The Cubs top the list of teams who could improve substantially in 2015, Richard Justice of Sports On Earth writes. That was probably an easy call, given the amount of young talent the Cubs have on the verge of making an impact. Justice also lists the Mets (who are set to re-introduce Matt Harvey into a strong core of young pitching), Red Sox, Marlins and Astros as teams who could take big steps forward. Here’s more from the National League.
- The Cubs haven’t had any formal extension discussions with emerging star Jake Arrieta, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times writes. Cubs president Theo Epstein says he doesn’t see extending Arrieta as “a pressing matter.” Arrieta, meanwhile, says he doesn’t want an exorbitant amount of money, but expresses confidence that he can continue posting excellent numbers. He’ll also be eligible for arbitration this offseason, so it’s no surprise that, as Wittenmyer notes, Arrieta is in “no rush” to sign a long-term deal.
- The Pirates’ 82nd victory in 2013 was an important moment, but on Thursday, the arrival of the Bucs’ second straight winning season felt unimportant, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes. “Eighty-two no longer should be celebrated at some point in early to mid Sept., it should be an expectation,” Sawchik writes, noting that the Pirates have a strong core of Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, Gerrit Cole, Neil Walker and Gregory Polanco (along with Josh Harrison) and one of baseball’s better collections of minor league talent.
- The Phillies could have a revamped outfield next season, given that they could deal Marlon Byrd and/or give up on Domonic Brown. The team is also hoping for more from Ben Revere next season, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki writes. Revere has hit .309 so far this season, but his minimal walks and power have led to an on-base percentage of .326 and a slugging percentage of .367. Manager Ryne Sandberg hopes Revere will hit for more power. “I think that should be the next thing for him is to hit 35 to 40 doubles in the season, hit in the gaps,” says Sandberg. “[T]here is no reason that shouldn’t translate into games and certain situations with certain pitches.” Revere has been in the big leagues for parts of five seasons and has shown little power-hitting ability, however.
Nice to see Arrieta does not really feel a need to break the piggy bank, and theCubs are not having a hair trigger.
Arrieta has jad about 1 good season, and seems to get injured a bit here and there.
While I think he will be at least a No2 in the rotation, I think the Cubs need to see if he can repeat his success next season, Im guessing by midway next year they start exploring an extension if he looks like he is this good.
I also do not think Bosio is given enough credit for how well he has done with the pitching staff.
It also shows how bad Jackson is if Bosio cannot break through to him
He is 28, and just had a really good year but didn’t even break 150 innings. Not to mention that he is still under team control for another 3 years, I’m pretty sure he would be looking at some guaranteed money. With all he has been through if he could get $40MM guaranteed at his age he would be pretty happy I would think. If he was 24 and this age he could wait, but he already is in his prime.
Bosio has done a fantastic job with the staff. I also agree that Jackson has been bad….like numbers-wise, historically bad. There’s no way the Cubs will be moving forward with him next year. The monetary commitment is easier for the organization to swallow than the dread of sending him out there every 5 days.
I wish I had your confidence. I see him starting 2015 as our fifth starter again in hopes that he has a couple of good starts and we can find somebody who will take him off our hands.
How about Danks for Jackson swap? With money going which ever way to even out. Jackson didn’t do bad with Cooper and the Sox need right handed pitching. Both fire agents at the same time too.
isn’t Jackson owed less money for less years at this point, though?
I understand Martin is a free agent, but he, in my opinion, is a huge part of the Pittsburgh core..
I’d like the Pirates to keep him, but I doubt that they will…unless he gives them a “home town” discount.
I don’t know, the projected 4 years/$50MM deal he might make this offseason isn’t really that far out of reach for the Pirates. They are already paying him $8.5MM this year…getting to $12.5MM per year isn’t that much of a stretch, especially with Barmes ($2MM), Volquez ($5MM) and Liriano ($8MM) all coming off the books this year, as well as a few other likely non-tenders. They could sign him at that price, and still be able to afford a few more pieces in free agency.
I think they can and will bring him back if the price is in that ballpark. If some desperate team makes him an absurd offer way above that though, there’s not much the Pirates can do.
“Red Sox, Marlins and Astros as teams who could take big steps forward.”
Like the Sox can go much further backward…..
Revere hitting doubles shouldn’t be the focus. Revere getting on base should be the focus. He’ll end up on 2B enough by stealing bases if he can manage to bring that walk rate into an acceptable territory.
I’m really impressed by how much the Pirates offense has developed this year. Their offense is consistently in the top 10 of all the major categories after being very middle of the pack the last few years. It makes me wonder how much of it is Russel Martin’s consistency.