The Cubs have claimed righty Chandler Shepherd, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Shepherd was designated for assignment by Boston yesterday morning.
Shepherd, 26, transitioned to a full-time starter last season for Boston’s AAA-Pawtucket affiliate after having spent the majority of his four-year professional career in the bullpen. The experiment’s continued this season, to less-than-sparkling results: though the righty’s strikeout rate has jumped to an encouraging 9.10 men per nine, he’s allowed 11 homers in just 29.1 IP out of the Pawtucket rotation, with little of corner-painting command he’d so often exhibited in years prior.
Shepherd will report to AA-Tennessee, per Wittenmyer, where his role is as yet undetermined. FanGraphs’ Kiley McDaniel and Eric Longenhagen laud his “standout curveball” but project him as a “likely” long reliever in the majors.
His numbers as a reliever weren’t that bad. I assume, based on the projection included in the article, that he will work out of the bullpen. Very low expectations, but I’m open to surprises.
Absolutely brilliant use of a 40 man roster spot.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he’s already on waivers again.
If he is, and doesn’t get claimed, and can get stashed in the minors…. Than it kinda’is a good use of the roster spot, actually.
I meant what I said, with no sense of sarcasm or irony.
It’s a fantastic use of a roster spot. Especially since it was open at the time, anyway.
He’s controlled through 2020 if sent outright, so honestly, not a bad pick up. At the very least, he’s a viable taxi option.
Theo’s waxing nostalgic about Boston again.
not a bad idea if they really do use him in the pen.
Time for Theo to make a bold move and make a deal with Toronto for Ken Giles
Since you know what the terms are, as the GM, what would the Cubs have to give up?
Happ at least.
Thank God good GMs never listen to the fans….
Who would you think it would take to get a controllable young “good” arm genius?
Oh let me guess Russel right? Cause sure here’s our garbage for your good player.
How’s about just not gutting an already thin farm for a season and a half of a player who’s already been a huge disappoint to one team that overpaid for him?
Not like the team’s exactly in a bad spot right now….
I didn’t say guy I said at least Happ. They are too cheap to get Kimbrel, what else do you think they can do?
Nothing? At least nothing that desperate? They are in first place, after all…
But, again, this is why I said good GMs don’t listen to fans. You seem to think they need to make a big name trade for the sake of a big name trade, and can’t really even grasp that there’s alternatives…
At the very least wait until the deadline and see what other options are available… The market for relievers may be more favorable then.
Talk to them, it’s actually being reported here in Chicago they have talked to Toronto. They are also interested in Alex Colome.
‘reports’ and ‘interest’ are two words I’ve learned to put little stock in, honestly. Both are frequently used to cover a distinct lack of actual sources…
So yeah, neither really trumps the fact that such a move doesn’t make logical sense.
I’d guess Marquez, Ian Happ and a guy like Oscar De La Cruz would constitute the return. Figure he’s an elite reliever with a year and a half of control. Alzolay and Amaya wouldnt shock me but theyre playing poorly now.
Those names would work for me and if those Canucks play hard ball Throw in a Lou Malnati’s deep dish and a case of Old Style
Scouting Report (Pre-draft, courtesy of BaseballAmerica)
Fastball: Touches 94, but usually sits around 88-91. Commands it better then his secondary pitches. Natural arm-side movement thanks to windup.
Curveball: His best secondary pitch. Flashes above-average potential (velo, spin, break, etc), little else otherwise.
Slider & Change-Up: Subpar secondaries that flash average potential.
Windup: Easy delivery that benefits from quick arm movement. Hides the ball efficiently.
Physical Makeup: At. 6’3 (was 6’2 in report) 185 pounds, his toned body has room to grow stronger (naturally and via exercise).
end
Based off this report, I’d give Shepard a grade of 40. His ceiling is a No.4 that flashes No.3 potential, but his future is more likely as an No.5 or bullpen piece. Basement is Quadruple-A depth.
I’m more knowledgeable than I was five minutes ago.
I have to say even as a Cubs fan I don’t get this move. Even though he won’t take up a 40 man roster spot pretty soon, the Cubs have better minors SP depth than a 26 year old in AA
It is a bit odd. He hasn’t pitched AA since 2016, but he was also getting absolutely pounded at AAA this year.
Let him get some work in and dfa Russell or Kyle Ryan and call this dude up. Trade Russell, Kyle Ryan and ian happ for a closer or someone with closer stuff