tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-374408952024-03-14T10:34:35.996-05:00Hot Stove CubbiesGET ALL THE CUBS LATEST NEWS AND RUMORS HERE! I SEARCH SITES AND LISTEN TO THE RADIO SO YOU DONT HAVE TO. GET ALL YOUR INFO HERE!!!cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.comBlogger1425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-79154118903990819872014-10-26T06:51:00.001-05:002014-10-26T06:51:17.878-05:00HSC has moved!Great news! Hot Stove Cubbies is no longer a blog. It now has his own website at HotStoveCubbies.com!<div><br></div><div>Go there for all the latest Cubs rumors and news.</div>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-18192747494633588462014-08-28T11:43:00.001-05:002014-08-28T11:43:33.118-05:00HSC Taking Time Off<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Hot Stove Cubbies blog is going to be taking some much needed time off for various things including exploring other avenues and possible updating. Unless some breaking news that requires me to utilize Hot Stove Cubbies there will be no updates from now until the start of free agency this coming offseason. But the good news is @HotStoveCubbies on Twitter will still be going strong and providing you with insight, rumors, and news in 140 characters or less. So please give me a follow for everything Cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thanks,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sean<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-10209880691455142672014-08-08T15:22:00.001-05:002014-08-08T15:22:38.931-05:00Cubs Trade for Jacob Turner<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Chicago Cubs acquired a pitcher today not named Cole Hamels. The Cubs received former top prospect Jacob Turner from the Marlins for Kane County RP Tyler Bremer and his teammate RP Jose Arias. Both are pretty much non-prospects and both are kind of oldish for low A ball but both have had some success there. It is no surprise the Marlins had their hand forced when they place Jacob Turner on revocable waivers so getting two lower level minor leaguers is the best they could hope for.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now on the Cubs side they bought low on a 23 year old right-handed pitcher without options who use to be an UBER prospect according to most scouting report. Turner; who was the lead piece in the Anibal Sanchez trade with the Tigers, has struggled for some consistency since the Fish acquired him. In 2013 Jacob Turner posted a 3.74 ERA in 20 games started while putting a mediocre 5.9 SO9 and a bad 4.1 BB9 so somewhat of a mixed bag for Turner. This season his K’s (6.2 SO9) and BB (2.6 BB9) are better but he is getting hit averaging 12 hits per 9 innings and posting a 5.97 ERA between starting and relieving. One of the reasons the consistency is not there this season is because he has been bounced between the pen and rotation. Another thing that does not help (and why he is out of options) is that while he has played in the majors since 2012 quite a bit he has also logged 178 innings in the minors since 2012. Hard for a guy to have consistency and success when he is being bounced between being a RP to a SP alone. But then being moved from the minors to the majors as both a SP and RP? That is borderline insanity when looking for consistency. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many of you can look at his numbers and know that he has struggled but please do not forget that back before the 2012 season he was rated the 22<sup>nd</sup> best prospect and the 15<sup>th</sup> best prospect by Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. But lets not just scout the stat line; here is what John Sickles had to<a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/6/19/3095960/prospect-of-the-day-jacob-turner-rhp-detroit-tigers-scouting-report">say about him</a> in 2012 and an interesting take on Jacob Turner from <a href="http://www.fishstripes.com/2013/2/7/3963826/miami-marlins-jacob-turner-pitch-fx-scouting-report">Fishstripes.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the end the Cubs got a great deal for a 23 year old former top prospect. They bought low and could be catching lightning in a bottle by combining Jacob Turner’s upside with their pitching wizard Chris Bosio. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In a corresponding move the Cubs have designated Ryan Kalish for Assignment and added Jacob Turner to the 40 man roster. We will wait to see who gets bumped for the 25 man roster since Turner is out of options and has to be on the big league club. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-83560147018785662982014-08-07T14:36:00.001-05:002014-08-07T15:00:20.081-05:00Unlikely; But How a Trade For Hamels Could Work<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">OK so Brett from @BleacherNation pretty much beat everyone to the punch when it comes to his Cole Hamels write up and it of course as always it is a great read (find <a href="http://www.bleachernation.com/2014/08/07/report-chicago-cubs-claimed-cole-hamels-on-revocable-trade-waivers/">here).</a> But instead of writing essential the same piece because honestly I feel he is 100% right on I am going to analyze what a possible trade could look like.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trading with the Phillies tidbits<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Phillies are going to want the Cubs to take on Hamels entire salary.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Phillies are going to want top prospects and are not likely to take less than their trade deadline asking price.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Cubs are not going to trade someone like Edwin Jackson to the Phillies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Phillies are highly unlikely to acquire guys like Castro, Baez, Alcantara, Soler, Rizzo, Wood, Arrieta, Olt, etc.. because they are on the 40 man roster and are subject to waivers as well. All those guys would likely be claimed by the Rockies or Dbacks before the Phillies had a chance to claim them in a potential deal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Cubs are not going to trade Kris Bryant for Cole Hamels. They are also unlikely to give up a uber prospect for him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Phillies are unlikely to deal Cole Hamels unless they get exactly what they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The window to strike a deal is small and so is the list of players which again makes this deal unlikely but still possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What the Phillies are looking for<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Outfielders:</b> Possibly the Phillies biggest need is young outfielders and is rumored they were seeking them in trade talks that included Marlon Byrd and yes… Cole Hamels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Catcher:</b> The Phillies have no catching depth in the minors so acquiring at catcher might be the best thing for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Starting Pitching:</b> You have an aging Cliff Lee plus if the Cubs do deal for Hamels they are going to need to fill up that rotation with someone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>First baseman:</b> Someone is going to have to eventually replace Ryan Howard and it maybe sooner than later.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What the Cubs have to offer<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </u></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Outfielders:</b> All the sudden it seems like the Cubs could have a lot of outfielders especially if they sign R. Castillo, keep Alcantara in CF, move Bryant to RF, and put Soler in LF. This of course if not even factoring in prospects Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora. So the Cubs have the outfielders the Phillies drool over but the Phillies will not be receiving Alcantara or Soler because they are on the 40 man. Plus I have heard Bryant is basically off limits. Kyle Schwarber to me could be a candidate but he hits left-handed which is something that the Cubs sorely need in their system. That leaves us with former 1<sup>st</sup> round pick Albert Almora. Almora seems right now to be the odd man out. His struggles do not help but like many fans and scouts I think he turns it around. He has the intangibles every team looks for which includes his off the charts character and leadership ratings. But in the grand scheme of things I think if you had to deal a top outfield prospect for Hamels he is the one you deal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Catcher:</b> The Cubs do not have top catching depth and Castillo is not going anywhere so the chances of the Cubs and Phillies being a match here are slim.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Starting Pitching:</b> Again the Cubs do not have a lot of top pitching but there could be a match if they decided to include guys like Pierce Johnson, Paul Blackburn, Rob Zastryzny, etc… Like catching I do not seem pitching as a primary piece in a deal for Hamels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>First baseman:</b> Former prospects Rock Shoulders or Dustin Geiger could be of interest to the Phillies but Dan Vogelbach takes the cake here. The Philles GM Amaro loves big boppers and Dan fits the profile he is looking for. Dan has bounced back here of late hitting .269 with a .359 OBP and 12 homers. He is starting to look like a guy who could get called up to AA soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although a deal for Cole Hamels does not look likely from either team I think there is the slight possibility a deal could get done. After what is said above I think this is a deal worth considering for both teams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Phillies Receive: Albert Almora, Dan Vogelbach, and a guy like Jeimer Candelario/Jacob Hammemann (top 20ish prospect who does not have a spot on the team).<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cubs Receive: Cole Hamels (and pays his entire salary)<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In this deal the Phillies shore up two spots for the future with Almora in CF and Vogelbach at 1<sup>st</sup> base. They then get another guy who could also fit on their roster in the next two years. Almora is not ranked lower than 35<sup>th</sup>on baseball prospect list and Vogelbach is ranked just out of the top 100. The Phillies should be intrigued by the chance to not only unload that huge salary which would make them players for this great crop of starting pitchers in free agency next season but they get a top 35 prospect in all of baseball as well? That is intriguing, very intriguing to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Cubs would get their Jason Werth (thanks Tom Loxas) and they deal from their surplus of talent to get him so the loss of Almora and Vogelbach does not hurt as bad because of that depth. This will allow the Cubs also to concentrate on only acquiring one FA pitching this offseason which is far more likely to happen than trying to sign two FA pitchers which has been eluded to here and other sites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But like I said and what many have said as well; a deal is unlikely to happen but to me a deal like I laid out could make it a little more probable than originally thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-31848322087623196002014-08-05T16:19:00.001-05:002014-08-05T16:19:38.441-05:00My Top 5 Off-Season Outfield Targets<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Chicago Cubs prospects are getting closer and closer to making their impact on the Major League roster especially with the call-up of Javier Baez who joined Arismendy Alcantara in Chicago. Then you have Jorge Soler who is likely to make his Major League debut when rosters expand in September. Then around May of next season there is the anticipation of Kris Bryant being called up to the show. Now a lot of things can happen between now and then such as injuries, trades, players regressing/improving, etc… but if everything goes as planned (like I tweeted last night) this could be the Chicago Cubs roster sometime in May of next season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Alcantara CF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Castro SS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Rizzo 1<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Bryant 3b<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Baez 2b<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Soler RF/LF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. ?????RF/LF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. Castillo C<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9. Pitcher<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now the Cubs could go into next season with a Coghlan/Ruggiano platoon in either RF or LF depending on where Soler ends up (I would be totally cool with that). But in the end I do not believe Lake or Sweeney are going to cut it on this roster. I also do not feel Brett Jackson, Matt Szczur, or Josh Vitters fits what the Cubs FO is looking for in their OF. So to me that leaves free agency and trades to acquire an outfielder. Here is a list of 5 guys who I think would fit nicely into the Chicago Cubs outfield next season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. <b>Dustin Ackley:</b> Everyone knows how fond of this guy I am. It could be that he is a former top prospect who bats lefty and can play multiple positions. Or it could be that he has a career .290 avg with .397 OBP and a 840 OPS in 1044 PA in the minors which has not translated to the majors making him a low risk/high reward guys that Theo and Jed love. To me it sounds like he needs a change of scenery and I think the Chicago Cubs are the perfect place for him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. <b>Nick Markakis:</b> The dude has a team option for next season but the O’s are not sure if they will pick it up or not. Now Markakis is not your tradition power hitting corner OF but with the power that is currently on its way to Wrigley I think the Cubs need a guy to get on base for those power guys; Markakis can do just that! In the tough AL East Nick owns a .359 OBP which would be nice to have in the 2 hole in the lineup. He also will add some pop hitting 10+ homers in every season since his 2006 debut. I really like me some Markakis but he could command more than the Cubs want in terms of a contract.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. <b>Tori Hunter:</b> A guy who does not really jump off the page as a guy Theo and Jed would go after but he provides something very few do; fantastic veteran leadership! He has constantly been named as one of the best clubhouse guys in baseball and frankly the Cubs need that veteran leader on the team. But lets not forget Hunter is no slouch either owning a career .278 avg with a .334 OBP and 300 career homers plus lets not forget 9 gold gloves. Hunter provides so much both on the field and off he is extremely intriguing to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. <b>Michael Cuddyer</b>: Another aging vet that may have been rejuvenated by the high altitude of Colorado buyt has been on the shelf with a left shoulder fracture. He could be a buy low candidate given his age and injury risk which is right up the FO ally. The other thing that is intriguing is he can play 1<sup>st</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, and RF decently and owns a .346 OBP in his 14 year career. He also would look mighty nice in that two hold ahead of Rizzo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. <b>Jason Heyward:</b> My favorite trade target is Jason Heyward! He will only be 25 in August and will be a free agent in 2016. Rumors have the Braves shopping him this winter which should be no surprise considering he was linked to a possible Jeff Samardzija deal last year. The big lefty is best suited for LF or RF but can play center. He is a very streaky hitter but that has not stopped him from putting up good numbers in his short 5 year career. He has a .261 avg with a .352 OBP with some up and down power numbers in his career but get him at Wrigley and I see a consistent 20 HR guy. He will likely cost some decent prospects but I think the Cubs could get him without trading one of the “sexy 7”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All in all I believe the Cubs need to add an outfielder this offseason. While getting an outfielder is not as important as lets say<b>PITCHING</b>. I think adding the right guy can be as important as landing a front line starter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-83710465091995185042014-08-01T15:54:00.001-05:002014-08-01T15:54:48.018-05:00Trade Deadline Winners & Losers<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trade Deadline Winners<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Tigers:</b> Just adding David Price makes them a winner but doing so by just shipping out Drew Smyly, Austin Jackson, and Willy Adames is amazing for Dave Domrowski. The Tigers now have 3 Cy Young award winners in their rotation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Athletics:</b> The A’s turn Yoenis Cespedes, Tommy Milone, and a comp pick for Jon Lester, Jonny Gomes, and Sam Fuld which alone is a decent haul for Billy Beane but then add in the fact they got Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija on the 4<sup>th</sup> of July; WOW! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Cardinals:</b> As it pains me to say this they had a great deadline by giving up Joe Kelly and struggling Allen Craig to get John Lackey and Corey Littrell. Add this to their awesome buy low acquisition of Justin Masterson the day before and you can argue they had as good as a deadline as any team not named the Tigers or A’s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Red Sox:</b> Honestly the moves they made throughout the trade season rivaled what the A’s did getting Lester and Samardzija. On deadline day they acquire the power hitting young OF to damage their short porch in LF with Yoenis Cespedes. They also get more young pitching with Joe Kelly and a struggling hitter but good rebound candidate in Allen Craig for a year of John Lackey and minor leaguer Corey Littrell. Then they move top notch reliever Andrew Miller for lefty Eduardo Rodriquez who was their #3 prospect at the start of the season according to John Sickels. Then to top it off they saved 5 million bucks by shipping Stephen Drew to the Yanks for Kelly Johnson. The BoSox were a winner at the deadline but again you take that and add that they also acquired Edwin Escobar and Heath Hembree for Jake Peavy who has similar number to Edwin Jackson… that blows me away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Mariners:</b> The M’s needed hitters so they got some with Chris Denorfia and Austin Jackson. They did have to pay a hefty price with Nick Franklin, Abraham Almonte, and Stephen Kohlscheen but overall I think the pieces they acquired are far superior to the pieces they gave up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trade Deadline Losers<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Pirates:</b> The Bucs did nothing during the deadline to improve their team and they watch the Cardinals just load up on pitching. Big time losers are the Pirates for not landing Price or Lester especially giving the cost of both.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Phillies:</b> How do you not trade anybody on a team full of aging veterans. They need to start over but opted to hold high priced old vets in Lee, Byrd, Rollins, Howard, and Utley. While their best trade chip Hamels is also staying put. Very disappointing for the Phils.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Blue Jays:</b> Again they had several needs including a hitter and a top line pitcher but opted to stay put while the Yankees and O’s bought in. Even the Red Sox got better in my book and at least the Rays did something by acquiring some decent prospects for Price (although the Price deal still baffles me).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>White Sox:</b> Again! A team that should have sold off some of their pieces remain stubborn and hold on to guys who are get less valuable by the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· <b>Rangers:</b> Failing to trade Alex Rios is beyond excusable since hitters were at a premium at the deadline giving the lack of them available. Inexcusable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The others<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Teams like the Cubs, Braves, Nationals, Orioles, Dodgers, Reds, etc… did not impress or disappoint with their moves or non-moves. The teams above are clearly defined as winners or losers by the moves they made.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">WHAT A FREAKING AWESOME DEADLINE! THE REAL WINNERS ARE US WHO LIVE FOR THIS STUFF!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-76133687055896650872014-07-28T16:07:00.001-05:002014-07-28T16:07:34.400-05:005 trades and 5 call-ups<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5 Chicago Cubs players that are going to be dealt before the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">July 31</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">st</a></sup> trade deadline and 5 players that will take their spots on the roster<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. <b>James Russell:</b> He is the most obvious one to me that will be traded before this deadline. He seems to fallen out of the helping this team moving forward group and into the trade discussion. I was not that convinced that he would net anything substantial until the Hudson Street trade now I am thinking a high-risk raw prospect could be the realistic net for Russell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><u>Taking his spot</u></b><b>:</b> Zac Rosscup is the guy that will take Russell’s spot. The Cubs are going to need a lefty out of the pen and I think he will get the first chance to be a lefty specialist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. <b>Nate Schierholtz:</b> Here is a guy that Theo and Jed may have misread when it comes to trade value. It seems the FO may have whiffed on getting max value for Nate last year but he still provides value for a team looking for a defensive left-handed hitting OF with some pop. To me the Tigers are a perfect fit here as are several other teams looking to strengthen their bench.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><u>Taking his spot</u></b><b>:</b> Jorge Soler is the guy and I hear the cheers already! Now there are reports he will be called up in September but how he has been playing and the status of his contract makes him an easy call up after Schierholtz is dealt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>3.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Emilio Bonifacio: </b>I thought he may have gotten the Cubs some really nice pieces before his injury but now I think he may have right around the same value as Schierholtz or maybe a little more considering speed and versatility. No way he is not traded by the deadline to a contending team. Guys like Emilio are at a premium for playoff teams.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <b><u>Taking his spot</u>:</b> Javier Baez gets the call. The guy has been hitting about as well as you can be and to me the move to 2<sup>nd</sup> base has already stated the Cubs front office is ready to give Baez a chance at the ML level this season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. <b>Wesley Wright:</b> I have to admit I was not a fan of the signing and thought “how could he be a flip able piece?” Well I was wrong and actually think now he could get a better return than James Russell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <b><u>Taking his spot</u>:</b> Kyuji Fujikawa is most likely the guy. He has been working his way back to the majors and the timeline just seems to be perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. <b>Edwin Jackson:</b> Edwin Jackson will be traded before the end of the season but I even think he is moved before the deadline. With the return the Red Sox got for Peavy it is no doubt that pitching right now is at a premium even for guys that have even struggled this year. This is good news for Edwin Jackson and the Cubs alike. Rumors have been circulation that the Yankees still have some interest but other clubs are kicking the tires such as the Orioles and Blue Jays. The return will be small for Ejax but the spot on the roster combined with the salary relieve maybe enough to get him dealt before <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">July 31</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">st</a></sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <b><u>Taking his spot</u>:</b> Dan Straily gets the nod. I think the Cubs have already seen enough Chris Rusin and Dallas Beeler so I think Straily gets a crack at the rotation next. While he has not pitched well for Iowa I think he is the next logical choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guys on the rumor mill that will not get traded:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Travis Wood<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Jake Arreita<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Luis Valbuena<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guys who maybe traded after the deadline:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Ryan Sweeney<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Justin Ruggiano<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Chris Coghlan<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Carlos Villanueva<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-67439652169294298262014-07-24T12:15:00.001-05:002014-07-24T12:15:20.213-05:00Cubs Rumor Round-up<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We take a look at the most recent trade talk in this Rumor Rundown!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The trade talk surrounding Junior Lake is increasing with the Mariners being the most aggressive. Keep an eye on Dustin Ackley in any trade with the Mariners.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Yankees are still looking for pitching and are said to be interested in Edwin Jackson. There has been some rumors circling a possible Edwin Jackson and Darwin Barney package deal being discussed with the Yankees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Tigers are looking for a left-handed hitting 4<sup>th</sup> OF that plays good defense and with a little power to balance out their lineup. Enter Chris Coghland, Ryan Sweeney, and Nate Schierholtz to Tiger rumors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Many teams are in on relievers but the trade value has increased since Joakim Soria and Hudson Street trades which is good for the Cubs since they are shopping Wesley Wright and James Russell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The Cardinals have scouted the Chicago Cubs relievers recently according to sources.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-33462098819477337652014-07-23T16:21:00.001-05:002014-07-23T16:21:17.238-05:00Recapping yesterday's busy day… more to come?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A quick run down of what happened yesterday plus the latest from the stove…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Darwin Barney was designated for assignment and is not likely to remain on the club. There is a lot of talk that a trade is in the works where the Cubs may end up with a low level minor leaguer or cash.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Emilo Bonifacio was activated off the DL yesterday and took Barney’s spot on the roster.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Mike Olt was optioned back to Iowa after hitting just .139 in Chicago. Olt showed good power with 12 homers but he needs to get his confidence up and is likely to see a lot more playing time in Iowa. He will play primarily 1<sup>st</sup> base.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· In a corresponding move Tsuyoshi Wada will be called up today to pitch for the Chicago Cubs as he looks to lock down a spot in the rotation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Some more big news of the day is that Arismendy Alcantara is remaining with the Chicago Cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The biggest and most surprising news is that Jorge Soler who has been tearing the cover off the ball in AA Tenn. was promoted to AAA Iowa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Soler buddy Albert Almora was also moved up and took Soler spot on the Smokies roster.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Then there is several media sources including Patrick Mooney that say Jorge Soler will be called up to Chicago in September if he can stay healthy. It is a big IF but that is some fantastic news for all Cubs fans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· I am hearing Javier Baez will be called up to Chicago if and when the Cubs trade Luis Valbuena and/or Emilo Bonifacio.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Once Javier Baez is promoted to Chicago expect the corresponding move to be Addison Russell being promoted to Iowa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· There is some talk that Bryant could be moved off of 3<sup>rd</sup> base soon but Jed Hoyer tried to squash the talk by saying he wants more development at 3b for Bryant and already thinks he can handle the OF. Even reminding us Bryant played CF in college so he could handle RF. Where as he needs some work defensively at 3b.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Soler could actually be moved up to Chicago earlier than Sept. if the Cubs end up dealing two of Lake, Ruggiano, Schierholtz, Coghlan, and Sweeney at the trade deadline or during the waiver period in August.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· So Schwarber is hitting “just” .296 but has a robust .424 OBP in just 33 PA with Daytona. I heard from source that Schwarber could be moved up again and relatively soon which means he could be the quickest riser in the system. This source even alluded to a Baez, Russell, and Schwarber promotion chain reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· I heard from another source that the Chicago Cubs front office is perfectly fine going into next season with all the prospects they currently have now and signing free agent pitching rather than dealing their young positional talent to get the pitching they desire. I have expressed this could happen and frankly I really want this to be the route they are going.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 39pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· So now as the picture is getting clearer it seems this could be the Chicago Cubs lineup in Sept. Hard not to get excited!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Alcantara CF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Valbuena 3b<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Rizzo 1<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Castro SS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Soler RF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Baez 2b<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. One of the remaining LF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. Castillo C<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 57pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9. Pitcher<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-89151579380995110562014-07-18T11:55:00.001-05:002014-07-18T11:55:23.521-05:00What Does Baez Move to 2b Mean Overall?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So Javier Baez has been moved to 2<sup>nd</sup> base. So what does that mean? Well it can mean a lot of things so lets run down the reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The front office is simply seeing if he can handle 2b.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· He is showcasing he can handle 2b to lessen the idea that the Chicago Cubs front office “has to” trade one of their stud infield prospects.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The front office could be showcasing that Baez can handle 2b which shows versatility and increases his trade value as well as his value to the Chicago Cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Javier Baez is making the move to 2b because he is getting closer to being called up to the Majors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Baez is being moved to 2<sup>nd</sup> base to eventually make room for recently required SS prospect Addison Russell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Baez is being moved to 2<sup>nd</sup> base to decrease the Castro trade chatter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The front office has decided this is his primary position that he will be playing in Chicago so he needs to get comfortable there in Iowa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Truth is it could be a combination of all of these things but the underlying message is the Cubs front office is getting closer to making a move with Javier Baez. Whether that be a promotion, trade, etc. But before I give you my final thoughts on this impactful decision we must take into consideration what Iowa Cubs manager Marty Pevey had to say about Javier Baez and 2<sup>nd</sup> base (special thanks to <a href="http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140718&content_id=85044998&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb">MiLB.com</a> for getting these good quotes):<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Everything's backwards, but he's such a good athlete that he won't have any problem with the adjustment," Triple-A Iowa manager Marty Pevey said of moving Baez across the infield. "It's just footwork [that's different]."<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>"He looked like an All-Star shortstop playing second base. You can put an All-Star shortstop anywhere in the infield," Pevey said. "He had the most range of anybody I've seen at second base in a long time."</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"I'm working with [Baez] there over the next several days," Pevey said. "We'll see him mainly at second base at least over the next several days."<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So after those comments it seems more clear that this may turn into a permanent thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With everything I laid out above I believe that Javier Baez will be called up to the Chicago Cubs sometime in early August. I believe this front office sees great strides in Baez plate approach and production from the dish recently to have him earn a Big League call up within a month. For example; Arismendy Alcantara logged 11 games in CF before being called up and the front office always suggested positional movement would be in late stages of the minor league player development process for any prospect. So Javi being moved to 2<sup>nd</sup> base tells me that he is in getting closer to being called up to the majors. What it is also saying with the move to 2b is this front office believes his best value to the Chicago Cubs is at 2b because if his best value was at SS then he would remain there; same thing goes with 3b or OF. I have always said that the only two places Javier Baez would play is 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> base for the Chicago Cubs because his bat plays well at both positions and Castro would remain at SS. I also am pretty confident that when Baez is moved to the parent club that Addison Russell will be moved to Iowa and start off playing SS (I think he ultimately ends up at 3b with Bryant in the OF). Now I feel we have a good snippet of what the Chicago Cubs front office is going to toward 2015 which is Javier Baez at 2b and Arismendy Alcantara in CF. And for us patient fans waiting for this rebuild to materialize this is gold!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-85074160287137200612014-07-14T14:47:00.001-05:002014-07-14T14:47:50.579-05:00Why Can't The Cubs Keep All Their Top Prospects?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That is my question.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why can’t the Chicago Cubs keep all their top positional prospects?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Side note: I consider Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora, Addison Russell, and Jorge Soler their top 6 positional prospects. I got mad love for Alcantara but do not think he has the ceiling that these 5 players do thus not making my top 5.)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The media, writers, bloggers, and many others have stated that the Chicago Cubs cannot keep all their top positional prospects. Well I am here to say they can and I think they will. There is going to be at least 5 valid rebuttals to my statement so lets review those first.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rebuttal #1: Prospect Flame Out<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A sad but true point. Prospect flame out or PFO is a part of baseball. We have been several top prospects (unfortunately several with the Chicago Cubs) flame out before or during their time in the big leagues. Yes it is a part of the game and yes it does happen but with the way teams are using a wide array of tools and data it seems prospects that have flamed out is on the decline especially when you talk about top prospects such as the Chicago Cubs front office has drafted in the past few years. Top 10 draft picks are guys you have to be right on and thus carry the most weight when drafting them. I think because of this; and the tools that our front office and scouts have, PFOs are not going to be as common on the north-side of Chicago. Now, do I think the numbers Kris Bryant is putting up with translate to MLB pitching? Not likely but he does not have to hit .350 with a .440 OBP and 50 bombs to be successful in the Majors. I would be thrilled with a .270 average with a .350 OBP and 30 homeruns a year from Kris Bryant and so would the scouts and player developers in the Cubs system. All I am stating is that I do not think one of the top 5 positional prospects currently in the Cubs system will be a bust. They might not all be Hall of Famers and All-Stars but I think all will be solid Major League players for the Chicago Cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rebuttal #2: Trade Prospects<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trades are a part of baseball. Thinking the Cubs front office is going to trade one of their top 5 prospects to address other needs (like pitching) is an easy thing to assume and frankly see. The Cubs front office is stocking themselves with the most demanded goods in baseball; young controllable hitters. To make things even more appealing they are stock piling young controllable players in the infield which just adds to the value. Because they are adding so much depth to the infield it is easy to see why the speculation is on the uptick about them dealing from that depth. But they are not going to do it. The value of something like young controllable hitters is so high it may not be as high as it is for the Cubs. The idea that they can have an cost effective infield combining to make under $20M is more valuable to the Cubs long-term success than it is to trade away. Because the cost effectiveness of keeping these players is so high and valuable it lets this Cubs front office allocate resources to the other needs (which currently is pitching) and lets them keep the young controllable hitters. They are not losing anything in terms of talent by keeping their prospects and spending on Free Agency to address other areas. It is a win/win by just adding valuable talent without taking any away. So trades of the top 5 positional prospects is not going to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rebuttal #3: Trade Current Big Leaguers<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So if the Cubs are not going to trade any of their top 5 positional prospects then that means a guy like Castro is going to be traded right? Again I say no. Another common mistake is trading young proven commodities like Castro (or even Rizzo who some suggested move which is CRAZY) that have a team friendly contract. Going back to the PFO where you do run the risk of one of the guys flaming out in the big leagues. If you trade a guy like Castro and then Baez, Russell, or Bryant does not live up to expectations then you may have a hole in one of your infield positions leaving the Cubs to wait for another prospect to develop or addressing the need via free agency. Both could further delay the competing process. So I am also saying yes you are going to keep Rizzo and Castro.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rebuttal #4: Pitching<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But what about pitching? The Cubs need pitching! Well I agree they do need pitching but please lets not forget that there are young pitchers in the Cubs farm system that may not be elite but they are not slouches either. Dallas Beeler, Kyle Hendricks, Arodys Vizcaino, Armando Rivero, and Paul Blackburn are some examples. Plus let us not forget that a guy like Neil Ramirez could also get a chance to start for the Cubs. Add a guy or two from those names to Travis Wood and Jake Arrieta (EJax is not likely to be a part of the rotation next season) and then you are looking at adding maybe 1 or 2 more starters not the 3 or 4 like some of you are suggesting. Now as you stated the Cubs do need pitching and it just so happens the next free agent class has some pretty dynamic names on it that the Cubs could even “overpay” for with all the money they plan on saving by keeping their top positional prospects. Those names are Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, Brett Anderson, Francisco Liriano, James Shields, Hisashi Iwakuma, and Max Scherzer. The Cubs chances of landing one of those pitchers is very good especially when they have the money to do spend. So yes I agree the Cubs need pitching but I think they just go the free agency route to compound talent and cost effectiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rebuttal #5: Where will they all play?<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please view my post on this found <a href="http://cubsrumorsandnews.blogspot.com/2014/07/prospect-shuffle-how-things-are-going.html">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thoughts and Conclusion<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Whether the Chicago Cubs front office goes the route I laid out or not remains to be seen. But please don’t forget that this front office has been on the cutting edge of advanced statistics, talent analysis, front office construction, and player development. What is to say that fielding a team internally with top positional prospects to control cost while maximizing talent which in turn allows you to spend abundantly on other needs is not the next big thing in baseball? To me I think it is the next big thing and I think once again Theo and Jed will be on the cutting edge of things.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-82836976439833122652014-07-09T18:58:00.001-05:002014-07-09T18:58:59.775-05:00Cubs Rumors Getting Warmer<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is a round up for rumors I have came across and are currently hearing:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Luis Valbuena name is coming up more and more but the Cubs are not simply going to give him away. Ken Rosenthal said the A’s have interest and could come back to get him. Tom Loxas from Chicago Insider tweets that the A’s acquiring Valbuena could net the Cubs a better PTBNL. And then adds the name Raul Alcantara; so where do I sign up for that trade?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- A couple of other teams that are interested in Luis Valbuena are the Blue Jays and Tigers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- I am told that the Braves, Cardinals, Angels, and Astros are both “in” on James Russell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Wesley Wright is gaining the most interest from the Angels and Cardinals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- According to <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/rockie-road-sooner-or-later-tulowitzki-may-ask-for-trade-070814" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Ken Rosenthal</span></a> the Dodgers talked to the Cubs about Samardzija but it never got serious considering they did not want to part with Joc Pederson or Corey Seagar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Rockies owner Dick Monofort said in Patrick Saunders <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_26112845/dick-monfort-i-dont-know-how-our-record">transcript</a>that the Rockies had interest in acquiring Jeff Samardzija but the asking price was Eddie Butler and some other stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- A source told me the Orioles have been sending a scout “to just about every game” the Cubs have played recently. The Orioles are looking for help at 2b, the rotation, and bullpen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Edwin Jackson is getting just mild interest right now but the Yankees, Marlins, and Rockies are potential suitors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- I am told the Cubs are still very much interested in Dustin Ackley but also have interest in 24 year old struggling pitcher Erasmo Ramirez of the Mariners.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- So a surprising name that teams are interested in… Junior Lake. Not sure if the Cubs would deal him but he has teams interested in him regardless.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuonVgpJIza6JzYcyJTN1C6Z2ErlOz38Twa_MZFagUPHF_ujwyoncnjBWfEdeA_p_VR5QvltrULO1ZQVmflrA3Yw7pW31tCn1D9Z4HXyWc26WF87ePgzTdUqvkES17L5yb5GDV/s640/blogger-image--646652826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuonVgpJIza6JzYcyJTN1C6Z2ErlOz38Twa_MZFagUPHF_ujwyoncnjBWfEdeA_p_VR5QvltrULO1ZQVmflrA3Yw7pW31tCn1D9Z4HXyWc26WF87ePgzTdUqvkES17L5yb5GDV/s640/blogger-image--646652826.jpg"></a></div>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-16843861055222557262014-07-06T22:22:00.001-05:002014-07-06T22:22:23.601-05:00Prospect Shuffle: How Things Are Going to Shake Out?Now I can tell you that unless your God himself or have a time machine you are not sure what is in store for the Chicago Cubs and their prospects. But that is not going to prevent me from talking about how this prospect shuffle will shake out. So here we go!<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Promotions</u></strong><br />
<br />
Promotional timing is key in the development and decision making process of this front office. You first need to have the player succeed, MLB timing factors, space on the roster, etc. It can be a tricky situation with that alone but then add in the positions the Cubs have a girth of talent at and you have a real good problem.<br />
<br />
<strong>Arismendy Alcantara:</strong> The first major prospect that will be called up this season is Arismendy Alcantara. He has spent the most time successfully in AAA Iowa batting .309 with a .351 OBP 21 SB and 10 HR. He has been killing it of late hitting .415 with a .455 OBP 1.040 OPS in the last 10 games. Also during that 10 games he has 3 steals, a homer, and 6 RBI while mainly hitting leadoff. Besides the Cubs FO basically eluding to him being called up soon; he has been seeing time in CF which suggest the FO is looking to make sure he can get consistent ABs at the ML. He has done tremendously well in the OF so they only thing holding him back is space on the 25 man roster. That space will likely be cleared up before the July 31st trade deadline when a guy like Nate Schierholtz, Darwin Barney, or even Luis Valbuena is traded. I look at AA to be called up late July or early August. <br />
<br />
<strong>Addison Russell:</strong> He will not spend much time in AA playing for the Smokies. Russell will be on the fast track to the Chicago Cubs much like Kris Bryant. In fact after Alcantara is promoted to Chicago the corresponding move will be to call up Baseball America's top 10 prospect Russell to the Iowa Cubs. I honestly think he has a real shot at making his way onto the Chicago Cubs 25 man roster in 2015. <br />
<br />
<strong>Albert Almora:</strong> Almora has been on a tear recently hitting .442 with a .478 OBP with only 2 SO and 3 walks. Almora can play CF right now for the Cubs defensively and the only thing holding him back is the development of his approach and his hitting. I think he has a cup of coffee this season in AA Tennessee if he continues what he has been doing lately. <br />
<br />
<strong>Kyle Schwarber:</strong> The guys can just hit and I think he ends up in Daytona or maybe even with the Smokies by seasons end. <br />
<br />
<strong>Kyle Hendricks:</strong> Not one of the "Sexy 7" (thanks for that Brett) but still a prospect and a darn good one. I think he actually gets the call to Chicago before Alcantara. (Looks like today!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Staying Put</strong></u><br />
<br />
Unfortunately guys like Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Jorge Soler are not going to see any promotions this season. There is clock issues with Bryant, Javier Baez still needs some more development at Iowa, and Jorge Soler needs to prove he is healthy. I think Baez and Bryant both have a shot of making the team out of Spring Training in 2015 and I can see Soler starting in Iowa next season if (and that is a big IF) he can stay healthy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Moving Around the Diamond</u></strong><br />
<br />
A big question is where are all these prospects going to play and well things like this kind of work themselves out. First off I can see some of these prospects being dealt for impact bats or pitching. I can also see the Cubs keeping all of these guys for a while considering the developmental stages of each player varies and you are not likely to run into a situation where 3 infielders are all ready for the ML at the same time. Things happen like injuries, set backs, and trades. But having said that here is what I think we are likely to see.<br />
<br />
<strong>Arismendy Alcantara:</strong> He is going to primarily play CF for the Cubs with also seeing some time at 2b and spelling Castro at SS once in a while. In 2015 he could end up in a super utility role with his primary position being CF.<br />
<br />
<strong>Javier Baez</strong>: After Alcantara gets promoted to Chicago, Javier Baez will then start seeing time at 2b and 3b. I think his full-time position will end up being 2b in Chicago but I also think the Cubs will want to see how he does at 3B. <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Addison Russell:</strong> Once he is moved up to Iowa this season I think you will see him play primarily SS but with Castro strongly entrenched into SS his eventual position will be 3rd base. There has already been talk that because of his size and bat he can project well playing 3rd base. Think Manny Machado.<br />
<br />
<strong>Kris Bryant:</strong> We may very well see Bryant make the transition to OF sometime soon especially with the amount of infield prospects the Cubs have. Besides Baez, Bryant is the only infielder on the list that profiles well for a corner OF spot. Honestly unless Russell or Baez is traded I see Bryant ending up in RF for the Chicago Cubs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Jorge Soler:</strong> Some scouts recently said his defense might not be good enough to play RF in the Major Leagues let along Wrigley Field. Many think he could handle RF on a part time basis and his bat fits well there but LF will likely be his home. Now whether it is in Chicago is another story.<br />
<br />
<strong>Kyle Schwarber:</strong> His bat will not let him stay at catcher but the Cubs may be in a position to slow him down and see if he can stay there. There is no rushing Schwarber especially if Theo and Jed plan on keeping the prospects I listed above. You only have so many spots on the diamond so seeing if Schwarber can stick at catcher might be the best route to take. Having said all that I think he still ends up in the OF.<br />
<br />
<br />
Current Young Chicago Cubs Future Status:<br />
<br />
<strong>Mike Olt:</strong> While I am not giving up on Mike Olt I think he may end up seeing full playing time in Iowa very soon where he could develop into a super-utility guy that can play all over the diamond and be a big bat off the bench.<br />
<br />
<strong>Junior Lake:</strong> He may suffer the same fate as Mike Olt but I still think he stays in the Majors but I honestly do not see him as a core piece going forward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Lineup, Rotation, and Conclusion</strong></u><br />
<br />
I have been going back and forth on whether I think this front office should and will trade some of these young top prospects I listed above for other area needs like pitching and/or a proven young dynamic OF bat. I now believe that Theo and Jed will hold onto the "sexy seven" and use the money they save by keeping these players to spend on free agent pitching (that is not to say they won't trade some of the "other" prospects because I think that is a forgone conclusion). The market next season for free agent pitching is not fantastic but it is solid with guys like Brett Anderson, Yovani Gallardo, Hisashi Iwakuma, Francisco Liriano, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, Max Scherzer, James Shields, and Brandon Morrow. If the Cubs go into next season looking to spend on just two of these pitchers and a veteran clubhouse guy (I like Kevin Gallo Tori Hunter idea) to go along with their young talent then things are looking pretty good. <br />
<br />
With all that said this is what I think the Chicago Cubs lineup will look like at some point in 2015.<br />
<br />
1. Alcantara CF<br />
2. Russell 3B<br />
3. Rizzo 1st<br />
4. Bryant RF<br />
5. Baez 2b<br />
6. Castro SS<br />
7. Hunter LF<br />
8. Castillo C<br />
9. Pitcher <br />
<br />
How about the rotation? Well I think the Cubs finally spend (maybe even overspend) for pitching.<br />
<br />
1. Jon Lester <br />
2. Jake Arrieta<br />
3. Travis Wood<br />
4. Justin Masterson<br />
5. Kyle Hendricks<br />
<br />
(Oh, PS.... No way Edwin Jackson is on this team in 2015)<br />
<br />
Hey why not 2016 too....<br />
<br />
1. Almora CF<br />
2. Russell 3B<br />
3. Rizzo 1st<br />
4. Bryant RF<br />
5. Schwarber DH<br />
6. Baez 2b<br />
7. Soler LF<br />
8. Castro SS<br />
9. Castillo C<br />
<br />
(And yes... I believe the National League will have a DH starting in 2016 if not before)<br />
<br />
Until Next Time...<br />
cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-59050099127582350482014-07-05T00:50:00.003-05:002014-07-05T00:50:31.710-05:00Cubs Trade Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the A'sIf you are just tuning in the Chicago Cubs let of some high powered fireworks tonight by trading both Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija to the Oakland A's for SS Addison Russell, P Dan Straily, OF Billy McKinney, and a PTBNL.<br />
<br />
<strong>Oakland Receives:</strong><br />
<br />
The Oakland A's just added more solid win now players to an already solid team. Both Shark and Jason will slide right into that rotation making them an even stronger favorite to make it deep into the playoffs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Cubs Receive:</strong><br />
<br />
<em><u>Addison Russell</u></em><br />
<br />
Yep, the Cubs just got the #7 best prospect in Baseball Prospectus pre-2014 rankings. I have not seen a ranking worse than #15 before the season started and Jason Parks suggested he would now rank Russell #6 overall in his new prospect rankings which is pretty impressive. The thing that makes Russell so appealing is he is a true SS which makes his value even higher when you see in just 723 minor league plate appearances he has hit .302 with a .390 OBP and a .909 OPS. Here is a nice <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q749u_BtZpQ" target="_blank">prospect video</a> to wet your whistle!<br />
<br />
<em><u>Dan Straily</u></em><br />
<br />
A decent sized 25 year old right-handed pitcher that has seen 41 big league starts since 2012. Over 230 innings in the majors with Oakland he has posted a 4.11 ERA with a 7.4 SO/9 and 3.4 BB/9. Straily works with 3 above average pitches and is able to stay around the plate. His fastball stays in the low 90s but can hit 95 at times. Although Straily is nothing "dominate" he could be the diamond in the rough in this deal. Here is a nice little video of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ud1CUt038s" target="_blank">Dan Straily.</a> <br />
<br />
<u><em>Billy McKinney</em></u><br />
<br />
He was selected in the first round of the 2013 draft and is getting some decent buzz for the tools he has. While his stats don't jump off the page they are pretty solid even if it is just high A ball. he has hit .277 with a .354 OBP in 505 AB since joining the team in 2013. Bleacher Report has a nice <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1644173-billy-mckinney-prospect-profile-for-oakland-athletics-1st-round-pick" target="_blank">scouting report</a> on McKinney so check that out. <br />
<br />
<u><em>PTBNL</em></u><br />
<br />
Many media reports suggest this is not that significant but others are not so sure. We will likely have this leaked sometime soon but until we do some names to keep an eye on are <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=alcant001rau">Raul Alcantara,</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sanbur001nol" target="_blank">Nolan Sanburn,</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wahl--001rob" target="_blank">Bobby Wahl,</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=overto001dil" target="_blank">Dillon Overton</a>. <br />
<br />
<strong>Thoughtful Reactions:</strong><br />
<br />
Theo and Jed pulled a fantastic trade tonight. Not because they addressed a need but they just acquired the best prospects regardless of position. Something that many of my followers have suggested in the past. Yes the Cubs did not address their biggest need which was pitching but they might as well have. The Chicago Cubs now have the #3, #5, #6, and #18 best prospect in the BP Top 50 according the Jason Parks. Because of that the Cubs can now deal some of their surplus of prospect for other impact talent. So what I am saying is that we are not done. I feel the Cubs could and will and still deal guys like Wesley Wright, Darwin Barney, James Russell, and Nate Schierholtz and also think we might see the Cubs make another blockbuster before the trade deadline. In the end I give this trade a solid B+ because of the overall talent the Cubs received but also feel they did not directly receive the impact TOR pitcher that has been rumored all along. But to sum this up right now the Cubs have a strong enough farm system to trade for guys like Giancarlo Stanton or David Price and not completely deplete their system.<br />
<br />
Until Next Time...<br />
cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-85825521049578976302014-07-01T16:31:00.001-05:002014-07-01T16:31:10.855-05:00Source: Cubs & Mariners Discussing Dustin Ackley Trade<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A source tells me Chicago Cubs front office have had discussions about acquiring 26 year old current utility man Dustin Ackley. He went on further to say that the Cubs and Mariners have discussed a trade involving the Mariners getting a player, IFA Bonus Pool money, or both. The Mariners have been linked to both Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija but this seems smaller move than that said the source. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dustin Ackley’s time in Seattle seems to be drawing to a close as he continues to struggle at the plate. In 1567 PA within 4 seasons Ackley has posted a .241 average with a .309 OBP and just a .350 SLG. He has been moved around in the lineup and in the field a lot which could be a factor why he has struggled at the plate. He has played 281 games at 2b, 125 games in the outfield, and 18 games at 1<sup>st</sup>. His natural position seems to be 2b but he handles the OF pretty well. To me it seems like a guy who needs a change of scenery after having some struggles at the big league level. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So you may ask what makes Ackley so interesting? Well before the 2011 season Baseball America put Dustin Ackley as its 12<sup>th</sup> best prospect in baseball while Baseball Prospectus put him at #25 in that same year. In his minor league career over 1044 PA Ackley has a .290 average with a .397 OBP and a .840 OPS. He had 149 BB to 131 SO during that span. There is something not transitioning to the ML level. We have seen this front office and coaching staff get the most out of its players whether it be Rizzo climb toward stardom, Luis Valbuena’s emergence as a solid Major Leaguer, Arrieta’s ascension to ACE status, etc… We have seen them take players like this and cash in. A move that would send bonus money to the Mariners (who have been linked to big $ IFA) for Dustin Ackley has Theo and Jed written all over it. This front office seems to take other teams unwanted players or guys their current team has just given up on and breathe new life into them. And if my source is correct then they think they can do the same with Dustin Ackley.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I guess we will find out soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time… <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-83449923503587383422014-06-27T15:46:00.001-05:002014-06-27T15:46:03.968-05:00Samardzija a Perfect Fit for CardinalsSo I left the Cards off the Samardzija sweepstakes series because I felt trades within the division are pretty dicey and unlikely especially when impact players like Shark are involved but that was before 2 Cardinal pitchers went down with injury and the Shark chatter increased. Then you start seeing the Cards scouting Jeff Samardzija starts and then multiple media members labeling St. Louis as a suitor for Jeff. So after going over this several times I have come to unique conclusion. The Cardinals are a perfect landing spot for Jeff Samardzija.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Reasoning</u></strong><br />
<br />
First off lets address something. I am not and will never be a Jeff Samardzija fan. Ever since his comments about wanting to be on a "winner", throwing ownership and the front office under the bus, not understanding the direction of the front office, turning down 2 reasonable extensions, and then trashing those players who signed team friendly extensions (although he did not name them but it was implied he was talking about the likes of Rizzo, Castro, Longoria, etc.). I respect the competitor and the talent Shark is but I do not care for his antics and constant venting/communicating through the media. So having Jeff Samardzija dress in that Cards red would be an easy transition for me because I just do not like the guy.<br />
<br />
The 2nd reason I think this trade works is both clubs have to take a great leap of faith when it comes to this deal. The Cards are going to have to give up more than one quality prospect; prospects that could torment them for years to come. While the Cubs have to deal with the idea of Shark (who is developing into an Ace) pitching against them for at least the next year and a half; possibly more. It is a give and take where both have the opportunity to win or lose the trade which is why the appeal to get over on your division rival makes this trade possible.<br />
<br />
The 3rd reason is both have the resources to get this done. The Cardinals want a top on the rotation pitcher to help them this year and next which is why they are targeting David Price and Jeff Samardzija. The Cubs want impact prospects either ready or near ready. The Cards can deal multiple impact prospects and still not deplete their farm system which puts them in the front when talking about other suitors for Shark.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Players that could be dealt</u></strong><br />
<br />
The Cubs Side: Well obviously you are talking about Jeff Samardzija but the Cards need bullpen help which the Cubs can help. Schlitter, Wright, Russell, and Carlos Villanueva all could be dealt at the deadline and all could help the pitch hungry Cardinals. The Cardinals are ranked 17th in bullpen ERA while the Cubs are ranked 7th so obviously the need is there. Plus the Cubs will also be targeting pitching so they may need to give more pitching to get pitching back in the deal.<br />
<br />
The Cardinals Side: I would start off by saying Oscar Taveras is off-limits but now I am not so sure especially after reading <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/06/trade-rumors-pitching-not-in-demand/" target="_blank">this article</a> from Mike at Cubs Den. Obviously he would be the main target giving he is let-handed, only 22, MLB ready, hits for power and average, good OBP, and plays the corner spots in the OF (see his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=tavera001osc" target="_blank">here</a>). Honestly an Oscar Taveras for Jeff Samardzija might be realistic from both sides. It might come down to if the FO values pitching more or if it just comes down to quality. Taveras=Quality. If Theo and Co. do want pitching then the first guy on their list would be Carlos Martinez. The Cards are using Martinez currently in the rotation but he has done most of his work in the bullpen this year. If the Cubs did get him in a deal for Shark then they will likely have to include a reliever (like I stated above). Martinez is going to be a #1 starter in the ML, He gets the nickname baby Pedro after Pedro Martinez and the profile is so similar it is scary. You can see his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martica04.shtml" target="_blank">here</a> or his impressive minor league stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=matias001car" target="_blank">here</a>. Of course the Cards could get Shark even without including those two but they will have to give up more in the terms of quantity. Guys like <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=piscot001ste" target="_blank">Stephen Piscotty</a>, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal013mar">Marco Gonzales,</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kamins000rob" target="_blank">Rob Kaminsky,</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cooney000tim" target="_blank">Tim Cooney,</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=petric000zac" target="_blank">Zach Petrick,</a> etc. The fact is the Cards system is stacked with quality talent and they have the goods to get the deal done. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Conclusion</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
In the end I think the Cardinals as a destination for Jeff Samardzija is a legit one. When laying everything out above I honestly believe a deal could happen. I think the chances dramatically increase if the Rays end up pulling back David Price or their asking price increases to something like Taveras plus some or Martinez plus some which I believe it will get that high. There is no doubt in my mind a deal can be hammered out by the Cubs and Cardinals especially if the Cards get desperate enough and include Oscar Taveras or Carlos Martinez.<br />
<br />
Until Next Time...cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-85391720677793989592014-06-27T12:19:00.001-05:002014-06-27T12:19:15.563-05:00What do you have to offer Dodgers, Marlins, Nationals, and Rockies?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is the final installment of the series “What do you have to offer” So lets take a look at the final 4 teams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dodgers<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Joc Pederson:</b> It is hard not to express my love for Joc and there is good reason. This year he has hit for a .391 avg with a .437 OBP and a 1.005 OPS. His K rate is quite high but so is his walks. He is the Dodgers top prospect and must be included in any deal for Samardzija. See his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=peders001joc">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Zach Lee:</b> There is your package. Joc Pederson and Zach Lee plus another high ceiling high risk player. Many of you are not as high on Lee as I am but the fact that he has four average big league pitches, eats innings, and throws strikes makes him incredibly intriguing to me. There is a reason the past 3 seasons he has been rated in the top 100 best prospects in baseball. He may not every reach the ceiling of an Ace scouts thought but his floor of a #3 starter in the big leagues is as sure as sure can get. See his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lee---001zac">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> Some other guys that would be nice (but not as nice) as the guys above are Chris Withrow who has a career 2.73 ERA in 56 IP for the Dodgers the past two years. There is a lot of talk of him being converted back into a starter. Of course high ceiling LHP Julio Urias is a nice looking prospect and everyone loves LHP Chris Reed. Although the Dodgers may not have the dynamic pitching prospect they are looking for they have the lefty, athletic, and potential All-Star bat in Joc Pederson they love. I also would like to throw in the idea of getting Matt Kemp even though he does not bat from the left-side he maybe an intriguing option for Theo and Co.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Marlins<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Andrew Heaney:</b> It has to start with him. LHP who is in the top 5 best pitching prospects in baseball. He has 3 quality pitches and is a likely #2 starter in the big leagues. This year he was rated in the top 30 best prospects in baseball and at the age of 23 he made his ML debut for the Marlins. In 3 seasons in the minors all he did was sport at sparking 2.31 ERA over 36 starts with a 9 SO/9 and a 2.1 BB/9. This guy is the bee knees and the Cubs should be so lucky to get him in a deal for Shark. See his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=heaney001and">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Justin Nicolino:</b> Another solid lefty in the Marlins organization who has posted a 2.64 ERA in 419 IP with a 7 SO/9 and 1.6 BB/9. He throws strikes and does not walk many batters but he lacks the upside of Heaney or many pitchers in this series but is still very intriguing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> Some other players that are interesting as well are Adam Conley, Anthony DeSclafani, and Jose Urena. The Marlins have the big piece that is attractive to the Cubs but the lack smaller pieces to compete with the other teams. FYI the Cubs really do not have a shot at Stanton without getting another team involved or including a top prospect of their own in the deal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nationals<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Lucas Giolito:</b> Unlike a lot of the players on this list Giolito is in the lower levels of the minors but he would still be a huge target. Posting a large 9.5 SO/9 rate is insane to go along with a 2.37 ERA in just 87 IP is too good to pass up. If that is not enough then you look at the rating Baseball America gave him on their prospect list which is #21 and Baseball Prospectus was really impressed as well giving him the #13 best prospect in baseball label for 2014. He is a headliner and a guy you jump for joy if the Cubs have a chance at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>A.J. Cole:</b> In the same mold as Lucas Giolito but does not have the upside Lucas has. Still in 2014 he was rated in the top 70 prospects by <a href="http://mlb.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">MLB.com</a> and Baseball Prospectus. Cole in 437 IP has a great 9.3 SO/9 and a low 2.1 BB/9. He is a little further along in his development having pitched about 110 IP in AA for the past two years. He could see the ML sometime in 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> The Nationals have a nice farm system including Rafael Bautista who is off to a fast start for a 21 year old batting .311 with a .385 OBP in 191 games between rookie and A ball. While the Nats have a nice farm system without Cole of Giolito they do not get Shark.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rockies<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Carlos Gonzalez:</b> He has been rumored to be on the trade block the past 2 seasons and has been linked to the Cubs several times. The Rockies front office seem to want pitching and are willing to dangle the struggling and oft-injured Gonzalez to get it. Enter the Cubs who are in need and wanting ML talent especially in the OF that bats left-handed. He is the perfect fit. Not only that but the Cubs are in the position to take on a large portion of his salary to also sweeten the deal. Something a lot of teams may not be willing to do. He is and will be the top guy the Cubs should target.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Jon Gray:</b> The Cubs can get Gray after all. He has all the make-up as a #1 pitcher especially with a 100MPH fastball and a good slider along with a solid changeup. Gray has been nothing but solid making his way to AA after just 19 games pitched. IN 23 games started he has a 3.15 ERA with a 9.6 SO/9. This is the guy the Cubs need to make a deal if they cannot get Cargo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> The Rockies are not without other solid to good prospects. Eddie Butler would be a nice piece to interchange with Gray as you can see from his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=butler001edw">here.</a> I also like David Dahl but he still has a lot of development in from of him. Catcher Tom Murphy is an interesting choice who has struggled some in AA this year but will likely hit for power and scouts love his defense.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That concludes my “What do you have to offer?” series. In the end all these teams have a legit chance to deal for Samardzija if they are willing to trade the pieces I laid out and we are soon to find out if they will.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-84843392603316543372014-06-18T19:07:00.001-05:002014-06-18T19:07:50.139-05:00What do you have to offer Giants and Braves?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Phase 3 is underway of the Shark Sweepstakes! Now we take a look at two very interesting teams that are known to be “in” on Samardzija.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Giants<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Kyle Crick:</b> The best prospect in the Giants system and it is really hard to see them part with him but unlike other top prospects I feel the Giants could actually deal Crick. Crick is labeled in the top 40 best prospects in baseball by Baseball America, <a href="http://mlb.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">MLB.com</a>, and Baseball Prospectus. With the upside of an ace and the downside of a #3 starter it will be nearly impossible for any team to compete with the Giants if they include Crick in a deal for Shark. In 231 innings in the minors Crick has posted 10.7 SO/9 .2 HR/9 and a 2.61 ERA. He is the guy you dream about when talking about a Shark deal. Check out this scouting profile from Fangraphs <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/kyle-crick-and-building-the-scouting-profile/">here.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Edwin Escobar:</b> If Crick is #1 on the list then Escobar is 1a. Although his ERA over 494 innings pitched in the minors is 4.08 his SO/9 is a nice 9.1 and BB/9 is 3.0. He may be the most underrated prospect I list in this whole series considering Baseball America rated him the 56<sup>th</sup> best prospect in baseball and<a href="http://mlb.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">MLB.com</a> rated him the 95<sup>th</sup> best in 2014. Some predicted Escobar could actually make it up to the Majors in 2014 so he is as close as ready you can get to ML ready when talking about legit prospects coming back in a Shark deal. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> The Giants have a loaded farm system which makes them dealing for Samardzija relatively easy to do even without completely depleting it. This is a plus for the Cubs since they are requiring a heavy price tag when it comes to Shark. Some other guys that would and could be included in a deal along with Crick or Escobar or even in a package not including Escobar or Crick are Clayton Blackburn, Adalberto Mejia, and Mac Williamson. Giants would be one of the most ideal teams to deal with if you are Theo and Jed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Braves<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Jason Heyward:</b> You didn’t think the Cubs would just trade for prospects did you? I have some insight that suggest the Cubs are wanting to deal for a young Major League ready outfielder who hits left-handed for Shark if they cannot acquire an elite level pitching prospect. Enter Jason Heyward. Many of you have turned your back on Heyward. Even some suggest the reason he did not get a long extension is because he has fallen out of favor with the Braves. At the age of 24 it is hard to turn your back on a guy like Jason Heyward in my opinion. While his numbers are solid at best .259 avg with .349 OBP over 600 games it is hard to ignore that he still has room to improve and reach that upside the scouts drooled over. Now I think a package around Heyward would have to be pretty strong for the Cubs to take him as a headliner. But remember the Cubs FO asked for him and Justin Upton for Shark in the past so the interest is there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Alex Wood:</b> What? I did not take a top 10 prospect in my top 2? No I didn’t because of what Alex Wood offers at the age of 23. Although a small sample size he has been tested in the ML. IN 138 innings pitched he has posted a 3.26 ERA with a 9.1 SO/P and a 2.7 BB/9. Another huge plus is he is left-handed and can hit low to mid 90s on his fastball. The Braves have an advantage because I feel the Cubs are valuing close to ready or ready ML players back for Shark. This is a trend you will continue to see in this post. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> The Brave theoretically could offer Alex Wood and Jason Heyward in a deal for Shark without adding any of their big prospects which honestly bodes well for both teams. Other players that would of course be in the minds of the Cubs front office are Lucas Sims, Christian Bethancourt, J.R. Graham, Jason Hursh, Sean Gilmartin, and David Hale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Up on the next post we will look at two very interesting and two very different teams; Dodgers and Marlins. Until Next Time….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-20029702875159618232014-06-17T12:38:00.001-05:002014-06-17T12:38:59.017-05:00What do you have to offer Royals and A's?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In this 2<sup>nd</sup> installment of Shark Sweepstakes we take a look at two more teams that could use Jeff Samardzija for a playoff run and what they have to offer…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Royals<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Kyle Zimmer:</b> He is the guy you get if you deal with the Royals. Why you may ask? Well he is a top 25 prospect in baseball even with his lat injury this year and he has an Ace upside that is impossible to ignore. He is at risk because of the recent arm issues but so far he does not require Tommy John surgery that we have seen so many pitchers fall to this year. The other reason he is on this list mainly because of this scouting report by<a href="http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/04/02/scouting-report-kyle-zimmer-rhp/">baseballprospectnation</a> in 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Yordano Ventura:</b> Some will argue he is off limits because he is currently helping the big club win and you are probably correct. But if you are going to get Jeff Samardzija you have to pay. End of story! The Royals will have to give up Zimmer or Ventura in a deal for Shark. That is unless of course they go nuts and trade Alex Gordon. But enough about them. Ventura is the guy the Cubs should target if Zimmer is off limits. Just check out this nice fangraphs write up on him <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/yordano-ventura-thrower-of-flames/">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Notes:</b> The Cubs need one of these pitchers (or Alex Gordon) to make a deal with the Royals work. I believe this will be quality over quantity. There are two other nice prospects I see the Cubs take a look at as a secondary piece like P Sean Manaea and/or OF Jorge Bonifacio. Both top 10 prospects in the Royals farm system. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Athletics<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Michael Ynoa:</b> Once thought of the prize of the A’s farm system the guys just cannot stay healthy. Scouts cannot place whether he will be a great #2 starter, #4 starter, power closer, or complete bust. At only 22 years old this guy could still become something special. The issue is whether he is worth the gamble as a headliner in a Shark deal. On his own I am not so sure. You can see his numbers<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ynoa--001mic">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Raul Alcantara:</b> Now the prize arm of the Oakland A’s; he would be so high on my list of all prospects if he had not just went down with Tommy John surgery. We have seen Theo and Jed take a gamble before with players with injury issues and he is definitely worth the gamble. Here is what John Sickles had to say about him before the start of the year. <b><i>Grade B-:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b><i>Borderline B. Secondary pitches went from non-existent to solid last year and he already had a good fastball, resulting in dramatically improved performance and big spike in strikeout rate. I want to see if he sustains it, but could be a number three starter.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Note:</b> The A’s really have a nice farm but the problem is I do not believe any of their current available prospects are what Theo and Jed want. The main issue is the age of the prospects. Almost any impact prospect they have is either in the majors (which they will not trade) or below AA or injured. They are still on the list because the A’s could still put a nice package together for Shark and plus they have been directly linked to him in the past. And those of your pining for Addison Russell can keep dreaming. The guys is going nowhere!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On the next post we will be taking a look at the Giants and Braves… Until Next Time..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-45629638452583429122014-06-16T19:09:00.001-05:002014-06-16T19:09:53.582-05:00What Do You Have To Offer Orioles and Jays?<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When talking about the Chicago Cubs it is hard not to think of the draft as their Superbowl. So if the draft is their Superbowl then the trade deadline is their Stanley Cup! Hopefully soon we will talk about the Cubs as buyers at the deadline and not sellers but in the post we are going to check out the Shark trade market. We know just about every team would love Shark on their roster contender or not. Although; not all these teams will be as “in” on Shark as the others. So we are going to try to eliminate some of the teams first. Teams that are currently out of playoff contention which I will exclude from the Shark Sweepstakes are the Rays, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Reds, and Padres. Next; lets omit the teams that have pressing needs in other places than pitcher which would be the Rangers, Cardinals, and Red Sox. After that lets omit teams that simply do not have the farm system or tradable ML players to acquire Jeff Samardzija on their own which would be the Tigers, Angels, Yankees, Mariners, and White Sox. Next lets remove the teams that are not likely to go all in for Shark for one reason or another which would be the Mets, Astros, Indians, Twins, Brewers, and Pirates. Now as many as 12 teams have been linked to Shark in the past but obviously only one team will pay up for his services before the trade deadline. The teams I see as legit contenders (not just talkers) are the Blue Jays, Orioles, Royals, Athletics, Giants, Braves, Dodgers, Marlins, Nationals, and Rockies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So over the next few weeks I will be highlighting 2 of the teams above and then the top 2 guys in each team that the Cubs will likely target in a deal for Shark.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let’s start it off with some likely suitors….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blue Jays<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Drew Hutchinson</b>: The 23 year old pitcher has been solid this year posting a 3.96 ERA in 13 starts all while striking out 67 in 75 innings pitching for the big league club. His 8 SO to 2.8 BB per 9 looks pretty good on paper but seeing this guy pitch just shows he has the potential to be something special in the majors. Read the scouting report on him back in March of 2012 by<a href="http://baseballinstinct.com/2012/03/13/prospect-instinct-2012-drew-hutchison-rhp-toronto-blue-jays/">prospectinstinct.com.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Marcus Stroman</b>: This is the grand prize for the Cubs front office. They have been linked to him for quite some time now and there is a reason why! In his small sample size in the majors he is posting a high ERA of 5.18 but his 7.8 SO to 1.1 BB ratio per 9 shows the potential of a top of the rotation pitcher. I look at his major league stats in the backdrop of his minor league numbers which are far more impressive and found <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=stroma001mar">here.</a> He is the arguably the Jays best top prospect in their system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Note:</b> While I like Aaron Sanchez I believe the Cubs are going to want ready or a near ready pitching piece as the main piece for Shark. I am not saying they won’t be interested in Sanchez I just believe Hutchinson and Stroman are more appealing. Sanchez would have been #3 on my list.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Orioles<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Kevin Gausman:</b> Scouts are split 50/50 on Gausman but I love what he offers. He has the potential to be a #1 starter which earned him the 10<sup>th</sup> best prospect in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus and the 20<sup>th</sup> best prospect in baseball according to Baseball America before 2014 started. Gausman is only 23 years old and has only seen 31 games in the minors but his numbers are nice. Sporting a 3.36 ERA over those 31 games and posting 9 SO/9 and only 2.1 BB/9. He should be a top prize for the Cubbies but don’t ask me, check out the scouting report from Baseball Prospectus<a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/a/20590#gausman">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Dylan Bundy:</b> The O’s number 1 prospect is coming off Tommy John Surgery but should start pitching again this month. Because his health is in the air makes him a good candidate to get dealt for the Cubs and Orioles. A 2012 Fangraphs should get you jazzed with their scouting report <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/scouting-dylan-bundy/">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Note:</b> The Orioles are going to have to part with one of these pitchers to get Shark especially with the amount of action he will be getting from other teams.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next on our list the Royals and Indians… Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-63354569335942783262014-06-02T14:02:00.001-05:002014-06-02T14:02:14.724-05:00Kris Bryant to be called up to Iowa... June 19th<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yep… Just like the headline says. Kris Bryant to be called to AAA Iowa <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">on Thursday June 19</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">th</a></sup> for their match-up against El Paso.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now I know what you are saying. Where is this coming from? Has there been a press release? A leak? Is there a source? Well; really none of the above. I got my information from… well… me. To me there are various reasons why Kris Bryant has not been called up as of yet whether you deem that right or wrong decision. But there are two reasons that no one is talking about that brings us back to my bold statement of him being called up to Iowa <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">on Thursday June 19</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">th</a></sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The first reason is the AA All-Star Game is <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">on Tuesday the 17</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">th</a></sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2"> of June</a>. I just do not see Theo and Jed calling up Bryant before he has a chance to play in the AA All-Star Game. They really are in no need to rush him up to Iowa (except of public outcry) so using the excuse they wanted to give Bryant a chance to play in the All-Star game could be a valid reason to keep him in Tennessee until then. Plus this also gives him a travel day to Iowa since the 18<sup>th</sup> is a day off for all the league (being the day after the All-Star game). The 2<sup>nd</sup> reason is the plate appearances at each level. While Theo and Jed have said they would like to see 400 PA before being called up not one of their top prospects have eclipsed over 337 plate appearances in one stop in the minors and that 337 PA was done in high A ball by Javier Baez. In fact Rizzo was called up to Chicago after 284 plate appearances, Baez started the season in AAA after just 240 plate appearances with the Smokies, and let’s not forget Bryant only had 146 PA for Rookie, low A, and high A ball total in 2013 before starting the year with Tennessee. Bryant is sitting at 239 plate appearances and by the AA All-Star break he is likely to see 40-50 more between now and then putting him in the 280-290 range which is right in between what Baez and Rizzo saw before their promotions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To me this is just reading the tea leaves and looking at past experiences and data lead me to this conclusion. Take it for what it is worth but I will tell you one thing I will be at Principal Park when Mr. Bryant makes his debut <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">on Thursday June 19</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3">th</a></sup>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-77349707409142473912014-05-15T13:05:00.001-05:002014-05-15T13:05:30.601-05:0010 Things To Improve MLB<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">10 things that need to be changed, added, and/or developed to improve Major League Baseball:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>1.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>End MLB blackout restrictions! PERIOD!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This needs to end! I am in Iowa and I cannot watch 6 teams including my beloved Cubs on MLB.tv because of blackout restrictions. Create a free market where anyone can view any team for a price. You have no idea how much blackout restrictions currently hurt the sport of baseball.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Bring the DH to the National League<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am tired of the talk it is not real baseball, that the AL should change, etc. There are several pros and cons to bring the DH to the NL but the pros outweigh those cons. I wrote about this in the past and you can see my remarks <a href="http://cubsrumorsandnews.blogspot.com/2014/03/bring-dh-to-nl.html">here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>3.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Expand the Major League Roster size to 26 players<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is something that I have been in support of for years. Sure 25 players is all fine and dandy but expanding to 26 players will likely end or surely decrease the “do you go with 13 pitchers or 13 position players?” talk. This will also expand the chances for younger and older players alike to make it or stay in The Show. It also allows versatility and more options for the teams overall.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>4.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Revamp the service time, super two status, and arbitration process<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am just not a fan of time dictating how much or little a player makes. Not sure what to replace or how to revamp the process but it just needs to be done.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>5.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Bring in the pitch clock<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am so tired of batters taking minutes in between pitches adjusting they batting gloves, checking their bat, wiping their cleats, etc. But pitchers are at fault too! They walk around, use the bag, move dirt around the mound etc. To make the game more enjoyable please institute a 25 second pitch clock between pitches. It is easy and does not really affect the sacred game of baseball. It would make baseball more watchable to the average fan and overall I think it would increase more butts in the seats and eyes to the television. To enforce the 25 second pitch clock is easy. If the batter is the guilty party by going over the allotted time after the pitcher is ready to pitch then he gets an automatic strike placed on him. If the pitcher is the guilty party going over that time then a called ball is awarded to the batter. This is so logical, I am not sure why they have not done this by like… YESTERDAY!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>6.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Limit the catcher, manager, pitching coach, other players meeting at the mound<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another way of speeding up the game. I think each starting pitcher should get a limit of 3 meetings (a reliever should get 2) at the mound a game by either the catcher, manager, pitching coach, or other players. Each meeting will last only 60 seconds and will utilize the same clock as the pitch clock for the meetings. Also under this rule the 1ast meeting (3<sup>rd</sup> for SP and 2<sup>nd</sup> for RP) at the mound an “action” must be made whether it be a double switch, pitching change, etc… Again this seems so logical to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>7.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Change the playoff and division format… AGAIN<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No more divisions in baseball and go back to the old format of a National League Division and American League Division. But with one catch; expand playoffs to 12 teams. The top 6 teams out of the NL and the top 6 team in the AL will battle to be World Series Champions. This playoff formula will be much like the NBA so with no further delaying here is my playoff system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Both the NL and AL will have the same format playing in their own division until the World Series Game in which they will play each other. Each teams seed will correspond where they finished in their respected division. The better seed will always have home field advantage. First round games will go home/away/home for the better seeds. Second round games will go home/home/away/away/home for the better seeds. The Division Championship Series and the World Series will go home/away/away/home/home/away/home in which home field advantage is still determined by league that wins the All-Star game. See below for even more details-<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </u></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">First Round: Best of 3 games<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6th seed vs. 3<sup>rd</sup> seed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5<sup>th</sup> seed vs. 4<sup>th</sup> seed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1<sup>st</sup> seed bye<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2<sup>nd</sup> seed bye<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Second Round: Best of 5 games<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1st seed vs. the worse of the two seeds remaining<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2<sup>nd</sup> seed vs. the better of the two seeds remaining<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Division Championship Series: Best of 7 games<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NL and AL Division Championship Game<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">World Series: Best of 7 games<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NL Playoff Winner vs. AL Playoff Winner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Other notes:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Playoffs will start 3 days after the season concludes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- There will be a maximum of 2 days between the starting of a series and the ending of a series.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- The first two rounds there will be at least one baseball game on every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- In the case of a tie a one game playoff will be played the day after the regular season concludes with the ballpark determined by coin toss. The winner of course advancing onto the playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>8.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Do not change the MLB awards but change the description<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The MVP should be saved for the most valuable position player not pitcher and the Cy Young award is for the best pitcher. I do not believe a pitcher should be given the MVP because they only play in only about 20% of the 162 games played. Giving a pitcher the MVP is just wrong and unfair to those players playing 100+ games a year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>9.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Change the Hall of Fame balloting<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There should not be a limit on how many player you can vote for when it comes to the Hall of Fame. I also believe they should increase the number of ballots for about 570 to an even 1000 and send them out to not only writers but to managers, coaches, players, announcers, bloggers, and fans to get a variety of opinions. I also think the managers, coaches, announcers and players should be a mix of former and current players. Because of the increase in ballots sent I still believe that a player still needs to be on 75% of the ballots to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I also think the wait time to get on the hall of fame should decrease from 5 years to 3 years. A player can remain on the ballot for 10 years or until they get below the ballot threshold of 25%. When they reach either 10 years or below 25% of the ballot they will be then be removed from any HOF consideration. This process also goes for inducting managers, announcers, and other baseball employees who are eligible for the HOF. I would also abolish the Veterans Committee.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>10.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b>Move around and create new deadlines/important dates<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· The current team’s exclusive negotiating rights for a soon to be free agent player expires <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">on October 31</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">st</a></sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Free agency starts <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">November 1</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">st</a></sup> and ends the first Sunday in December at midnight. This will cause a free agency frenzy much like the NFL does where all the players pretty much sign within the first month. Consequences by not signing by the first Sunday in December as a free agent is having to wait for the 2<sup>nd</sup> free agent class signing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· 2<sup>nd</sup> free agency signing starts May 1<sup>st</sup> and continues until next off-seasons free agency signing deadline. This signing period is for all players who did not sign by the first free agency signing date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· GM meeting will remain the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Move the All-Star Game to the last Tuesday in June and do the Homerun Derby the night before. This should be more in the middle of the season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Move big trade deadline from the end of July to <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4">July 1</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4">st</a></sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4">.</a> By moving the All-Star game up you can then move up the trade deadline (don’t want trade an All-Star player before the All-Star game, that could be a big issue). <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5">July 1</a><sup><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5">st</a></sup> is about the half-way point in the season so teams will still have an idea if they are buyers and sellers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am just a fan of moving things forward and narrowing the window on deadlines. I think by doing this it would make a more exciting off-season with a lot more action. It would also leave the GM meeting to discuss trades rather than free agency which in turn increases the expectancy of trades.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I feel if Major League Baseball changed, added, and developed these things it would not only make the sport more appealing to die-hard fans like myself but to the average or even new fan. The changes vary from significant to minor but adding all 10 would have such a positive impact on baseball as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-82692127970917543592014-04-29T20:06:00.001-05:002014-04-29T20:06:31.532-05:00The Cubs Jayson Werth<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I would like the Cubs to trade for 1 of these 5 players before the 2015 season starts. Note these players have been on the rumor trade block within the past year or so. The Cubs are going to eventually have to make their Jayson Werth acquisition where they take on a big contract, trade for a guy in line for a contract, or pay out a big contract to a free agent. The free agency does not look very good next season so I think capitalizing on a trade is the route they are going to have to take to receive an impact player.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. <b>Carlos Gonzalez:</b> He is by far my top pick because all the tools he provides and he is under the age of 30. He is still under his large contract of 7 years 80M and set to become a free agent in 2018. It is a gamble taking on such a big contact but you never have to worry about him leaving for free agency until 2018. You do worry about his trade cost though. I still think the Cubs can get him without Baez or Bryant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. <b>Giancarlo Stanton:</b> Not eligible for free agency until 2017 but he will get expensive quick since he is making $6.5M in his first year of arbitration. His knees are troublesome but his power is not. He is a close 2<sup>nd</sup>behind Cargo and his trade value maybe even higher. He will be really hard to get away from Miami.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. <b>Jason Heyward:</b> He may have the lowest trade value considering the decline in numbers at the plate but that should not scare off anyone considering he is a left-handed power bat who can play gold glove defense in RF. Oh and did I mention the fact he is only 24 years old. His contract could be worrisome because he is eligible for free agency in 2016 but Heyward is the kind of guy you don’t let get away. I think the Braves will end up trading him especially since they are re-upping their superstars to mega deals except for Heyward who is only on a two year deal worth $13.3M. I think the Cubs can get Heyward for a lower end top 10 prospect in their system. I could see a guy like Alacantra be on the move to the Braves in a Heyward deal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. <b>Matt Kemp:</b> The Dodgers have an outfield issue on where to play 4 high price athletes in 3 outfield positions. Now I understand these things kind of work themselves out but the Dodgers could capitalize on this unfortunate problem by trading one of them. The player that makes the most sense is Matt Kemp since he has the most upside and he is still on the right side of 30. Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford are both older, on the decline, and owed more money than they are worth. Puig…no way he is traded! Matt Kemp on the other hand still has value which they could capitalize on. The other thing that may force the Dodgers hand is outfield prospect Joc Pederson who is <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=peders001joc">killing it</a> in AAA. To me this makes a ton of sense for the Cubs to get their Jayson Werth. They will be taking on a huge contact on a guy likely not worth that kind of money. But they need a youngish veteran player on this team and apart of the core. He fills that plus we all know his upside of a possible 30/30 guy is really obtainable if he remains healthy. There is a huge gamble here especially since his contract is big and his trade cost will be comparable Heyward or maybe even a little more. This would be a do or die deal for the Cubs but I think it is a chance they are willing to take.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. <b>Matt Wieters:</b> He is the last guy on my list but could have a big impact as well. A left-handed bat that will hit 20+ homers at the catcher position is hard to come by. The knock against Wieters is of course he is represented by Boras and will be a free agent in 2016. His cost should remain high as well but not as high as anyone else on this list. Wieters is also a solid backstop which makes acquiring him even more intriguing. I am not saying by any means that I am not happy with Castillo but I do have doubts on whether he is the catcher of the future for the Chicago Cubs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the end I think the Cubs are in a good position if they deal for any of these 5 players. I think a guy like Carlos Gonzalez would have the most impact but I also think he would be the hardest to pry away. I think trading for a guy like Kemp or Heyward would be the most likely given the contract status of the players and the risk involved in the deal for the Cubs. Giancarlo Stanton is the least likely to happen because of this asking price and the desire to get a long term deal done in Miami. While Matt Wieters maybe the less sexiest option out of the 5 he also has the lowest risk. Each deal has its pros and cons but when it comes down to it which one of these players will become the Cubs “Jayson Werth?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-46905018932855969482014-04-23T13:51:00.001-05:002014-04-23T13:51:55.426-05:00Cubs Prospects Moving Makes 2014 Exciting<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We all know and feel this is a turning corner year for the Chicago Cubs. Not in respect to wins but in respect to turning the corner to see the actual work Theo and Jed have done through trades and the draft. The Cubs have a lot of prospects knocking on the door with 3 of the big 4 sitting in AA/AAA which means this season we could and should see some of those prospects make or come close to being called up to the Big Show. It was until yesterday I realized how important, special, and exciting this year is to be a Cubs fan especially here in Iowa. Let me show you what I am talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here is a list of prospects who are not only “likely” to make the jump to the Chicago Cubs but I feel are almost certain to make that jump THIS SEASON:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Javier Baez<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Arismendy Alcantara<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Kyle Hendricks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Arodys Vizcaino<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Matt Szczur<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Zac Rosscup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Besides Rosscup that is 5 of the top 20 best prospects in the Cubs organization. The main question is where do you play all these guys? Well injuries, trades, and players being DFA will likely solve part of that question for most of the players on this list. I also give you an example of Mike Olt who could be a part of the future and he is seeing split playing time with Luis Valbuena. You could see something very similar with the players above. I by no means think these players would be called up if they were not going to get good solid playing time. Some may end up in Mike Olt’s position where he has to prove he belongs in the starting lineup every day. It also helps that players like Baez and Alcantara are likely to see time at 2b, SS, and 3<sup>rd</sup> base in both the minors and majors so it would give Ricky Renteria a lot of options and chances to get all these players consistent at bats and playing time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Other players that are less likely to see the jump but still could are Brett Jackson, Josh Vitters, Christian Villanueva, Eric Jokish, Neil Ramirez, Carlos Pimental, and Logan Watkins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now possibly equally exciting is the players that would make the jump for AA Tennessee to AAA Iowa. Here are those players that will likely make the jump THIS SEASON:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· C.J. Edwards<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Ivan Pineyro<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Pierce Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Kris Bryant<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Jorge Soler<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">C.J. Edwards has been nothing short of amazing for the Smokies and I think it will be a race between him and Bryant who will be called up to Iowa first. Mainly because as impressive as Edwards has been on the mound Bryant has been equally impressive at the plate. Although injuries have slowed Soler I think he is owed too much money not to make the jump to Iowa this year. Ivan Pineyro looks like a bullpen guy for 2015 so I think he gets the call to Iowa as well. I have been going back and forth on Pierce but I think he will get the call to Iowa late in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Other players less likely to make the jump are Dustin Geiger, Anthony Giansanti, Armando Rivero, Corey Black, and Dae-Eun Rhee.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is quite possible we will see 10 of the Top 20 Chicago Cubs organizational prospects moving to Chicago or Iowa in 2014. That is enough to get you really excited for the rest of this season and especially for 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37440895.post-42491284485101876132014-04-22T12:33:00.001-05:002014-04-22T12:34:10.507-05:00Thoughts From Last Nights I-Cubs Game<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I attended last night’s windy and cold Iowa Cubs game with some family and friends. Here is some analysis from seeing several of the Cubs top 20 prospects in action:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Kyle Hendricks control is flat out impressive. I do not think he ever threw a pitch that was completely out of the zone. Hendricks does not exactly have an “out pitch” or a high velocity fastball but the guy hits his spots on both sides of the plate. The other thing that is superior to me for a 24 year old pitcher is he works up and down in the zone with ease and seems to calculate every pitch. That is something you just do not see in a pitcher especially at 24 year old. He only gave up two base hits and walked two (the ump had a really small zone last night) but that did not impress me as much as how quickly Kyle worked. Kyle Hendricks is a no non-sense analytical control pitcher who is going to be in Chicago sometime this year. Mark My Words! Oh.. and the guy has a tremendous pickoff move which Alex Bucholtz found out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· One thing I learned about Javier Baez is that he does not get cheated when swinging the bat which could end up tallying up those Ks pretty quickly. He also needs to be more selective at the plate and lay off the high heat out of the zone. He had 3 swings and misses with high heat last night in his 3 ABs. In the field Baez looked pretty solid at SS. On this day Baez did not do anything special but his swagger and style completely set him apart from everyone else on the diamond. He does have superstar written all over him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Matt Szczur impressed me about as much as Hendricks. Matt has a pretty quick swing and the guy can fly around the bases. In the first inning he hit the ball on the line over the centerfielders head that made it to the wall which was about 15-20 yard behind him. Szczur slid into 3<sup>rd</sup> but he could have gotten their standing up. In fact I thought we may have seen an inside the park homerun if there is any bobble out by the outfielder. Szczur has 3 solid hits and should have had 2 SB but the 2<sup>nd</sup>base ump blew a safe call at 2<sup>nd</sup> on an attempted steal by Matt. While I don’t think Matt will ever be an everyday OF for an MLB team he will be a very productive 4<sup>th</sup> outfielder in the ML very soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Christian Villanueva went 0-4 with 3 Ks but watching him in the field is a treat. The movement he has without the ball, the range, and his arm makes playing 3<sup>rd</sup> base just look too easy. The guy is a smooth criminal out there at the hot corner and to me, defensively right now; he can play near gold glove defense at 3<sup>rd</sup> just from what I have observed in a 9 inning game last night. Defensively he reminds me a lot of watching Scott Rolen… seriously!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: 0px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">· Arismendy Alcantara had a good night getting 2 hits including a homer, two runs, an RBI, and a SB. Him and Baez seem to have a good relationship on and off the diamond. They were stretching, talking, and playing catch together. Something I like seeing 2 top 75 prospects do (chemistry man! CHEMISTY). As fast as Szczur is I am not sure he can beat Alcantara in a foot race. Yep he is that fast. The homer AA hit was a line drive to RF that cleared the high wall by 15-20 feet. It was a shot and you could tell it was gone just by hearing the sound it made off of the bat. He was simply awesome last night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Overall last night was a good night to see the Iowa Cubs. With guys like AA, Hendricks, and Baez just one step away from Chicago it is easy to get excited about what the future has for the Cubs as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until Next Time….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </o:p></p>cubsfan82http://www.blogger.com/profile/08133613771257793472noreply@blogger.com0