The Cubs should offer a package centering on shortstop Addison Russell to the Orioles for Manny Machado, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com argues. While the Cubs would be parting with four years of control over Russell for a season of Machado, the latter would improve their chances enough in 2018 to make it worthwhile, reasons Rogers, who points out that Chicago would perhaps have a shot to re-sign him by next winter. Even if Machado left the Cubs a year from now, they could conceivably spend big money on another free agent (Bryce Harper?), move Javier Baez from second base to shortstop to replace Machado and use Ian Happ and Ben Zobrist at the keystone.
A few more notes from around the game:
- The Giants expressed some interest in Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco at the Winter Meetings, per Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia (Twitter link). It’s unclear, though, whether the two sides engaged in any substantive talks. The 25-year-old Franco’s value clearly isn’t at its peak, as he has fallen flat since a terrific 80-game debut in 2015. He’s now coming off a season in which he hit a woeful .230/.281/.409 in 623 plate appearances. Franco will try to rebound in 2018, his first of four potential arbitration years (he’ll earn a projected $3.6MM).
- Free agent Todd Frazier has played the overwhelming majority of his career at third base since debuting in 2011, but he’d consider moving to the keystone in 2018. “I’m open to anything,” he told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com on Saturday. “Even second base, without a doubt. When I first came up, I was a utility guy. I’m not afraid to go back to playing another position. I’m comfortable playing any position any team wants me to play.” The 31-year-old Frazier’s comments came on the heels of a report that some teams believe he’s capable of handling second. As for where he’ll sign, Frazier said he’d “love to play for any team,” including the Yankees, with whom he spent the second half of last season. Unsurprisingly, the New Jersey native’s seeking a multiyear contract, Kuty reports.
- Six teams are showing interest in free agent left-hander Wade LeBlanc as a swingman/long reliever, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN tweets. As a Pirate last season, the 33-year-old LeBlanc threw 68 innings of 4.50 ERA ball with 7.15 K/9, 2.25 BB/9 and a 45.9 percent groundball rate. That performance didn’t win over Pittsburgh, which declined LeBlanc’s cheap option ($1.25MM) in favor of a $500K buyout.
The Orioles have zero leverage in trying to move Machado. They’ll be lucky to get a few minor leaguers for him at this point.
Theya are really limiting themselves with the contingencies they have about trading him to certain teams. Example: The team acquiring him has to guarantee that they will not trade him to another AL East team. That is a pretty crazy request.
Actually a pretty smart request, when you bother to think about it. Also, there’s no shortage of interest and competition at this point for Machado, so the O’s can reasonably set some conditions, as they have.
It’s time to dump Machado as he is not (for numerous reasons) in the long-term interests of the club.
Is it a smart request though? It’s narrowing the market for the sake of eliminating the small chance that he ends up in the same division as you for one season – which isn’t even that big of a deal – in a season they’re probably punting on anyway.
Then after this coming season, what Machado does is out of their control.
He s playing to the fan base, which is heavily anti Yankee. Is a slightly better deal worth making fans angry, or worse, drive them to the nationals?
If a group of fans care more about hating the Yanks, than they do about their own Team getting the best return on a player who’s leaving anyway, they aren’t generally fans of a Team for very long. They are easy-swtichers – and lets be honest, if this drives them away, why hasn’t the O’s ineptitude over the last how many years, done that already?
Again, narrowing the market just incase someone else potentially flips Machado to one particular Team for a season, is bad business. Any fan with a shred of common sense should know that.
DimitriInLA, you said Machado is not part of the Orioles future plans “for numerous reasons”?? The ONLY reason is money! The Orioles are still considered a small market team and can’t afford to pay him $300-$400 million.
Cam, there is not a “group of fans” that care more about hating the Yankees than trading Manny. The fans have no control over Peter Angelos’ decisions and most feel he is a terrible owner. Given the condition of the Orioles’ farm system and starting rotation, Manny should be traded for the best return possible, period. It’s alot easier for large market teams to compete when they can just buy the best free agents when they need them.
There’s plenty of room for anyone who wants to switch over to become a Nats fan. All are welcome, especially former O’s fans. Angelos is a POS.
I grew up in northern VA, I went to a couple O’s games a year but was never a real fan of the team. Grew up rooting for the Pirates. All I wanted was DC to have a team and Angelos blocked that for as long as he could, 10 years. Then he forced MLB to agree to ridiculous terms on that stupid TV deal.
On the subject of Machado, they have to trade him to the highest bidder and weakening the pool by putting restrictions on it is dumb, he will probably be a Yankee after this season anyway. As a Nats fan I’ve been wondering why they aren’t thinking the same thing with Harper, I know we have a real shot to contend but if you don’t think there is a chance of resigning him next fall then get something more than a compensation pick for him. We will make the playoffs this year with or without him.
Hey Juice…especially since they have the house away to Chris Davis, right?
I don’t think Harper is in the same boat as Machado. The Nationals are serious threats to contend for the World Series in 2018 and very much need Harper to get there. The Orioles and Machado will be lucky to sniff a .500 season.
So what I’m saying is Harper stays.
I agree, I also think it’s time for the Orioles to get new ownership.
If they’re even remotely competent at their jobs – big if, I know – it isn’t about leverage at all. They’ve got an elite player who can play third or short so can make almost any team a lot better. As long as there is more than one serious bidder, they have all they need. Their problem is that they are going too slow and are still on the sidelines while potential trade partners who are trying to compete for a 2018 playoff spot are filling out their rosters/spending their money and prospects elsewhere.
Bert, read the article above… these national media types, all of whom reside in or are biased towards the northeast, keep suggesting team “x” trade away valuable players like Addison Russel or Yoan Moncado plus pieces for a 1-yr rental of a player who’s about to get a massive contract next year. I’m merely suggesting that the Orioles should be realistic with their demands. If the Orioles had the vision and boldness to trade Machado one year ago, he would have had more value, thus giving the Orioles leverage. See the Quintana trade for illustration of my point.
Oh yea Chisoxcity is correct. Orioles are a year late and a dollar short … again … for the worst run franchise in the game (tied with the Mets) not a surprise. Even Miami is a better organization then Baltimore
Addi’s not doing any post game with you, Jesse!
One year of Machado is not worth four years of Russell. Cubs don’t have a chance of signing Manny, either. Theo’s not an idiot and wouldn’t spend that much.
Machado and Britton and maybe they will talk
Agree re Manny/Zach.
Agreed.
– Jason Heyward
More like Addi is not worth Machado. Vastly overrated by Cubby fans.
What’s do great about Addison Russell? He plays good defense and hits .240 BA. That’s not good enough IMO.
Russell has produced 10.0 WAR through only 403 games played. He’s not really that far behind Machado’s production levels, and is a break out season away from being on the exact same trajectory. It would be foolish for the Cubs to trade him for one season of Machado.
A lot of players are “one breakout season away” from what Manny is. That’s why he’s going to get over $300 million when he signs next year. The Orioles have made it clear that they want 2 controllable starting pitchers for Manny.
Well said jmocubsfan
@fromthejuice
A lot of players are one breakout season from Machado? I think not! And then you say that is why Machado is going to get $300 plus million?
Hhhmmm maybe its more like many players ARE NOT (Russell is that is the point) and because many players are NOT that is why Machado will get the massive contract.
Do you get it? If many were like Machado then he would not be valuable as a free agent.
Then explain Hardy being the SS in Baltimore for so many years. It’s better than that.
Addyslam. He is clutch. May go 0-3 each game with 2 outs nobody on but the one about in game you need a hit he comes through. Big slam vs Indians, big hit vs nationals in game 5 last year . Batting average for show clutch hits for dough
Batting average for flash clutch hits for cash. He even delivers nachos to your seat. What’s not to love? Of course if machado is a trade and sign it’s a no brainer.
“Good” defense? That’s selling him extremely short. He’s a fantastic defender at SS, one of the best in the league.
But, Gelyber Torres was blocked.
Yes tim815 torres was blocked dummy because Russell is better! Oh but look at Torres stats in AA ball you say huh? Torres has not even played in MLB and will not even play SS for Yankees.
Russell hit .300 in the minors too
And 97 RBI and starting shortstop at age 22 with that defense and 25 homer pop. But sure what is there to like?
I think the Cubs would spend a to sign Machado. If they can give a loser like Haywood a ton of money, think what Machado can do for them.
Meant to say, spend a ton to sign Machado.
Jesse Rogers trade suggestion is the epitome of buying high and selling low
Or the epitome of clickbait.
Jesse Rogers is clueless. He reported last week he was hearing this rumor; turns out it was his own rumor. Love the media.
This is what that hack Cafardo does.
Why in Jesus name would they give away their starting shortstop for the next 5 years and others for 1 year of Machado?
Cause machado is better
Who would play short? I think they have options there right but can’t think of any of the top of my head?
Machado
Machado has said he would like to move to short which is his natural position and since the Cubs have Bryant at third, the move would give him his wish.
And after Machado gets paid 900 million from the Yankees? Fuhget abot it!
Machado in 2018, Baez in 2019. It’s mentioned right in the article. Baez is an elite defender at both positions.
baez
Yes Machado is better but not for one year. Come on. You guys want a King’s ransom for overrated hack Chris archer but 1 year of manny Machado and 5 years of Addison Russell is not enough get tf outta here with thatbs
Fwiw it’s only four years of Russell. If the Cubs didn’t win the World Series last year and were still desperate for one, I could’ve easily seen a trade like this. But since they won I doubt they’ll trade from the major league team since the farm is depleted
@jdgoat
That is your response because Machado is better? The question was why give away 5 years of Russell for one of Machado? And your response is he is better now so do it.
Great move moron. Then you have Machado for one year and Russell plays another 15 for another team at all star level. Yes all star level like he has already been. But hey you are going all in for one year.
Or keep Russell and still win the series again like they have with him already.
Idiot
Because Jesse Rodgers said so. Hahaha thankfully Jesse is only a media member and not part of Cubs front office
O’s have Schoop at 2B & Beckham at SS, why would the want Russell? If anything they’d want Baez to play 3B, who they did ask the Cubs about in a different deal.
Beckham’s not gonna block Russell
Beckham is not the long-term answer at short, plus talk of moving him to third.
Beckham isn’t that good, had a nice year, but overachieved quite a bit. Be prepared to be disappointed in 2018.
Actually, Beckham was a first round draft pick. There’s been many players that take a few years to break out in the majors.
Kinda like how Russell overachieved in 2016 and then came back to earth in 2017?
Tough year for Russell with allegations and foot injuries. Looking forward to building on 2016.
Can you please explain how Russell “overachieved” in 2016 and then “came back to earth” in 2017 (while battling injuries and off the field problems) when his numbers offensively were almost identical across the board? This should be interesting. 🙂
Addison Russell was 9 percent worse in 2017 than in 2016. His OPS plus dropped 9 percent. It actually surprised me that he’s never had an average offensive season, but I guess the glove must be legit if he’s put up so much WAR
Russell is better than both. Schoop can move to 3rd and Beckham can either stay at SS or move to 2nd. Either way it’s not worth it. For only 1 year of Machado unless he signs even a 2 year extension. Good for 3 years of control. The cubs need a closer and another starter. They are stacked with position players.
Serious question: what would make you think Machado would consider a two-year extension when he’s in line for an 8-10 year deal?
Agreed. If Machado is going to sign, it’s going to be a huge long-term contract. That’s not even up for debate.
You’re right that the Cubs need a closer and another starter. But they’re finding the price of poker in the pitching market (FA or trade) is insanely high. $80m for Cobb? A whole infield’s worth of MLB ready players for Archer or Fulmer? GTFO with that BS. The Cubs’ current makeup of position players – expecting arbitration raises, significant extension talks, Heyward’s contract – limits their flexibility in the pitching market. But their current makeup of position players gives them more flexibility than your average team because of the way they utilize super-utility players like Baez, Zobrist, and Happ. Why not exploit that strength by trading Addy?
Theo is great about exploiting market inefficiencies. The current market inefficiency is getting undervalued (by contract) superstar players in trade. Cashman and Mozeliak already significantly upgraded their franchises with Stanton and Ozuna. Theo realizes he whiffed on Stanton (significantly undervalued for his AAV) trying to save money for Cobb and stay under the luxury tax cap. And then Cobb says he wants $20m per year.
Trading Heyward when his full trade clause expires after this year (perhaps in a package with Schwarber?) should be the #1 goal. Even if he rebounds, his contract is an albatross. Trading Addy for 1 year of Machado would be the next best thing to open up significant spending flexibility for years to come. At these prices, they shouldn’t even think about getting a FA starting pitcher until they’ve got some financial breathing room.
@wrek305
Why are you wasting time posting Machado signing a 2 year extension.
Man people pull this crap out of their rear end! Sure Genius Machado is gonna say the hell with he 10 year $350 M deal just give me 2 for $70. Are you stoned?
Beckman is not blocking Russell or Baez or even Machado as shortstop.
Beckman? Really? Loo
After they trade Cole for a package headlined by Clint Frazier, the Pirates should sign Todd Frazier to play 3B to join Adam Frazier at 2B.
Then, they should find at least one more Frazier, if any exist.
^:)
And when Adam gets sent to the minors? guess it’s Down Goes Frazier
^ ***slow clap***
See
More like Yankees get cole for Christmas
media.giphy.com/media/TbRXNJJJbgIkE/giphy.gif
Down goes FrazierS 🙂
Does this mean that you think the Bucs will trade J-Hay?
Jesse Rodgers, everyone hates you right now. You got bored and thought of a stupid trade.
No he thought up a moronic trade
“A package centered around Addison Russell for Manny Machado” = No.
“Addison Russell for a package centered around Machado, Zach Britton (with Baltimore eating a significant chunk of his salary), and at least 1 quality minor leaguer”= Now I’m listening.
really you think Russell gets you Machado, Britton and a player? so incredibly naive
only thing you’ll be hearing is laughter.
It’s one freaking year. Russel is an all star with an incredible glove. And great power. It’s not a minor leaguer. Damn you guys really love to hate on the Cubs on here. You think they won a World Series because of Bryant and Rizzo alone?
Russell is overrated, and I’m a cubs fan
It doesn’t matter, you don’t give a team 5 years of control with an even above average shortstop for 1 tear of a guy you have no chance of signing cause he wants to play for the Golden state warriors I mean Yankees
Teams trade players with years of control for rentals every July deadline. If a team feels that Manny is the piece they need to make a run, they will trade controllable players for him.
Don’t you EVER compare the current Yankees to the current Warriors. Yankees have 1 title in the last 17 years and are definitely losing Stanton in 2 years anyway. Warriors are in the middle of being the greatest US sports team in history.
You may be a Cubs fan but that does not give you any credibility on judging Russell since you are obviously just a casual baseball fan who looks at RBI BA to judge a olayer with no vision about his age and progress and projection. That is why guys like you make such absurd statements.
If the Clubs put Russell on the block as a young stud shortstop (and yes shortstop is premium position but you would not know) teams would line up to make offers since they know is value.
Oh but you are a Cubs fan so you think that means you know something
Justin-turner
How are the Yankees “definitely” losing Stanton in 2 years? Its an opt out. His choice. So how do you know when Stanton does not even know yet
Personally I don’t care if Baltimore hangs up the phone. This is what would make it work for Chicago.
1 good year of Machado and Britton realistically nets Chicago 6-7 WAR and maybe higher if they get lucky. But that’s only 1 year! And neither of them are coming cheap. This isn’t in Chicago’s best interest because they want to sign another quality starter while remaining under the luxury tax.
This is also 2 players, which eats up 2 roster spots, at a combined cost of over $22 million for the year. I don’t actually think they’d get Britton either, but that’s who would be worth it to Chicago.
Russell is 1 year removed from a 4 WAR season and is controllable for the next 4 seasons. Assuming he improves a little (he’s not even 24 yet), it’s reasonable to expect 10-15 WAR from him over 4 years. He eats up 1 roster spot and is only getting paid 660k right now.
The trade doesn’t have much precedence to begin with, as Chicago isn’t desperate to move Russell (2018 isn’t their last hoorah) and they’re set all over the infield, while Baltimore’s middle infield doesn’t need a make over either.
@wellhitball
I HOPE Baltimore hangs up but there is no chance they would
I’m a Cubs fan and that’s an absolutely ridiculous lopsided trade offer.
Addison is really good. He’s not great or eilte. He’s an elite defender and has decent power potential. If he can repeat 2016, he’s pretty clutch too. That’s pretty much where the buck ends. He’ll never be a .300+ hitter, he’ll never have a great OBP, he’ll never be a huge baserunning threat.
He will never hit .300? Why? He always has in the minors and even jf he does not .285 is out of reach because why?
Fan boy wants to know why.
lmao you Cubs fans sure are overrating the ever living f**k out of your non-elite but decent players. It’s a shame it appears many Cubs fans are entirely clueless about the trade value of the non-Bryant/Rizzo types.
No, Russell is 1000000% never ever bringing in Machado and Britton AND another minor leaguer.
Listen: Russell has value, but only for a team in dire need of a SS. Baltimore does not have that. San Diego does, so try there.
Kyle Schwarber is utterly worthless when it comes to trade value: positionless power-only 1-tool guys are what Chris Carter is and he can’t even get a job. Good for Kyle for going off in the WS, but he does not have a position on any of the 29 other teams and he barely fits on the Cubs – he is a DH plain and simple. Whatever AL team needs a DH should trade a top 10-15ish prospect for him. Sorry to break the news to yall, but you are coming off as delusional when you post trade proposals of you non-elite guys.
Jesse you lost all credibility with one of the most moronic articles and trade suggestion and reasoning. Boy you actually no nothing about baseball.
Frazier should sign a 1 year deal with the Yankees to re-stablish his value, and you never know.. he may have an awesome year to make the Yankees think about Machado.
What reestablish his value he had a good year and is good every year. Mets should really just sign him.
OMG I read his article. Now he is dumping Addison Russell and two prospects for one year of Machado. Keep bidding against yourself Jesse!
Can we please stop talking about Addison Russell as if he’s this untouchable phenom? Name brand hype. If he played for a small market team he’d be considered a bust.
Can we please stop talking about manny Machado who has never done a thing in a playoff game.
And he’s had 3 years 1 with a bad injury. Jesus give him a break. He was awesome in the World Series. 1 game alone he had what 8 rbi?
Wow you are such a fan boy… I’m what world is Russell even in Machado’s league?
He’s not, I agree. But you would trade your shortstop with 5 years of control for 1 of a supposed superstar that is changing leagues? And then what. Dudes going to the Yankees next year.
Machado wants to play SS and the Yankees have Didi. Not happening.
Machado will catch if the Yankees want him. 500 million dollars will make you do a lot. Besides I’d rather have Harper over Machado and if they sign Machado no chance of Harper.
Machado is not getting close to 400 million let alone 500 million.
You make manny fit either move didi to short or hope manny is happy at 3rd for the yanks. Either way if they want him and he wants to be there didi doesn’t really factor in to the equation. Not that I’m happy about it being a Jays fan
Yankees just got under the luxury tax and with Stanton on board, I doubt they’re in a hurry to start writing big checks. Especially with raises due for Judge, Sanchez, Didi, and Severino in the future.
I don’t see Machado fitting into the equation.
Why suggest moving Didi to short When he already plays there???
The Yankees didn’t go through all the pains of getting under the luxury tax to save a few bucks at the expense of needed free agent signings. They are setting up financially to make 1-2 of those huge signings in the 2018-2019 offseasons.
News flash: DiDi can and has played 2B too. I doubt Didi (who is a really good player, but not elite) is going to block the acquisition of Machado.
You might be in for a rude surprise – Machado is getting $400m if he rebounds this year, absolutely.
Didi is bordering on elite though. He was close to it in 2017 and could improve even more at the plate in 2018. He definitely has some 5+ WAR seasons in him, and that’s what I call elite. Machado will play 3B and Didi SS on the 2019 Yankees.
Since when is Machado a “needed” free agent signing for the Yankees? Two 50 home run hitters not enough? If Andujar steps up and plays above league average at 3B then he’s our guy.
You don’t just go out and sign all stars at every position. This isn’t MLB The Show.
Disagree. The hit tool hasn’t developed as far as some scouts may have projected, although he’s only 23, so it wouldn’t be crazy to project more growth offensively. Even if he is a slightly below-average hitter though, and this is it for him offensively, he’s still an elite defensive player with enough bat to make him an above-average everyday player for the foreseeable future. That’s far from a bust, and I think 4 years of Russell for one year of Machado is an absolutely terrible suggestion by Rogers
It’s mostly terrible because Tim Beckham is already about as good as Russell is at SS, and the Orioles have Beckham at SS until 2021.
Beckham is worse than Russell, and he comes with less team control. He’s s bit better hitter, but he benefited from a ton of BABIP luck last year and he’s a mediocre defender at SS. He’s not blocking Russell, and he can temporarily be kicked to third if this trade were to actually happen. It’s terrible because Russell’s trade value significantly outweighs Machado’s
Tim Beckman “about as good” Lol too funny
@meatloaf
Stsrting shortstop at age 22 in all star game with 97 RBI ans 20 plus HR but you say he would be considered a bust? Hahhahaha
Glove first SS. Nothing spectacular. But you think he’s worth more than Machado? Get real.
Yeah deal doesn’t make since unless Machado agrees to an extension with us. But even then, you have a surplus of infielders with Happ, Baez, Machado and Bryant fighting for 3 spots. Guess you could move Bryant to LF but than where’s Schwarber gonna go?? To me, I’d rather trade Russell or Baez or Happ for pitching, not 1 year of Manny
Exactly. These guys don’t get that. Russel can be replaced yes but not for one year of a guy who will blow them off to go to the “dynasty”. Cubs are one of the most disrespected teams in baseball.
What are you talking about??
This is one of the dumbest comments I’ve read on here, and believe me, that’s saying quite a bit!!
The Cubs are far from one of the most disrespected teams in baseball…They are the media darlings…Everyone loves the Cubs, Wrigley Field, Rizzo, Maddon, Bryant, Contreras, and Baez…
You’re an idiot.
I don’t particularly like the trade idea at all and think our core is fine right now. But to say the Cubs are one of the most disrespected teams in baseball is the most idiotic, inaccurate statement of all time.
Simschifan I was with you but how are the Cubs disrespected?
I’m thinking Schwarber, Montgomery, David Bote, and Trevor Clifton (maybe something additional) for Machado and Britton sounds like better course of action, and really should be plenty to get a deal done.
Move Bryant to LF where he is better, Machado at 3B. Both positions upgrade defensively, and the combination is a more consistent offensive output.
Orioles get 5 years of Schwarber upside, 5 years of starter upside in Montgomery (at worst the best lefty swingman in the game right now), a potential 3B slot in with Bote, and an upside arm in Clifton, plus the salary relief (about $30M) to pursue other players this offseason.
No.
I know this is nitpicky on my part but Schwarber and Montgomery only come with 4 years of control.
Not nitpicky. One year does make a difference
yeah, I didn’t take this past year out of my numbers yet. oops. It’s still an excess of value for one year of each player, while taking on at least $30M.
But Machado wants to play SS so your trade guarantees no shot at resigning him. Bad trade.
Cubs do not need to make a move for Machado
Addison Russell is a cog in the wheel of the Cubs lineup that can bat 5-8 and be a run producer. I like him to stay on the Cubs for 4 years or more. Adds more value with defense. Manny Machado is a cleanup hitter who plays 3rd base mostly. I like Machado’s bat but Russell is more cost effective. Machado should go to Texas where he can be the team leader. Cubs have Bryant and Rizzo to carry the mantle as team leaders.
Why would the cubs be interested in one year of machado. Stupid article connor
I mean, they will contend in 2018 and any team that is contending in 2018 would be interested in Machado. But the Cubs already have KB at 3rd base and Baez/Russell at SS so I agree that they probably don’t need him enough to justify parting with the controllable impact talent they would have to give up to get him.
Question is why would ANY team give up so much for one year of MM? Not questioning his talent I’m questioning what you would have to pay to get him. I’m guessing he stays in Baltimore
Why blame Connor? He didn’t write the article about the trade.
They should have no interest in one year kf Machado
I thought LeBlanc retired like 5 years ago.
Why didn’t the Cubs offer Russell for two years of Sammy Sosa (Marcell Ozune):? A good SS is the right place to start a Marlin rebuild. That also would have prevented SL from getting Ozuna for nothing.
@sandman12
Because your trade proposal is pointless that is why
You actually have the balls to suggest we sacrifice Russell to block the Cardinals from getting him? Idiot!
Jesse Rodgers is an idiot now and always has been. Even mentioning that 2 years from now (2019) Ben Zobrist should be in the plans for 2b are enough to know that. Ben is a 25th man.
And BZ is old now
He said Happ and Zobrist. Obviously Happ would get the majority of that time, but you’re still going to play Zobrist in a utility role, just like he is now.
@sjwil1
Exactly. Zobrist was not even good this year but in two years at like 38 Jesse has him as our starting secondbaseman
I am not a supporter of trading for Machado because there are both short and long terms ramifications. There’s no doubt that Machado would be a good to significant upgrade, but there’s more it it than that.
Do the Cubs need a new shortstop? Absolutely not, so why use tradable assets to acquire one?
If you add $17m to this year’s payroll, how are you going to spend the remaining $20m on to fill out the main need areas of this roster (SP and RP)? That includes leaving additional space for any trade deadline pick ups. You better like how the team is constructed with Manny, because you aren’t adding much else.
Moving into 2018, the year that everyone has been waiting for in regards to free agency, you’re going to have to pay up for Harper/Machado/Kershaw anyway. Here’s the kicker, the Cubs would still need to improve their pitching. Assuming the Dodgers resign Kershaw and that the Cubs spend $30m annually on Machado or $35m annually on Harper, the best way to acquire someone is through a trade, right? Well, you’ve already traded away one of your most valuable assets (MLB SS with a great glove and years of control) and since you’ve kicked the fan down the road a year, your other trade pieces have all seen their value diminish a bit due to each of them having one less season of control.
The Cubs need to do something in regards to obtaining long term controllable pitching and soon. If that means trading two of Schwarber/Russell/Almora/Happ/Baez, then it has to be done for the right deal. Why? Because the. Yes have enough talent and flexibility with the position players on their roster that they can afford to make such a deal. If they can obtain a young starter (preferably), now they save money for years to come which would make the signing of Machado or Harper less of a blow to the overall payroll.
Heyward and Montgomery plus ten mil for Machado? That would be good for the Cubs to free up money for 2019, but I doubt the Os want J Hey or any other team unless the Cubs pay about ten mil per yr of his crazy contract. especially since they can’t keep Manny because of the money he wants. I know, I know, I am dreaming.
Probably not the best to offer an OF as the centerpiece to a team that has a million OFers already. Baltimore needs PITCHING! Cubs dont have much to offer in that regard, so, this is not a match and once again a massive waste of everyones time even talking about it! Yay!!!
Baltimore clearly indicated they want pitching
I’m a little confused on the possibility of trading for Machado. For instance, if the Cardinals has the pieces that the Orioles wanted to make a trade, is it MLB that says the Cardinals can’t talk to Machado or his agent prior to the finalization of the trade??? Not particularly to extend him right now, but just to see if Machado himself would even want to have the Cardinals to sign him to a luxury extended contract for the future?????
No its not MLB. Its the Orioles call.
I’m puzzled! The Dodgers make it to the World Series. Now their asking a backward trade like this?? Getting Kemp back after the problems they had with him before?? What’s the deal???
Other than Culberson none of those players played in the playoffs. It’s just getting rid of bad contracts.
The orioles are not going to trade nobody ever year always the same talk they want this are that who they get nobody needs pitchers have they got anyone no all the good pitchers are almost gone just talk
This is my intake on everything.
As far as the Dodgers what one fan or fans want and what they get are two different things.
I’m not confused at all. Happens all the time with WS winners, or even deep play off teams.
If this were as easy as buy this, buy that, and win a title or 2 or 3 or every year it be simple. But it not. As this is a business. For fans we can say buy this, trade this get this, do this, don’t do this. It is not that easy.
The Dodgers are stuck. Their window is about the same as the Cubs give or take a year maybe two. Their problem is money. Sure they got lots of it. But they can only spend it with in reason. The Dodgers are faced with several issue. One they have about 5-6 years to win a title. 2 years have gone by so far, Two they have have a BIG BIG pay role and Lux tax. It gets worse every year. So it not confusing they had no choice but to dump a lot of pay role. But how much. Not much. They only saved 8 Million when the deal was said and done. NO ONE, NO TEAM in their right mind would take those 5 players, not even for free with the amount of money they are owned together some 50+ million. To even think about a trade they had to get someone back in near equal value. Kept who they still owe money too. This off sets the 5 player, and saves them 8 Million.
This is the only reason, ONLY reason for the trade. LAD fans are stupid if they think they did this to free up money for JA or YU Darvish. Impossible. Their saving and cutiing money not adding. JA,, Darvis, Cobb would send them back over the Lux tax and even more so than this trade saved them. Those guys are not happening to the LAD no matter what some LAD fans thinks or says. No ones adding 200+ Million to the payrole.
NOT WITH having to pay ALL thos eyoung guys in a year, 2 or 3. Seager, Bellg, I can go on and on. Not to mention the BIG BIG person you have to sign is Kershaw next year, or extend this year. You think the LAD are going to add another 200 Million on their pay role after cutting 8 million then deal with the above. LAD fans have no idea. Better get with reality.
Moch is another story. While the Cards offer is a good one, I think Bault is looking to max.
I would NOT trade for Mach with the Cubs. Not worth it losing 4 years to one plus some. remember it also takes two to trade. We can say do this, do that. Trade this and that. But it takes two, and it is the two teams trading NOT the fans.. The player has no say unless there is a no trade clause so it is up to the team who trades him to get the best deal.
The kemp contract is spread across 2 years And resets the lux tax Braves acquired expiring contracts and gives them flexibility in 2019 when they will be in better position to contend.
If I’m the Giants I go after guys like Franco. He’s only 25 and cheap compared to Moustakas or Frazier. He’s under team control for 4 more years. They need to get long term assets, not expensive 30-somethings that are possibilities to decline. Franco wasn’t any good last year but that means he’d come cheaper and the Giants don’t have a lot of farm assets to buy high on players.
The Orioles are targeting pitching and have a 3+ WAR SS in Tim Beckham, Addison Russell does not interest them in the slightest. I think they should aim for Jack Flaherty and one lesser (but 15-30 ranked) prospect from the Cards.
Balt not getting no one for a rental of Macho. So you might as well let it go. No ones giving 4 years for one no matter what Macho is. Not to mention had his worst year. For a rental you better take what the Cards offer and run that’s best $ uc ker your going to get. Will wait. No problem. Don’t need him – good luck.
I for one hope like h e l l they don’t give up Flaherty for one year of Machado. Rather take my chances trying to outbid NY next offseason. And even if we don’t, I won’t be that disappointed. I’d be more inclined to include Flaherty for Colome/Archer trade, but even at that, giving up on someone like Flaherty may well be like giving away an Archer a few years ago. Bet the Indians and Cubs wish they hadn’t traded him. I’m more inclined to tell Baltimore no thanks on anything resembling top prospects, and there is zero chance I’m trading Kelly if I’m GM. Not for Machado that is, unless he signs extension.
2019 Cubs:
1B Rizzo
2B Zobrist
SS Baez
3B Bryant
C Contreras
LF Harper
CF Almora
RF Heyward
Trade Russell, Happ, Schwarber and prospects for one of Archer, Greinke or Cole. See what Boston wants for Price too.
That’s interesting. Way too much for Archer. Maybe some for Greinke but how much salary is Arz going to eat?
ZG gets 35.5 million a year. Do u want to pay him that at 36,37,38 that’s issue I have with a ZG trade unless Arz eats some contract. Price for his money do far for 2 years we’re laughing we didn’t get him. Still like a Salz trade with Clev, or Darvish signing below 200. Cobb is possible. Cubs will get one of them. They are just seeking the best deal right now patience.
OMG justin-turner you are the master of the overpay. What lunacy. Are you on drugs to make that trade offer?
Oh let me guess Schwarber hit .211 so he will never be good. Russell at 22 was an all star but now he had a tough year so he goes too.
Archer has a 4 plus ERA but let take him. Cole has 4 plus ERA but lets take him back. Price not only stunk but makes $30 mil plus. Greinke is how old? Sure lets take that contract back too are you crazy?
You are a fool. Pirates take that deal in two seconds. AZ says yes in three seconds. Tampa says yes in four seconds and Boston says yes before the words come out of your mouth