likely going to be a standstill. Even with the CBA stuff. It probably speeds up a bit (teams and players don't have the time to dance in a protracted offseason) but Skubal is going to set the market and then the market will follow (as we usually see). So I think we can do two things:
1. Enter the market with Skubal in mind, do our thing
2. Understanding backup plans

That is true for the pitching market. Skubal will clog it. The problem is, hitters might be signing. So if the Cubs decide they want their money to go towards Skubal they aren’t getting Suzuki. He will be gone. If someone beats the Cubs out on Skubal, which is very probable, they are stuck with money and little bats to spend it on. So if they go the route you mentioned they better complete the mission. Because they are going to be weaker offensively. 

[gflore34]

5 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

As with the offseason, I wouldn't put him in the plans, but we should also realize that Skubal is going to plug the market. You can *probably* get someone like David Peterson, who was essentially on the DFA-chopping block mid-year and isn't going to be heavily valued in on a quick one/two year deal with a team like the Cubs (it's kind of perfect-storm placement for him, to be fair). Peterson builds value to hit the market again at 32 or 33 and the Cubs get a back-end guy. Win-win.

Beyond that, the market is likely going to be a standstill. Even with the CBA stuff. It probably speeds up a bit (teams and players don't have the time to dance in a protracted offseason) but Skubal is going to set the market and then the market will follow (as we usually see). So I think we can do two things:
1. Enter the market with Skubal in mind, do our thing
2. Understanding backup plans

Hasn't Skubal all but said he's going to sign with Dodgers?  If so, I'd rather the Cubs not waste their time with whatever charade is going to surround other teams having a chance with Skubal.

[Wilson A2000]

19 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

I'd sign one of Holmes/Peterson quick, and then I'd be heavily focused on Skubal. 

I know, I know, everyone is going to dog pile with the "the Cubs would never" thing, and they deserve skepticism there, but there's some belief on the part of people who have some knowledge on these things that the Cubs have admired Skubal and their belief is they will be involved. Based on those things we can fully assume they know the general price at that point and they know Boras. 

I wouldn't bet on it happening, but if I really think about everything, I'm more inclined to believe the first mega contract they would dole out would be a SP regardless of their roster construction and given their roster construction and potential generational type talent on a team-friendly deal? This is the time.

The Cubs admire Skubal like I admire a supermodel. The Cubs have zero chance at Skubal. They won’t even send an offer.

[Rcal10]

1 hour ago, gflore34 said:

I honestly believe AZ is done, losing 2 of 3 to the Rangers did them in and, despite the Marlins being awful on the road, they'll get one vs. AZ.  Then AZ has the Yankees and Padres, they don't have enough starting pitching to hang in and their bullpen has to be nearing exhaustion.

I’m not really worried about the Dbacks. But I wouldn’t mind seeing them play a little better, tbh. Wouldn’t mind San Diego losing a few games. They have the Dodgers coming up, and hopefully a still competing Dbacks team. Padres have won 8 in a row and still have 2 in Colorado. They may win those but then their schedule gets harder. Especially so if the Dbacks are within  a few games of them. 

[squally1313]

3 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

Hasn't Skubal all but said he's going to sign with Dodgers?  If so, I'd rather the Cubs not waste their time with whatever charade is going to surround other teams having a chance with Skubal.

He just gave some quotes praising the next owner of the Angels (Kroenke, the Rams guy), which, combined with everything that's been going on with Mark Walter in the last few weeks, is probably enough for me to leave the door open on him. 

I do think you need to address at least one of the corner outfield spots externally, and there's a lot of guys still floating around without any path to a starting spot. Peterson and Holmes have shown how much nicer it is when you have a GB rate above 40%, and you don't necessarily need to break the bank for either those guys or adjacent guys. Can you get both of them, trade Shaw/Ramirez for another one, and then use the rest of the money keeping the outfield as elite as it is? Steele/Holmes/Brown/Peterson/controlled starter/Cabrera/Assad I guess/the hypothetical version of Cade Horton isn't bad, and the costs to pick one up midseason weren't terrible this year. 

[Jason Ross]

22 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

Hasn't Skubal all but said he's going to sign with Dodgers?  If so, I'd rather the Cubs not waste their time with whatever charade is going to surround other teams having a chance with Skubal.

He's said nothing of the sort. Not only would Scott Boras have to do considerable damage control (at what point would the Dodgers have to offer him a big contract if he said that?) but it'd be the first time any free agent of any sort did that months before they become a FA. Any comments he's made have been just general praise for organizations but not really anything that should make anyone believe he's signing with LAD immediately. 

I know everyone has this defeatist attitude about all free agents who are good, but the Dodgers won't sign everyone and the Cubs can sign players. I think we can be skeptical without defeatist (not saying you are for the record, just the general sentiment across Cubdom). 

[Stratos]

28 minutes ago, Wilson A2000 said:

The Cubs admire Skubal like I admire a supermodel. The Cubs have zero chance at Skubal. They won’t even send an offer.

They'll kick the tires per usual at least.  Hard to see them winning a bid with the Dodgers around.

Cubs went through 39 pitchers and 13 SP this year, with their 3 best SP on the IL most or all of the year.  If I'm the FO I don't lock up 30m+ in payroll annually on a pitcher in this era.   Use it for a position guy. 

I am tired of all these average to below- average SP though.  They can do better.

Edited 1 hour ago by Stratos

[Soul]

24 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

He's said nothing of the sort. Not only would Scott Boras have to do considerable damage control (at what point would the Dodgers have to offer him a big contract if he said that?) but it'd be the first time any free agent of any sort did that months before they become a FA. Any comments he's made have been just general praise for organizations but not really anything that should make anyone believe he's signing with LAD immediately. 

I know everyone has this defeatist attitude about all free agents who are good, but the Dodgers won't sign everyone and the Cubs can sign players. I think we can be skeptical without defeatist (not saying you are for the record, just the general sentiment across Cubdom). 

My question is, why do we need to go all-in on one SP for megabucks when the Brewers just bring up a new crop every year and they're fine?  We need a better system.  A conveyor belt of young arms.  I'll bet the Crew has another batch waiting to go next year.

[JBears79]

Skubal is an absolute must. I am tired of dumpster diving for pitchers. 2027+ needs an ace and this pitching infrastructure as constructed, cannot develop pitching at all.

[gflore34]

23 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

He's said nothing of the sort. Not only would Scott Boras have to do considerable damage control (at what point would the Dodgers have to offer him a big contract if he said that?) but it'd be the first time any free agent of any sort did that months before they become a FA. Any comments he's made have been just general praise for organizations but not really anything that should make anyone believe he's signing with LAD immediately. 

I know everyone has this defeatist attitude about all free agents who are good, but the Dodgers won't sign everyone and the Cubs can sign players. I think we can be skeptical without defeatist (not saying you are for the record, just the general sentiment across Cubdom). 

I'm not certain about this, well, at least in regards to anyone who is good.  Appears they've unlimited financial resources and flexibility.

[JBears79]

1 minute ago, gflore34 said:

I'm not certain about this, well, at least in regards to anyone who is good.  Appears they've unlimited financial resources and flexibility.

They are under federal investigation right now though, no? The owner I mean.

[gflore34]

8 minutes ago, Soul said:

My question is, why do we need to go all-in on one SP for megabucks when the Brewers just bring up a new crop every year and they're fine?  We need a better system.  A conveyor belt of young arms.  I'll bet the Crew has another batch waiting to go next year.

Baseball is fickle and very hard, no way to predict, with all the random variables in play, that a team will continue to develop top pitching year in and year out.  The Cubs just spent an enormous amount of draft capital on pitching who's to say they won't start a conveyor belt of young arms in 3+ years?  Of course, it doesn't help in the immediate.

Edited 1 hour ago by gflore34

[gflore34]

6 minutes ago, JBears79 said:

They are under federal investigation right now though, no? The owner I mean.

Given a get of jail card can be bought now a-days, I wouldn't hold out much hope it'll resort to anything.

Edited 1 hour ago by gflore34

[Jason Ross]

10 minutes ago, Soul said:

My question is, why do we need to go all-in on one SP for megabucks when the Brewers just bring up a new crop every year and they're fine?  We need a better system.  A conveyor belt of young arms.  I'll bet the Crew has another batch waiting to go next year.

There's no reason the Cubs cannot do both. This shouldn't be a "what-about-ism" and two things can be true at the same time:
1. The Chicago Cubs do need to develop more arms. Internally the hope is that with Tyler Zombro now as the pitching director, a conveyor belt will be created. But this takes considerable time. You don't just find pitchers under the pillow. The Brewers don't either. If the Cubs do this correctly, it's probably two or three years down the road before we really see the fruits.

2. The Chicago Cubs have the resources to go get one of the X-best SP's this offseason and should do just that. Even more so if the first step is going to take years.

[Jason Ross]

13 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

I'm not certain about this, well, at least in regards to anyone who is good.  Appears they've unlimited financial resources and flexibility.

The Dodgers haven't signed everyone. They were thought to be the guaranteed winners of Trea Turner a few years ago, same for Corey Seager. They didn't sign Bichette last offseason. They didn't sign Bregman. They didn't get Juan Soto. They didn't sign Aaron Judge.

The Dodgers will certainly splash money. I wouldn't expect that to stop any time soon. But they also won't sign everyone. They have not gotten every top-of-the-market free agent and while it's probable that they will be involved in most of them, there's nothing stopping the Cubs from signing Skubal.

[gflore34]

1 minute ago, Jason Ross said:

The Dodgers haven't signed everyone. They were thought to be the guaranteed winners of Trea Turner a few years ago, same for Corey Seager. They didn't sign Bichette last offseason. They didn't sign Bregman. They didn't get Juan Soto. They didn't sign Aaron Judge.

The Dodgers will certainly splash money. I wouldn't expect that to stop any time soon. But they also won't sign everyone. 

For me it's envy, at least they're willing to splash money, the Cubs, in terms of finance, have the ability to be the Dodgers of the Central.  They are the only team in the Central with such capabilities and they choose not to fully leverage them.

[ILMindState]

21 minutes ago, Soul said:

My question is, why do we need to go all-in on one SP for megabucks when the Brewers just bring up a new crop every year and they're fine?  We need a better system.  A conveyor belt of young arms.  I'll bet the Crew has another batch waiting to go next year.

Invest in a better pitch lab, we're not getting Skubal. Just pay everyone Milwaukee employs double the money. It'll probably cost less than Skubal. 

[ILMindState]

Isn't there a pitcher and/or OF from Japan that's supposed to be good?

[Jason Ross]

9 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

For me it's envy, at least they're willing to splash money, the Cubs, in terms of finance, have the ability to be the Dodgers of the Central.  They are the only team in the Central with such capabilities and they choose not to fully leverage them.

Yeah, I totally get that. Baseball owners are about the most easy group on the planet (sports wise) to despise. The Dodgers have some benefits (their TV deal is nuts!) so they spend more than others, but overall, the other 29 owners are nearly all shades of "has more money but cries poor" (and then there's the even worse group of "refuses to spend money and steals all of the revenue sharing" group).