Bleacher Bums Forum

My smart a$$ answer is that even signing Darvish doesn't close the gap with the Cubs and that their closer situation is a bigger need.

Thanks, Curt.  They've certainly got to have the $$ for one of these guys.  I think it's part of a national media thing, don't seem to pick up on Cardinals rumors as much as some of the other teams.  But that doesn't mean Cardinals GM isn't as active or smart as the next guy. 

O well, still over 3 weeks till pitchers and catchers report, so no rush for any of the agents to jump yet. 

 Jerry Crasnick
✔
@jcrasnick

Yu Darvish has at least one five-year offer on the table, according to a source, but nothing yet has enticed him to take the plunge. It's uncertain if the years or the $$ are the hangup -- or both. #Cubs, #Twins, #Rangers, #Dodgers, #Brewers are all believed to be in the mix.
11:42 AM - Jan 22, 2018

Interesting story given Gimenez’s Darvish connection. They’ve been talking this offseason, and Darvish isn’t a big fan of rules around the clubhouse (seems to be a perfect fit for Maddon).

https://www.twincities.com/2017/12/12/relationship-with-twins-gm-thad-levine-could-be-game-changer-for-yu-darvish/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

According to Gimenez himself in this story about the signing, he spoke early in the offseason with Darvish about trying to be a package deal, but they haven't really talked in a while. Gimenez had worked with Maddon in Tampa and probably sees a chance to make the team since other than Caratini, there is no backup right now. Unless Darvish told the Cubs to sign him for him to sign, doesn't sound like a package deal. We'll see. 

https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/22/chris-gimenez-signs-with-chicago-cubs-is-yu-darvish-next/

Pass the salt, but...

AP Source: Cubs Having Active Talks With RHP Yu Darvish
By The Associated Press


Jan. 22, 2018
CHICAGO — A person with direct knowledge of the discussions says the Chicago Cubs are having active talks with free-agent pitcher Yu Darvish.


The 31-year-old Darvish is one of the top remaining players available in a slow-moving market this winter. He finished last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping them reach the World Series.

Talk to me about Tommy John.

Didnt he already have it?

How long does it hold up?

Im being serious.

TJ surgery has gotten better and better.  Most pitchers totally recover.  Now and then some don't, but Darvish has had a full year on his new elbow.  Most pitchers continue to get better.  Now and then a pitcher has a reoccurence but while a consideration, it is thought that a successful surgery means the odds of another TJS is the same as any other pitcher.