Victor Reichman

With a lockout looming, I wouldn't sign anyone. If there is a lockout, I look forward to seeing minor leaguers playing. Many are blocked by big contracts for pro players and would do very well. We do need an even playing field, both for smaller markets to pay more and for larger markets less. A firm salary cap is necessary. No more 'deferred payments."

25/30 teams would love to have Nico. He would be a positive addition to any team. No reason to bash him. C+ is insulting.

C+ is ridiculous for Hoerner. A B would be more accurate. His defense was an A-. He was some of the glue that kept the team together and was helpful filling in at SS when Swanson was out for about a month. He did have a slump in the end of the 1st half, but at times in the 2nd half he led the league in hits. He is a terrific overall player and the article was far too harsh.

Not so sure that Cubs wouldn't be willing to eat some portion of that contract. His fielding is obviously outstanding and some teams may want that aspect with power at times as well. Certainly could see Nico at short, or Shaw. Or Shaw at 2nd along with Ramirez. This is the problem with long term funny money contracts. Maybe a lock out would save 1 of those years.

I would try to resign Kelly but for no more than 2 yrs. Amaya knows the pitchers and is worth keeping.

Sorry, I wouldn't sign any of the above. Peralta is declining. Bauers is not that much of an upgrade over Busch who is terrific on defense. And no to mega millions for Skubal. We hopefully will be getting Steele, Horton and Brown back. The problem is with relievers who are mostly hit and miss except for the elite. Remember, we had McGill. I would keep Assad as he is inexpensive and IMO very underrated.

Cubs were terrible at the end of last year and this year. They almost had Home Field locked up this year and it was a huge advantage for the Padres as they were 51-30 at home and their crowd was tops. It turned the wrong way when Holmes was pitching in Boston and doing well. Yes he walked some but only gave up a run in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out a hitter and Counsel with his obsession to righty lefty matchups brought in Thielbar who was not good this yr. He immediately gave up a 2 run single, the Cubs lost. Counsel is an above avg. manager, but not a great manager. When you have a pitcher that is dealing, you don't bring in a cold reliever because of matchups. Good pitchers can handle batters on both sides.

Hoerner needs to hit 2nd in the order. He can take a strike or 2 and let PCA steal. Suzuki is not a capable #2 hitter. And they would have speed at top of the lineup. You can pick on Shaw and Hoerner, but the team was 1 for 18 with RiSP in the 1st Marlin game.

PCA has been terrific and no Q. he's the MVP of the league. He needs 3 SB to hit 40/40. But why do they put the slowest runners in front of him, either Kelly or Amaya. If they walk or single and PCA singles, he has no option to steal a base. I would put Ramirez Shaw or Taylor in the 9 hole. Their speed wouldn't slow him down.

Suzuki has been a far better fielder this year. However, he often fails to hit the best pitch that he will see, the 1st pitch. Normally, a strike, he is automatically in the hole and getting worse pitches to hit. I am not advocating that he swing at every 1st pitch, but more often than not, it will lead to better results.

I think Happ has overall been great for the Cubs. Gold Glove defense and some power. But, this year he has fallen back esp. against LHP. Both Shaw and Taylor present better choices when a LHP is on the mound. Busch has been really good on defense, but he too has struggled. I believe that Ramirez or Shaw could spell him from time to time. At the least both Happ, Busch and maybe even Suzuki should bat lower in the order. PCA, 1st, Hoerner 2nd and Bregman 3rd should be standard. And Carson Kelly is hitting well. When he is in perhaps slot him at 4th. Not a good idea to have Carson hitting 9th as if he gets on and PCA gets a hit, PCA can't run to get an extra base.

Lineup IMO needs to change. PCA, Nico, Bregman, Suzuki, Kelly, (Conforto, Ramirez or Shaw) then Busch and Happ until they start hitting regularly.

Sorry, it is off topic, but IMO important. Why is Hoerner not hitting 2nd? With the speed duo of PCA and Nico, even double steals would be in order. Hoerner has more hits than anyone in NL since All Star Break. Bregman 3rd and Suzuki 4th. No reason in the world why Nico should bat behind Busch, Happ or others.

Excellent article. Discussing both pro and con and then coming to a conclusion. Thanks.

Assad has come to the rescue for the Cubs with their injured pitching. He never should have been sent down again. Cabrera is a total bust and a worthless pickup at least so far.