The World Champion Washington Nationals are likely to move on from their remaining free agents, save for local institution Ryan Zimmerman and perhaps his first base partner Matt Adams, per MASN’s Mark Zuckerman. That means Daniel Hudson has likely priced himself out of the Nationals’ plans. Fernando Rodney could get another shot on a minor league deal, but GM Mike Rizzo has handed those out rather liberally this winter, and the bullpen barracks are looking pretty full: Javy Guerra, Fernando Abad, and David Hernandez are all competing for bullpen spots on minor league deals while Sean Doolittle, Will Harris, Tanner Rainey, Wander Suero and Roenis Elias look pretty good to secure their seats at the table. Hunter Strickland, and one of Joe Ross, Austin Voth, and Erick Fedde could also very well end up in the bullpen, leaving just a spot or two as truly up for grabs. Brian Dozier, the last of the Nats’ five remaining free agents, is all but gone now that Starlin Castro and Asdrubal Cabrera have been signed.
- The Rays have pretty consistently made themselves a good place for January free agents to take their career to the next level, per John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times. A list of short-term additions late in the free agent season have gone on to produce in Tampa Bay and earn themselves a raise the following winter. The partial list of players who went on to earn bigger paydays after leaving Tampa includes Avisail Garcia, Logan Morrison, C.J. Cron, and Corey Dickerson. The time is now for the Rays, who typically strike about this time of year, and they still have needs to fill. Expect Tampa to add another bat and another catcher before the winter is out.
- The Cubs have lingered in the shadows throughout the winter, and though a Kris Bryant trade has been clearly telegraphed, the star third baseman remains in Chicago due to asking price, per David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago. Speaking to people around the game, Kaplan found real skepticism that Bryant remains the foundational superstar he was in 2016. That hasn’t stopped the Cubs from asking for the moon, with the same being true of their asking price for Willson Contreras. Theo Epstein and the Cubs are in a tough place after seeing their championship window slam closed last season, and it’s understandable for the braintrust in Chicago to hold out hope for a franchise-altering return for one of their homegrown stars. But if the return they seek never materializes, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of alternative plan they can cook up to keep these Cubs viable.
Wait until trade deadline and people become desperate. Best thing the Cubs can hope for are injuries on other teams in contention.
Now if the Cubs are in contention (which they should be) it will be really interesting to see the route they take.
The cubs are still a good team, I don’t know why everyone is downing them, this coming from a Cards fan. They still have a great core of guys that will be feared in the lineup
Even though I’m a Cubs fan I’m most nervous about the Reds.
Trending statement amongst cub fans I’m sure
You never know, the Cubs may overachieve in 2020 considering the expectations to win are a little bit more diminished. Less pressure and a new coach all the players can relate to? Time will tell.
They have some tough decisions salary wise with their core moving forward due to FA of their own. Have a few bad contracts that are untradeable so sb interesting seeing Theo earning his money with his trade abilities?
Almost every penny that came of the books is going straight into arbitration this year, next year it will be significantly higher. I am also interested to see what they do in the next couple years. Nearly impossible to keep everyone.
Well its the first time I have heard that
Good core and good team can be independant of each other. Pitching wins baseball games. The Cubs pitching staff last year was mostly ineffective. The starters were okay, especially Darvish in the second half, but the bullpen was a mess. They did nothing this offseason to address that problem. Lester is 36, Quintana 31, Darvish 33 (34 by seasons end) Hendricks 30, Chatwwod 30. Plus their closer Kimbrel is 32.. Every starter over 30 years of age with Alzolay and Mills failing to impress anyone. This team didn’t develop pitching and has made some pretty bad contractual decisions. The Cardinals always compete, as do the Brewers, and the Cincinnati Reds are the darkhose with their improved pitching staff and lineup..
Wait, you think the Brewers “always compete”?
They’ve been competitive last 3 years and should be again this year.
3 years does not equal “always”. All I am saying is putting them in the same category as the Cardinals is inaccurate.
I am also not sure how competitive they will be this year. Should be a pretty interesting division this year. Feel like all teams are mediocre at best.
In a way, the bullpen has been addressed in that most of it is gone. No Edwards, no Cishek, no Strop, no Kinzler. Sadly, that doesn’t make it better.
Well, if the whole division is “mediocre at best” then I suspect the Brewers have a pretty good chance at being competitive this year.
Hammmbone
Weren’t the Nationals older?
Edwards traded for power lefty that looked promising. Was a good deal. End of pen looks set. Wick Weick and red beard Krimbrel. Strop and Kintzler waiting on Theo. Strop has leg problems not arm.. He is a one inning guy that could rebound working sixth or seventh inning. Kintzler was a larger money man as far as middle relievers go. At least one of the two will return for middle relief along with Ryan. Strop will be cheap. One year. If Q is still with team Chatwood will keep same role. Mills will get a real shot at rotation. Winkler and Tepera reclaim projects. Either Maples or Norwood or both will make team. They have at least 8 guys already not counting the two free agents that might get signed. With 26 man do they carry 14 arms? My bet is Strop returns. Sub 3 era with 9 plus strike out average along with unfortunately 4 walks per. Norwood has real possibilities. Maples is lethal 40 percent of the time. Does the team want to put out a guy like this out for three batters when after the first guy its obvious he doesn’t have it?Besides Strop they will probably pick up one more arm with a realistic shot of making opening day. Unfortunately there will also be a few other washed up guys signed to be prepared at AAA that will have to be called up due to injuries etc besides Cotton who is another waste of time. Bryant or Contreras gone. Bryant one that should be moved, Now youre stuck with Bote. Hes much better at third he totally sucked at second. Only good thing about dealing Bryant is that frees up money for Castellanos and makes a center field platoon of Almora and Heyward. If Hoerner pans out at second Bote might not hurt team badly. Robel Garcia is the swing man along with moving Baez in emergency due to an injury. Have to believe Ross will have the guts to take Lester out when needed. Maddon was a terrible handler of staff. Run Lester 110 pitches when has nothing Give up 8 runs and lose 8-6 Then by the time August arrives his arm was dead. Happened last two years. Lester needs to challenge hitters more first two innings, Whoever was hired for manager would have been an improvement. Ross will do OK. Schwarber underrated in field. An average outfielder and opposing pitchers fear him. Castellanos game fits Wrigley. Its either Bryant or him right now. Id take a shot at trading Bryant and trying Bote only if resulted in Castellanos coming on board. Bote and Castellanos combined make less than Bryant after arbitration. Bryant will make 20 mil plus in 2021 if has decent season and will then want Rendon money.The Boras factor seals the deal to get rid of him. Id much rather see a 15×6 contract for Castellanos than a 330 ten year deal for Bryant. They are already paying 21×4 for Heyward to get a 98 ops plus Im against any 100m plus contract for anyone not standing on a pitching mound. Strasburg deal was way too much too At least less years at higher rate do not kill a team like Heywards 8 year deal did to the cubs. Angels have record of paying extreme money to a few players then filling team with bad players. Lets see how Joe does there. GM better have phone contact with Maddon during game or Ohtani will not last more than two months. Brutal manager than won in spite of himself due to the luck of players performing over their heads. His subtraction is really an addition. Brewers look to be short this year. Cards not improved and will be lucky to win more than they did last year. This division is available to be won if starters hold up. Heyward really hurts as this team needs a center fielder that leads off would help manufacture runs. This is another area Maddon knew nothing about. His record as a manager is less stolen bases every year he manages a team. If you had Castellanos as a two or three with a speed guy in front of him the amount of doubles he cracks would really improve the offense. The center fielder FA that played with Yankees last year would fit if Bryant is moved and Castellanos (Boras) wants too much or signs elsewhere. Almora has real power but it will never be harnessed. Hes a bench platoon late inning fielder. guy now. 11 or 12th man on roster. At least hes cheap and does not hold team back from getting decent players like Heyward does.
This comment is just petty. You know the main point he’s trying to make. You’re just being contentious.
Taxiboy – Do you know what a paragraph is?!
The core is still intact for a couple more years and has the potential to lead the league in offense. However, the past few years have proven that it’s not a complete offense. Every player has a similar offensive identity and it creates major inconsistencies. But the real problem with the Cubs is the pitching, primarily the bullpen…but there is literally a hole in the rotation as well and no apparent way to fill it.
As a Cubs fan, they have a lot of power on offense, but not much other than that. These days, most every team has a lot of power on offense.
I’m not worried about filling the hole in the rotation by committee. I’d be more worried about another pitcher underperforming. Every team has ifs. Every Cub pitcher save perhaps Hendricks has an “if” by their name. Hendricks will probably just be Hendricks. IF Darvish is like he was from June forward, awesome. If Quintana is like the Q he was prior to September. If Lester can muster one more year of solid innings eating performance.. That’s a lot of ifs. Bullpens are a friggin’ crap shoot.
You can’t be a great team without pitching and depth. Their starters aren’t impressive, Lester is in decline, and the pen is nothing special. Their farm system is depleted. They aren’t awful but far, far from elite.
The lack of triple A top 100 prospects does not mean their farm system is depleted. They have a lot of talent in the lower minors that just aren’t ready yet. Even Hoerner who is a top 100 prospect, came up from Double A last season. That’s why it’ll be a year or more before the farm can realistically contribute and why they’re in such an awkward place this offseason.
Their farm is not “depleted”. Their farm is actually on the rise. But it is fair to say they lack immediate help forthcoming. Its all 2 years away.
“Nothing special“ is a compliment to the Cubs’ pen, and yes this is coming from a Cubs fan. Their pen is straight garbage.
Because they don’t have the pitching to win a championship. Maybe contend for the division but that I’m doubtful with the Reds doing what they’re doing
The window has slammed closed for the cubs.
I wouldn’t say the door has slammed closed. I would have to say there going down not up. They have some very bad contracts. But they will be competitive. I dislike the Cubs. My favorite 2 teams are the White Sox and whom ever plays the Cubs. I smile everytime I think of Eloy and Cease for Q
Yes, they may actually get 15,000 attendance per game this year! Relax, things are never as good or as bad as you think!
Slammed closed and nailed shut!!
Pitching will be their Achilles heel
Most of it seems to be coming from disillusioned Cubs fans who forget where the team was before Theo Epstein… you know, the lovable Losers.
But you are right they are still a good team and competitive in the division. Both NL and AL central should be interesting races this year. The question in both divisions is who will take care of business with the player they have?
Bryant sued his employer. As the case builds- it effects their relationship and ripples through the organization. It’s best to part ways before spring training for hopes of the best outcome of the season. The ploy they are all professionals is bs cubs fans believe. Just like the bs that Bryant says when he says he wants to stay in Chicago. When someone sues another person/Corp. the bridge is burnt.
Good news for cubs fans is that Theo is in charge. Theo will get way more than most GMs. That being said it’ll be way WAY less than cub fans are dreaming. Can’t wait to see how crunchy cubs fans are gonna be after it happens
Amen!
“Good news for cubs fans is that Theo is in charge. Theo will get way more than most GMs.”
–
LOL
Good luck with that.
Theo made his rep in trades by using his ever-growing big budget in Boston to take on players in salary dump trades.
Now the shoe’s on the other foot.
Reminder that borass is Bryant’s agent so he’s hoping for free agency ruling to be one year away vs 2. Cubs hoping FA ruling will be 2 years away for better trade value
Boras being his agent has nothing to do with it. Bryant would want to be one year closer to free agency regardless of who his agent is.
Greenguy what an absoulte worthless comment.
So only Boras is smart enough to want his client to reach free agency one year sooner?
The other agents are to dumb to want that?
And thanks for pointing out the Cubs hope to have 2 years not one left. No one here would ever have guessed it until you solved the mystery
When are you gonna wake up, Hellen Keller?He didn’t sue the Cubs. He filed a grievance, as has been said 100 times on this and other sites. An arbitrator will decide, not a jury in a courtroom. Ugh
Ooooohhhhhh…..I see now, so Bryant’s not pissed or a cancer to the clubhouse and since it’s just a grievance he doesn’t really care about the 20 or so million the cubs screwed him out of. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Just needed my cubs goggles to figure all that out. Thanks !
Dude, just stop. “Cancer to the clubhouse” is nonsense, this is a union thing that could end up benefiting other players, AKA union members.
The Bryant thing has been a narrative since the day it happened
What do you expect? He’s desperate Reds fan.
“When are you going to wake up Hellen Keller?”
Was Helen Keller known for her sleeping disorders?
You said remember your name, Chesty. The bad take, Cub-hating, doom-and-gloom troll said “remember me”. You have no balance in your opinions. It’s all Cub trolling. Sad little man.
Hey Les again you talk out of your rear end. Kris Bryant has not been a cancer in the clubhouse at all and he will not be next year either.
No need for Cub goggles Les all you need to do is pull your head out of your rear end!
There now I cleared that up for you as well.
Enough of the union le t’s play ball and keep the union out of this
Hey Les Chesterfield are you really so lacking in intelligence that you think Kris Bryant sued the Cubs?
Stop the presses everyone! Les has the scoop!
Lol Theos in charge so don’t worry…Theo ran the Red Sox into the ground and is about to do the same with the cubs
Ppl file grievances and workers comp injuries at my job and the bridges are not burned.
BRYANT didn’t sue his employer.. the MLB PLAYERS ASSOCIATION filed a grievance against the Cubs. Bryant has no say in the matter. KB has stated his preference is to be a Cub for life but no player goes against the union.
Bryant WILL be a Cub opening day 2020.
I’m wondering if those teams looking at Bryant are taking notice to the grievance. Is he high maintenance, or are teams thinking – “we don’t need that kind of noise here “.
High maintenance? Bryant has been nothing but a high character, stand up guy from day one. There may be contract or potential injury history issues with him, but none regarding his character.
Tis is not a direct law suit. It is an arbitration request from the Players Union who actually filed the complait. As such it is not quite as personal as you make it out to be. The burning bridges affect is still their but it is a bit more diffuse than you might be thinking
That’s the problem though. The Cubs lack of pitching is probably going to put them in a position to be one of the desperate teams if they don’t do much this offseason, not the other way around.
Nothing happens until the result of Bryant’s arbitration case and Donaldson signs. Then there will be action.
Cubs have enough talent to win that division. Do people really think they’re out of contention with the talent they have
If the Cubs trade Bryant and Contreras it won’t be for prospects. They are going to get impact, cheaper players back like Robles, Riley. They still plan to contend
If the Braves were going to trade Riley it probably would already be done. I think if they miss on Donaldson then Riley starts the season as the 3rd basemen.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAA!
Robles has about as much chance of being traded as Soto did the last four off seasons. fi they could have made a deal that would have brought them a center fieldeer without gutting the farm or destroying what strength they still hold that deal would have been done before Bryant came into the picture
None of that talent pitches.
The Cubbies have a bevy of young unrecognized and untested pitchers including
Braylon Marquez (High A #5)
Scouting grades:
Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 50
Albert Azolay (Cubs Roster #6)
Scouting grades:
Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
There is far less at the AA level which is a bit concerning but let’s not forget that the large contract pitchers like Darvish, Quintana & John Lester aren’t exactly Chopped Liver either
I’m not a Cubs fan, however the foundation of your argument is wrong. The greatest time to deal is when you can get the most teams involved to start a bidding war. That would have been at the beginning of the off-season, but Bryant has a service time grievance. The second best time to deal would be now, with Multiple teams ( Braves, Nat’s, Twins, to name a few))still looking for a 3rd basemen figuring they have a shot and a few that don’t will trade now Figuring he can get them a few wins and keep them in it longer. Trading at the dead line will actually shrink your pool, netting a smaller return.
One team desperate, I’ll buy a small piece of that. However bidding against yourself is more than just desperate! It’s insane.
If Bryant wins his grievance & is a rental that big return will not materialize. For Contreras the Cubs better hope his bat stays big.
I agree, however the return would still be bigger now, than at the deadline.
The cubs will be buyers
When exactly? Do they know that free agency started? I think it started New Years Day …
They lack pitching overall, that will be their down fall once again
Would love to see a deal to bring Bryant and Contreras to the rays for kiermaier, yarbs or yonny, and a slapdick prospect but it’s surely gonna take more
I would like just contreras, Bryant is a little expensive for Tampa. But KK yonny and Brujan for contreras is fair
That is the exact deal I have been hoping for!
The Cubs are trying to clear some salary. They’re not going to trade Contreras and take back more salary. Also, instead of Brujan. They’re going to want pitchers. Some combo of Richard’s, Honeywell, Castillo, Alvarado, Yonny, Yarbrough, Beeks, Banda, etc.
Ok that sounds fair, pick two. But you can’t have both Honey and Castillo
Or the cubs don’t trade the best catcher in baseball. Then in 2 years extend him.
Last time rays made a trade they took pirates to the cleaner. They are a perfect match for about every team with all their talent yet are never linked to anyone.
Contreras is cubs best asset. He’s the guy you want to sit on til trade deadline and then take an NL team who’s gunning for playoffs to the cleaners for him.
You very rarely see catchers moved in season. It takes time and reps for catchers to learn the staff.
The Cubs want payroll relief and Contreras isn’t highly paid yet. So it doesn’t seem he is the one likely to be traded. The Cubs are just seeing if someone will wildly overpay is all this is. Nobody will.
Great points kenly and whiff
The Rays do more with what they have than any other franchise and it has worked. The record proves that. Everybody wants to acquire the talent that we groom and most seemingly do well for other teams yet we will always be known as the poverty franchise. Go figure. People will always hate on THAT team that does more with so little.
You know Wander Franco would be the first name to come up.
Tazbk, then rays hang up phone laughing
And without Franco included Chicago hangs up the phone laughing…and still winning in 2020. Bryant trade rumors are fake.
I’m a Cubs fan. But, the Rays have enough young talent to get anyone that they want without including Franco.
No GM in baseball would give up Franco for 2 years of Contreras. And winning what? With that pitching staff you are finishing 3rd
Contreras has 3 years of control remaining.
Not a cubs or rays fan so no skin in the game… would Contreras for Honeywell and Adames work? Seems fair expecially considering the amount of SP and MI prospects the rays have.. thoughts?
The Cubs aren’t winning anything. Their pitching is awful and their lineup is meh.
As a rays fan I would do it if that’s what it took but I would not be thrilled about it
Adames?
He is a important piece for the Rays this season & even next year.
Honeywell has to prove he is over his injury history.
The Rays have Hernandez developing in the minors so Conteras if he continues to hit will be getting expensive starting next season & he is no longer is the best bang for your buck high ceiling player the Rays will target.
Franco is part of the Rays future.
Diaz & Wendle + Robertson at 3B is good for the Rays & costs considerably less than Bryant for similar production + roster flexibility.
3 years
Bryant and Contreras for Wander Franco.
Neither team would do that for different reasons
Huh?!
Wow!
Franco is a no go.
Bryant gets 4 players by himself it would be 6 players for both. Franco would be the centerpiece most likely
Wow are you dreaming Bryant will get maybe one regular and two prospects tops .whether he has one or two years left.
Go Cubs Go
The cubs window has slammed shut.
No it’s not. Wide open. One year missing the playoffs makes their window closed? 4 straight years they made the postseason. 3 straight nlcs appearances. Missed the playoffs in 2019 and they’re a 4th place team.
Wide open is a tad optimistic. The 2020 Cubs are the 2019 Cubs minus their #2 starter, Castellanos, and their best relievers from a year ago. How are they better?
Nailed shut!
Puig to Tampa. And has a solid year.
That will be a great pick up for Tampa ! Hope to see it
it makes too much sense
I think it is best for the Cubs to keep both Contreras & Baez………trade Caratini…….
as for Bryant, him and his agent want to score big on $$$$$…..rather win another World Series…..Bryant will be traded….and his replacement will be part of the trade deal……..
Once JD is off the board, Bryant trade value increases……..pay now ….or pay more later.
Trade Caratini? I don’t think the Cubs would get anything in return. If you don’t get anything of value for KB why trade. He’s gotta have a big year in 2020 if he wants a big contract. So let’s hope that happens. Contreras might be a better option especially with Amaya in the Minors. The Cubs need Pitching and a Lead off hitter. I would try to keep Castellanos.
Switch hitting catcher. Very good defensive catcher. He’s hit at every level. He has a lot of value. He needs to start more. He could easily out up 15-20 home runs. 65-75 FBI .245 BA
Caratini would easily be a starter on about half the teams in the league. He has real value and the Cubs don’t need a top tier backup with WC behind the plate.
What a joke. The Cubs project as an 88 win as constructed and the favorite in the Central Division. Kaplan is a hack who works for the TV station who lost the Cubs games.
Cubs have no choice but to cut payroll. That’s from the owner. The Cubs pitching sucks. That’s because Theo can’t develop or judge pitching talent.
Yes, but they only need to cut about $4M to fall under the luxury tax. Then the next year, their tax penalty is reset and they can go above it again.
They can trade Daniel descalso and be under the luxury tax. Doesnt matter what they get. He needs to go away.
Dude they dont need to do anything. They have over 50mil to spend. That doesnt include arbitration contracts.
Cubs trading Bryant and/or Contreras would not mean they’re giving up. They would get players to help them immediately.
Kaplan is not a hack and he tells it like it is. He ticks everyone off which tells he is doing his job.
Kaplan is a hack.
And he’s a gigantic Cubs homer 99.99% of the time.
He is a cubs homer but he rips them harder than anyone. When the Cubs traded Jiminez and Cease for Quintana he lost his mind and immediately savaged the Cubs. Not a hack.
But still, that abysmal end to their season plus the fact that the players are a year older mean that the contention window as is will be closing. Not now obviously, but fairly soon. The Cubs need to open up payroll flexibility and get younger in order to keep that window continuous. Epstein is trying to do this with the proposed trades but that doesn’t mean he will
From a hitting standpoint a year older is probably a good thing for players like Lester and Kimbrel it is not. Their offense should be tremendous next year even without an upgrade.
“Hitting wins Championships “
Kiermaier one of Yarbs or Yonny and a prospect might get Bryant or Contreras but no way both. As a Cub fan I think they will deal Bryant and get a decent but not otherworldly return for him. I think Contreras May be dealt as well but would like to see him stay.
Kirmaier is elite defensively, but can’t hit. Just not enough of an upgrade from Almora who is also much cheaper.
I think Theo is waiting after the Cubs Convention to make moves……
will Bryant show up ?…….that will tell all !
Will there be a Special Announcement ?……..a new extension deal ?
Will there be a MAJOR trade the week after the convention ?
Cubs can look elshwere in a trade for Bryant but they may not find a team with as much pitching wise as the Padres have in the minors.
In one trade they can pick up a TOR arm as well as potentential stud bulpen pieces and sleeper position players.
The Pads system is stacked.
Yes, and AJ needs to win this year. This might be the best route. Patino, Morejon, Weathers, and Margot plus a lottery pick for Bryant.
Bryant wouldnt have a spot in san Diego. unless its an 3 team trade that sends wil myers somewhere else.
The Cubs aren’t trading Bryant unless they get an offer that they can’t turn down. Which teams just won’t do unless they’re desperate. I’d like for them to try to extend him and make him a Cub for life. His value is somewhat down right now because of injury. I feel like last year is his floor. He’s in his prime and I expect him to have huge years for the next few years. Right now would be the perfect time to extend him before he has those huge years. He’s going to want a contract similar to what Arenado and Rendon got. Maybe you can get him slightly cheaper if you extend him now opposed to after he has a huge year. The Cubs biggest downfall is that they haven’t been able to get any quality production from SP’s from their farm. They had to pay big contracts for Lester and Darvish. They had to pay a premium in prospects to get Quintana. They absolutely need some cheap pitching to give them meaningful innings. Their offense is still one of the best in the league. Rizzo is going to put up similar numbers as he always does. Heyward’s contract is terrible, but at least he had his best year with the Cubs last year. He possibly could even be a tad better this year. Bryant, Schwarber, and Baez are all in their primes and could put up their best years ever. Happ could have a breakout season. He ended last year on a tear. Hoermer can flat out hit. Maybe he takes claim to the 2B job. Contreras is a beast and top 3 at his position. Now which one of those guys is expendable and could bring back a cheap option for the rotation? The only one is Contreras. You have a quality guy to replace him. And, he still has 3 years of control left. Realmuto only had 2 years and he got the Marlins a top pitching prospect plus another former top 100 prospect in Alfaro. The Cubs should be able to get at least equal value if not a little more for Contreras. There’s only a few teams with the need for a Catcher and a top SP prospect to trade. Padres, Ray’s, and Astros. The Padres aren’t trading Paddack or Gore for him. The Ray’s are the Ray’s and don’t make moves like that. That leaves the Astros and Whitley. I’d be happy if the Cubs would do that trade one for one. I’m sure that the Astros wouldn’t and the Cubs would want more than just Whitley. Anyways, all the haters can keep on hating. But, the Cubs are going to win the Central this year and possibly even make a deep run. The offense is going to be stout, Kimbrel will have a bounce back year, and Quintana is going to have a great year in a contract year.
I did not read this “comment” it was longer than the article??
lol I thought the same thing to myself as I skimmed past it and then saw your comment!
But, you’ll read a hundred short replies.
Yes. Much easier to read than one 50 line paragraph.
Attention span of a flea. Keep it short. This is the Vine generation (now defunct. 6 seconds was too long).
Did you read the article itself? Much longer than the long comment
I feel the opposite about Bryant. He is the convenient face to solve the salary problem. He sued the team and turned down their extension offer off hand. He’ll never sign long term with the Cubs so move him and take what you can get which will be much less than most Cub fans expect!
They never offered him an extension though.
He’s said multiple times he wants to stay on the cubs. He also wants to test the FA market. He’ll want 230-250 mil. Over 8 or 9years. The cubs will have plenty of money to keep at least 4 of there prime players. Baez, Rizzo and Bryant. Rizzo is not leaving. Literally everyone on the cubs team wants to stay there. They might need to take hometown discounts but its every bit possible to keep them all.
Another poster (Kenny) who doesn’t know what a paragraph is.
3yrs in a row consistently declining as a baseball team, no lead off,no team speed, no contact hitting,no bullpen, below average OF defense and suspect SP yet somehow fans believe the Cubs will magically contend in 2020.
They contended in 2019 with pretty much the same team (minus a couple of pieces from that “terrible bullpen”). There’s no reason to believe they can’t contend..
In august they had that horrible bullpen had the lowest era in all of baseball
Why can’t the Cubs contend in 2020, especially in an NL Central Division that has no clearly superior team like the Braves or Dodgers? Their new manager, who is more than familiar with this core group of players mostly in their prime years, just might provide the new voice and stability that was getting stale and over-managed under their former skipper.
They will contend they have 10/1 odds of winning the world series.
Can the manager pitch every third day?
Yes, he can
All good points. They only have power and even with the live-ball, ideal for them, they still couldn’t compete for a meh division last season. Not promising.
Any other cub fans still bitter over the fact that this front office drafted Brandon little over Nate Pearson?
The front office already has an “alternative plan they can cook up to keep these Cubs viable”. It’s a new voice in the dugout, former backup catcher David Ross who knows this core group very well since he was an important veteran leader on their 2016 championship team. If Theo doesn’t get the package he is looking for with Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras or any other marquee player on their roster to clear some salary space he will roll with what he has and then reevaluate as the July 31st trade deadline approaches.
The best tonic to remedy the Cubs sliding production over the past three seasons just might be a new manager who can get maximum performance out of this still very talented and mostly young group of players.
Good points but I do not feel David Ross is the one to get maximum production out of anyone at least in his first learn on the job year
David Ross will have plenty of help around him including some coaches returning from last season. Stability in the coaching staff was also an issue under Joe Maddon who went through pitching and hitting coaches like Imelda Marcos went through shoes.
Personally, I love catchers as managers. They are familiar with all facets of the game. I believe Ross will be a fine manager as a catcher who was very studious and had exceptional leadership skills. He knows most of these players intimately as their teammate in 2015 and 2016.
PaaaaLeeze. A manager doesn’t make someone a leadoff hitter, make the starting pitchers younger, make Heyward’s contract palatable, and stop hitters from wilting with RISP. And the bar was Joe Madden so the bar was already on the high side.
World Series teams have great defensive catchers. Contreras sucks. He can hit, but he costs his pitchers strikes and outs with his pitch framing and blocking.
Cubs need to dump him before he gets expensive.
The Cubs won the World Series with Contreras…
You mean the same guy that many pundits were tabbing as an NL MVP candidate last offseason? Willson Contreras is one of the best hitting catchers in the game and has more tools and athleticism than most any of his peers. Perhaps former Cubs catcher and new manager David Ross can help unlock all that athleticism in Contreras that includes a cannon arm. His tools across the board are elite for a catcher. What Contreras needs is some tough love and some help between the ears. I can’t think of a better person to do that than Ross.
Btw: The Cubs combination of Contreras and backup catcher Victor Caratini has to be considered one of the best duo’s in MLB. Chicago is very fortunate when it comes to backstops in 2020 with an even better tandem on the Southside in Yasmani Grandal and James McCann. There is a lot of star power behind the dish in Chicago with 5 All-Star selection split among Contreras (2), Grandal (2) and McCann (1) with each player still in their prime years or younger, especially the two on the Northside of town. Contreras also sports a World Series ring as the Cubs primary catcher on their 2016 championship team which flies in the face of your comment.
Impressive comment.
LMAOOOOO… you can’t be serious
Contreas is one of the best catchers in baseball matter of fact he’s 2and best next to Molina. when Molina retires Contreas will be #1. And it’s not even close. Framing is not a stat and ever has been and never will be.
Tell that to the pitchers
I think the Dodgers are waiting for players that nobody else wants to make the big move! Anybody agree with me?
You mean like Chris Davis or Wil Myers? lol
I think there are more than a few teams in MLB who would love to have Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor or Kris Bryant in their lineup. Just saying…
I’m sick of everyone that thinks they’re a GM , the easiest way for the Cubs to raise needed revenue is to sell all the buildings that surround Wrigley, it’s not Ricketts Field yet !
That’s about $100 million to put into the team !! Not their pockets
Best thing that can happen for Cub fans is the Ricketts selling the team!
That’s been the go to line for decades. The Wrigleys should sell the team. The Tribune needs to sell the team… At least Ricketts brought a trophy in.
The amount of revenue coming in from the buildings around Wrigley will get them more money than selling them.
Yeah, the Cubs really need to invest another $100M into their already overinflated payroll. Great call.
Or maybe Theo can stop wasting his resources and/or the players can play up to their potential… The Ricketts have invested more than enough to field a winning team.
Selling buildings has nothing to do with it. Ricketts knows Cubs fans will pack the joint every day for an 84’ish win team and he can milk 2016 for the next 20 years. He is being a smart businessman and knows Cubs fans will support mediocrity with enthusiasm. It sucks. But…..it’s reality.
At least 90 wins and most likely winning the NL Central
I want some of what you are smokin’
Cubs will finish third in 2020, sorry that’s a fact. There day is over, the Cards and Reds will finish ahead of them
Prediction doesn’t equal fact, even in the TARDIS
Nice “fact”, homer.
Wow! Another Chicago fan who hates his team’s owner. You just can’t please everyone, even if it’s Jerry Reinsdorf with his 7 championships and the Ricketts’ family with one during their 10 year reign and first for a Cub owner in 108 years. I get the McCaskey animosity especially since virtually every Chicago fan roots for the Bears. Still, it’s difficult to actually hate on a nice 97-year old woman who reminds most of us of our grandmas. It’s not her fault that George Halas left the team to her after his son Mugsy passed away and before the old man kicked the bucket. Virginia’s mistake was letting her sons run the operation for so many years after grandpa died but what good mother doesn’t prioritize her children above all else?
Who do Cub fans prefer running their team? The Wrigley family who owned them for most of those 108 years of futility or the faceless Tribune Company, except for Sam Zell who purchased the company and team after it declared bankruptcy in 2008 and held them for two years until the Ricketts’ came to the rescue.
As for White Sox and Bulls fans, who were your favorite owners? The Comiskey family who won nothing after 1917 with founder Charles also mostly responsible for the 1919 Black Sox scandal due to his penny-pinching way. Many White Sox fans had an affinity for Bill Veeck who barely had two nickels to rub together compared to most of his MLB brethren. How many championships did he win in Chicago? Answer: Zero! I don’t even remember who owned the Bulls before Reinsdorf bought the team but I can unequivocally state that answer was also a big fat ZERO!
Again with this bs, Aaron? Jerry Reinsdorf did not win six NBA championships, Michael Jordan did. And no one in their right mind sees it any other way. In regards to the one lone World Series win during a 40 year span of owning the White Sox, you’ve got to be kidding if you think Jerry deserves any recognition for that. Basically, lightning struck twice for Reisdorf with the Bulls drafting MJ, and the White Sox spending very little to put a solid team on the field for once. Most people call that luck. Luck doesn’t garner much respect for an owner or GM, nor should it.
Michael couldn’t have done it without Scottie.
It’s a team sport. I have tremendous respect for Scottie, but MJ made him great. MJ had a rare quality of talent, leadership and determination that rubbed off on his teammates. Read Pippen’s comments about MJ and his effect on teammates.
I heard John Kerr say he won those Championships all by himself !
I thought Krause won the Bulls championships!
To many Cubs fans jumping all over the Ricketts. They provided the fan base with a top 3 payroll. Imagine how happy White Sox fans would be if their owners put out the same kind of money? I’m a Braves fan and would absolutely love them being allowed to spend like that. Imagine how Indians fans feel as they watched the FO almost GIVE away Kluber and possibly even trade the face of their franchise.
Cubs fans do have some gripes but it certainly isn’t with the Ricketts.
Of course the Ricketts get well deserved credit for their part in the World Series win. But the whole salary cap thing is a lame excuse for wasting the window they still have by not improving this team NOW. The team is the center and driver of everything they’re trying to build, and spending more right now on essential needs would’ve been wise.. But, it almost doesn’t matter now as they’ve missed on almost all significant free agents. It’s possible that some holes may get filled with trades, but billionaires completely ignoring the FA market because of “budget constraints” is ludicrous.
Nice use of paragraphs, Aaron, for long comment!
Good for you.
Sounds like a one time shot high & then what?
I think that’s what most commenters are missing. They’re not desperate to trade him, as they still have two more years of him. If they get a deal done at their price, they’ll do it. If not, there’s no reason to be in a hurry.
Fans always expecting a Dave Stuart trade. Dave Stuart got fired after one year.
The Cubs win a World Championship after 100 years. Now they expect a World Championship every year. They are always the lovable losers,
Nah. I think they have a window and see it prematurely closing. They fell short last year and the team is mostly unchanged. I think fans just want to see the roster shake up they were promised at the end of the season.
Every team ever has the goal to win the world series. nothing new.
Its gonna be funny when the yankees draught of no championship doubles to 20 years.
Will you eat crow or your hat if the Yankees drought of no championship does not extend to 20 years or are you just spouting from your arse? I think we both know which it is.
Yankees stadium is a nightmare for starting pitchers. Cole helps them on the road, but I think his talent gets negated in NY.
Every time Cole pitches in NY, the opposing pitcher will be facing a bigger nightmare. Slightly less dominance but still a lot of winning in Cole’s future. Just needs to stay on the mound.
Every Sports fan is spouting from their arse LOL
that is what makes it fun
James I do not see the correlation
Rays are primed to take a step back, I have the Sox beating them out for the playoffs. They still have a more well rounded team, the Rays are pitching dominant..
“Rays primed to take a step back” just cause you wish it so doesn’t make it so, and most national writers don’t agree with you. As far as rays being pitching dominate. You are right, but unlike you most people who know baseball realize how important pitching is. Which is why pitchers have made a billion dollars this off season. In the end neither team is sniffing the scumbags Yankees but because of that pitching and the best farm system in b ball and the sux cutting payroll The rays are better
Rays are smart holding onto their SP depth for 2020.
Their lineup while not star studded has many good upside young players.
They added Renfroe & the Japanese slugger for a combined $9.4mil in 2020.
Maybe Morton takes a step back/maybe not but with a healthy Snell, Glasnow, Chirinos, Yarbrough to go along with McKay & Richards for depth the Rays have a deeper Starting Rotation. The Bullpen while not as dominant gets the job done.
Wildcard player is Brett Honeywell in 2020
Rays have many players that are still young & developing….
Adames
Meadows
Diaz
N. Lowe
B. Lowe
Ji-Man Choi
Player(s) that were hurt/had off years (prior season hit well)….
Robertson
Wendle
Zunino
Pitchers that missed significant time….
Snell (’18 AL CY Young)
Glasnow
Diaz & B. Lowe also each missed many games due to injuries.
They also added for $9.4mil 2 players that will help in 2020.
“I have the Sox beating them out for the playoffs.”
That’s what all the naysayers believed last year too but the Sox were climbing the mountain all season.
Difficult to see the Rays stepping backward. A rotation of Morton, Snell (healthy), Glassnow (healthy), Yarborough (continued development) and Chironos (continued development) isn’t just good; it’s almost unquestionably the BEST in MLB. And the bullpen is more than serviceable.
Granted the health questions, but as of today Snell and Glassnow look healthy. Granted the development questions, but both Yarbs and Chirinos have progressed in a linier fashion; no reason to suspect that will change. And Morton looks like he’s still got enough left in the tank.
They’ll still come up short in the division because they won’t make the final move to get a bat, and they’ll likely be some regression from Choi/Meadows/BLowe.
As for the Sox “cost cutting”, where exactly has that occurred so far? Rumors do not reality make.
Price will be gone by Feb 1st that’s 30 million. and they have not and will not add anything to replace him.
To where?
Any retained salary if so?
Either La team or rangers .sux will eat half of salary just to get a good prospect back
Regression from B. Lowe?
Huh?
He will be entering only his 2nd full season & missed about 2 months with a bruised shin.
34.5 % K-rate, .377 BABIP, tightening of the “super ball”, upper cutter = almost guaranteed regression.
So you are assuming a 2nd year player will not be working on his weaknesses in the offseason?
Why exactly would he? Guaranteed contract for next 4 years, if he wins the Triple Crown he gets 4M AAV; if he winds up in Durham, he gets 4M. Taking 2 months off for a “bruised shin” means a two month hiatus for a hangnail is coming. (Down the hall, Keirmyer has made a career out of it).
No, money isn’t the sole motivator an athlete. But it’s a large one. Lowe doesn’t have a little work to do, he has a ton of work to do; the 35% K-rate matches Chris Davis.
White Sox will not be in the Playoffs.
82 wins the most !
Why?
bigdaddy is a typical Sox hating cvbs fan. No logic to his trolling, just trash.
I don’t think that is such a given as you portray it to be.
the last two off seasons the pale hose have addressed much of their issues with pitching including several previous acquisitions finally maturing to MLB solid performers. they have improved their offense The Chi Sox now have one of the better catching tandems out their, a fairly solid infield and a bevy of young OF like Eloy Jimenez..
mean while back at the division ranch the Indians are trading core players away to trim payroll, the Tiggers are re building as are the Royals. No team is going to run away with this division like previous years nor are any of them going to throw a lot of money down on Free Agents. But all of the teams have enough flexibility to make deadline moves that could shape this years stretch run
no World Series for the Dodgers again this year!!
The Cubs window is still wide open.
With that rotation and bullpen? You can’t be serious.
Honestly, The rotation is not god awful. Hendricks, Lester, Quintana, Darvish are a good top 4. I get your hate for the Cubs, but they could have a lineup that looks like this
Happ/Almora CF
Schwarber LF
Heyward RF
Contreras/ Carantini Catcher
Bryant 3rd
Rizzo 1st
Baez SS
Hoerner 2nd
Bote, Descalso, ? (spring training standout?
5th starter is Alzolay, Mills, Rea, Chatwood
Bullpen is Wieck, Wick, Ryan, Kimbrel, Mills, Rea, Chatwood
Cubs are not as deep as they have been, but that might be a good thing
Can Hoerner bat leadoff? Can Chatwood be the 5th starter? Will Alzolay emerge and stay healthy? Will Lester be better with Ross (He is always better with him around)
Trade some guys away and you have a decent chance of stocking up because 2021 will see some guys from the Minors emerging in the Big Leagues
2020 the Cubs farm system is going to be really deep at developing Catcher, Pitcher, and OF.
Impartial Rays fan here. When you say starting rotation not God awful you are correct, when you say good you are wrong. At this point for various reasons, injuries,age, inconsistencies,ect you have 4 guys who are 3 4 and 5 in rotation where is the 1 and 2?. As for lineup happ/almorza are 4th outfielders.swap above avg hit below avg field, Hayward just the opposite.love your catchers( can we have one?) 5 6 7 very good. Horner? Hope he is good (on my fantasy team) but who knows. Bote and descaclo ? Please ! I like the Sox future better
If you look at the rotation in the NC central. Only the Reds look better top to bottom. Cards and Cubs are basically the same. All you have to do to get into the dance is win your division.
Nailed shut!!
What is the rotating looking like for the Sox? what about the bullpen? Giolito was not as effecting later in the season as he was at the start. More teams have scouted him now than in the past. sophomore slump is coming for him.
Like the window of an abandoned building.
If I am GM, then its Contreras to either the Rangers or Padres.
Rangers would have to give up Taveras, Huff, and pick either Crouse or Winn to part with. This is a fair trade.
Padres would have to give up Hedges, L. Patino, and R. Weathers. This is a fair trade.
If Braves don’t get JD, then I would ask for Camargo, Anderson, and Muller for Bryant. This is a fair trade.
If Nats don’t get JD, I ask for Robles and Rutledge for Bryant. This is a fair trade.
This is all Epstein needs to ask for. One of these teams will accept the deals above, and both teams will be the better for it.
Bryant gets them under that tax line, but losing that bat and gaining Robles does do much for helping the corner infield spot at 3rd. I would rather they keep Bryant and give Happ a real shot at CF.
Even if Bryant has two years of control, Nats don’t make that trade since it creates a hole in center that they’d need to make another trade to fill to avoid having a below-average player in Taylor there. That’s why there are other stories on this site about talks stalling. Easier to cobble the infield together until Kieboom proves he can handle the position, or involve Kieboom in a deal to fill it..
The parting of Robles would be the most difficult of these deals to swallow, but that is certainly what the Cubs are asking for. Without Robles, there is no deal with the Nationals.
I’m glad Theo realizes once he trades Bryant the Cubs dynasty (and playoff chances) are over.
Why does Theo want to trade KB and WC is just stupid — its not like these guys are 34 yrs old — pitching is what the cubs need – Theo should be fired as he has now become clueless
Impartial Rays fan here. When you say starting rotation not God awful you are correct, when you say good you are wrong. At this point for various reasons, injuries,age, inconsistencies,ect you have 4 guys who are 3 4 and 5 in rotation where is the 1 and 2?. As for lineup happ/almorza are 4th outfielders.swap above avg hit below avg field, Hayward just the opposite.love your catchers( can we have one?) 5 6 7 very good. Horner? Hope he is good (on my fantasy team) but who knows. Bote and descaclo ? Please ! I like the Sox future better