Rcal10

The key word there is “could”. Yes they could become stars. But they “could” also be busts. I agree I don’t want to lose a top 100 prospect or prospects for a rental. But for someone like Detmers, Soriano, Webb(just someone I wish was available), they may have to lose two of those guys and then a little more. Trams are not giving up already good players who aren’t rentals for 1 guy who “could” be good if he reaches his max potential. If they get someone with years left before hitting free agency the trade is going to hurt the system. Personally, I am ok with that.

I can see something like this depending on what the Mets are looking for.

That’s just it. We don’t know. Just a few weeks ago people were touting the Phillies as this team to fear. Now they can’t win a game and have fallen behind the diamondbacks. Baseball is a fickle sport that is maddening to try to understand or predict. All we can do is hope the Cubs start hitting and winning any.

Are they? 🤷 To be honest, I wouldn’t be shocked if they came away with a similar deadline as last year. Lots of talk and just not being able to complete a big deal. But if they do complete a big deal I fully expect a lot of fans not liking it. IMO any big deal will only happen with a huge overpay in the eyes of the fans. It is going to hurt. Keep in mind this is not be criticizing Jed for not making a big move. This is just what I think is happening at all deadlines now. Teams selling big time guys asking more than teams buying are willing to pay. But if one does pay it will be a lot. Honestly, I hope I am wrong. But we shall see.

I don’t think we have to brush this off as coincidence. I think it is just the way baseball is. Maybe they aren’t hitting now, for some reason. This could be just a short stretch of not hitting. Baseball is just wierd. Teams don’t consistently score 5 runs a game all season. There is an ebb and flow to the season. I don’t think it is wrong to say the Cubs MIGHT be trending down a bit. Where people go overboard when things start going bad offensively and all of a sudden guys pick a 10 game stretch to suggest the offense sucks. Two things can be true. Cubs could have a very good offense AND Cubs can be struggling now. Let’s hope this doesn’t last much longer.

To be clear, I was speaking strictly in Bertz’s premise that Assad is currently pitching like a mid rotation starter if he holds at 94MPH. My point was that would be a nice surprise if that is what he was. I wasn’t giving him that spot. I believe my first response about him was he is a BOR starter who can be upgraded. Now it seems people are putting words in my mouth as if I have him as a MOR guy.

I agree. But if Assad is more 94-95 MPH and more a middle of a MOR rotation starter that means he can at least fill one spot. And be better than an innings eating 5th starter. If he is in the rotation I don’t want Rea in it. It is a good rotation if Assad pitches like a MOR starter but is the 5th starter and unquestionable the 5th guy on the rotation. So no Rea.

Hollowell to the IL.

Problem is tomorrow looks worse. So they might have to get this in while it rains, depending on how bad the rain is.

So someone who can be in the rotation next year? That would be a huge win if that is the case.

I like Assad. I think he is better than what analytics suggest he is. He does seem to out perform them all the time. But even with that he is a BOR starter who the Cubs can upgrade from. I agree with you, he does compete and rises to the occasion more often then not.

I would like to see one controlled starting pitcher brought in. Preferably Detmers. Then get the best pen arm you can get. I think with Webb, Palencia, Milner, Rea, Rolison, Assad, and one good pen arm via trade the pen will be ok. They might have Steele and Brown back too. I think the reason a controlled pitcher is so important here is because next year you only have Brown, Cabrera and then a few maybes. Maybe Steele is back. Maybe they offer a QO to Boyd and he accepts, maybe they sign a FA, maybe Wiggins is ready, etc….. they need one more definite. But if a rental is much cheaper I wouldn’t mind Mize, Peralta, or Holmes. Maybe even Ray or Mahle. I guess it all depends on who gets moved and the cost.

I have tickets for today. But in all seriousness the rain isn’t really expected until 4. My guess is they will play without incident. But even if they do stop play, I think they will go 9.

How many rainouts have the Cubs had this year? Just curious. Because if you go by the weathermen on this site you would think they had to have at least 10 rainouts already. My guess is they play today. Which is my guess every day. And I am right over 95% of the time by expecting a scheduled game will be played.

Whatever any of us thinks is good enough usually isn’t. Most people here always expect our prospects to bring back more than what they really do bring back.