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****Official Cubs 2015 Thread****

Sweeping the struggling Marlins would be great. June will be a very tough month. 18 of 28 games will be on the road, including sets with the Nationals and Tigers on this road trip. We'll know a lot about any wild card potential by the end of this month.
 
PhantomFlyer said:
Agree. If they can win a wildcard spot, they have a shot to win it all. The playoffs in baseball is a crapshoot.
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Look no further than the 2008 playoffs for the Cubs. They were probably the deepest and most consistent team in baseball that season. They had the best record in the NL and IIRC were second in baseball. Then the bats went cold for 3 games against LA and it was over.

I do think the new WC format adds both excitement and advantage for the favorite (both are good, IMHO). The WC teams are often scrapping for the spots right down to the last game or two and then have to play the 1-game elimination before facing the best team in the league. Having the pressure of the 1-game playoff and the fact that they can't line up pitching prior to the divisional round helps balance the fact that the WC team often comes in hot.
 
June will speak volumes. After the Fish series, they're playing 6 games against Washington and Detroit. Later this month, they have 10 straight against LA, St. Louis and the Mets. If the have a .500 June, they'll be in very good position for a second-half run. Mostly, I just want them to avoid a collapse (this is where Maddon makes his money). They won't win a pennant in June, but they could take themselves out if things go south in a big way. My overall expectations haven't changed (roughly .500, in play for WC to the last couple weeks), but with a young team like this, they get more dangerous with each day they hang around.
 
They can avoid a collapse with one more good starter, the current starters lasting longer, Neil Ramirez returning plus an arm to flush away Edwin Jackson, and a better bench. 2/3 and you still avoid a collapse.
I'm excited that we may see Alcantara return. He would provide some great flexibility as the weather gets warmer. His problem was a lack of playing time. I don't see any reason why he shouldn't start 4 days a week, while resting the regulars.
 
Agreed on Alcantara. I remember that 2008 team I referenced that got so much productivity out of super-sub Mark DeRosa. He had a career year that year, but he was basically an every day starter, but he'd play 6 positions. There's a lot of value in a guy like that who can contribute offensively and not be a defensively liability anywhere.
 
lucas80 said:
They can avoid a collapse with one more good starter, the current starters lasting longer, Neil Ramirez returning plus an arm to flush away Edwin Jackson, and a better bench. 2/3 and you still avoid a collapse.
I'm excited that we may see Alcantara return. He would provide some great flexibility as the weather gets warmer. His problem was a lack of playing time. I don't see any reason why he shouldn't start 4 days a week, while resting the regulars.
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The starters have been lasting longer lately (outside of Wada), the bench should be improved once guys like Denorfia, Olt, La Stella, return.

Alcantara's problem wasn't lack of playing time, it's that he couldn't hit a major league changeup. Until he's improved in recognizing the changeup, he shouldn't be called up.
 
Cole Hamels of the Phils is available. He could be the
stud pitcher the Cubs need. If the Phils do not ask for
the moon, then a deal could be made.
 
LuteHawk said:
Cole Hamels of the Phils is available. He could be the
stud pitcher the Cubs need. If the Phils do not ask for
the moon, then a deal could be made.
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If the Phils would take what the Cubs would be willing to offer, I'd be all for it. If the Phils are still asking for what I think they'd require from the Cubs, no dice.
 
dgordo said:
Soler out up to 6 weeks. Crap.
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I wonder if they'll consider bringing Baez?


Javier Baez came up through the minor leagues as a shortstop, moved to second base and has since bounced between the two positions while with the Iowa Cubs this season.

Another move is now in store for Baez.

Jaron Madison, the director of player development for the Chicago Cubs, said in a text message Wednesday that the plan is to play Baez sometime at third base. It is a move that suggests the Chicago Cubs are getting him ready to bring him back up.

When? Iowa manager Marty Pevey said Baez would start playing third base on Wednesday.

It's a move many fans have been waiting to happen with Baez who suddenly found himself as the odd man out in Chicago's infield with Starlin Castro at shortstop and Addison Russell at second base. Those have been Baez's primary positions since the Cubs selected him in the first round of the 2011 draft.

But, another infield spot appeared to open up for the Cubs who started third baseman Kris Bryant in left field during Tuesday's game at Miami.

Baez is off to a great start to the I-Cubs season, compiling a .325 batting average with seven home runs, six doubles and 26 RBIs through his first 32 games with Iowa. He entered Wednesday's game riding a five-game hitting streak while also batting .351 with four homers in his last 10 contests.

The hard-hitting infielder began last season with Iowa before earning his first major league promotion. Baez struggled in it and during spring training and was sent back to the minors for the start of the 2015 season. He missed the start of the season following the death of his sister, Noely.

Now, Baez could be getting closer and closer to a return to the big leagues.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/st...06/03/javier-baez-chicago-cubs-iowa/28413301/

So, Bryant in left, Baez at third, Castro at short and Russell at second?

It sounds like it could happen.
 
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Baez is without a position right now on the MLB roster. The organization wants Bryant to have every chance to succeed at 3B. I would have hoped for Alcantara to come up and provide flexibility. Keep in mind, there were two moves. Baxter was sent down, and Szczur was called up. Soler went on the DL, and Baxter was probably still with the club so he got the immediate call up. He can easily be dispensed with for a future move.
Baez is smashing the ball, and has made at least two noticeable changes to his approach. Closer to the plate, and the leg kick has been reduced. Let him smash away for a few more weeks to figure out where everyone plays, or if you need to trade someone away.
 
lucas80 said:
Baez is without a position right now on the MLB roster. The organization wants Bryant to have every chance to succeed at 3B. I would have hoped for Alcantara to come up and provide flexibility. Keep in mind, there were two moves. Baxter was sent down, and Szczur was called up. Soler went on the DL, and Baxter was probably still with the club so he got the immediate call up. He can easily be dispensed with for a future move.
Baez is smashing the ball, and has made at least two noticeable changes to his approach. Closer to the plate, and the leg kick has been reduced. Let him smash away for a few more weeks to figure out where everyone plays, or if you need to trade someone away.
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In the video I saw of his HR yesterday, he's eliminated the leg kick. His foot doesn't leave the ground, he lifts his heel, but his toes never leave the ground. That is a major change, along with his crowding the plate. Moving closer to the plate really helped Rizzo. I'll trust the FO on Javy,. If they think he's made the necessary adjustments, and they will stick, then bring him up, if not, keep him down a little longer.

You won't see Alcantara unless he's shown he can hit a changeup. MLB pitchers just ate him up throwing him changeups.

I'll be happy when the day comes where the Cubs won't have a Baxter caliber player on the bench. I can't wait for Denorfia, La Stella, and Olt to get healthy and back so guys like Baxter and Herrera don't occupy a spot on the ML roster.
 
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It doesn't matter... When you constantly get your ass kicked by Milwaukee and Florida and constantly play St.Louis, Washington,KC,Detroit, etc, it just isn't fair. This team will be 10 games under .500 by then end of June.
 
hawkisak said:
It doesn't matter... When you constantly get your ass kicked by Milwaukee and Florida and constantly play St.Louis, Washington,KC,Detroit, etc, it just isn't fair. This team will be 10 games under .500 by then end of June.
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So you are predicting 6-19 the rest of the month? Really?
 
timinatoria said:
So you are predicting 6-19 the rest of the month? Really?
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Yes, by all indications, they will blow tonights game which will only create more mental meltdown. I am predicting 0-4 in Washington. Then going 1-2 in all remaining series will do the trick. Starling Castro has a baseball IQ equal to Efrem Winters ACT score.
 
Well, I hope hawkisak didn't stay up late to watch that Cubs win last night. It wasn't pretty, but, it's the kind of win the Cubs are getting this year versus losing those kind of games. David Ross might have proven his worth for the whole season last night.
Chris Denorfia had two hits in a rehab assignment with Tennessee last night. I suspect he'll come up soon to platoon full time with Coughlin. I'd rather keep Szczur on the roster, but I suspect he goes and Baxter stays for now.
 
lucas80 said:
Well, I hope hawkisak didn't stay up late to watch that Cubs win last night. It wasn't pretty, but, it's the kind of win the Cubs are getting this year versus losing those kind of games. David Ross might have proven his worth for the whole season last night.
Chris Denorfia had two hits in a rehab assignment with Tennessee last night. I suspect he'll come up soon to platoon full time with Coughlin. I'd rather keep Szczur on the roster, but I suspect he goes and Baxter stays for now.
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I actually drove from IC to SW Ohio last night and fell asleep in the 9th, since it was nearly midnight. The relievers actually made it through unscathed, but Strop and Rondon certainly provided drama, as usual. I fully expected them to blow it, so I am glad they surprised me.

Still cannot handle the mental mistakes - baserunning blunders, Castro brain cramps, veteran starters that don't go deep into games, etc. I realize my expectations are probably too high, but when you have lots of physical tools but are a mental midget, it's frustrating. I certainly think Addison Russell has a great baseball sense but some of these guys have to learn i.e. Lakes trying for the diving catch rather than keeping it in front last night. I still don't have much hope for the month of June. I'll still say 5-7 games under .500 after 6/30. And, I'll be happy to come back and say I was wrong!
 
The Cubs are kicking the tires on Rafael Soriano. It's worth a try, but I don't think I'd guarantee much. He recently dumped Scott Boras in favor of Alan Nero to be his agent. That might be significant, as Nero will be easier to deal with and is Joe Maddon's agent. Nero has arranged for some throwing sessions, one rumored to be with the Cubs. Now Nero is saying Soriano may not wait for the throwing sessions to sign with someone. I don't think I'd sign him without seeing what's in the tank.
 
lucas80 said:
The Cubs are kicking the tires on Rafael Soriano. It's worth a try, but I don't think I'd guarantee much. He recently dumped Scott Boras in favor of Alan Nero to be his agent. That might be significant, as Nero will be easier to deal with and is Joe Maddon's agent. Nero has arranged for some throwing sessions, one rumored to be with the Cubs. Now Nero is saying Soriano may not wait for the throwing sessions to sign with someone. I don't think I'd sign him without seeing what's in the tank.
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Do they throw in a bat with that signing? :) Right now the OF really sucks. Lake has played well but none of these guys are hitting for any power. If Bryant or Rizzo aren't hitting dingers the offense is bad. Castro is terrible right now.

The bench is also really bad. They need Soler back asap and need for Denorfia, La Stella, and Olt to come back soon. Can't keep bringing guys like Baxter and Herrera off the bench. You know the bench sucks when the Cubs are losing in the 7th inning of a game and Maddon doesn't pinch hit for Travis Wood (who didn't even pitch the bottom of the 7th inning).
 
The question is, how much are you giving up this year? Is it all in time? I don't think Theo and Jed are going to accelerate the time table and swing trades for a season they can't win a WS.
Coughlin should not be starting, even as a platoon player. How do you fix that? Baez has been playing 3B at Iowa. Bryant has been playing a little OF in Chicago… Or, do you bring Kyle Schwarber's MLB ready bat up to Chicago and stick him in LF?
 
For the Cubs to move forward they need to trade Castro for some bats and baseballs. He is a bad influence on the rest of the team. Castro wants to be the Aaron Hernandez of baseball.
 
With Bryant in left field and Soler in right field, the Cubs
will have some offensive minded outfielders.

With Rizzo at 1B, Russell at SS, and Baez at 3B., they
have some offensive minded infielders.

They still have problems in the bullpen and the starting
pitching is not much to brag about.
 
There was a lot of talk in the off-season about how they're starting out turn the corner, but aren't quite there yet. They got out a little quicker than most expected, but they still have flaws. This thread seems to be turning angry. I still think they'll have some big streaks and end around .500 after being in the WC discussion into September.

I don't think they'll make any major mid-season trades unless it's for a guy still under contract for multiple years.
 
Indeed, Torbee. That was a fine win today. Strong performance by Hammels.
Baez is probably the best defensive SS of the bunch. How do you shuffle all these players? If Russell replaces Castro you force Baez to play out of position. If Russell plays 3B you have a 3B without the traditional power of the position.
Next week will be interesting. Monday is an off day, then a series in Detroit. Denorfia is about ready. I assume he'll join the team in Detroit. Does Baez join them the following week? Mike Baxter is a waste of space, does Baez replace him, or does Alcantara who can be very useful as the games stack up, and the heat rises.
Is anyone ready to quibble with Maddon's bullpen usage? I'm really thinking of yesterday's game. E-Jax pitched a very short inning, but was replaced due to his spot coming up in the order. Fine, but, it was Baxter, who isn't a MLB player who hit for him. Wood pitched two solid innings, and got a hit. Yet, he was pulled the next inning. I'm wondering if Maddon is still getting used to National League rules, and to his team.
 
It's great they've won 2 out of 3 against the Nationals, but that doesn't change the fact the team still has problems. This team also lost 2 of 3 against a bad Marlins team a few days ago. For the most part the starting rotation is fine. Wada is still a question mark and an upgrade would be fine, but I wouldn't give up the farm to do it. The bench is awful but should get better with Denorfia coming back and hopefully La Stella and Olt will be back in the not too distant future.

The bullpen has been very inconsistent. Another arm in the pen wouldn't be a bad thing. The bats are struggling right now. If they aren't hitting HR's it's a struggle to score runs. The offense from the OF's has not been good.

I'm one who doesn't want to see a bunch of trades at the deadline because I don't want to trade a bunch of prospects away at this time. The team is doing a little better than I expected, I predicted this to be a .500 team. I don't see them catching the Cardinals, who are a good team, but they can win a wild card spot. The Pirates look very good right now, so they'll be a prime candidate for one of the spots. There's also the Giants and Mets who will also be in the running for one of the wild card spots. The Mets have a lot of good young pitching, and the Giants always seem to find a way to sneak into the playoffs.

I'm enjoying this team because they are competitive and have a good chance to make the playoffs this year, which is a welcomed change from the past few seasons.
 
3 of 4 from the Nationals is good news. Glad to have Denorfia back.
 
Someone on the Main Board is saying Baez broke his finger sliding into second today. :mad:
 
3-4 from the Nationals is quite an achievement. I agree with others there have been some puzzling losses. To be fair, any MLB team has puzzling stretches. It's a long season. But, a young team like the Cubs are more prone to these lapses.
I thought it was interesting that Maddon set up Motte to close today. I don't know if he's 100 percent, and if he can pitch three days in a row if needed, but, he has the mental make up to close. Rondon has been afraid to pitch to contact for the last week or so. We could see 2-3 guys getting save chances this Summer.
 
Since I was one of the negative guys, I will give credit where do. Especially today, with zero walks allowed by the Cubs staff, which is great. Maddon may have to go bullpen by committee now and have the closer role be a bit fluid between Rondon, Strop and Mott, based on situations, etc.

Obviously, the Baez news is not great, but it also eliminates potential log jams. It does make the trade options less, at least those involving Castro and/or Baez.
 
These games are fun to watch. This team is good and Maddon has them playing as a team.

638ab7590b45164.jpg
 
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