***Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter BigJCy
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So while the Cubs wait on Bellinger, don't they have to make a move to bolster their everyday lineup?
Even if the Cubs FO is comfortable with a lineup of a couple prospects at either 1B,3B,CF or DH. They probably need an experienced hitter.
The Angels got Aaron Hicks for the MLB minimum as the Yanks are still on the hook for his contract. I feel like the Cubs need to add a bat like Profar, Merrifield, etc. if just to protect them if Bellinger doesn't sign.
Even if the Cubs FO is comfortable with a lineup of a couple prospects at either 1B,3B,CF or DH. They probably need an experienced hitter.
The Angels got Aaron Hicks for the MLB minimum as the Yanks are still on the hook for his contract. I feel like the Cubs need to add a bat like Profar, Merrifield, etc. if just to protect them if Bellinger doesn't sign.
I don't think there is anything wrong with him (or any of the prospects) being an everyday player out of spring training, but Counsell has to put them in the best spot to succeed. Aka spot in order or pitching matchups.
IMO that also means having experienced bats around them that can take some pressure off in case a Busch, PCA, etc hit .180 in April.
If they don't bring back Bellinger someone on a 1 year deal makes sense. Not a ton of sure fire options out there but guys like Brandon Belt, Jorge Soler (probably mostly as a DH at this point) or Adam Duvall? There are some other veteran 1B like Carlos Santana or Ji Man Choi. I don't see Merrifield as a great option given there really is no where to play him in the field since 2B is locked down and have a glut of other guys capable of backing up Nico too. Urshela is still out there at 3B too. We have a glut of OF about MLB ready with PCA and Canario as possibly opening day options and have Alcantara, Caissie, and Davis who all could get a taste of the big leagues soon if they are swinging a hot bat in Iowa at some point this year so doesn't necessarily have to be an OF you bring in either.
I think the Bellinger domino has to fall before we know what direction the Cubs want to go but I do think they will bring in some kind of veteran guy to plug in even if its just to hold a spot warm for someone.
I think the Bellinger domino has to fall before we know what direction the Cubs want to go but I do think they will bring in some kind of veteran guy to plug in even if its just to hold a spot warm for someone.
Rucker is the odd man out. Kinda expected this
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Cubs Roster Moves: Neris Officially Added, Rucker DFA’d
The Cubs have officially signed reliever Hector Neris, and have designated reliever Michael Rucker for assignment.
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Corbin Burnes is out of the NL Central.
Initially reports that the Orioles really aren’t giving up that much
Initially reports that the Orioles really aren’t giving up that much
A trade within the NL Central was unlikely unless a nice haul of prospects was sent. They are still trying to compete for the division this year I would think. Looks pretty obvious they want to cash in now before he hits free agency.
I can't see the Brewers being a real threat in that division. Woodruff is out for the year and now Burnes is gone.
It would be nice if the Cubs would do something.
Kind of thought the Cubs would be interested in Woodruff and just stash him on the IL all season while he rehabs. Hasn't been a lot of movement on him, thought someone would have signed him by now to some kind of 2 year deal with a team or mutual option which isn't uncommon for a rehabbing pitcher like that.
2/4/24 - Happy National Belli Day!
There's no one left on our 40 man roster that I think our FO would willingly drop with no return, so I think we see a trade somewhat soonish before signing anyone else. Mariners or Marlins would be my guess. Marlins just make too much sense not to make a deal. They have LH RPs and too many SPs.
There's no one left on our 40 man roster that I think our FO would willingly drop with no return, so I think we see a trade somewhat soonish before signing anyone else. Mariners or Marlins would be my guess. Marlins just make too much sense not to make a deal. They have LH RPs and too many SPs.
How 2024 Caribbean Series was influenced by MLB legend Ralph Avila | Nightengale's Notebook
The 2024 Caribbean Series is the center of the baseball world this week, thanks in large part to the work of the late Ralph Avila
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If be fine with DFA Wisdom or Mastrobuoni even if we get nothing in return if the move is needed to ipen up a spot for a better player. My guess is there is a fringe reliever or 2 still on the 40 man or a trade for one of the starters like Killian or Wesneski that could be made to open a 40 man spot too. I haven't felt that Wisdom or Mastrobuoni are guys worth keeping around if you are serious about competing.
This really feels like a plant from Boras. More of a last ditch effort to drum up competition. I've felt for awhile we'd get him for around 7yr 175 mil. The longer this goes we have a better shot at a 5 or 6 year term.
www.bleachernation.com
Obsessive Cody Bellinger Watch: A Final Leverage Push? Will Anyone Move?
Cody Bellinger is the best free agent bat still out there. What are the latest rumors?
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The article makes it sounds like Boras & Bellinger are currently asking for more than $200M- Wow. I wouldn't go any where near that total contract amount. I would look for more like 5 years at $135M with Cubs having an option after 3 years.This really feels like a plant from Boras. More of a last ditch effort to drum up competition. I've felt for awhile we'd get him for around 7yr 175 mil. The longer this goes we have a better shot at a 5 or 6 year term.
Obsessive Cody Bellinger Watch: A Final Leverage Push? Will Anyone Move?
Cody Bellinger is the best free agent bat still out there. What are the latest rumors?
I feel like the Cubs need to make a move now at 1B or CF to put a little pressure on Bellinger/Boras. Or at a minimum, put the Cubs in a position where they aren't risking their season's success contingent on signing Bellinger. Even if they are comfortable with Busch at 1B, seems like they still need a proven hitter that can fill in at multiple positions and DH.
They are committed to Busch at first. Honestly feel like the hope is Bellinger eventually playing in right allowing Suzuki to play left which is a much easier field in Wrigley. Yes, making Happ odd man out relegated to platooning and DH.
We're just so loaded with young outfield talent it doesn't make sense to pay 3 vets 20+ mul. I know Happ has a full no trade clause but he's not going to want to stay if he's not getting ABs.
I get the feeling baseball is starting to mimic the NBA with teams taking a load management approach with players. What does that mean for let's say the OF? Four guys splitting starts, ranging from 110-135 games. They can also fill in at DH when they aren't in the field. It's a good thing the Cubs have a handful of highly touted OF prospects, because players would cap out at 140 games played. Ripken's record is safe.
It seemed like Happ's defense declined a bit during the later part of the season from a glove standpoint. Wonder if eventually he gets a tryout as platoon 1B.