Author Topic: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)  (Read 72860 times)

mO

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Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« on: September 29, 2014, 09:57:04 am »
The 2014 season is over.  On to '15!

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DelMarFan

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2014, 11:40:09 am »
How long until pitchers and catchers report?

CurtOne

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2014, 12:48:48 pm »
I predict 73 wins last year!

davep

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #3 on: September 29, 2014, 02:46:03 pm »
You can tell the really old guys because they live in the past.

Jes Beard

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #4 on: September 29, 2014, 04:30:45 pm »
You can tell the really old guys because they live in the past.

So.... you meant to write, "You could tell the really old guys because they lived in the past."

Reb

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #5 on: September 29, 2014, 05:35:54 pm »
So, Cubs 40-man roster currently stands at 42, including the three 60-day DL guys.

How will it shape up in coming off-season?

As to protecting Rule 5 guys, AZ Phil's latest projection few weeks ago had Cubs adding only CJ Edwards to the roster, as bunch of eligibles already added.  Probably a chance that Cervenka could be added too.  Don't see anyone else with the caveat that we're often surprised by somebody who is added.

From current 42, see at least 7 guys out:  Fukikawa (option declined), McDonald (will anybody remember a few years from now that James McDonald was on Cubs 40-man roster all season?), Villanueva (FA), Baker (dime a dozen guy), Valaika (see Baker comment), Kalish (courtesy Sept call-up--don't expect roster spot too fella), Vitters (enough already guy-can somebody say "change of scenery").

Other candidates but unlikely (seems to me):  Wada ($5 option?--think he stays), Ruggiano (could go if another, better RH OFer brought in), Wright (non-tendered a year ago by Rays after a somewhat similar season to this one), Schlitter or Parker (kind of similar guys and one may be redundant if there is unexpected roster crunch. Both have an option left but will have to pass optional waivers if sent out). Do Parker a favor, guys, and just trade the guy to somebody who will keep him in majors instead of jerking him around all season as in 2014, okay?

Is this a roster crunch?  Don't think so.  Cubs have minimal outside needs in terms of quantity and somebody could be added via trade that would delete somebody.  See Edwin Jackson.

davep

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2014, 06:02:00 pm »
I think that the Cubs will trade some players off the 40 man roster this winter, similar to the deal that brought Ruggiano here for Bogesevic.  Hopefully, there will be some of a higher magnitude, such as a trade of one or two pitchers.  There doesn't seem to be much hope for Jackson, but I would expect some of Wada, Wood, Schlitter, Parker, Jokich or others to go.  Wood and a couple of relievers could make an interesting package for a rotation pitcher expected to be a little better than Wood.

As far as the 40 man roster goes, Edwards and perhaps Cervenko might be the only ones added, but I would expect that they will want to bring in 4 or 5 free agents that are better than the "minor league contract/spring training invitees" that they have brought in in the past.

Cubsin

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2014, 06:44:59 pm »
The obvious trade candidates I see are Christian Villanueva (our fifth-best 3B behind Bryant, Valbuena, Olt, and the future 3B from among Baez, Russell and Castro, but a very good defender with extra-base pop) and one or both of Brian Schlitter and Blake Parker. Vizcaino, Rosscup and Rivero are all more promising. Anything we can get for EJax would likely be an improvement if the dollars were balanced.

davep

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #8 on: September 29, 2014, 06:59:41 pm »
I think any of the second tier prospects (those considered to be below Baez, Alcantara, Bryant, Soler, Schwarber and Almora) especially those at AA or higher, will be candidates for add-ins on trades this winter and spring.

By the way, CubsDen reports that there has been a lot of talk on twitter saying that Raul Alcantara of the A's will be the PTBNL in the trade.  That doesn't make a lot of sense since he has two more options left and recently had TJ surgery.  But I suppose it could be accurate.

Cubsin

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #9 on: September 29, 2014, 07:13:05 pm »
Three teams tied for the seventh worst record in MLB - the Cubs, White Sox and Phillies. The Cubs' opening day payroll was $89 million (including most of Soriano's salary for 2014), the White Sox was $91 million and the Phillies was $180 million, or $115 less that the Cubs and Sox combined. If Ruben Amaro's days are numbered, perhaps a Hamels trade could become a possibility.

Dave23

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2014, 12:33:17 pm »
Theo's EOY press conference...

Baez is expected to be the opening day starter at 2B

All coaches will be back except asst hitting coach Mike Brumley...spot for Manny?

Dave23

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2014, 12:42:16 pm »
Grimm and Ramirez staying in the pen...Castro staying at SS

Russell will come to ST as SS, but will see work at 2B and 3B as well...they have talked with him about this as well...

Playtwo

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2014, 01:04:36 pm »
No surprises from my perspective.

Reb

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2014, 01:37:16 pm »
Grimm and Ramirez staying in the pen..

Theo understands that power bullpen arms are the new wave in MLB. What teams are moving outstanding bullpen arms to rotation? Old fashioned thinking when guys are best suited to short, power stints. The more the merrier. Grimm probably not happy to stay in bullpen but he was lights out late in season.

Royals tonight in the wild card game are a good example. Bullpen in the aggregate more important than ever these days. Showalter in Baltimore can hardly wait to get to his bullpen.

In KC, they don't really need a loogy--their late inning power righties are so good. Buck, however, has a bunch of good lefties. Cubs probably will lack really good lefties in 2015 but guessing not a priority this off-season, with Vizcaino and Rivero joining the other power righties.

Is this a difference from previous Cubs off-seasons or what?


shasson

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Re: Cubs in '15 (09/14 - 08/15)
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2014, 03:54:47 pm »
Theo also pretty much said they would add an outfielder. No mystery there. Given that, anyone else surprised there hasn't been much linking the Cubs to Yosmani Tomas? Maybe as he is a righty with power, who might K a bunch, they figure they have that job description pretty well covered.