I agree, with their depth the Cubs are a very solidly mediocre team. With a little luck and and natural progression from any number of guys they could be a good team. But barring a series of injuries or a big breakout they are not going to be terrible or great. The biggest question for me is can Tommy cobble together a starting rotation that can keep them in the game early. I think Hendricks is pretty much done and they shouldn’t expect anything from him so they will need someone to step into that role as a starter. At this point Stro is a bottom rotation pitcher. They’re going to need progress from the young starters.
I can't legally bet, but I'm interested in what you all might be betting on in the Super Bowl. I think the Eagles are a slight favorite. I think they will win, but I wouldn't bet on it.
He has to get his body in better shape or he’s going to be Pablo Sandavol’s size by the time he’s in his mid 20s. Maybe he’s a good enough athlete, but the chances aren’t good. I’m hoping if he stays in Arizona a few off-season they can help him reshape his body.
Jed still keeping the inexplicable "nah, we don't want more guys who can throw fastballs" dream alive. I think that is primary reason they are valuing defense so highly. Perhaps also why they let Willy walk. They know what they have now and are building a strength to compensate for the perceived weakness. However, hard heat isn't the only way to get a K.
I'll go the other way and say the only reason to send him back to the low minors is the injury. Whatever he has to prove isn't going to happen in High A I don't think it's about "proving" anything. It's about what is best for his development. If they think he's ready to handle AA, they'll give him the assignment. If they think his very short exposure to pro pitching hasn't yet prepared him for AA, they'll put him in A+. It's not an insult. It's not a step back. It will be a hell of an accomplishment just to get back on the field after that injury. Yeah. Everyone wants the local kid to make good. They can promote him to AA if he's tearing it up for the first couple of months. I'm excited to see him play. Last year we took a trip up to Michigan with the specific intent to watch him in SB. About a week before our trip he got injured.