Rcal10

I think you might be high on the salaries, but I totally agree with the scenerio. That would be a solid off season.

That is how I see it. I would guess two pen arms (Yates and Minter) and one guy who can play 3rd and maybe 1st on occasion) Moncada, Dejong, Solano, Rojas, Polanco, Ursehla????? Or if they can trade Canario in the Luzardo deal maybe they can add Grichek too.

I’m not seeing room for 2 bench bats. I have Kelley and probably Canario. Do you think they sign 2 infield bats? Or are you suggesting Canario gets moved and they add someone like Grichek and then someone to be insurance for Shaw? I think there is only 1 bench stop available. Kelly, Canario and then either Mastrobouni, Cowles or Workman. Leave one spot.

Yep. They will add a solid bench bat. They have plenty of money for a pen arm or two and still build a decent bench. Assuming they do finish a trade for Luzardo they have over $30M they can easily spend and be under their line.

I don’t think you are wrong to believe Bellinger could put up better numbers than Busch. But I would rather have Busch and almost $40M to add to add someone to the pen and the bench that Bellinger and only $20M to spend. I do think they made the right choice, but I certainly wouldn’t jump all over you for your opinion. It has merit even if I disagree.

I also think he will do well in NY. I guess I don’t understand the negative comments in this. Most of us were hoping he opted out. But now the Cubs are paying $5M for him to leave and people are upset that the Cubs didn’t get much for him. Probably the same people who were hoping he opted out.

I am fine with that. Not really about who they got back IMO. it is about what they saved and what they can spend. So if it was $16-$18M before is it close to $40M now. If they get Luzardo they should have plenty of money for a couple pen arms and a solid bench bat. Maybe if Torres will agree to play 3rd they can sign him.

So if they are spending here does that mean no Sasaki?

Never mind

I do it think there is a chance Assad is in the rotation opening day, unless someone is injured. I certainly hope he isn’t. So you are ruling out Luzardo? I am not. And if they do trade for him and save $17M in Bellinger they would have $27M or so TO SPEND. They would be about $204 for payroll. They don’t need another pitcher in the rotation unless it is Saaaki. And they aren’t going to spend $27M in the bullpen. If they keep Bellinger, I completely agree with you. Or if they do extend Tucker this year that could be where the extra money goes. But assuming neither will happen, they will sign a bat who can play 3rd. They need to.

That is probably about right then. But hopefully they can do it before he hits free agency.

On who? If they trade for Luzardo and then trade Bellinger and save even $17M who are they paying all this money to? They are at 215 now. Save $17M on Bellinger brings them down to $198. The line is $241. So let’s assume they only want to go to $231. That leaves them $33M to work with. Luzardo cost $6M. So they have $27M. You don’t think they will add a bat with that kind of money left? If they don’t it would be a huge mismanagement of funds. As it is it is ridiculous they only go to $233. But that is Tom’s choice. Who are they spending $27M on? And remember, whoever it is will probably be a short term deal. If they want any chance at retaining Tucker they can’t have a pen arm making $15M a year the next few years. Even if they went with Yates and Minter that would probably cost them $15M, maybe. They still have $12M. Do you really want them to just pocket that money? Wouldn’t a good bench bat help?

If it includes this year I think that is a little steep. Now, starting next year I can see a possibility of $40M a year, but remember this year he is at $16M. So an extension starting now would be 10/$376.

Agreed it should be easy for the Cubs to know what they are willing to pay to move Bellinger.

I know. But they do need an outfielder. As I said, I doubt any of this is necessary. But to suggest the Cubs don’t have options is just not true. In the end, I expect Bellinger to the Yankees. If it is for Warren I can see the Cubs eating $7M-$10M of his contract. And that is a good deal for the Yankees. He will hit there.

Honestly, he would work too, IMO. We are not looking for a star or even an everyday player. Just someone as insurance for Shaw. He does have some power too. Considering we are talking about strictly a bench bat/insurance for Shaw, I think a lot of guys would fit.

I am souring on Moncada a bit. He just can’t stay healthy. But I am not that down on him to want Madrigal. I want a guy who can also play 1st base every now and then when they site Busch. Madrigal wouldn’t be that guy. Maybe it will be Tucker and they add a righty at to the line up elsewhere. DH or right field.

Cubs don’t have to trade Bellinger. But if they don’t, they probably should trade either Suzuki or Busch. With a Suzuki trade they should get a very good player. That may solve the pitcher need. Or they can still trade for Luzardo and use Suzuki in a different deal for prospects to build the system up again. Or they can talk to the Phillies about Bohm. And they will end up with about as much money to spend to fill the pen and bench as they would have had they traded Bellinger instead. Don’t love the idea, but it is doable. They can also trade Suzuki for a high end starting pitcher with a similar salary. Then, again they would have about $20M five or take to fill the pen and bench. I don’t want to trade Suzuki, but the fact is they can. They can also trade Busch. But he would have to be traded for prospects. They can’t really add salary if they have Bellinger and Suzuki. And they would probably then really need a cheaper pitcher in another trade (Luzardo) None of these is what I really want to happen. But the fact is they do have options besides just Bellinger to the Yankees. And if they do not offer the Cubs what is fair value for Bellinger that is on them, IMO. Time to move away from them and look elsewhere. I think when it all shakes out Bellinger will be a Yankee. Which is fine with me. But they do have options. No one is backed into a corner here.

I thought I read he would cost $6M in arbitration. But either way, if/when they trade Bellinger and if/when they get Luzardo they should have plenty of money left to fill the pen and bench without getting too close to their imaginary line.

You could, but you would be wrong about Happ. He actually has better numbers prior to the all star break than after it.

Moncada has been injured often. That can be a reason for his poor play. But he is 29 and Solano 37. I would be fine with either. But I think you exaggerated Moncada sucking a little bit. And ther might be something about sucking because of all the sucking around you.

Solano career OBP is 331 with 716 ops. Moncada OBP is 331 with career ops of 756. So who is this 240 obp guy you are comparing Solano too. I am fine with Solano too as well as Urshela. But don’t want that guy with the 240 Obp.

Could also be that all pitchers are getting more than expected. Boyd deal not looking so bad now.

Even using that thought process if they could afford Moncada he would be my choice over any other 3rd base options. I would rather him and keep Canario than go with Rojas and Grichek.

So Rojas, Grichek, Kelly and probably workman on the bench. Means Canario is expendable. I am fine with that.