*****Official Cubs 2023 thread*****

[TheCainer]

Purely for discussion purposes, if you could only extend one player, would it be Hoerner or Happ? Who do you keep, and who do you let walk?
They do not have the same service time, obviously, but it is rumored the Cubs are talking to both right now about an extension.

Hoerner would be my preference. He's younger and I believe has more upside. Plus, we have a lot of outfield prospects who should be coming onto the scene before too long. Once they get up to the Cubs, we could have a glut of outfielders and not enough playing time for all of them, let alone Happ.

I don't know if Happ has sacrificed some of his early career power to make more contact, but I just don't think he brings enough offense to a position (LF) that needs to provide it. He did have a lot of doubles but not all that many RBIs (72 in 158 games) for his place in the batting order. I feel the same way about Madrigal potentially playing at 3B. Your corner outfielders and infielders need to be able to mash, IMO.

 

[hawkifann]

Purely for discussion purposes, if you could only extend one player, would it be Hoerner or Happ? Who do you keep, and who do you let walk?
They do not have the same service time, obviously, but it is rumored the Cubs are talking to both right now about an extension.

I’m more attached to Happ and maybe like him more, but I’d have to say Hoerner just due to age and position.

 

[hawkifann]

Hoerner would be my preference. He's younger and I believe has more upside. Plus, we have a lot of outfield prospects who should be coming onto the scene before too long. Once they get up to the Cubs, we could have a glut of outfielders and not enough playing time for all of them, let alone Happ.

I don't know if Happ has sacrificed some of his early career power to make more contact, but I just don't think he brings enough offense to a position (LF) that needs to provide it. He did have a lot of doubles but not all that many RBIs (72 in 158 games) for his place in the batting order. I feel the same way about Madrigal potentially playing at 3B. Your corner outfielders and infielders need to be able to mash, IMO.

Yeah, but look at that order last year. You can’t drive in guys who aren’t on base.

 

[lucas80]

For me it's Hoerner. He has more position flexibility at this point. Happ could slide back to the IF if needed, but he has solidified at LF. Hoarder's ultimate role may be as a super utility player, and offensively I think he got a lot more comfortable driving the ball last season. There is offensive upside with him that I don't see in Happ.

 

[TheCainer]

Yeah, but look at that order last year. You can’t drive in guys who aren’t on base.

There is some truth in that. And, I just don't think the Cubs had many clutch hitters last year at all. If I could choose anyone to come to the plate with men in scoring position, it would be Hoerner on last year's roster. You generally knew he was going to put the ball in play.

I think the Cubs may have led the league with hitting into DPs with men on base. Shoot, I think they had 2 extra inning games which started with a man on second base and the Cubs only sent 2 men to the plate before they had 3 outs because the runner got doubled off the base. It was a very frustrating season for clutch hitting.

Contreras and Schwindel may have been the worst.

 

[lucas80]

Mentioned in the daily recap on BN, but Ross has already announced that Alzolay and Thompson are going to the bullpen, and are not projected to compete for the 5th starter role. Thompson gave a lot of quality innings last year, but it is nice to see him forecast for the pen already. That means the rotation hopes to be stronger. It really couldn't be weaker than last year with all the injuries.

 

[TheCainer]

Mentioned in the daily recap on BN, but Ross has already announced that Alzolay and Thompson are going to the bullpen, and are not projected to compete for the 5th starter role. Thompson gave a lot of quality innings last year, but it is nice to see him forecast for the pen already. That means the rotation hopes to be stronger. It really couldn't be weaker than last year with all the injuries.

Thompson's BP numbers were quite a bit better than his starting numbers IIRC. If Alzolay can be a second pitcher to get you 2-3 innings if needed, that would be a bonus too on those days the starter didn't have it.

I wonder if Sampson will be one of the early season starters. He had quite the second half last year and was a very pleasant surprise. It doesn't sound like Hendricks is going to be ready for a while and with Stroman, Smyly, Taillon, and Steele being your 1-4 starters in whatever order, Sampson would be a good guy to have at the back of the rotation to start the season. It would also give the Cubs the opportunity to manage the innings of their younger pitchers like Wesneski, Assad, and Killian as well.

I am sure there is someone I have forgotten in the rotation picture.

 

[lucas80]

Thompson's BP numbers were quite a bit better than his starting numbers IIRC. If Alzolay can be a second pitcher to get you 2-3 innings if needed, that would be a bonus too on those days the starter didn't have it.

I wonder if Sampson will be one of the early season starters. He had quite the second half last year and was a very pleasant surprise. It doesn't sound like Hendricks is going to be ready for a while and with Stroman, Smyly, Taillon, and Steele being your 1-4 starters in whatever order, Sampson would be a good guy to have at the back of the rotation to start the season. It would also give the Cubs the opportunity to manage the innings of their younger pitchers like Wesneski, Assad, and Killian as well.

I am sure there is someone I have forgotten in the rotation picture.

They have some non roster invitees, whose names I cannot recall who are in the picture, along with Assad and Wesneski. Killian seems destined for AAA, already. All of those guys have options, and I am sure the Cubs want Assad and Wesneski to start at AAA to work on a few things. Sampson seems to have the inside position on the 5th starter's job at this point.

 

[hawkifann]

They have some non roster invitees, whose names I cannot recall who are in the picture, along with Assad and Wesneski. Killian seems destined for AAA, already. All of those guys have options, and I am sure the Cubs want Assad and Wesneski to start at AAA to work on a few things. Sampson seems to have the inside position on the 5th starter's job at this point.

I would agree with this, but Ross’s comments do also seem to lay out a path for Wesneski to open in Chicago as the #5 if he has a big spring.

 

[IowaPackFan]

The starting 5 will be:

1. Hendricks
2. Stroman
3. Taillon
4. Smyly
5. Steele

But with Hendricks likely sidelined I think Thompson gets the nod over Sampson and Wesneski barring a catastrophe or lightning in a bottle.

 

[hawkifann]

The starting 5 will be:

1. Hendricks
2. Stroman
3. Taillon
4. Smyly
5. Steele

But with Hendricks likely sidelined I think Thompson gets the nod over Sampson and Wesneski barring a catastrophe or lightning in a bottle.

Did you read Ross’s comments? Thompson isn’t in play for the rotation, he’s going to be in the bullpen.

 

[lucas80]

The starting 5 will be:

1. Hendricks
2. Stroman
3. Taillon
4. Smyly
5. Steele

But with Hendricks likely sidelined I think Thompson gets the nod over Sampson and Wesneski barring a catastrophe or lightning in a bottle.

Hendricks isn't going to pitch until mid Summer. And, that's if everything goes great.

 

[Radar3454]

Sounds like he will start the season on the 10 day dl instead of the 60 and Hope's to joing the rotation in early May

 

[blhawk]

The starting 5 will be:

1. Hendricks
2. Stroman
3. Taillon
4. Smyly
5. Steele

But with Hendricks likely sidelined I think Thompson gets the nod over Sampson and Wesneski barring a catastrophe or lightning in a bottle.

Being a Packer and Cubs fan is just wrong. But thanks for the input. Thompson is going to be in the BP

 

[lucas80]

Sounds like he will start the season on the 10 day dl instead of the 60 and Hope's to joing the rotation in early May

We will probably find out in the next two days who goes to the 60 day to allow Fulmer to sign. Most likely is KH or Heuer.

 

[darylhawk]

We will probably find out in the next two days who goes to the 60 day to allow Fulmer to sign. Most likely is KH or Heuer.

Kind of encouraging that Heuer wasn’t put on it 5 days ago when it was first allowed. I thought original timeline when he had surgery was July at best. Maybe it means he’ll be able to be back before June, or maybe it means nothing and he’ll get put on the 60 tomorrow. Would be nice to get something out of that trade with the Sox

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[hawkifann]

Kind of encouraging that Heuer wasn’t put on it 5 days ago when it was first allowed. I thought original timeline when he had surgery was July at best. Maybe it means he’ll be able to be back before June, or maybe it means nothing and he’ll get put on the 60 tomorrow. Would be nice to get something out of that trade with the Sox

I do think Heuer will wind up on the 60 day. I’ve not seen much speculation that he’d be pitching in May, so being on the 60 for April and May would seem to make a lot of sense.

 

[lucas80]

I do think Heuer will wind up on the 60 day. I’ve not seen much speculation that he’d be pitching in May, so being on the 60 for April and May would seem to make a lot of sense.

It was Heuer to the IL today to make room for Fulmer. Must have been some stuff behind the scenes to make it a tough call. They drug this out for a week.

 

[hawkifann]

It was Heuer to the IL today to make room for Fulmer. Must have been some stuff behind the scenes to make it a tough call. They drug this out for a week.

That tells me that as long as he doesn’t have any setbacks, he might be ready to do a rehab assignment in late May and potentially be back in early June. I still think there’s no reason to rush anything if there are any questions, but it’s great to hear that he’s progressing well and at or ahead of schedule.

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

The starting 5 will be:

1. Hendricks
2. Stroman
3. Taillon
4. Smyly
5. Steele

But with Hendricks likely sidelined I think Thompson gets the nod over Sampson and Wesneski barring a catastrophe or lightning in a bottle.

I think it will be Sampson. Thompson has been much more effective out of the bullpen, and Wesneski would have to have an awesome spring, with Sampson and Assad both having not-so-great springs, to get the nod.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

I do think Heuer will wind up on the 60 day. I’ve not seen much speculation that he’d be pitching in May, so being on the 60 for April and May would seem to make a lot of sense.

The Fulmer signing almost confirms for me that Merryweather gets DFA'd. Just a numbers game. No way Cubs bullpen only has one lefty to start the season, so Borucki and Kay will be battling for that second spot. Merryweather has no options left; no room on the active or 40-man for him. Hopefully he clears waivers and ends up at Iowa (hasn't been outrighted before, so would have to accept the assignment) or Cubs are able to finagle some trade that might be beneficial.

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[hawkifann]

Love seeing that from Kilian. His stuff is fantastic, he just needs to get back to that command and I see no real reason why he shouldn’t be able to, since command was really his #1 thing coming up through the minors.

As for Merryweather, we’ll see. I’m not convinced that Rucker is any kind of lock and if Wick has a bad spring, he could be at risk.. I could see a bullpen that looks like Alzolay, Thompson, Fulmer, Boxberger, Hughes and a 2nd lefty (let’s say Kay). That should leave 2 more BP spots (assuming they carry 13 pitchers and have 5 starters. Could be Estrada, Merryweather, Rucker, Wick, Leiter, Manny and some other NRIs fighting for those last 2 spots.

 

[ZachJump]

To win a WS you need superstars. Happ is in the pretty good category. If he was meant to be a superstar in the making he'd be there by now.

Wouldn't commit much to him that could hamstring the future.

How many Superstars did the 2016 team have?

We had some pretty good players that played above their normal....but I can't even think if anyone on that team that will make it to a second year on the Hall of Fame ballot. Lester maybe?

 

[ClarindaA's]

How many Superstars did the 2016 team have?

We had some pretty good players that played above their normal....but I can't even think if anyone on that team that will make it to a second year on the Hall of Fame ballot. Lester maybe?

KB, Javy, Russell, Contreras, Rizzo

 

[tumorboy]

Fantasy question. Who on the Cubs will grab the most saves Hughes ?

 

[hawkifann]

How many Superstars did the 2016 team have?

We had some pretty good players that played above their normal....but I can't even think if anyone on that team that will make it to a second year on the Hall of Fame ballot. Lester maybe?

I’m only going to evaluate a team based on who the guys were in that season. Bryant was absolutely a superstar before the injuries piled up…I mean, he was only the league MVP. Jake Arrieta, Lester and Hendricks were all stars that season, plus Rizzo. I don’t think Zobrist is a HOFer, but I do think he’ll make a 2nd ballot.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Love seeing that from Kilian. His stuff is fantastic, he just needs to get back to that command and I see no real reason why he shouldn’t be able to, since command was really his #1 thing coming up through the minors.

As for Merryweather, we’ll see. I’m not convinced that Rucker is any kind of lock and if Wick has a bad spring, he could be at risk.. I could see a bullpen that looks like Alzolay, Thompson, Fulmer, Boxberger, Hughes and a 2nd lefty (let’s say Kay). That should leave 2 more BP spots (assuming they carry 13 pitchers and have 5 starters. Could be Estrada, Merryweather, Rucker, Wick, Leiter, Manny and some other NRIs fighting for those last 2 spots.

I do agree with this. The problem is that in order to add that 2nd lefty, someone has to be dropped from the 40-man. Unless Hendricks ends up on the 60-day IL, which all indications are that he won't, Cubs will have a choice among similar righty relievers to DFA. So, unless Merryweather is head and shoulders above Wick or Rucker in spring camp, who both are younger, have option(s) left, and had better 2022 seasons, I don't see how he is not the odd man out.

 

[hawkifann]

I do agree with this. The problem is that in order to add that 2nd lefty, someone has to be dropped from the 40-man. Unless Hendricks ends up on the 60-day IL, which all indications are that he won't, Cubs will have a choice among similar righty relievers to DFA. So, unless Merryweather is head and shoulders above Wick or Rucker in spring camp, who both are younger, have option(s) left, and had better 2022 seasons, I don't see how he is not the odd man out.

I’m clearly way more down on Rucker than many others (including the Cubs). I continue to be really surprised he’s not the next cut.

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[hawkifann]

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[HawkRugged17]

Baseball! Undefeated!

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[lucas80]

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Not gonna lie, I got a boner seeing PCA making that play.

 

[hawkifann]

Not gonna lie, I got a boner seeing PCA making that play.

He had a throw yesterday that was right in line to our seats from deep CF to 3B that was incredible. Throw in from deep CF, one-hop to 3B. There was no play, so it didn’t get any highlight or attention, but that’s a really live arm.

 

[lucas80]

He had a throw yesterday that was right in line to our seats from deep CF to 3B that was incredible. Throw in from deep CF, one-hop to 3B. There was no play, so it didn’t get any highlight or attention, but that’s a really live arm.

Where did you sit? Any living legends out in LF selling autographs the last two days?

 

[hawkifann]

Where did you sit? Any living legends out in LF selling autographs the last two days?

We were a little past 3B down the line. We had a great time.

No idea about the legends selling autographs, 2 of my boys and I spent all morning wandering the back fields watching some BP, pitchers long-tossing and doing PFPs and then came back to the front of the complex where players roam about and the kids got some autographs (Alzolay, PCA, Morel, Steele, Velazquez, Mastrobuoni, Mervis, Dom Nunez). We had a great time until we wandered in for the game and then had a great time there.