chibears55

Quick question cause I keep seeing Michael Cole and others bring up Cabrera 95 mph change up and im wondering why is that so special and what the difference between that and a 95 mph fastball ? Wouldn't an effective changeup be about 8-10 miles under your fastball, which Cabrera was averaging around 97 last year

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Steele has been reported to being way ahead of schedule, not sure if that means a possible return in May over what was previous determined June, but if the team playing well and the starters are all pitching decent, theres no need to to activate him sooner rather than later. A fully healthy and rested Steele would do them more good in the final 100 games and postseason then having him starting a couple games in may.

They did spend more, I figured 220 but they got to 240s, and Bregman 30 over Tucker 16.5 and Imanaga getting 22 over 16 was a big reason for the increase. Yes the bullpen is pretty much new with the 4 new additions and they have 2 new bench guys. Of the regulars and SP, theres only 2 new additions to the team and that Bregman and Cabrera, so no IMO that much of a change to the core group of regulars. The surprise was the spending on Bregman. I did not expect that, I thought money was going to be spent more on SP and was hoping for 2 new SP, but after Imanaga returned, I expected one and they got Cabrera. So they did add money wise 26.5 in SP with Imanaga return and Cabrera trade. But to fully answer your question, outside of Bregman signing, there wasn't any real big surprise additions added to the roster, so yea the payroll a surprise too but mainly because of Bregman money and Imanaga raise, but the other additions to the roster was basically what I expected from them. Low cost guys for the bench and pen, and another SP added. Now dont get me wrong, I do like their full roster and not upset over it, I expect 90 wins again if everyone can stay healthy. Im mostly intrigued by what the SP can look like in the second half with Steele Cabrera Horton Imanaga and Maybe Wiggins added in there. Bats avoid prolonged slumps and bullpen stays consistent on the good side, this could be a solid team all year and going into the postseason

I didn't expect too much to change this offseason outside of replacing Tucker, a few bullpen arms and Bench. Most of the roster was returning barring trades. Bregman replaced Tucker, and Mo is replacing Shaw in the lineup. Austin Shaw McCormick replacing Turner Berti/Castro and Alcantara/Caissie. Cabrera replacing Rea/Assad in the rotation. Bullpen is new outside of Palencia, Theilbar, and with Rea and Asaad being a bigger part of it. Hopefully the lineup can stay healthy, the bullpen can get off to a good start, and the rotation can be consistent and ends up becoming a strength once Steele returns and maybe Wiggins can join at some point in second half and give them a huge shot in arm like Horton did. Cabrera Steele Horton and Wiggins can be something really special for them in September/October

So who the Cubs bench old man veteran on this year roster, Shelby Miller ? Maybe it time to give McCutchen (39) a call Lol

Phillies released Nick Castellanos I wouldn't mind adding him as DH at a reasonable cost, allow Mo to stay down and work on catching.

I think the Cubs are done adding to the major league roster.

Mysterious injuries happen all the time

I can see two possible scenarios they can go with outside of the obvious trading a SP... 1. They can start the season with Boyd or Taillon on the IL 2. They can start Horton in Iowa to limit his innings early on

Cardinals going into tank mode, Cubs have zero excuse to not win the Division, Brewers be damn...

Andujar still can be a possibility if the Cubs do trade Shaw to Boston

I'd love to get Kopech, and maybe they can work him back into being a starter again next season, if not, at the very least theyll have a solid, hard throwing late innings guy who can close games with Palencia. He'll be 30 this season

16 days for pitchers and catchers 🙂

Nats were talking with Giants about Abrams, theyre looking for a big haul for him, just curious what it would take from the Cubs, likely starts with Wiggins. No I don't think the Cubs will engage, just curious as to what the return could be from the Cubs or if they even have enough talent in system to even have that discussion for what the Nats are looking for. Maybe get a 3 way with Nico involved to get prospects to go to the Nats

Cubs are projected to be about 13 mil over the Threshold after Arb settles, hard to feel like they wont spend another 7 mil between now and the deadline that would take them to the next penalty level of 32%. Would TR really pass up an opportunity to improve the roster if someone or two becomes available that can be a difference but will bump them over 20 mil and they'd have to pay an extra 5-7 mil in penalty

Sounds like someone who will be playing in Iowa for awhile to see if he can overcome them injuries and get his swing back. I dont expect to see much of him, at least not for a couple months.

What happened to him the last 2 seasons, was he hurt ir something

It official...

Mets about to trade for Peralta per Heyman.. Good for the Cubs, get him out of Division and off of the Brewers

Bellinger signs with Yankees 5/165 opt outs after 2027 and 2028

Does this take Mets out of Bellinger chase https://x.com/i/status/2013828391158391173

Didn't see this posted anywhere...

I think so unless Jed planning on trading Taillon or Imanaga, which would surprise me a bit.

I dont know, a small part of me still feels like Bellinger a possibility, I know the Yankees 5/160 and Mets 3-4 for either 45-50 per are coming in hot, but Belli is said to be looking for 7 years. With Both Happ and Suzuki both in final years, they could secure an OFer for the next 6-7 years with Bellinger. They can keep Mo down to work on his catching. Amaya/Kelly Busch Hoerner Swanson Bregman Happ PCA Bellinger Suzuki Shaw Austin or Andujar Dean/Alcantara This would be a solid 13...