Author Topic: Cubs in ‘23  (Read 54907 times)

JeffH

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6154
Re: Cubs in ‘23
« Reply #405 on: November 25, 2022, 09:06:28 am »
It is interesting that Morel has become the invisible man in the off season discussions.  He played an adequate defensive second base, whild slugging .433 and OPS of .741.  If he were another team's free agent this year, there would be a clamor of fans rooting for the Cubs to sign him.  There is reason to believe that, just as Happ greatly improved his defense by being restricted to one position, the same is likely with Morel.  His best defensive position in the majors was second base, his main position in the minors.  Although it is useful to have a utility player that can fill in at several positions, very few are like Zobrist, who could excel at several of them.  And personally, I would rather have a really good second baseman, than average utility player.  And he brings several things to the table that most fans feel the Cubs are lacking.  Exceptional speed.  Exceptional arm.  Better than average power at a position that seldom provides power.  And an enthusiasm that would be helpful if it rubbed off on the rest of the team.

I would love to sign Correa, Turner or Bogaerts if the price fits the budget.  But I don't think that either Hoerner at short or Morel at second would leave the Cubs with gaping holes at the positions.

Actually, Morel played very little second base in the minors.