Bleacher Bums Forum

It may be an oversimplification, but to an extent this seems like a classic heart vs. head situation.  If you say no to Ross not only are you saying no, you're likely burning all bridges with a beloved organizational figure.  By hiring Espada you lose Ross from the organization, and I can certainly understand that emotion comes into play there.

That said, the truth is that if Ross had taken the bench coach job when Theo offered it, he'd probably already have been hired as the manager.  He made a choice - a perfectly legitimate one, but he needs to live with the consequences of that choice.

Similar to where I work - working with idiots is also mind-blowing

Tweeted by Bleacher Nation
https://www.mlb.com/news/joe-espada-preparing-to-be-manager

It is easy to understand why the Cubs are so interested in Espada.

The more I hear from - and about - Espada, the more I want the Cubs to hire him.

According to at least one report, Espada actually had his second interview on Sunday (I'm not sure if that's accurate though).  He apparently is scheduled to interview with at least two other teams (Detroit and San Francisco?). I would think that if they prefer Espada that they will make the offer before he interviews elsewhere (presumably before the World Series is over). It will be interesting to see if he actually has those other interviews.

Playing around with a google spreadsheet and dreams.

Rotation- Cole, Darvish, Hendricks, Lester, Graveman
Bullpen- Kimbrel, Leclerc, Strop, Ryan, Wick, Wieck/Hulzten, Mills/Alzolay, Maples/Norwood/Mekkes/etc..
C- Contreras, Caratini
INF- Rizzo, Hoerner, Baez, Bryant, Bote, Kemp
OF- Schwarber, Happ, Heyward, Chisenhall, Hamilton/Gore

FA
Cole- $32 million AAV, if he isn't interested you pivot hard to Wheeler.
Chisenhall- $4 million
Strop- $4 million
Hamilton- $1 million

Trades
Quintana for Leclerc.  It would be ideal if you add Chatwood and clear as much of his money as possible, if not he goes in a seperate trade.

Salary- $199,410,000
CBT- $209,609,196

I'm not sure which year option getting declined goes to, but I think the Cubs are only on the hook for $4 million.  I'd keep Almora in AAA so add another $1 million.  That and the $15 million in player benefits would put the Cubs at $229 million + whatever they retained on Chatwood, so there is still money for the trade deadline.

We mentioned Shogo Akiyama as a potential Cubs acquisition here before. Bleacher Nation has another article on him today that says the Cubs were one of four teams to scout him this season (Mariners, Padres, and Diamondbacks were the others).

It has been reported that he has a 5 year, $23 million offer to stay in NPB.  Bleacher Nation concludes that giving him similar money over 4 years could potentially get him to come to MLB. That seems like a reasonable take (assuming he really is interested in MLB and isn't just dipping his toe in the water to gain leverage or to see if someone will blow him away).

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2019/10/22/cubs-were-reportedly-already-scouting-japanese-center-fielder-shogo-akiyama-this-season/

I've also seen it speculated that the Cubs could be one of the teams in on Jackie Bradley Jr. if the Red Sox decide to trade him. I have mixed feelings...he's a great defensive CF, which is something the Cubs could use. But I think his flaws as a hitter are basically the same as the flaws the Cubs already have up and down the lineup.