Author Topic: Cubs in '17 - 👑👑👑 Reigning Champions Edition 👑👑👑  (Read 75313 times)

mO

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Defend the crown season
« Last Edit: November 03, 2016, 12:23:30 pm by mO »

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Robb

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Re: Cubs in '17 - Reigning Champions Edition
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2016, 12:15:19 pm »
Big questions:
Who closes?
Do they pick up Hammel's option? 
Do they move Heyward to center, perhaps a platoon with Almora there?
Trade Soler for pitching?

mO

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Re: Cubs in '17 - Reigning Champions Edition
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2016, 12:17:01 pm »
Where does Zobrist play?
Who catches who?
Do they actually need to sign any free agents? (except maybe closer)

mO

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Re: Cubs in '17 - Reigning Champions Edition
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2016, 12:19:21 pm »
Post your syrupy stories about how Heyward has completely revamped his swing and is poised for a monster season here

goblue007

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98 wins

Back to Back MVP for Kris Bryant

Cubs beat the Red Sox in 6

CurtOne

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Where does Zobrist play?
Who catches who?
Do they actually need to sign any free agents? (except maybe closer)
I think Zobrist will become the biggest insurance policy ever signed.  If a catcher gets hurt and Schwarber has to (and can) go behind the plate, Z goes to left.  If Schwarber has knee problems in left, Z goes to left.  If Fowler leaves and Heyward moves to center, Zobrist goes to right.  If Heyward is still mired in a horrible slump, Z goes to Right.  If Bryant gets hurt, Baez to third, Z to 2nd.  If Russell gets hurt, Baez to SS, Z to 2nd.  If Baez gets hurt or struggles at the plate, Z to 2nd.  If Rizzo, gets hurt, Bryant to first or Schwarber or Zobrist.

To me, Chapman showed in the playoffs to be extremely human.  Several blown saves.  I'd prefer Jansen.  And if we strike out on both, hope Rondon and Strop return to form and deal for someone at the deadline again.  Teams out of it usually deal their closers.
« Last Edit: November 03, 2016, 01:30:53 pm by CurtOne »

Deeg

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I would much prefer we sign a FA closer than again raid a depleted farm system to trade for one in July.  And while I too would prefer Jansen, I do think most of Chapman's vulnerability in the playoffs came from the way Joe handled him. I'd be thrilled to see him re-signed.

I know Theo doesn't like to spend on relief pitchers, but priority #1, to me, should be trying to build a lights-out bullpen next season - it's a huge factor in the postseason.
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CurtOne

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Misuse may be valid.  I almost got the feeling that Joe thought, "Hell, this guy is probably leaving, so what if his arm falls off."  Okay, not really.

Bennett

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When does Kyle Schwarber have to report for spring training, March 25?

Deeg

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8 AM on Opening Day.
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brjones

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Finding a way to fit Fowler on next year's team might be the top priority for me.  He was so important to this team this year.

I'd also prefer Jansen to Chapman.  If neither of them, Melancon wouldn't be a bad target.  They should add a closer though...I'm scared to rely on Rondon with his non-specific arm problems.

Might be nice to add a second reliever too.  I think Strop will be fine with an offseason to rest his knee, but I wouldn't rely on Rondon as even the second setup guy.  His injury history is just too long to ignore his arm problem.

They should pick up Hammel's option and trade him.  With the free agent market the way it is, he should be reasonably valuable.  Search for an established controllable starter...but I'm completely comfortable going into the season with Montgomery as the #5 starter.

It seems almost inevitable that AJ Ellis will be the top target to be Lester's personal catcher next year. 
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wmljohn

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Quote
Posted by: CurtOne
« on: Today at 02:58:20 pm » Insert Quote
Oh, wow.   http://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/17957868/chicago-cubs-odds-favorites-repeat-world-series-champions

That reminds me.  I have a $20 futures bet for the Cubs to win the 2016 WS sitting in a drawer at home that I need to mail in to Vegas and collect on.  :)  WOOHOOOO  BONUS!!!

CUBluejays

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Jansen or Chapman would be my top choice. 

Holland is also a possibility.  Revamping the lefties out of the bullpen too.

Montgomery in the rotation will save money, so put me down for him as the fifth stater.

AJ Ellis isn't great at throwing out runners, so I'd hate to see him brought in.

Reb

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Don't think Cubs will carry three catchers again, especially with Schwarber maybe catching at least a bit.

Montero not tradable with that contract unless eat a bunch or take back somebody else's overpaid guy. Think he's okay as a backup.
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