1:37pm: The Rockies and Cubs are discussing Stewart for Colvin, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
12:44pm: The Cubs and Rockies have continued to discuss third baseman Ian Stewart over the last week, reports ESPNChicago's Bruce Levine. Cubs players Blake DeWitt, DJ LeMahieu, and Tyler Colvin have been discussed.
The Cubs are also looking at the Padres' Chase Headley, notes Levine.
bleh
Why would the Cubs want a bum like Ian Stewart?
A lot of teams still feel Stewart has legitimate promise and that it is only injury and poor handling on the part of the Rockies that has kept him from reaching it. Not saying I am personally sold yet, but that is the thinking.
I agree there is potential. Most importantly, there is power potential. The Cubs need a bit more pop in the lineup, as guys like Barney, Castro, and Byrd are not exactly fountains of power. Third base is open (unless you put another homer-inept guy like Baker or DeWitt there), so better to fill it through a trade for potential, especially when the free agent market is barren.
I would probably rather have Headley, but it sounded like SD had no desire to move him.
You just told me above that Stewart’s OPS doesn’t work for you. Now you’re saying he will provide “pop” to the lineup?
I’m saying he hasn’t yet posted a respectable OPS but he has the power potential to do so.
You called him “a young guy with a respectable OPS,” but he does not have said respectable OPS. I do believe, however, that he is capable of providing it, seeing as he has a career .902 OPS in the minors.
The talent is there, but the MLB production is not.
Not sure, but the Cubs players being discussed are bums as well. He’s still a young guy (26?) with a respectable OPS and the Cubs need a 3rd baseman since ARam is gone.
I’m not sure about a respectable OPS. He has a career-high OPS+ of 102, and that was in his 2008 half-season. His career-high in a full season (of which he has just two) is 97, which is below-average.
Still, he was averaging 22 HR in his two full seasons, so the Cubs could do a lot worse. I’d trade DeWitt for sure. I don’t know that I would trade him WITH Colvin, and I would rather keep LeMahieu.
LeMahieu does not hit for power to play 3rd and is a poor fielder to play 2nd. Maybe he could play short field for your softball team.
lemahieu is a very good handler of the bat (very good minor league AVG and low K-rate) and power is always the last tool to develop. how about giving a 23 year old a little more time before you completely write him off?
OVERRATED!!! What position does he play at a high level? None. He does not even walk alot. He is not even a top ten prospect in the system.
BA ranked him in the top-10 last season, and still listed him as the best hitter for average in the system in 2012. I say let him try second base and hit second. His high contact rate (only 61 Ks in 130+ games in 2010) would allow them to do some hit-and-run plays with Castro at the top of the lineup.
Of course, they’d have to move Barney first. That, or shift everyone to the left (Castro at 3B, Barney and SS) and put LeMahieu at second.
I’d even rather just trade LeMahieu for a better player than Stewart. I like him a lot, but to trade LeMahieu, I’d probably rather try for Headley or a back-end SP prospect.
Just because he was listed as a 10 ten prospect does not mean he is a good player. It mostly means the Cubs system is not as good as you want to think. Also Barney is not very good either. He dropped off alot after the first month.
Yes and no. Barney DID fall off, but his May and July numbers were just fine for a guy that posted a +5.1 UZR.
Also, you dump on LeMahieu. The problem is, you dump on both, but someone HAS to play the position.
Would you rather have Baker or DeWitt there?
Just because he was listed as a 10 ten prospect does not mean he is a good player. It mostly means the Cubs system is not as good as you want to think. Also Barney is not very good either. He dropped off alot after the first month.
Yeah, I looked up the stats. I would still call that “respectable” in the post-steroid era. You could do worse than league-average OPS at third base and he will probably not cost much. He can improve on that as he enters his prime as well.
The problem is league-average OPS in the minors. If he’s more like a .725 OPS guy with no speed in the majors playing a position that usually boosts team OPS (see: Ramirez, Aramis) and you’re also playing guys like LaHair (if Fielder isn’t signed) and Barney (another powerless guy with little basestealing ability), then you’ve got a below-average offense with one, MAYBE two starting pitchers worth putting on a contender.
Not sure what you’re referring to. I’m looking only at his major league numbers.
I think we got crossed up. I thought you mean t LeMahieu, not Stewart, haha.
Regardless, Stewart’s slightly below-average when it comes to league OPS. You have to realize, though, that league-wide OPS is dampened by positions that are traditionally known as having below-average OPS production, like C, 2B, SS, and CF.
Stewart’s 2010 OPS was .787. Even in this ugly 2011 3B crowd, that would have ranked 15th among 3B with 300+ PA. Last season, it was 17th. Yes, that was about league-average, but he was 23rd in overall WAR because of bad defense and sub-apr (by a little) baserunning.
Again, I think he has potential to be an above-average 3B, but right now, he’s a good bit below-average.
The other thing is that the Cubs are going to be below-average at 1B if they don’t grab Fielder, meaning they need a bit more than normal production from 3B, meaning a BIG improvement for Stewart, something in the .780-820 OPS range to make up for it, I think.
Calling LeMahieu a bum seems a little premature.
He is another overrated Cub fan favorite, who has done nothing. I do not understand all the love for aopther failed Hendry prospect.
When has he failed? In his 62 career MLB PA’s? He is 23, has hit for average at every MiLB level. If he develops a semblance of power and a little more patience, he will be a solid player.
Already calling a guy drafted in 2009 a “failed prospect” is just silly.
Yes it is early to say he is a failed prospect, but he will be at best a utility player in the majors. He is not a difference maker at 3rd or 2nd so why keep him?
Agreed he is likely a utility player, but that can have a lot of value. Especially the next three years when he is making the league minimum.
I think a guy who already knows how to not strikeout at 23 is worth something if he can play second.
Give Adam Dunn LeMahieu’s contact rate, and he’s a god, haha.
If not striking out is his best skill, he needs to be traded.
No, his best skill is his ability to hit around .320 and have a .350+ OBP, but that’s in the minors.
I’m just saying he has abilities worth keeping when you consider there are guys like Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt on the roster.
well this would be a major mistake. Thed needs to focus solely on headley
From the previous reports, it would take overpayment to get Headley, as the Padres did not seem all that interested in actually trading him.
If Headley can be had for a fair price, I agree, but I do not believe that is the case.
tbh I don’t really see 3B as that pressing of an issue. Most everyone’s already declared Vitters a bust, and don’t take into account the fact that he’s only 22 and held his own pretty well in AA, and will probably be in AAA come 2012. LeMahieu is a pretty good defender, well over .300 in the minors, doesn’t strike out much and is also still very young. I’d rather watch either of those take over. The Cubs aren’t competing next year anyway so they outta just put any bum in there to keep the spot warm for when Vitters or LeMahieu are ripe.
The real question with Vitters is, can he play defense well enough at the major league level? Not sure he can but I think he could be a better corner outfielder or even first base.
Actually, the question with Vitters is: how much longer can we keep calling a shaky defender with mild pop a “prospect” even when he walks 4% of the time and strikes out 15% of the time?
Actually, the question with Vitters is: how much longer can we keep calling a shaky defender with mild pop a “prospect” even when he walks 4% of the time and strikes out 15% of the time?
Personally, I don’t think Vitters is a bust. He just came so young and has been around long enough to where epople are asking what is wrong with him, ignoring that he is still younger than some minor league studs. What was Jennings, 23 or 24 when he came up? That’s 2 more years of development for Vitters, though I admit that 5 years to be in the majors would be a rather iffy proposition for an alleged top prospect.
I agree to stick any young guy with upside out there. That’s why I say dump DeWitt on Colorado and let Stewart hack at the ball some, in the hopes he works out.
I like LeMahieu, but as a second baseban (where Barney is in the way). At thrid, you would be getting single-digit homers and steals with a solid average. You’d be getting a crappier Placido Polanco if you’re lucky. I want him at second, not third.
Vitters plus many other Cub minor league players have one year to prove they can play the new Cub/Theo way of playing baseball. Looking forward to see the book Cubs way to play baseball, Theo will be giving everyone.
The book is probably titled:
“No Beer and Fried Chicken and why I Left Boston.”
Reminds me of Xavier Nady all over again
Well, Stewart isn’t coming off of elbow surgery and will be able to play his position fromk the start…
I think a healthy Steward could do some damage at wrigley
Sure, but he could do so in Coors too.
Just don’t give up LeMahieu Theo. I think Colvin might be worth giving one last shot too
I agree. Give them DeWitt for all I care. Throw in Baker and a reliever like Mateo as well. DeWitt AND Colvin is too much. Colvin alone is fine with Soriano, Byrd, and DeJesus starting and Campana the 4th with Jackson in the minors. LeMahieu is someone I want to hold.
DeWitt OR Colvin, but not both. If this was for a Stewart after 2009 or 2010 and 2011 DeWitt and Colvin, I’d trade them both together, but Stewart KIND OF put up an OPS+ of 21.
In case you don’t know, 100 is the league average for OPS+.
You said you want to hold LeMahieu. lmao
It beats DeWitt and Baker. Maybe having those turds on the roster and seeing people go crazy for a bum like Theriot for so long has me too excited about a contact-only hitter like LeMahieu, haha.
/shrug?
Umm…for Stewart? Yeah, I think I will.
oh, nm…I just noticed you were replying to cubs223 and I got the joke lol
oh, nm…I just noticed you were replying to cubs223 and I got the joke lol
because who else do the Cubs have to play 3rd? It’s not like we are giving up a lot for him. Colvin, and LeMaheiu have no future on this team. DeWitt is a good bench guy, but that is it.
you’re like the anti-cub.
the cubs fan from bizarro world.
Definitely not an anti-cub guy obviosuly. Look Colvin was a flash in the pan, people figured out how to pitch to him and now he swings for the fences everytime. It is bad enough seeing Soriano strike out everytime, let alone seeing both of them in the lineup striking out a lot. I never said DJ was bad, but they already have players like him in DeWitt, Baker, and Barney. Why keep him if we already have three players that are similar to him?
Colvin looked like the next big thing until he took a freaking half of a bat into his chest which pierced his lung. I realize this business is rough, but I think Colvin deserves a little more time to prove himself. Secondly he has a gun in the outfield. He made more than a few defensive stops that were downright awesome.
I agree, taking a bat in the chest is a
terrifying experience, none the less it didn’t change the fact that his contact rate went down this past year. I was one of the people that wanted Colvin to get more playing time last year because of the year he had before. Baseball is a what have you done for me lately type of business and Colvin did not do anything when he did play.
DJ does.
whoop my comment was suppose to be in reply to Jason Hopkins
hmmm…Padres want street, we want headley and the rocks want pitchers and stuff…3 way deal about to go down??
Hopefully
I think the cubs should trade Blake Dewitt to Rockies for Ian stewart and then trade Ian Stewart and Big Z to the marlins for Matt Dominguez.
Why would Colorado want Dewitt for Stewart and then why would Miami take that trade? What fantasy Land do you live in?
Matt Dominguez can’t hit worth a lick.
I am really scratching my head over this new Chicago regime. First DeJesus, and now Stewart? Maybe Stewart is young, but he has a career .230+ average and the defensive numbers don’t look all that great either. Have the Cubs become a small market team looking for cheap players? Have the Cubs totally given up on Vitters? As a Cub fan, I am getting less and less excited about this off season!
Sounds like you subscribe to the same line of thinking as Hendry. I love what the Cubs have done so far this offseason–every move they’ve made has been the right one (except maybe manager, but w/e). They’re buying low, waiting for their prospects to ripen, and NOT getting underneath another albatross contract that would weigh them down for years to come.
I don’t think my thinking has anything to do with Hendry. To me, DeJesus and Stewart are average at best MLB players. I would much rather see what Vitters, Jackson, Szczur, LeMahieu, LaHair, could do given the chance then to block them with average talent. If we are going cheap, then lets looks for the next star!
Why would you want to throw top prospects into the fire already? We’ve done that too quick with Pie, Patterson, etc. Give them TIME to develop for the love of god.
IMO, if you don’t think that Vitters is ready, then why let Ramirez walk?
Cubs didnt let Ramirez walk. They picked up his option and he declined his side of the deal. So I dont know how you would classify that as letting him walk. Ramirez ONLY hussles during a contract year. Theo was willing to see if he could duplicate in 2012 what he did in 2011 to warrant a possible 3 yr contract.
IMO, if you don’t think that Vitters is ready, then why let Ramirez walk?
They are not blocked. When they are ready to play in the Majors they will be here.
Stars take time to develop. Thowing a guy from A+ in Szczur or AA in Vitters into a starting role with the Cubs this year would absolutely destroy their confidence and likely their careers.
Okay, give Theo the benefit of the doubt. We have one of the best President/ Gm people in the game. We know 2012 will be a bust and are building for 2013 .
I would give Dewitt and Colvin both. Colvin is at best going to be a platoon player (2 for 35 vs LHP in 2011), and Dewitt is just awful. Stewart may be awful as well, but we need a 3rd baseman, and he does have some upside. I think Vitters is still in the mix if he can get better at taking BB in the minors, and no way I would deal DJ in this trade.
If we don’t get Prince, lose Pena and lose Aram. We have only one hitter with pop in in the bat and thats Sori (and his pop is more like plop). I believe that Castro will develop more power over time. But losing two position players with 30hr potential is a lot to lose. I guess the real question is do we have delusions of grandeur for next year or are we truly building for a 2013 run.
the second one
ditto 😉 I do however lament missing out on fielder. He comes from good slugging stock, he is tight with Sveum, he is fat and has a beard, I mean he is literally reaching out to so many cubs fans. Besides he will naturally lose weight stretching on every play to catch routine outs from castro.
Actually on second thought, we might need someone taller at first. Yeah nevermind.
Have you never seen that fat man jump? He gets some pretty good air for a 275 lb first baseman.
I can see the whiteboard of things Theo and Sveum are looking for at 1B now.
Must be tall, or able to jump really high, or layout for balls nowhere near first, while keeping a foot on the bag. Must have big feet.
Its times like this I miss D.Lee.
As a Rockies fan I’d like to see O’Dowd offer Stewart three years and $5 million, and if he turns it down THEN trade him.
Of all the guys the Rockies are looking to move this winter, I think Stewart has the greatest “one that got away” possibility down the road.
“The Cubs and Rockies have continued to discuss third baseman Ian Stewart. Cubs players Blake DeWitt, DJ LeMahieu, and Tyler Colvin have been discussed.
So basically it’s “you show me your junk, and I’ll show you mine?”
You’re right about DeWitt he is pretty much labeled himself as a utility player/pinch hitter at best and the Cubs have a couple minor leaguers who could do that already. But, you’re wrong on DJ since I find hard to believe you can call a player ”junk” when they have only played 37 games with only 60 at bats at the big league level. He’s expendable because the Cubs have a player in Barney who is just like him. Also, you have Junior Lake, Ryan Flaherty, and Marquez Smith who could find themselves in the big leagues at some point in 2012. Colvin could have had a bad year and playing for Chicago you’re pretty much dead meat after you get off to a bad start so it could have been mental or he could be a bust.
i wouldn’t give up DJ or Colvin for Stewart- while he has SOME potential- I just don’t see how he’s an upgrade over what they could prob find on the scrap heap. couldn’t they just sign betemit and have at the very least a solid utility player who switch hits?
The Cubs need Stewart to protect Pujols in the lineup…
that’s funny.
What would a fair deal be for Headley to the Cubs? Padres looking for help most in the middle-infield.
Barney….Baker…and some cash for Headley. We will also throw in a case of Luke’s Italian Beef sandwiches and pizza from Giordano’s
Colvin for Stewert? Do it now.
I am so very happy you aren’t GM…this would be such a horrible trade…
How is it horrible? Colvin has no spot on this team. Stewert is a stop gap. It is crap for crap with Stewert having way more potential than Colvin. Give me some evidence where Colvin is going to be an above average player that is worth keeping?
And obviously I wouldn’t be that bad if Theo and Jed are talking about doing it…
Both players have shown promise and maybe a change of cities will do them both good. As a Cubs fan I was sad to see to the DeJesus signing cause I knew this would be the end of Colvin’s tenure in Chicago, but as an avid Rockies follower as well I would like to see him do well wearing purple and black. For Ian Stewart if the trade does happen I’ll be happy.
Well, there was also talk Soriano or Byrd could get traded.
The more important thing is Campana was better and Jackson is on the way. Colvin played his way out of a job after forcing Fukudome out of town with his play a year before.
Well, there was also talk Soriano or Byrd could get traded.
The more important thing is Campana was better and Jackson is on the way. Colvin played his way out of a job after forcing Fukudome out of town with his play a year before.
I’m fine with Colvin for Stewart. The Cubs have OFs but no third baseman.
The Sad thing is that 5 time gold glove, and now HoF Ron Santo had to watch Rami be a turd at 3rd base for so long. How about in his honor we get someone who can play defense, for a change, at 3rd.
How sad is it that the HoF’er had to watch Rami put up 30 hr’s and 80+ rbi’s pretty much every year and play defense at least at the average MLB 3rd base expectations most of his tenure. Rami was the best NL 3rd basemen in the first decade of the 2000’s. With that said, I am happy they aren’t paying him and would love to see a DeWitt or Colvin trade for Stewart. I wouldn’t mind seeing LeMahieu get a shot either.
He had the offense to be sure. But the number of balls that “ate him up”, and the ones he watched go by has grown more and more every year. Did his offense compensate for it? On a team as offensively anemic as we have fielded recently. Absolutely. But coupled with boy wonder at short, and sori-ohno. We literally got to the point at which our defense was losing games. Thats a scary, ugly place to be at for a team. No matter how much instant offense can be created with a great slugger, our defense has to get better, fundamentals , hustling etc..
Ramirez is a lazy prick, that’s why it’s sad. His defense went from horrible to great back to horrible from the time he went to the Cubs til his last day as a Cub. I am so glad he declined on 16 mil guaranteed, he’ll be lucky to get that much in a multi year deal, Only the Cubs would tolerate his laziness. He’d be kicked off any other team for being lazy.
I would rather see DeWitt for Stewart, but it seems as Colvin is on a limited time in chicago. Tyler still has a chance to be a decent player, and maybe a change of scenery is good for both him and stewart. But i am all for seeing Steward at 3B for the cubbies next year
No matter what the Cubs do trade for this guy Headley or trade for Ian Stewart, Blake DeWitt has to be involved no matter what. Hopefully they throw in Soto for a constellation prize, just to get him out of Chicago.