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NL News & Rumors: Cubs, Schwarber, Mets, Giants, Bucs, Braves

By Connor Byrne | December 9, 2018 at 3:48pm CDT

The Cubs, who have always been bullish on Kyle Schwarber, continue to spurn inquiries for the slugger, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets. Still only 25 years old, Schwarber just turned in a 3.2-fWAR season in which he batted .238/.356/.467 (115 wRC+) with 26 home runs in 510 plate appearances and unexpectedly received positive marks in left field (two DRS, 9.8 UZR). Schwarber will play his first of three potential arbitation seasons in 2019, when he’s projected to earn just $3.1MM.

Here’s more from the National League:

  • Unsurprisingly, the Mets aren’t willing to part with both Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo in a trade for Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, Jon Heyman of Fancred reports. Moreover, the Mets don’t want to trade young infielder Amed Rosario at all, Heyman adds. As great as Realmuto is, it wouldn’t make sense for the Mets to trade Conforto and Nimmo – their most valuable outfielders – for two years of control over him. Conforto still has another three years of control left, while Nimmo has four more – including a pre-arb season in 2019.
  • The Giants hired Farhan Zaidi as their president of baseball operations a month ago, but Pirates general manager Neal Huntington was among the candidates they spoke with before then, according to Heyman. It’s unclear how serious the Giants’ interest in Huntington was, but it is known that he’s under contract in Pittsburgh through 2021. Next season will be Huntington’s 12th as the Pirates’ GM.
  • More on the Mets, who – along with the previously reported Chili Davis – have added Chuck Hernandez and Luis Rojas to their coaching staff, Heyman tweets and the the team has since made official. Hernandez will be their bullpen coach, while Rojas will serve as a quality control coach. Hernandez worked as the division-rival Braves’ pitching coach from 2017-18. They dismissed him after last season.
  • Speaking of the Braves, they’ve hired Gary Rajsich to work in professional and amateur scouting, per Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. Rajsich had been the Orioles’ scouting director since 2011, bu they booted him from their front office last month.
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Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Miami Marlins New York Mets Pittsburgh Pirates San Francisco Giants Amed Rosario Brandon Nimmo Chuck Hernandez Gary Rajsich Kyle Schwarber Michael Conforto Neal Huntington

AL Notes & Rumors: Rangers, ChiSox, Abreu, Twins, Royals
Main
Minor MLB Transactions: 12/9/18
View Comments (168)
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168 Comments

  1. xabial

    7 years ago

    Someone explain to me how Schwarber became pos LF Def?

    5
    Reply
    • baseball1600

      7 years ago

      Bs statistics. Same people who project Bumgarner to have a 4 ERA in 2019

      6
      Reply
      • TrueOutcomeFan

        7 years ago

        Ah, yes, you dislike the projection so it must be BS.

        8
        Reply
        • baseball1600

          7 years ago

          I dislike it because Bumgarner has never had an era north of 3.36. It’s just silly to project him to have an era .7 higher because his average fastball velocity was 1.2 mph lower than what it was a couple years ago.

          6
          Reply
        • mrnatewalter

          7 years ago

          I don’t want it to be true, but that loss of velocity has generally ended in poor results for pitchers.

          That projection might be a bit overboard, but it’s not absurd to suggest he could get worse.

          2
          Reply
        • chrisones

          7 years ago

          Well, a bit absurd = barely positive defender

          Reply
        • chrisones

          7 years ago

          Isn’t the discrepancy in an overestimated .7 ERA worth maybe 5 DRS?

          Reply
        • stansfield123

          7 years ago

          The projections have nothing whatsoever to do with fastball velocity. I repeat: fastball velocity is not taken into account, whatsoever.

          Clearly, you have no clue how the projection system works.

          Reply
      • Ry.the.Stunner

        7 years ago

        How are projections and actual stats from a season that has already happened even comparable?

        Reply
      • johnrealtime

        7 years ago

        I’m with you on this 1600, people really latched onto this Bumgarner storyline and I’m not buying it. I think he’ll have a typical year or at worst a dropoff to the 3.5 ERA range

        Reply
        • clotty

          7 years ago

          And what data are you basing your projection on?

          1
          Reply
      • stansfield123

        7 years ago

        Do you have an actual objection to fangraphs’ methodology?

        I assume not, because that involves understanding it. But go ahead.

        Reply
      • wrigleywannabe

        7 years ago

        Thecsame stats you would cite if it said he was bad

        Reply
    • Ski to Coors

      7 years ago

      He got into shape last off season, apparently started taking being a professional athlete more seriously.

      Reply
      • anthonyd4412

        7 years ago

        Also has a rifle out in LF

        1
        Reply
    • Phanatic 2022

      7 years ago

      Supposedly he lost 35 lbs before last off-season

      1
      Reply
    • STLCards33

      7 years ago

      Because he actually played a decent LF? Is it that difficult to comprehend?

      Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      7 years ago

      Because he was 3rd in the MLB amongst all OFers in assists.

      1
      Reply
      • Honestabe

        7 years ago

        I believe he was also 2nd in fielding %. Why was Schwarbs not considered for a gold glove?

        2
        Reply
    • stansfield123

      7 years ago

      He’s a 25 year old, highly gifted athlete. He can do whatever he puts his mind to on a baseball field.

      Reply
    • petrie000

      7 years ago

      Hard work. He spent the off-season working with a former NFL defensive back to improve his agility.

      He was also a highly regarded linebacker in high school, so it’s not like he was unathletic before this. just inexperienced in the outfueld

      Reply
    • Bill walsh

      7 years ago

      Schwarburger can’t hit lefties..at all, useless. He is a one trick pony, yeah he can throw to 2 Nd base if and when he gets to the ball. He Runs slowly, he trudges to the ball and has trouble with walls.
      He strikes out, walks or home run.
      Hev Adam Dunn extra light.
      Toronto, Baltimore and Seattle love these overpriced
      Overrated slow witted slow of foot guys who can only hit righties.
      Out of baseball in 3 years.

      Reply
      • RedRooster

        7 years ago

        Who’s Schwarburger

        Reply
    • wrigleywannabe

      7 years ago

      He got better. It’s not hard to figure out

      Reply
    • pjmcnu

      7 years ago

      Defensive metrics are garbage. The end.

      Reply
      • petrie000

        7 years ago

        giving an actual reason for that statement would actually give it a shred of credibility. just some friendly advice.

        Reply
  2. Syndergaarden Cop

    7 years ago

    Schwarber is overrated. Batting average means a lot more today is this zeitgeist of rising K’s.

    7
    Reply
    • ChrisEnvy76

      7 years ago

      “Batting average”…. and you lost the argument already.

      3
      Reply
      • baseball1600

        7 years ago

        I have a batting average of .000 in the major leagues, but batting average doesn’t matter! Sign me I promise I’ll strike out 300 times.

        9
        Reply
        • ChrisEnvy76

          7 years ago

          Yeah, that’s what I said..

          1
          Reply
        • Phanatic 2022

          7 years ago

          If you have an obp of 350 that’s ok… moron

          2
          Reply
        • anthonyd4412

          7 years ago

          And a slugging% over .450

          Reply
        • stansfield123

          7 years ago

          Second that (the part where he’s a moron…the .350 OPB is more than okay:) )

          Reply
        • wrigleywannabe

          7 years ago

          I have a .300 average, but don’t walk and have 0 homers.

          Sign me, I promise I will hit 175 sigles and only ground out 200 times

          Reply
      • WAH1447

        7 years ago

        Agreed

        Reply
      • johnrealtime

        7 years ago

        Wow 10 downvotes on a batting average doesn’t matter comment. Are people saying batting average does matter suddenly? I don’t get it.

        I also disagree with the notion that batting average matters more because of rising Ks. Those two things have nothing to do with each other. OBP is what counts not, batting average. You can have a low average/high OBP without striking out a ton

        3
        Reply
      • ChrisEnvy76

        7 years ago

        I love that I already got 13 down votes… hehe.

        Reply
        • Syndergaarden Cop

          7 years ago

          you’re bad at this

          1
          Reply
        • ChrisEnvy76

          7 years ago

          Yeah, that must be it. You care a lot about the opinion of the morons on this board.. You’re bad at life.

          Reply
        • petrie000

          7 years ago

          Dislikes almost mean more around here, means you managed to get under the skin of the delusional ones…

          1
          Reply
    • TrueOutcomeFan

      7 years ago

      Batting average means… nothing. A perennial 3.5 win player is not overrated.

      6
      Reply
      • joshb600

        7 years ago

        Perennial means it’s recurring. How can you say perennial 3.5 when he’s never even had a 2 win season let alone a 3+? He’s didn’t even have 3.5 this past season!

        6
        Reply
    • ChrisEnvy76

      7 years ago

      The difference between a .300 hitter and a .250 hitter is about 25 hits over the entire season.. OBP and OPS matter a lot more. A lot of dopey people on the board.. as always.

      7
      Reply
      • xabial

        7 years ago

        They are not “dopey people”

        They say our society’s obsessed w/ even numbers

        Reply
        • Houston We Have A Solution

          7 years ago

          Thats kind of odd.

          2
          Reply
        • brucebochyisthemarlboroman

          7 years ago

          I see what you did there lol

          1
          Reply
        • srechter

          7 years ago

          I love this comment more than I can possibly express

          2
          Reply
      • snotrocket

        7 years ago

        If 2 players had the same obp and slugging, then I would take the guy with the higher batting average 100% of the time. Pretty hard to drive in the runner from second with a walk.

        2
        Reply
        • ChrisEnvy76

          7 years ago

          and if one guy had a batting average of .300 and an OBP of .340 and an OPS of .860 and the other guy had a batting average of .240 an OBP of .360 and an OPS of 1.050 which would you take?

          2
          Reply
        • Bryzzobristory

          7 years ago

          Your comment makes too much sense for the Statcast era fans. Batting average DOES mean something. Yes, it is an overrated statistic. But for people to suggest it’s a useless stat is maddening. With the Cubs, I’d gladly take a guy that has a little bit lower OBP if it means a higher average. That means that someone is actually putting the ball in play and possibly making something happen. I look at it this way: if the first three batters of an inning walk, and the next 3 guys K, you had an OBP of .500 but scored no runs. But if the first 3 guys get hits and the next 3 guys K, you still have a .500 OBP but chances are that you actually scored a run, which is the actual point of hitting.

          1
          Reply
        • wrigleywannabe

          7 years ago

          And OBP means something.

          If the first three guts get singles and you don’t score, you have the same result, too

          Reply
        • wngnut5

          7 years ago

          No one has had a .690 SLG season since 2004, but I see your point…

          Reply
    • JimM

      7 years ago

      Metrics have much to do with how much the rest of the league sucks as actually how good u are. You suck less than everyone else ur more valuable. Inanely senseless stats but can garner you an mvp in todaze teeball world.

      Reply
    • its_happening

      7 years ago

      Those who don’t believe batting averages is important believe in manufacturing runs the rec league way:

      -walk
      -passed ball
      -wild pitch
      -balk
      -error

      Hitting still matters kids. Write it down and remember it.

      2
      Reply
      • wrigleywannabe

        7 years ago

        Yes, and walks matter, too

        Reply
    • wrigleywannabe

      7 years ago

      actually no, it is run production, getting on hase, etc

      Reply
  3. tcro6

    7 years ago

    Too bad the Giants didn’t hire Huntington

    1
    Reply
    • Michael Chaney

      7 years ago

      I’d be curious to see what he could do with more resources than what he’s had in Pittsburgh

      Reply
      • JimM

        7 years ago

        U mean more brains? Nobody trades 2 MLB ready ML prospects for a .500 pitcher.

        2
        Reply
        • jd396

          7 years ago

          Hey, guys, look, I found the last guy still using wins and losses to assess pitchers.

          Reply
    • JimM

      7 years ago

      Amen. Too bad for the Buccos.

      2
      Reply
  4. bravesfan

    7 years ago

    Seems like the braves are the only team in the east that other nl east won’t trade with. Unless it involves Kelly Johnson, cause pretty sure the Mets will still trade for him

    2
    Reply
    • RunDMC

      7 years ago

      They don’t want to be the next Dave Stewart or Coppy burned a lot of bridges that AA is still trying to rebuild.

      Reply
      • bravesfan

        7 years ago

        I don’t think Coppy burnt many bridges … he made deals happen all the time.

        Reply
        • RunDMC

          7 years ago

          Sure…now the only deal he’s closing is introductory financing on his 2019 Accord.

          1
          Reply
        • xalz

          7 years ago

          That’s hardcore, y’all. What island is his dealership on? I’m game for a good deal!

          Reply
    • Matt Galvin

      7 years ago

      Nothing said the Braves won’t Trade with them.

      Reply
  5. dipsanddingers

    7 years ago

    Schwarber is basically Adam Dunn

    Reply
    • ChrisEnvy76

      7 years ago

      So, you basically haven’t actually watched him.

      5
      Reply
    • dray16

      7 years ago

      No he’s not

      1
      Reply
    • RBI

      7 years ago

      Schwarber dreams he can become Adam Dunn.

      1
      Reply
      • mistry gm

        7 years ago

        and now we know why you don’t work for a major league team.

        Reply
    • TooToughToScuffle

      7 years ago

      I always rooted for Adam Dunn, back before he was the god of the three true outcomes trend.

      Reply
    • Bill walsh

      7 years ago

      Sorry Dunn will have much better career numbers.
      Remember he killed it in easy NL,
      Got to AL and sucked
      Schwarburger will really suck in AL.
      Truth that.

      Reply
      • wrigleywannabe

        7 years ago

        What do you smoke?

        1
        Reply
  6. ChrisEnvy76

    7 years ago

    People saying that Schwarber is “overrated” have no idea what that word actually means. People aren’t rating him highly, there is always plenty of folks who think he should be traded to an American League team to be a DH.. He is a very good hitter already and with some adjustments, might be a top hitter. He is only 25 years old, plenty of time to get it to click to the next level. There are so many Cubs haters on this board it is comical. If Schwarber were on whatever team you root for, you’d be touting him as a great player.

    3
    Reply
    • baseball1600

      7 years ago

      Jacoby Ellsbury, Mark Teixeira, and Chasen Shreve for Schwarber and one of Rizzo/Bryant. Possibly throw in Strop to even out the payroll.

      Reply
      • ChrisEnvy76

        7 years ago

        This post was a complete waste of your time, my time and a failure in any way you meant it.

        8
        Reply
        • baseball1600

          7 years ago

          My post isn’t overrated, it just wasn’t rated highly to begin with.

          4
          Reply
      • strosbro96

        7 years ago

        you must have not been keeping up with baseball for the last couple of years…

        1
        Reply
        • baseball1600

          7 years ago

          Anyone with a brain would know I was being sarcastic.

          2
          Reply
      • joey baggadonutz

        7 years ago

        Uhhh ……Chasen Shreve is on the Cardinals.

        Reply
      • mistry gm

        7 years ago

        lol, lol, lol. what a bunch of garbage.

        Reply
    • bykoric

      7 years ago

      I’m not looking for Schwarber to become a “great” player… I’m not looking for any player to be a “great” player. I’m looking for good, solid, everyday, ballplayer.: 2-3 WAR/season. I think that’s fair for a high 1st round draft pick.

      I like his OBP and hope it stays roughly where it is His defense was like, “who the heck is that in LF?”. What I do want to see is an uptick in AVG and a cut-down on K’s:: put him in the .250-.260 range while limiting K’s and his OBP and SLG will jump big time.

      And if Schwarber were to ever hit .270 or more, he’s in the MVP conversation.

      1
      Reply
    • Houston We Have A Solution

      7 years ago

      There are cheaper options than Schwarber atm to find a DH. And until Schwarbr consistently produces positive marks in the field for his defense 1 good year in the OF doesn’t make him a good defensive fit there. Theres been plenty of guys who have positive then negative defense year to year for whatever reason.

      Its no surprise Schwarber would post positive marks given the presence of Almora and Heyward in the OF where Maddon can shift them and utilize their range more to help hide Schwarbers defense.

      Franmil Reyes of the Padres, Justin Smoak, Carlos Santana, Jose Martinez, Justin Bour, Mark Reynolds, etc. are all cheaper options to find a DH though

      Reply
      • wrigleywannabe

        7 years ago

        Schearber has not hit the salary lotto, yet. He is cheap.

        Almora and Heyward have nothing to do with metrics cited

        Reply
    • JimM

      7 years ago

      Career .228 hitters arent “very good hitters”. He survives because the media promotes a .240 hitter with streaky power and cool hair and shades as a superstud named Harper. Todays metrics are defining mediocre as good and good as superstar. Hell… Mays, Aaron, and Clemente all had .300+ career BAs and were dynamic run producers and defenders. What passes as talent today is a joke.

      1
      Reply
      • rocknwell

        7 years ago

        I’m inclined to agree with that

        Reply
      • garybjorklund

        7 years ago

        Silly girl. Aaron said during the World Series that he wouldn’t have had a prayer against today’s pitching. Athletes in every sport today are the best ever. Any sport that can be compared with numbers show that. Aaron, Mays and Clemente hit against the same pitcher four times in a game. Nobody was throwing 100 mph, or a cutter, or a split that drops off a table Git some lernin boy.

        2
        Reply
      • infractor

        7 years ago

        And all other factors between the game then and the game now are exactly the same. Cool story bro.

        Reply
      • ChrisEnvy76

        7 years ago

        If your reply is to me saying he is a very good hitter.. Well, he is. If you have ever watched him take at bats in his first year, he lines the ball up well and has a great eye.. He tried to make adjustments (maybe trying for more power/launch angle? with Davis) and it didn’t work out very well. I guarantee that he will hit over .260 next season if he gets to play everyday and will hit more than 30 home runs with an OBP near .360.

        Reply
    • baseballpun

      7 years ago

      Luke Voit is a HOFer.

      Reply
    • johnrealtime

      7 years ago

      I agree, if he is being rated based on his 2016 postseason then yes he is overrated today. But I don’t think people are doing that anymore, if anything he a better year then I see people giving him credit for

      Reply
    • Honestabe

      7 years ago

      I agree, if the cubs decide what they want from Schwarbs, he will excel. If you want home runs and rbi’s then accept the K’s that come with it. If you want BA/OB% then accept the HR to be sub 30. He put the work in after being labeled the worst LF and put up great numbers because of his catchers arm. That is also an asset being the 3rd catcher where a switch hitting back up catcher can also be utilized in the PH mix.

      Reply
      • mistry gm

        7 years ago

        I agree completely but if he adapted Rizzos formula of long balls on strike one and two and then contact after two strikes he will do even better.

        Reply
    • rocky7

      7 years ago

      And you sir sound like someone who needs to grasp that at this point of his career, he is not the God of hitting that he is made out to be by Cubs fans.
      While he may turn into a better offensive player, his BA (cue the boos), extra base hits, and RBI’s combined with his play in left field, make him a pretty average baseball player with upside….not the God that many posts make him out to be.

      1
      Reply
      • ChrisEnvy76

        7 years ago

        He’s 25 years old for god’s sake… No time to make an adjustment at 25? He’s played two full seasons in total… This is hilarious.

        Reply
        • petrie000

          7 years ago

          Asking for patience from the internet is like asking for reason from a politician

          Takes must always be served hot. Accuracy can be adjusted later

          2
          Reply
    • Priggs89

      7 years ago

      You’re right, Schwarber isn’t overrated by most people. He’s just extremely overrated by every Cubs fan, everyone in the Cubs front office, and all the Cubs homers in Chicago media. He has been talked about like he’s the second coming since the day he put on a Cubs uniform.

      2
      Reply
      • petrie000

        7 years ago

        Saying he’s not garbage based on statistical evidence saying he’s a bit above average isn’t over rating him… It’s using the evidence before you and ignoring an unfounded narrative that he’s garbage

        1
        Reply
        • Priggs89

          7 years ago

          What are you talking about? The point is that practically nobody with/around/or rooting for the Cubs has ever said he’s “a bit above average.” They drool all over themselves constantly talking about how great he is.

          Reply
        • petrie000

          7 years ago

          Talking about how any time.e somebody disputes the claim that he’s garbage the person being refuted starts whining about how Cubs fans actually like him, even if all they say is he’s not garbage

          1
          Reply
      • Bill walsh

        7 years ago

        Watch him wife room on the curve ball anywhere west of the plate.
        He sucks..

        Reply
  7. strosbro96

    7 years ago

    someone please explain to me how they come up with these defensive metrics? if anyone watched Schwarber in LF he just looked completely lost and could not judge flyballs. Everytime he caught the ball it just looked sketchy… I’ve seen a lot of defensive metrics on players that just did not seem right to me at all. what am I missing?

    3
    Reply
    • baseball1600

      7 years ago

      Anyone who pays too much attention to newfound “advanced” metrics is a fool. It’s good to incorporate it to your FO, but to solely evaluate players because of “projections” and “fWAR” and “DRS” is silly. Anybody who watched Schwarber play LF last year would know that it was not his natural position.

      1
      Reply
      • xabial

        7 years ago

        As you know, I’m AL fan (Yankee fan) so I haven’t seen Schwarber play OF

        But from all accounts was butcher misread fly balls. Wondering how he turned it around quick. Know u hate new stats.. but Scwarber’s 2018 respectable:

        2018 Kyle Scwarber Defense in LF:
        +2 Defensive Runs Saved
        +9.8 UZR

        2017 LF Defense much to be desired however:
        -9 Defensive Runs Saves (Yikes)
        +4.3 UZR (still good)

        1
        Reply
        • dray16

          7 years ago

          Most of it is he has a cannon and you can’t run on him. Throwing guys out trying to tag up or score. There are your saved runs.

          1
          Reply
        • Ry.the.Stunner

          7 years ago

          And that’s bad?

          Reply
        • xabial

          7 years ago

          No, performance isn’t bad, consistency is..

          And anecdotal evidence make Schwarber’s defense out like he’s Adam Dunn out there. Just wanted to hear fans watch Scwarber Defense everyday, view on it

          1
          Reply
        • xabial

          7 years ago

          @RytheStunner, hearing fans’ viewpoints who watch everyday reason made mlbtr! I gave the stats, then asked how turned it around quick, and if respectable 2018 LF defense is to stay?

          Cant say Im disappointed. Good for Schwarber

          1
          Reply
        • rocky7

          7 years ago

          And he has to bet to the ball to use that “cannon” that you say he has.

          1
          Reply
      • JimM

        7 years ago

        Thats the great thing about metrics. U can induct someone into the HOF and never watched as much as 5 minutes of film. Then argue ur liberal viewpoint. Pathetic.

        2
        Reply
        • khopper10

          7 years ago

          Liberal? Huh?

          Reply
        • johnrealtime

          7 years ago

          I hate to break it to you but players have kind of always been inducted into the HOF based on stats. It’s why in HOF arguments people point to stats and not “I saw him play and he was so good!” . I’ll stay away from the weird liberal part at the end there that made no sense

          Reply
        • sacball

          7 years ago

          he’s apparently relating metrics as to having a “liberal viewpoint” lol

          1
          Reply
    • Michael Chaney

      7 years ago

      Defense in baseball is a lot like offensive line play in football, in my opinion. There are stats that try to explain it, but actually watching the player is a lot more helpful.

      2
      Reply
      • Android Dawesome

        7 years ago

        Then there’s no point discussing. No one can talk you out of how you feel like something looks. Some stats may be over valued but to claim the eye ball test is the best judgement is completely biased

        1
        Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        7 years ago

        Scouts can’t watch every game a player plays. They simply wouldn’t have the time. Sure, they can get a good understanding of a player’s ability and comparability by watching him for a couple hours, but it’s never going to be a great profile.

        Besides, the eyes see what they want to see. If you want to see a good defender, you’ll sooner forget the bad plays than the good ones.

        This is where advanced metrics come into play. One can get a pretty good grasp on whether or not the player is great or not by looking through the metrics.

        They also help balance the good and the bad in a more objective, less biased way.

        They are by no means complete, and shouldn’t be used to generate a complete defensive profile, but they certainly help tell the story.

        Reply
        • Samuel

          7 years ago

          Not true at all……

          I have a subscription to MLB.TV. Assume millions of others do as well. See a lot of games. Even this off-season I play games from 2018.

          Point being that if I have access to the video, imagine what MLB teams have. I’m sure their video people build a video catalog on every player…..

          Defense (at all positions he plays); hitting (broken down against LH & RH, by pitchers and possibly by type of pitcher): Pitchers – vs. RH & LH batters; in critical situations, etc.

          I assume most teams use interns and entry-level hires to break down game film after literally each game. Camera angles can misrepresent, but now there are so many replays from various angles between pitches, that professional people can make conclusions. With today’s technology those broken down films can be viewed in peoples homes – easily given to them on storage devices sent overnight FedEx, or via the Internet depending on the users bandwidth and download speed.

          I’d guess this is pretty much standard practice. I know pitching and hitting coaches study film year round. No need for them to fly to team headquarters. Even meetings can be conferenced in together over the Internet.

          Reply
    • Cubbie75

      7 years ago

      I watch Cubs baseball every day. Now, I’m not saying Schwarber didn’t have a few clumsy moments out there. But I did see him make several fantastic catches as well. Then there’s his ability to throw out a runner trying for home.
      If anything, Schwarber is UNDERrated in social media. Fans seem to think he’s only good as a DH. And that’s just not true.
      If you want to see truly bad defense in 2019, watch Matt Carpenter try to play whatever position they’re going to stick him at now that the Cards have Goldy at first. I’m sure it’ll be entertaining. For me anyway.

      Reply
    • infractor

      7 years ago

      I’m missing where “looks shaky but catches the ball” results in a different outcome than “looks boss and catches the ball”.

      Reply
    • petrie000

      7 years ago

      Fangraphs has entire pages devoted to how they calculate this stuff, all you have to do is Google it

      Reply
  8. Frisco500

    7 years ago

    Farhad was their first choice from day one. Anyone else was just a fallback

    1
    Reply
  9. jvent

    7 years ago

    If that’s what Miami wants from the Mets please forget about him and sign Pollack,Miller,Ottavino and Maldonado. Than trade Nimmo,Wheeler and Frazier for Kluber and Zimmer.
    Play Pollack in Lf, Zimmer in Cf and Conforto in Rf.
    Rotation: deGrom,Kluber,Thor,Matz and Lugo.

    Reply
    • Mjm117

      7 years ago

      Mets: we want Realmuto but you can’t have Any of the below:

      Nimmo
      Conforto
      Rosario
      Gimenez
      Alonso

      Makes sense

      Reply
    • Perksy

      7 years ago

      Why do you want pollock? He can’t even play 90 games a season

      1
      Reply
    • Rebuild it

      7 years ago

      You really think nimmo wheeler and frazier gets you kluber. Umm no

      Reply
  10. PickleRiccck

    7 years ago

    Where is the user Kyle Schwarber mom? We could use her opinion on the situation?

    4
    Reply
    • ABCD

      7 years ago

      I was going to recuse myself from the discussion because I’m obviously biased. But I’’ll overcompensate here and say Kyle can’t hit lefties yet and Joe still takes him out for a defensive replacement when the Cubs lead late in the game.

      Reply
  11. abcrazy4dodgers

    7 years ago

    Nimmo
    Conforto
    Rosario
    Realmuto

    I see what MLBTR did there.

    Reply
  12. zpgreen

    7 years ago

    Schwarber is still a butterball and can’t turn his stump of a neck enough to judge flyballs and even balls rattling around in the corner. His offense is legit, but there is a reason the Cubs don’t play him every day.

    3
    Reply
    • dray16

      7 years ago

      Yeah, reason being Maddon overthinks everything and they have too many OFs

      Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      7 years ago

      The reason he’s not played every day is because the Cubs have a surplus of legitimate players on their team that are too good to be bench players.

      3
      Reply
      • zpgreen

        7 years ago

        Ah yes, the Cubs are too good. I forgot that’s why they won the whole thing this year too…

        Tell me the Cubs stud outfield? I’ll buy the defense for Heyward and the range of Almora, but Almora is league average hitter, which is fine because that plays well in CF, but Heyward can’t keep himself from rolling a grounder over the middle infield of his life depended on it. Then you have Zobrist, Happ, and Schwarber.

        Cubs don’t have too many good OFs. They have too many mediocre OFs that Madden can’t live with any one of them starting all 6 games in a given week.

        If they are all so good, why haven’t other teams been lining up to take that Heyward contract or ponying up primo prospects for Almora, Schwarber or Happ?

        Reply
        • Ry.the.Stunner

          7 years ago

          I didn’t say they had a surplus of great outfielders, but none of Zobrist, Schwarber, Almora, or Happ are season-long bench players either. Clearly there was a gap between your brain and what I wrote.

          Reply
        • zpgreen

          7 years ago

          And the only one of those that deserves to start every day is Almora. I can comprehend what you wrote, it just wasn’t right. None of the others you mention deserve full time starting roles playing 6 or 7 games a week.

          Reply
    • johnrealtime

      7 years ago

      I have a feeling you didn’t watch him much this year. He has a ton of muscle but he looks pretty damn lean

      Reply
      • zpgreen

        7 years ago

        Ya he really leaned out down to that skinny 240lbs from 275lbs. Now let’s give him a medal since it’s 2018. Of course he skimmed down, he had to. Can’t have the baseball version of Jamarcus Russell or Eddie Lacy huffing and puffing around the outfield of the friendly confines.

        Reply
        • johnrealtime

          7 years ago

          Did you know that Kyle Schwarber was a catcher previously? He had the general build of a catcher and I wouldn’t call him especially rotund for a catcher. Then he had a pretty terrible knee injury which I’m sure caused him to gain some weight. Go ahead and google Kyle Schwarber 2018 and tell me that he looks at all fat. He looks muscley as hell but certainly doesn’t look like he’s carrying any extra fat. Since I doubt you’ll do that here’s a good example: bleachernation.com/2018/04/01/kyle-schwarber-lit-u… . IMO He has done a pretty good job at transitioning from the body type of a catcher to that of an OF

          Reply
    • petrie000

      7 years ago

      The numbers say you’re wrong… And the numbers can’t be biased

      Reply
  13. zachgwest

    7 years ago

    They “booted him” haha come on. A lot of non-English people read this and will not understand not to mention just sounds sloppy.

    Reply
  14. srechter

    7 years ago

    Am I the only one who thinks Nimmo/Conforto are a terribly underrated young duo?

    Reply
    • zachgwest

      7 years ago

      Yes, def shouldn’t trade them. Reminds me of Christian Yelich a few years ago.

      Reply
    • RBI

      7 years ago

      I think they are terribly overrated.

      Reply
  15. bobtillman

    7 years ago

    Kyle’s 33% K-rate and base-clogging speed makes him Jonny Gomes…..kind of guy you keep around to bat 7th in a good lineup, but only until he reaches arbitration…..then you say thank you for your service and kick him down the stairs……(with a loud THUNK in Kyle’s case)

    Theo overrates him because Theo likes squiggly numbers over ability to do things to help you win….which is why he chronically has to over spend……that, along with generous owners, helps you win…….sometimes……..

    2
    Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      7 years ago

      He had a 27% K-rate, but sure, let’s make up numbers.

      1
      Reply
      • kster224488k

        7 years ago

        Hell, Dansby struck out a lot too, but at least he had nice hair..and is a GG calibre defender..also a team leader..I’ll take his streaky hitting, at least he’s in shape

        Reply
  16. Perksy

    7 years ago

    Catchers play 120 games at best. Not worth trading young stars for one.

    Reply
    • johnrealtime

      7 years ago

      Posey was over 140 for 6 years in a row. I feel like anyone who has ever played professional baseball would disagree with your notion downplaying the impact of a star catcher. We’re not talking about fantasy baseball

      Reply
      • its_happening

        7 years ago

        1 player. You cited 1. Perksy’s point is closer to the mark.

        For the record, Posey’s highest total behind the plate was 123. So that 140 argument is null and void.

        Reply
        • johnrealtime

          7 years ago

          His point that catchers only play 120 Games. He said this to illustrate that they are less valuable because they play in less games. I was saying Posey played in more than that. So don’t know how that is “null and void”. Yadi had 136 or more in 8 out of 9 years. Posada had 137 or more 8 straight years. I won’t even bring up Pudge. I didn’t realize I had to throw a ton of examples at you all. Great catchers tend to play more than 120 games. If they ever do less then they have a good backup or a bad manager.

          Reply
        • jd396

          7 years ago

          Catchers also tend to hit a wall at or around 32.

          Reply
  17. alien

    7 years ago

    they wamt both Conforto AND Nimmo?? Just Walk!! Lets see if Marlins can compete within next 2 years by keeping Realmulto..

    Reply
    • frankthetank1985

      7 years ago

      Couldn’t agree more. Insanity!

      Reply
    • Central Valley

      7 years ago

      Am I the only one that believes MLB is severely undervaluing Madison Bumgarner?

      Just my gut feeling, but, I feel teams will be offering packages including their top prospects come the 2019 trade deadline. Bumgarner is a generational pitcher in my opinion.

      Reply
      • stansfield123

        7 years ago

        He’s a rental with declining peripherals.

        But sure, some teams will be offering their top prospects. The ones with bad far systems. No one will be offering a major league ready top 50 overall prospect. Let alone plural.

        Reply
  18. Boknows⚾️

    7 years ago

    Who would the Marlins want from the Braves for JT?
    Who would the Indians want for Kubler?tag Kip?
    Are the Braves looking to sign Ramos or Grandal if out on JT? 3 Cs?

    Reply
  19. 66TheNumberOfTheBest

    7 years ago

    The idea that another team would hire Huntingdon will confound the mindless parrots and the worthless local media who mushroom manage them.

    If it doesn’t involve wallets or ski lifts…

    Reply
  20. dust44

    7 years ago

    Schwarber is a DH…. Great hitter. Not great fielder.

    Reply
    • petrie000

      7 years ago

      It’s odd how you’d comment in an article you don’t seem to have actually read…

      Reply
    • Djones246890

      7 years ago

      His fielding is actually much improved. I mean, he certainly isn’t Willie Mays out there, but he is more than serviceable. And he had a ton of assists.

      Reply
    • JKB 2

      7 years ago

      Dust44 obviously does not watch many Cubs games

      Reply
  21. wrigleywannabe

    7 years ago

    Schwarber has less than 1100 at bats. That is roughly two years worth.

    It’s about the same place Baez was when he took off.

    How about we wait a bit

    Reply
  22. pjmcnu

    7 years ago

    The fact that Kyle Schwarber has positive defensive metrics using both UZR and DRS shows that both are garbage. I already suspected this because guys seemed to be crowned the best LF/CF/RF in baseball one year, and the worst the next, but this clinches it. Back to the drawing board, math people.

    Reply
    • petrie000

      7 years ago

      so because something doesn’t support a preconceived opinion that you cannot statistically support, that’s proof that the metrics are garbage?

      sure, that totally makes sense…

      Reply
  23. Halos2021WSChamps

    7 years ago

    Schwarber to angels .

    Reply
    • Bill walsh

      7 years ago

      Schwarber is the mope trade of year

      Reply
  24. ThatBallwasBryzzoed

    7 years ago

    Good because unless they get ian Snell

    Reply

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