Author Topic: Cubs in '20  (Read 49082 times)

Dave23

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Cubs in '20
« on: September 30, 2019, 02:29:21 pm »
So that we can put the smell of '19 behind us...

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brjones

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2019, 03:01:45 pm »
Theo's press conference should be starting up any minute. The Cubs are showing it on YouTube.


Deeg

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2019, 04:44:53 pm »
Jesse Rogers has an interesting piece on Maddon's departure, the issues the team has had and what they need in a new manager.  It includes the following:

"The Cubs might already have their next manager in mind, but at the very least they should know the qualities they need. Maddon worked hard to connect with a younger generation of players, but a younger manager and former major leaguer will inherently speak the millennial language. Whether the next manager has experience or not, he had better understand the ever-changing dynamics within a pitching staff, especially as it relates to the National League. If people wondered about Maddon's bullpen maneuvers, what will they say of a rookie manager's?

"Just as important as any in-game decision, the new manager must work with a firmer hand. By their own admission, Cubs players have been pampered by owner Tom Ricketts and team brass. It's first class all the way, but the players haven't always reciprocated. In a sense, it feels as if they've taken advantage of their parents and now need a little more discipline in their lives."



If those are legitimately the concerns, is it really a good idea to hire the guy those players are publicly asking you to hire?

CUBluejays

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2019, 04:47:34 pm »
The players were apparently asking for more scheduled team batting and fielding practices.

CurtOne

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2019, 04:48:12 pm »
Maybe Rogers read my post!

Ron

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2019, 04:58:35 pm »
Theo's press conference should be starting up any minute. The Cubs are showing it on YouTube.



A very long press conference. I listened to most of it. Would like to have been able to take notes. Seemed pretty clear there .will be substantial changes. At one point, discussing players nearing end of control, said if longer deal cannot be reached that would be a factor in openess to trades. Said he cared more about what they would receive in trade than what they would give up. Emphasized the need for players adept at contact, also the importance of how they would benefit the team long term, not just short term.






Ron

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2019, 05:26:22 pm »
Other stuff as I think of things. One is that Theo had high praise for Contreras and Castellanos. He also mentioned again that some players had made adjustments they were asked to at the plate (though he did not give names, he presumably was referring to Happ and Schwarber).

He specifically acknowledged leadoff and CF as areas in special need of improvement, aling with 2B. Said he would love to have a prototypical leadoff guy, but said the options there are very limited. He stressed his philosophy of  trying to fill up the lineup with high on base hitters


Ron

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2019, 05:32:22 pm »
I believe Theo said one member the coaching staff eould be considered for manager, and also that one person on their list is with a plaoff team.

Bennett

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2019, 05:42:49 pm »
I believe Theo said one member the coaching staff eould be considered for manager, and also that one person on their list is with a plaoff team.
Hank White is currently with the Nationals.

craig

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2019, 05:50:21 pm »
That was a really good interview.  Theo is really good with those, and that one may be his best I've ever heard. 

After that, I'm more confident than before that Russell is gone.  Theo made a couple of references to "consequences" being "evident" for not being prepared.  I may not remember it correctly.  But I kinda think the only guys who I recall experiencing evident "consequences" were Russell and Almora, the two guys who got sent down.  Almora was consequences for being completely unable to hit, but I'm not sure effort or preparation were at issue.  I'm guessing not being prepared and consequences would seem to have Russell's name on it? 

Ron

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2019, 05:51:15 pm »
Speaking about Ross, Theo said his connection to playwrs, particularly 2016 team would not be a particular asset (though not a deyriment). Throughout Theo stressed the need to look forward, not back, to seek change that will build a new culture. He als said he places a high value on experience
 It did not sound like Ross is anywhere near a favored candidate.

craig

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2019, 05:51:35 pm »
Ron, I noted with interest how enthusiastic and positive he was when discussing Castellanos, too.  Found it interesting. 

method

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2019, 05:53:47 pm »
Send almora to the wsox, I like him! I don't think he recovered from the ball hitting the little kid.

method

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2019, 05:54:37 pm »
Atleast Theo seems to know Casty is worth keeping... He's exactly the type of player they need hitting wise.

Deeg

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Re: Cubs in '20
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2019, 05:59:56 pm »
I believe Theo said one member the coaching staff eould be considered for manager, and also that one person on their list is with a plaoff team.

The latter will be Acosta, the former Loretta. Presumably.

As for Castellanos there’s a lot there to like.  But I just don’t see how he and Schwarber fit together long term.