We’ll highlight a couple notes from around the league to kick off Sunday morning.
- Veteran reliever Steve Cishek, a Cape Cod native, “would like” to sign with the Red Sox, hears Peter Gammons of the Athletic (Twitter link). Cishek is among the top relief arms remaining in a generally weak free agent class for late-game options. The 33-year-old submariner compiled a dazzling 2.55 ERA in 134.1 innings over the last two years with the Cubs. However, his age and a pedestrian combination of strikeouts (24.3%) and walks (10.3%) over that time figure to tamp down his market. The MLBTR staff forecast a modest two-year, $10MM deal for Cishek at the start of the offseason. However, it’s not clear Boston would even be willing to dole out that kind of money, Gammons notes, in light of the Sox’s failure to match the Blue Jays’ one-year, $4MM offer to reel in Travis Shaw, a player whom Boston liked. Cishek’s market has seemingly been quiet to this point, with only the Twins known to have checked in a few weeks back.
- The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma explored the facility of new Cubs’ director of hitting Justin Stone. A biomechanics expert, Stone broke down a generic hitter’s swing and bat path, perhaps offering a sneak-peek into the work he’ll do with Chicago’s batters next season. The subscription-only piece is worth a read for those interested in how biomechanics is being used to help hitters optimize their individual swings.
- The Indians have hired former big league infielder Andy Tracy to manage their AAA affiliate in Columbus, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Tracy served as Columbus’ hitting coach in 2019. The former 28th-round draft choice managed in the low minors in the Phillies’ organization back in 2012.
Cishek had a “dazzling” ERA of 2.55? He was okay with the Cubs. I don’t recall being dazzled.
Because his FIP was 4++. He’ll need a really good defense behind him.
Or just cut down on his HR, BB, HBP and increase SO.
FIP — Fielding Independent Pitching
this stat measures a pitcher’s effectiveness at preventing HR, BB, HBP and causing SO
(13*HR + 3*(BB+HBP) – 2*SO)/IP + Constantlg
The constant is set so that each season MLB average FIP is the same as the MLB avg ERA
I think this is lunacy when the sport creates stAts that to me anyway aren’t as important as they sound. The ideas should still be the same, keep men off base and get the batter when hitting the ball, to keep the ball on the ground. Balls that don’t elevate can’t leave the yard. As hitters adjust and learn precise “launch angle” needed for maximum distance, pitchers need to adjust as well, for example by using both sides of the rubber to create arm and release point changes. A new problem is in the last ten + years, velocity has been prioritized with the idea that you go as hard as you can and you’ll then be replaced, causing more and more injuries. Teach those on the mound how to pitch, not throw. Just my take.
You’re about 5 years too late with this take.
I tend to look at ERA and WHIP, those two stats tell me enough.
FIP just isolates what the pitcher controls HR, BB, HBP, SO and disregards fielded balls in play. A good defense behind him wouldn’t matter for FIP.
Question True is are you right or will the evolution return back or change further? The amount of money paid to premium starters suggests to me that if pitchers instead of throwers are developed, they will be prioritized, While relievers are now being paid, the best starter is getting paid approximately twice that over the best reliever and for more years.
ERA doesn’t really tell you anything though, especially for a reliever. I’d like to think Mr. Chadwick, if alive today, would be using the advances in mathematics and statistics over the last 100+ years to evolve the stats he originally created.
I think we’ve already seen that player development, especially the use of biomechanics, is being used across the league to teach pitching instead of throwing.
Not in my view when they’re carrying 12 and 13 member staffs. Used to be 10. I think the Reds used 9 in the 75 WS when the DH was not used.
I too, miss the “art” of pitching. The game has become somewhat robotic in my opinion.
Glad I’m not alone. Fantasy sports has created new “fans” but actually enjoying watching is no longer as important. Watch out for NESN ratings to suffer if the team starts out like last year.
Cishek Had a good first half of the season, and a bad second half. If I were an MLB manager, I wouldn’t bring him in with runners on base, strictly starting mid-innings with heavy right-handed lineups.
No one dazzled on the Cubs in 2019.
That’s why they finished 7 games behind in their division and out of the playoffs.
They will finish near dead last in 2020.
He dazzled in April ad early but a the season progressed he choked
I think the Red Sox should be interested in him because Brandon Workman walks too many batters to be the closer. I think Workman is a descent setup guy but I’m not confident about him being the closer
Did you happen to notice that Workman gave up exactly 29 hits in 71 innings and his WHIP was 1.03? Those are the numbers that count.
I feel as if Steve Cishek has been vastly undervalued. He’s consistently been able to prevent runs over his whole career
agreed. whoever signs him will be getting a bargain most likley.
33 is a tricky age for a player. He could take a one-year deal with his hometown Red Sox and hope it parlays into something next year but that’s a big risk. If they at least move JBJ, they probably would sign him.
Hes not getting 5M a year from Boston.
Be realistic – 1/2m
He was horrible with the Cubs last year
What facts do you base your claim of “horrible?” He clearly was an above avg pitcher with a sub-3 ERA last year.
I honestly do not understand how willfully uninformed some posters can be just because they want want to sound edgy or hate a particular team.
Don’t you see, for many casual fans if you don’t have a sub 1.00 era you’re trash……cishek carried the Cubs for a big part of 18 and 19′ from the pen.
My guess is that they watched a game where he gave up a run or two and are basing it on that
He hasn’t been signed.
That speaks volumes!
Nor has Donaldson, Chirinos, Cashner, Nova, Ozuna, Frazier or Harris. Are they all trash, too?
Wow, really? Watch a game sometime, then comment.
Horrible? He struggled with walks, and had a career low K/9, but I don’t see why that can’t go back up. He lost almost no velocity on any of his pitches (he even gained some on his slider), and his home runs were up probably because of the juiced ball.
Cishek deserves so much more love than what he gets. I never really get why he’s not considered one of the games better relievers.
Fair point. I think his side-arm delivery gets people thinking he’s a bit of a gimmick, but the guy gets the job done.
Cishek was not great for the Cubs by any means, but he was reliable most of the time. Some of the bad games he had, when he had them, were a result of having to face lefties – opponents’ OPS for right handed batters was .583 against .733 for lefties. He sometimes was stuck having to face lefties because of the other deficiencies in the Cubs bullpen. He made 150 appearances in his two seasons with the Cubs and was not quite as good in ’19 as he was in ’18, He made $6.5 MM last year – one year deal at $5 or 6 MM would not be out of line. Of course the Cubs don’t have that much change in the couch cushions.
Solidly consistent good numbers for a long time. ERA+, WHIP, K/BB all good for a reliable 7/8th inning who will give you 65 innings or so. I see him getting a 2yr/$7-8 mill deal or better.
ERA+, WHIP, K/BB all good
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His K/W last year was actually pretty bad. His 1.97 was #133 among RPs.
The Dodgers should be in on Cishek. 5M is nothing to them, it is a short contract and they need to stockpile as many bullpen arms as possible so they don’t have to turn to Kershaw in the post season.
“so they don’t have to turn to Kershaw in the post season”
That’s why the Dodgers needed to sign Gerrit Cole, but the Guggenheim vulture fund didn’t approve of that idea.
That vulture fund approved the largest contract in pitching history. It just so happened that one other Team went even further.
Don’t let facts get in your way, though.
Red Sox should, but will not sign him. They are playing “broke” and the near future is screwed. Ownership is obsessed with saving money, so guys like Cishek will continue to get passed by.
Red Sox fans need to be realistic this coming season, enjoy some fun baseball and keep your expectations very low for a few years. They’ll be back.
The Red Sox are just going to reset this year but I expect this will be a one year thing it’s wishful thinking by non Red Sox fans that they are going to be weak for more then 1 tops 2 years.
So the bottom line is that Boston just isn’t signing anyone while wanting to unload Price, Bradley and possible Betts to save money? Cheer up, Baltimore. You may finish last in 2020, but these guys are vying for last in 2021.
LOL! Our oft-predicted and long-anticipated decline.
Maybe next century for you guys.
Do you honestly think that with all of the talent on the Sox roster that they will finish last in that division in 2021? Even if they trade everyone you mentioned?
I think we need a (or an updated) “Where will David Price play in 2020?” post from MLBTR.
I wanna know…
How serious BOS is in trading Price?
How much salary is BOS willing to eat?
Will they eat $5-10m/yr no question in a pure salary dump? (No return prospect)
Will they require a teams top 10, top 11-20, top 21-40 prospect to eat that much salary?
Will teams pay more than 3/60m, 3/70m? Less?
Which teams have shown the most interest?
MLBTR staff, please make it happen! LOL
Thanks 🙂
It’d be an interesting read. My guess is… nobody is talking/leaking the details.
It seems like gms check in with chaim and get told the sox are listening, what do they have in mind for an offer – not getting an “ask”back from boston.
Don’t you see, for many casual fans if you don’t have a sub 1.00 era you’re trash……cishek carried the Cubs for a big part of 18 and 19′ from the pen.
When will they cut payroll?
Probably January.
My guess is they’re waiting for the FA market to dry up and then get more serious about trying to move some players
If he was such a bargain why didn’t Theo resign him? Think bout that.
Same reason boston hasn’t re-signed holt…. cubbies are also digging through the couch lint and cheetos looking for spare change just like boston
Go Cubs Go
Go where?
He wasn’t horrible. Maddon overused him
Cishek was one of the few somewhat reliable arms in their bullpen. With lousy starting pitching, what choice did Maddon have? This is an issue with every team that lacks bullpen depth and a weak starting rotation.
It’s always “aLL mADdOnS fAuLt!” I swear, some of you people are beyond circus clowns. Maddon barely had any reliable arms to rely on, because Theo doesn’t know how to sign good free agents.
Chisek is unlikely to be signed by Boston.
His likely asking price is probably too high.
And he’s too old and not likely to help the team.
His stats were horrific last year and that was in the NL without a DH.
He looks way over the hill.
Don’t see that happening in Boston.’
Cape Cod has nothing to do with it. LOL
Weird someone would even bring that up?
“And that was in the NL without a DH”
Great argument. Especially when considering in what league most tanking teams play that compete for the worst record in MLB.
Uhhhhh…..
In the NL, by the time relief pitchers come into a game, pinch hitters are batting for the opposing pitcher.
in other words National League does not have a designated hitter and by definition that’s one less hitter of quality that a picture on balance has to face so there statistics should definitely be better in the National League than the American League. and yes I understand that relief pitchers will tend to face pinch-hitters more likely than a starter but my point is that if statistics are terrible and not worthy of paying him anywhere near what he was paid last year
Why is it that ownership for the Cubs doesn’t get upset about spending about 1 Billion on fixing up Wrigleyville when planning for around 500mil., but are worried about a few million lux tax?
Perhaps they understand the difference between capital investment and annual expense spending?
The project went 100% over budget. That’s what happens when you have to deal with the mafia, who controls all construction in Chicago. Not saying that means they should be tight with the payroll because of that. I mean, they are billionaires, but just saying.
Which mafia are you referring to?
The ones in the private sector or the political sector?
He’s a decent middle inning guy. 1 year / $5m is fair. But if he’s waiting on a 2 year deal, he’s gonna be waiting for a while
Theo would never let a serviceable arm leave over mini money. I’m a RS fan, n I trust Theo on this one, but since the team is rebuilding, waving bye bye to Mookie n Price, he could be very useful.
Theo is in a tough spot this offseason. His budget is as tight as its ever been. Every million counts as he tries to improve without payroll flexibility and the better part of what was once a top farm system depleted. He’s likely going to have to subtract from the 25 man roster and parlay that into additional trades or minor signings. But right now the budget really is that tight. They went all in when they signed Kimbrel and when that didnt work out things got tough.
Theo’s history is…..
o Developing hitters – easy.
o Getting adequate defense out of the position players, some of whom are poor fielders, but they hit well – easy.
o Buying pitching – easy….till the money runs out.
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What his organizations have never done well is develop more then a few good pitchers.
He’s succeeded by both buying pitchers in free agency and trading excess hitters for pitchers with large contracts that teams no longer in contention are trying to dump.
The change to counting pitches has meant that 95% of the time starters go 7 innings at most. However, with 30 teams there aren’t enough decent starting pitchers to go around (yet fans and the mainstream baseball media clamor for expansion). In 2019, the average start was for 5-1/3 innings. This puts tremendous pressure on bullpen pitchers…resulting in a quality shortage of them as well. The managers run every game like it’s the 7th game of the WS on instructions from the FO – so the average relief pitcher burns himself out multiple times over a season. This results in teams sending pitchers up and down from the minors 3-5 times a week, trying to have enough strong arms to get through the next series. The fans are fed up, because they can’t keep track of who’s on their team day-to-day.
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Back to Theo and the Cubs – when you can’t develop quality pitchers that are making reasonable salaries, it doesn’t matter how much hitting you have….you’re going to get left behind at some point….when the money runs out.
Cishek is a perfect example of how statistics can be deceiving, and how the eye test is very much needed. Any Cubs fan (that watched all the games) will tell you to shy away from putting Cishek in during pressure-packed moments.
Two year contract. $2 million the first year. $8 million the second year, which is an option year that becomes guaranteed if Cishek meet a simple innings pitched. The luxury tax would then be $2MM the first year and $8MM the next year. Rather than the average of the two if it were a non-option contract.
Chaim Bloom has done literally nothing besides signing Peraza instead of signing the fan favorite Brock Holt. If we are indeed folding and cutting back payroll, why hasn’t a move been made yet? I get that patience is important but you can’t be patient after what happened last year and the market is getting smaller and smaller. It’s likely we will get nothing for Betts and he may end up with the Yankees next year.
In addition to overpaying peraza (look at the cubs inking perez, basically the same player to a minor league invite and making minimum instead of 3m+incentives) he overpaid another Perez 6.5m to pitch, but likely will be serving in-game batting practice to other teams.
Yes, this is shaping up to not be a year to buy ticket packages to fenway, let alone bother with a tv package.
Just catch the occasional mass-market broadcast if you want, otherwise wait for 2021 and hope the mookie-less sox at that point become worth watching.
How is it possible to be “out of contention” again with one of the highest payrolls in baseball yet again in 2020?
It takes planning to pay this much and play that poorly.
LOL
During a batting practice when Cishek was a Mariner, he tossed me a ball up in the stands. So in my opinion, he deserves 10 years and 200 mil. Yes, I can be bought easily.
Simple, accurate way to evaluate a pitcher is hits allowed/innings pitched. It never fails.
you’re on the right track but whip is even better