*****Official Cubs 2018 thread*****

[Joes Place]

Hader isn't going to go back to the rotation. Healthy Zach Daviees and Nelson will help them. When I mean young arms I'm thinking Woodruff, Burnes, and Petrala.

Yep.
Woodruff looks to be a 4/5 starter - he's been inconsistent. He could flip the switch and become an ace, but I wouldn't count on it.

Peralta has looked very very good; he needs more than just a fastball to be a solid starter, though.

Burnes could be the most consistent of all of them.

Davies was a good back end starter when healthy. Suter is another good one, just not a lot of velocity, but that's over-rated (see Trevor Hoffman for a pitcher who barely touched 90 on his fastball, but just baffled guys with offspeed stuff).

No one thought the Crew had enough pitching to contend at all this year, but a bunch of no-name guys put up some of the best numbers in the league - without Nelson, and with several starters out for significant portions of the season: Miley, Suter, Davies. If they have all of those guys and Nelson healthy in 2019, it would not be surprising to see them with one of the best pitching platoons in the Majors.

They are going to need a catcher, though. Pina was ok; Kratz is pretty close to retirement by now. Not sure they have any minor league catchers to fill in. Maybe Vogt will be back, but no guarantees there.

 

[HawkRugged17]

I don't envision Sano having a very long career. His weight is going to be a problem. He might not even be on their roster next season.

Possibly ... but Sano doesn't have a position in the field either. I don't see them trading for another DH. Plus, Schwarber at 1B would be interesting ... he's never played there before.

I do think the Cubs may explore trading Schwarber to the AL.

 

[tumorboy]

It will be an interesting matchup with the Rockies ... The Colorado bullpen is pretty good this year as well.

Bud Black is a heck of a manager as well. Will be an interesting chess match.

 

[MitchL]

Correct ... meaning neither Tampa or Seattle even played any NL teams in the NL Central - the best division in the NL. Now, I agree it is a matter of time of when teams play, but the numbers do not agree with your premise of Tampa/Seattle being better in the NL.

The best division in the NL? That's like saying "the biggest midget".

 

[Joes Place]

The nl central was statistically the best division in baseball this year and the only one with 4 teams with a winning record. Winning 95 games in that division is easily equal to winning 100 on most other divisions.

The Reds and Pirates certainly gave the Cubs and Brewers all they wanted at various points in the season.....didn't they? Pesky mother-effers.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Bud Black is a heck of a manager as well. Will be an interesting chess match.

Ya but he'd be getting crucified right now for taking Blackmon out had the Cubs pulled that out last night

 

[Hawk8595]

The best division in the NL? That's like saying "the biggest midget".

Maybe but at least they play real baseball.

 

[HawkRugged17]

The best division in the NL? That's like saying "the biggest midget".

That would be the AL Central. Indians 91 wins won them the division by 13 games over a team that already fired their manager. And the other 3 teams had 98, 100, and 104 losses.

 

[Joes Place]

The best division in the NL? That's like saying "the biggest midget".

Cubs and Brewers both had 95 wins, with no real doormat to get loads of extra wins off of.
That's darned close to what Houston/NY did, and those teams had some absolutely abysmal competition in their respective divisions for an extra 5+ wins.

Considering the NL was 10+wins better than the AL this year, it's certainly not a stretch to put the Cubs and Brewers in teh same convo as those AL teams that have been getting press all year. The Cubs got 'unlucky' in the last week. That's baseball.

 

[HawkRugged17]

Ya but he'd be getting crucified right now for taking Blackmon out had the Cubs pulled that out last night

Isn't it interesting how moves like that disappear into the ether when a team wins.

 

[MitchL]

Possibly ... but Sano doesn't have a position in the field either. I don't see them trading for another DH. Plus, Schwarber at 1B would be interesting ... he's never played there before.

I do think the Cubs may explore trading Schwarber to the AL.

Simply put... Cubs need to trade KS. Some fans might not hearing this, but Bryant won't be getting that big $$$ contract unless he has a "comeback player of the year" type season next year.

 

[HawkRugged17]

Simply put... Cubs need to trade KS. Some fans might not hearing this, but Bryant won't be getting that big $$$ contract unless he has a "comeback player of the year" type season next year.

I agree they need to look into trading KS. I am hoping Bryant comes back strong after an offseason getting the shoulder back to health. There's some tweaking to do, for sure. Hard to count on Ben Zobrist hitting over .300 again at his age.

 

[tumorboy]

Possibly ... but Sano doesn't have a position in the field either. I don't see them trading for another DH. Plus, Schwarber at 1B would be interesting ... he's never played there before.

I do think the Cubs may explore trading Schwarber to the AL.

Schwarber is a good player but when assessing his trade value you need to look at what free agents in his level have gotten. You're looking at a 7-10 million dollar player maybe.

 

[tumorboy]

Ya but he'd be getting crucified right now for taking Blackmon out had the Cubs pulled that out last night

Genuis if it works. Moron if it doesn't.

 

[pjhawk]

Here we go. The Cubs play in the NL. Hell, the Mariners and TB could have won 95 games if they played in the NL.

The only question for this year's WS is which of the three AL division champs wins and will it be in 4 or 5 games. While the AL had three really shitty teams, it was very top heavy.

The NL needs to go to the DH... fast. If that happens, Maddon doesn't have his, arguably, second best position player on the bench for the last 5 innings of last nite's game.

The playoffs are a total crap shoot, anybody can win a short series. The Rockies have as legitimate a shot as anyone. That's why it's so important to have built a team that can contend over multiple seasons. I'm fine with this year, especially with all the injuries and and the bad late schedule because of the weather. Just a bad luck year, and I think it's amazing the Cubs won 95 games. Try again next year.

 

[MitchL]

The playoffs are a total crap shoot, anybody can win a short series. The Rockies have as legitimate a shot as anyone. That's why it's so important to have built a team that can contend over multiple seasons. I'm fine with this year, especially with all the injuries and and the bad late schedule because of the weather. Just a bad luck year, and I think it's amazing the Cubs won 95 games. Try again next year.

The Red Sox have no weaknesses that I can find. It will be a HUGE story if they don't win the WS.

 

[TC Nole OX]

Listening to Bernstein & Goff on WSCR, it sounds like there is a not small chance that Maddon won't be back. They mentioned a few examples where Theo was unhappy with several of Maddon's decisions and recalled Theo firing Grady Little after Game 7 ALCS loss because he ignored analytics. Also said Theo not happy with Maddon's comments on the A Russell domestic violence situation.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Schwarber is a good player but when assessing his trade value you need to look at what free agents in his level have gotten. You're looking at a 7-10 million dollar player maybe.

Geez, if that's true, I hope the Cubs can find a home for him that would let him earn that much. Before this year, it looked like the Cubs way overpaid for a defensive specialist that couldn't hit (Heyward), now at least he can hit a little. Spending that kind of money for a guy that doesn't bring much to the table other than an HR every week or so and has trouble even putting the ball in play - no thanks.

Here's to hoping the Cubs can find the next Yelich, and put him in LF for the next 5 years or so. The rotations through LF has been a little crazy for the Cubs - and I'll bet Bryant wouldn't mind being full time at 3B.

 

[TC Nole OX]

Now discussing Theo comments about pitching Morrow 3 days in a row when they had said in advance not to risk an injury and only use 2 consecutive days.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Listening to Bernstein & Goff on WSCR, it sounds like there is a not small chance that Maddon won't be back. They mentioned a few examples where Theo was unhappy with several of Maddon's decisions and recalled Theo firing Grady Little after Game 7 ALCS loss because he ignored analytics. Also said Theo not happy with Maddon's comments on the A Russell domestic violence situation.

That's crazy. Some disagreements and you fire one of the best managers in baseball? Hopefully Theo looks at some analytics himself and figures out he not going to be able to do any better.

 

[BioHawk]

Here we go. The Cubs play in the NL. Hell, the Mariners and TB could have won 95 games if they played in the NL.

The only question for this year's WS is which of the three AL division champs wins and will it be in 4 or 5 games. While the AL had three really shitty teams, it was very top heavy.

The NL needs to go to the DH... fast. If that happens, Maddon doesn't have his, arguably, second best position player on the bench for the last 5 innings of last nite's game.

LOL, did the AL Central have any teams over 500?

 

[HawkeyesAndCubs1023]

All of Theo's big money signings have worked out so well lately. With Heyward holding down the middle of the order, Darvish and Chatwood leading the rotation and Morrow ready to close day in and day out. Why not keep throwing big money at guys? Harper was a 1.3 WAR player this year, that's gotta be worth $30M a year.

This is the first time that I've seen you post anything remotely negative about Theo. Are you unimpressed with his last couple of years?

 

[BioHawk]

If I'm Theo... my first call this morning is to the Twins. With Mauer likely retiring... you offer them Schwarber for Eddie Rosario straight up. You get a legitimate leadoff, , a guy that hits for average, a manageable salary, and an above average defensive player.

Schwarber becomes the DH/1stB and everybody's happy.

Why 1st? I'd take Schwarber in left field ahead of a lot of other guys that play out there. I'm not saying he's going to win a gold glove any time soon, but it is no longer the deficiency it was at one time. Hell, if he didn't lead the league in outfield assists he was in the top 3, at least until teams quit trying to run on him.

 

[HawkRugged17]

The Red Sox have no weaknesses that I can find. It will be a HUGE story if they don't win the WS.

I would say starting pitching ... Sale (coming off an injury), Porcello (up and down), David Price (never won in the post season). And their bullpen up to Kimbrel is not dominant like some of the other teams.

 

[HawkRugged17]

Listening to Bernstein & Goff on WSCR, it sounds like there is a not small chance that Maddon won't be back. They mentioned a few examples where Theo was unhappy with several of Maddon's decisions and recalled Theo firing Grady Little after Game 7 ALCS loss because he ignored analytics. Also said Theo not happy with Maddon's comments on the A Russell domestic violence situation.

Another Joe lurking ...

 

[hawkfan0319]

I would say starting pitching ... Sale (coming off an injury), Porcello (up and down), David Price (never won in the post season). And their bullpen up to Kimbrel is not dominant like some of the other teams.

I think Houston takes the AL again. Hopefully it is Boston vs Houston for the ALCS.

 

[TC Nole OX]

That's crazy. Some disagreements and you fire one of the best managers in baseball? Hopefully Theo looks at some analytics himself and figures out he not going to be able to do any better.

They also mentioned that Maddon, due to age, is looking for last big contract now. He won't want to work on a lame duck last year of a contract and that Maddon may be interested in the LA Angels job.

It appears they got many of their talking points from this article in The Athletic

https://theathletic.com/563917/2018/10/03/rosenthal-the-cubs-are-out-will-joe-maddon-soon-follow/

 

[TC Nole OX]

Another Joe lurking ...

They talked about Girardi. He is not what Theo wants in a manager, too much old school managing by gut and hunches and not enough analytics.

 

[BioHawk]

They talked about Girardi. He is not what Theo wants in a manager, too much old school managing by gut and hunches and not enough analytics.

He's more likely to try and steal somebody like Craig Counsel. But yeah, it's silly to think Joe will get fired unless there are some egregious behind the scenes stuff that they've done a very good job of keeping a lid on it. It won't be for on the field decisions though.

 

[BioHawk]

They also mentioned that Maddon, due to age, is looking for last big contract now. He won't want to work on a lame duck last year of a contract and that Maddon may be interested in the LA Angels job.

It appears they got many of their talking points from this article in The Athletic

https://theathletic.com/563917/2018/10/03/rosenthal-the-cubs-are-out-will-joe-maddon-soon-follow/

I can't read that whole article due to the paywall but from the first two paragraphs it reads like they are just trying to stir something up.

 

[tumorboy]

I can't read that whole article due to the paywall but from the first two paragraphs it reads like they are just trying to stir something up.

That's their job gotta get eyeballs.

 

[33hawkfan]

The best division in the NL? That's like saying "the biggest midget".

I bet the AL just slaughtered the NL in interleague play, what was the record there?

 

[mthawkeyes]

Here we go. The Cubs play in the NL. Hell, the Mariners and TB could have won 95 games if they played in the NL.

The only question for this year's WS is which of the three AL division champs wins and will it be in 4 or 5 games. While the AL had three really shitty teams, it was very top heavy.

The NL needs to go to the DH... fast. If that happens, Maddon doesn't have his, arguably, second best position player on the bench for the last 5 innings of last nite's game.

The NL had a winning record vs. the AL. Math says you're wrong.

 

[33hawkfan]

Now discussing Theo comments about pitching Morrow 3 days in a row when they had said in advance not to risk an injury and only use 2 consecutive days.

There was something behind the scenes going on when Maddon let Chatwood wear it in his last start when he threw 120 some pitches to get through 5 or 6 innings. If you give him bullpen options with strict limits and starting pitches who cant go deep into games, something has to give.

 

[33hawkfan]

The NL had a winning record vs. the AL. Math says you're wrong.

Yeah but all the NL teams were hot when they played the AL teams, he already explained that away. Nevermind Seattle only won 30% of their inter-league games, if they didn't have to play all those hot NL teams they surely would have won 110 games in the NL if they were in this league.

 

[MitchL]

Regarding the AL vs NL debate... the good thing is we'll know which argument was the correct one in about three weeks.

I'm feeling pretty good about my stance.

 

[SoDakHawk]

There was something behind the scenes going on when Maddon let Chatwood wear it in his last start when he threw 120 some pitches to get through 5 or 6 innings. If you give him bullpen options with strict limits and starting pitches who cant go deep into games, something has to give.

Emotions are high in the Cubs front office right now. Let this sit for a couple of weeks, do a thorough evaluation of the season, assess strengths and weaknesses, and then start making decisions.

No way I fire Joe Maddon, that would be just stupid. If it wasn't for his masterfully working and managing the BP and working through the injuries to key players this year then the Cubs don't come close to winning 95 games. Don't be foolish Theo, and don't let your ego cloud your judgement.

 

[33hawkfan]

Regarding the AL vs NL debate... the good thing is we'll know which argument was the correct one in about three weeks.

I'm feeling pretty good about my stance.

We already know. We had a whole season's worth of evidence, no need to wait my man.

 

[Joes Place]

Regarding the AL vs NL debate... the good thing is we'll know which argument was the correct one in about three weeks.

I'm feeling pretty good about my stance.

Huh?
NL won head-head something like 154-143

We already "know".

 

[MitchL]

We already know. We had a whole season's worth of evidence, no need to wait my man.

Off the inter league play?

LOL.