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Post by kfidd on Feb 26, 2024 8:22:53 GMT -5
Regardless of who Cooper is intended to replace (and that’s assuming anyone as he’s a minor league signing), that now leaves two players on the 40man to move for both Bellinger and Cooper. The pool of players to be moved is likely to come from:
Davis Madrigal Mastrobuoni Mervis Wisdom
I might actually lean more towards Davis being one of those guys than not. There’s already a huge glut of outfielders between MLB and AAA levels. It’s great to see Davis back healthy and swinging away but two minor league games shouldn’t alter anyone’s opinion on him really. Who is he getting starts over from this group between the two levels:
Bellinger Caissie Canario Crow-Armstrong Happ Hill Roederer Suzuki Tauchman
So maybe Davis and Mervis? I think both Madrigal and Wisdom are feeling more and more redundant every day now (Madrigal - Morel starting with Mastro and Vazquez backing up, Wisdom - Bellinger and Busch roster locks, some recent minor league signings). Something has to give somewhere.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 8:34:03 GMT -5
Regardless of who Cooper is intended to replace (and that’s assuming anyone as he’s a minor league signing), that now leaves two players on the 40man to move for both Bellinger and Cooper. As is was before this move, it seems like one of Madrigal, Wisdom or Mastro would be going somewhere and this doesn't help Wisdom's case to stay at all. Scouring the 40 man , this is a tough one. If it comes down to cuts and not a IL manuever since they have time to add him IF he makes it since he's a minor league signing I would think it's going to be among Wisdom, Madrigal, Leiter Jr, Thompson or a Smyly trade . They are about 3 million under the luxury tax line, being able to trade Wisdom and Smyly assuming they can find a team to take on their contracts they could free up 2.75 and 8.5 which gives them a decent amount of wiggle room if they don't want to go over at the deadline. late edit , forgot about Mervis , I don't see the point of keeping him around with so many other 1b options so I'd imagine he's traded and I hope he gets a chance to shine with another team.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 8:43:06 GMT -5
Regardless of who Cooper is intended to replace (and that’s assuming anyone as he’s a minor league signing), that now leaves two players on the 40man to move for both Bellinger and Cooper. The pool of players to be moved is likely to come from: Davis Madrigal Mastrobuoni Mervis Wisdom I might actually lean more towards Davis being one of those guys than not. There’s already a huge glut of outfielders between MLB and AAA levels. It’s great to see Davis back healthy and swinging away but two minor league games shouldn’t alter anyone’s opinion on him really. Who is he getting starts over from this group between the two levels: Bellinger Caissie Canario Crow-Armstrong Happ Hill Roederer Suzuki Tauchman So maybe Davis and Mervis? I think both Madrigal and Wisdom are feeling more and more redundant every day now (Madrigal - Morel starting with Mastro and Vazquez backing up, Wisdom - Bellinger and Busch roster locks, some recent minor league signings). Something has to give somewhere. I love the depth though , as it is, but then I'm afraidf it's going to take away at bats from guys like Canario. In a normal season I'd be happy with bench additions like Cooper, Smith, Peralta all solid veterans who are borderline starting player caliber types and not just shitty bench players , but I'd rather see Canario get his chance to DH. I saw somebody post this line up somewhere and I love it Happ LF Hoerner 2b Bellinger 1b Suzuki RF Morel 3b Swanson SS Busch DH Gomes/Amaya C PCA CF
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Post by Mike on Feb 26, 2024 8:52:55 GMT -5
I'd want Hoerner to lead off with Happ behind, because: #1. SB leader #2. .213/.321/.277, .250 BABIP, 9 GDP in 109 PA w/runner at 1B compared to Happ's .246/.354/.413, .290 BABIP, 9 GDP in 161 PA.
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Post by kfidd on Feb 26, 2024 8:54:48 GMT -5
Regardless of who Cooper is intended to replace (and that’s assuming anyone as he’s a minor league signing), that now leaves two players on the 40man to move for both Bellinger and Cooper. The pool of players to be moved is likely to come from: Davis Madrigal Mastrobuoni Mervis Wisdom I might actually lean more towards Davis being one of those guys than not. There’s already a huge glut of outfielders between MLB and AAA levels. It’s great to see Davis back healthy and swinging away but two minor league games shouldn’t alter anyone’s opinion on him really. Who is he getting starts over from this group between the two levels: Bellinger Caissie Canario Crow-Armstrong Happ Hill Roederer Suzuki Tauchman So maybe Davis and Mervis? I think both Madrigal and Wisdom are feeling more and more redundant every day now (Madrigal - Morel starting with Mastro and Vazquez backing up, Wisdom - Bellinger and Busch roster locks, some recent minor league signings). Something has to give somewhere. I love the depth though , as it is, but then I'm afraidf it's going to take away at bats from guys like Canario. In a normal season I'd be happy with bench additions like Cooper, Smith, Peralta all solid veterans who are borderline starting player caliber types and not just shitty bench players , but I'd rather see Canario get his chance to DH. I saw somebody post this line up somewhere and I love it Happ LF Hoerner 2b Bellinger 1b Suzuki RF Morel 3b Swanson SS Busch DH Gomes/Amaya C PCA CF I like that lineup too although I’d probably swap Swanson and Busch. But on the topic of depth and the bench, bench roles have changed drastically with the universal DH. If you are rebuilding I think it makes sense to have multiple quality hitting options off the bench as you shouldn’t be expecting your starters to be infallible starting caliber options (lest you wouldn’t be rebuilding). When I look at that lineup I don’t see a single player I’d not want getting a full 500+ plate appearances over a full season. That’s where your bench construction really becomes a group of specialists. Vazquez makes a ton of sense as an impeccable defender who can cover 3B, SS, and 2B. Tauchman is a quality fourth outfielder who can cover all three spots. You’ve got your second catcher and just like that you are down to two remaining bench spots available. I’d really love one of them to be a burner on the basepaths swiping that crucial extra bag in the late innings. The last spot? Maybe that where a Cooper or Wisdom make the most sense as a right handed slugging DH/1B alternative to Busch, though I’d still prefer to avoid that platoon scenario and just let Busch swing away. Or Mastrobuoni for another versatile defender that could be an adequate pinch runner in certain situations. I’d love to see Canario make the roster but immediately you encounter the playing time question and whether he’s better served getting everyday at bats at Iowa. I think the answer to that is yes as that’s the kind of depth you want for injuries so worst case scenario if one of our outfielders goes on the IL for a time Canario is fresh and ready to pop right back up. He’s also got the options remaining to be flexible in those scenarios unlike guys like Cooper, Wisdom, Madrigal, etc who are either out or very limited.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 8:56:27 GMT -5
I'd want Hoerner to lead off with Happ behind, because: #1. SB leader #2. .213/.321/.277, .250 BABIP, 9 GDP in 109 PA w/runner at 1B compared to Happ's .246/.354/.413, .290 BABIP, 9 GDP in 161 PA. Yeah, I like yours better with Nico at the top
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 9:03:30 GMT -5
I love the depth though , as it is, but then I'm afraidf it's going to take away at bats from guys like Canario. In a normal season I'd be happy with bench additions like Cooper, Smith, Peralta all solid veterans who are borderline starting player caliber types and not just shitty bench players , but I'd rather see Canario get his chance to DH. I saw somebody post this line up somewhere and I love it Happ LF Hoerner 2b Bellinger 1b Suzuki RF Morel 3b Swanson SS Busch DH Gomes/Amaya C PCA CF I like that lineup too although I’d probably swap Swanson and Busch. But on the topic of depth and the bench, bench roles have changed drastically with the universal DH. If you are rebuilding I think it makes sense to have multiple quality hitting options off the bench as you shouldn’t be expecting your starters to be infallible starting caliber options (lest you wouldn’t be rebuilding). When I look at that lineup I don’t see a single player I’d not want getting a full 500+ plate appearances over a full season. That’s where your bench construction really becomes a group of specialists. Vazquez makes a ton of sense as an impeccable defender who can cover 3B, SS, and 2B. Tauchman is a quality fourth outfielder who can cover all three spots. You’ve got your second catcher and just like that you are down to two remaining bench spots available. I’d really love one of them to be a burner on the basepaths swiping that crucial extra bag in the late innings. The last spot? Maybe that where a Cooper or Wisdom make the most sense as a right handed slugging DH/1B alternative to Busch, though I’d still prefer to avoid that platoon scenario and just let Busch swing away. Or Mastrobuoni for another versatile defender that could be an adequate pinch runner in certain situations. I’d love to see Canario make the roster but immediately you encounter the playing time question and whether he’s better served getting everyday at bats at Iowa. I think the answer to that is yes as that’s the kind of depth you want for injuries so worst case scenario if one of our outfielders goes on the IL for a time Canario is fresh and ready to pop right back up. He’s also got the options remaining to be flexible in those scenarios unlike guys like Cooper, Wisdom, Madrigal, etc who are either out or very limited. Can't argue with any of that and having Vasquez on the bench can also save them a little bit of money and I'm not talking for them to be just cheap but at this point (3 million) from the luxury tax , a little bit can make a difference at the deadline. I'm confident they would go over( although others are not after Ricketts more revenue comment) I'm sure they'd still prefer not to so if they cut a couple million here or there like Wisdom, Madrigal they have Vasquez who's cheaper, a better defender and more versatile.
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Post by kfidd on Feb 26, 2024 9:32:46 GMT -5
My problem with Nico batting leadoff is how aggressive he is. He does not take many pitches and all too many times last season would we seen him leading off the game with a quick 1-2 pitch swing fest. I think there is a lot of value in having a leadoff hitter who excels at both getting on base and seeing a good amount of pitches. Gives the guys coming up to bat some extra info about how the starting pitcher is feeling that day and what he’s throwing early on. Nico doesn’t provide either of those things really, and to be honest we should all probably acknowledge the lack of offensive value he provided overall last season.
Batting #1: .282/.325/.389/.714 Batting #2: .279/.365/.372/.737
Those are both pretty rough and he doesn’t stand out as an ideal leadoff or #2 hitter in my eyes. The speed is excellent but speed alone doesn’t make you a valuable offensive player (cough, Juan Pierre, cough). He really needs to take some steps in the slugging department if he wants to be a better fit at the top of the lineup, and as I'm thinking about it now he seems better suited for further down. His aggression in the ~#6 spot could pay off better as a non-priority run producer, and his speed on the basepaths might create some better opportunities for the final third of the lineup to create some runs. I am just not seeing anything valuable enough in what he does to warrant him being right ahead of our boppers in Suzuki, Bellinger, and Morel.
At the end of the day what Counsel thinks is what will matter most, and his thoughts just the other day:
“We should not get hung up on (batting order),” Counsell said, per The Athletic. “We can’t control the sequence of the offense as much as we like or think we can. There is a comfortability for players that I think you have to acknowledge a little bit. But it’s also for the players to understand that your spot in the lineup is who am I hitting before and who am I hitting after. It’s really as simple as (that). Then go have a good at-bat, swing at the right pitches and be yourself.”
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 9:59:39 GMT -5
My problem with Nico batting leadoff is how aggressive he is. He does not take many pitches and all too many times last season would we seen him leading off the game with a quick 1-2 pitch swing fest. I think there is a lot of value in having a leadoff hitter who excels at both getting on base and seeing a good amount of pitches. Gives the guys coming up to bat some extra info about how the starting pitcher is feeling that day and what he’s throwing early on. Nico doesn’t provide either of those things really, and to be honest we should all probably acknowledge the lack of offensive value he provided overall last season. Batting #1: .282/.325/.389/.714 Batting #2: .279/.365/.372/.737 Those are both pretty rough and he doesn’t stand out as an ideal leadoff or #2 hitter in my eyes. The speed is excellent but speed alone doesn’t make you a valuable offensive player (cough, Juan Pierre, cough). He really needs to take some steps in the slugging department if he wants to be a better fit at the top of the lineup, and as I'm thinking about it now he seems better suited for further down. His aggression in the ~#6 spot could pay off better as a non-priority run producer, and his speed on the basepaths might create some better opportunities for the final third of the lineup to create some runs. I am just not seeing anything valuable enough in what he does to warrant him being right ahead of our boppers in Suzuki, Bellinger, and Morel. At the end of the day what Counsel thinks is what will matter most, and his thoughts just the other day: “We should not get hung up on (batting order),” Counsell said, per The Athletic. “We can’t control the sequence of the offense as much as we like or think we can. There is a comfortability for players that I think you have to acknowledge a little bit. But it’s also for the players to understand that your spot in the lineup is who am I hitting before and who am I hitting after. It’s really as simple as (that). Then go have a good at-bat, swing at the right pitches and be yourself.” Valid points and I don't hate that idea either. I just don't want to take away his running game , but lower in the line up might still allow him to run and be a table setter for the guys with less power . PCA in the 9 spot is also going to give them another guy that runs for the top of the order to knock in. I don't think there are many bad batting orders they can have with this group. My only real issue is at the top he gives you energy from the start, Happ will see more pitches and no doubt take more walks, but he doesn't bring the energy level to lead off a game. Nico gets a hit you know there is a good chance he's on 2b soon. That stuff from Counsell , right there is what separates this guy from your average manager. Again , I liked Ross and respect the hell out of him , but I think a lot of us are underestimating the differnce Counsell could make in this team.
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 26, 2024 13:07:46 GMT -5
1) Hoerner You have the top Base Stealer leading off 2) Happ The guy who takes the most pitches (See #1) 3) Bellinger Your highest OPS guy 4) Morel Your highest HR guy (#3 guy excluded) 5) Suzuki Your next best OPS guy 6) Swanson Your glue guy 7) Gomes Your Veteran 8) Canario You'll see - He's a natural 9) Busch Your Rookie of the Year Candidate
PCA is not making the team Vazquez neither Madrigal traded ($2M)
Wisdom, Amaya, Tauchman, Mastrobuoni, off the bench.
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Post by rvn11 on Feb 26, 2024 13:27:52 GMT -5
1) Hoerner You have the top Base Stealer leading off 2) Happ The guy who takes the most pitches (See #1) 3) Bellinger Your highest OPS guy 4) Morel Your highest HR guy (#3 guy excluded) 5) Suzuki Your next best OPS guy 6) Swanson Your glue guy 7) Gomes Your Veteran 8) Canario You'll see - He's a natural hitter 9) Busch Your Rookie of the Year Candidate PCA is not making the team Vazquez neither Madrigal traded Wisdom, Amaya, Tauchman, Mastrobuoni, off the bench. I like the look of this lineup. I'd think Hoerner and Happ could be interchangeable. Reason being that as mentioned Happ tends to see more pitches and can coax some walks, and then Hoerner has a little more ability to hit situationally, like going oppo and hitting behind the runner. Happ has couple more holes in his swing and could run into some double play balls.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 13:29:42 GMT -5
1) Hoerner You have the top Base Stealer leading off 2) Happ The guy who takes the most pitches (See #1) 3) Bellinger Your highest OPS guy 4) Morel Your highest HR guy (#3 guy excluded) 5) Suzuki Your next best OPS guy 6) Swanson Your glue guy 7) Gomes Your Veteran 8) Canario You'll see - He's a natural hitter 9) Busch Your Rookie of the Year Candidate PCA is not making the team Vazquez neither Madrigal traded Wisdom, Amaya, Tauchman, Mastrobuoni, off the bench. You are probably right , although the Cooper signing has me worried that Canario will get a legit chance to make the team. Before Belly signed I liked Canarios chances to split time with Tauchman in CF should PCA start the season in Iowa which I think hr probably will . But now with them signing Cooper who mashes lefties I see them wanting a veteran on the bench over a rookie. I also think and hope this Cooper signing is the end of Wisdom.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 26, 2024 13:32:02 GMT -5
John Heyman saying Cubs are still interested in Montgomery. I don't see it and never did. Especially now that signing him would take them over the luxury tax unless they somehow can get real creative and I never saw them wanting a rotation with 4 lefties in it.
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 26, 2024 13:32:22 GMT -5
I like the look of this lineup. I'd think Hoerner and Happ could be interchangeable. Reason being that as mentioned Happ tends to see more pitches and can coax some walks, and then Hoerner has a little more ability to hit situationally, like going oppo and hitting behind the runner. Happ has couple more holes in his swing and could run into some double play balls.
I hear ya. But you want somebody taking pitches for your base stealer. A lot of them. And a Lefty, too.
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Post by kfidd on Feb 26, 2024 14:07:28 GMT -5
John Heyman saying Cubs are still interested in Montgomery. I don't see it and never did. Especially now that signing him would take them over the luxury tax unless they somehow can get real creative and I never saw them wanting a rotation with 4 lefties in it. Heyman throwing shit at the wall, though there is already no guarantee that Wicks is making the rotation today as the third lefty. I think Imanaga signing crushed the Montgomery idea but it all depends on what contract Montgomery is ready to settle for. Like Bellinger he has no QO attached. Is he open to a short term opt out deal like Belli? He’d be a helluva number two option. League rankings over the last three seasons: IP: 17th (524.1) GS: 6th (94) ERA: 14th (3.48) FIP: 17th (3.62) WAR: 15th (10.2) I think he is criminally underrated on these boards but at this point the fit is only good on the right deal. Get him on a similar deal to Bellinger and a rotation next season of Steele, Montgomery, Taillon, Imanaga, Hendricks plays. Hendricks leaves and opens a rotation spot if needed, jettison Taillon out in a trade if you need another. And there is plenty of room before the first tier of the luxury tax that actually matters coming into play, though it doesn’t seem to be in the realm Ricketts likes to dabble in. But I don’t think he’s taking that deal. Boston or St Louis seem probable to me as of now.
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Post by fine09 on Feb 26, 2024 14:32:36 GMT -5
The rumor mill has Mervis traded or even DFA’d. Mervis this spring 1-5 3BB 2K OPS=.700 I would be completely flabbergasted if that were to take place.. DFA'd that is. I do expect a trade or two soon.
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Post by rvn11 on Feb 26, 2024 14:49:39 GMT -5
John Heyman saying Cubs are still interested in Montgomery. I don't see it and never did. Especially now that signing him would take them over the luxury tax unless they somehow can get real creative and I never saw them wanting a rotation with 4 lefties in it. Very questionable. Would leave them with 3 strong lefty starters, plus Wicks and Smyly. I'd think a deal like that would signal a trade of Wicks in the works, which would be curious IMO. But I just don't think they go with that many lefties against so many RH bats.
Additionally I don't see Boras swallowing his pride and doing multiple team friendly deals with the team he was previously verbally sparring with. I think Bellinger came back because this was his most desired destination, Montgomery is not the same.
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Post by thisbuds4u on Feb 26, 2024 15:12:08 GMT -5
John Heyman saying Cubs are still interested in Montgomery. I don't see it and never did. Especially now that signing him would take them over the luxury tax unless they somehow can get real creative and I never saw them wanting a rotation with 4 lefties in it. Very questionable. Would leave them with 3 strong lefty starters, plus Wicks and Smyly. I'd think a deal like that would signal a trade of Wicks in the works, which would be curious IMO. But I just don't think they go with that many lefties against so many RH bats.
Additionally I don't see Boras swallowing his pride and doing multiple team friendly deals with the team he was previously verbally sparring with. I think Bellinger came back because this was his most desired destination, Montgomery is not the same.
I'm believe teams are no longer willing to assume all the risks when it comes to long-term contracts. Contract negotiations seem to be more complicated than in years past with opt-outs and deferrals.
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Post by thisbuds4u on Feb 26, 2024 15:26:37 GMT -5
1) Hoerner You have the top Base Stealer leading off 2) Happ The guy who takes the most pitches (See #1) 3) Bellinger Your highest OPS guy 4) Morel Your highest HR guy (#3 guy excluded) 5) Suzuki Your next best OPS guy 6) Swanson Your glue guy 7) Gomes Your Veteran 8) Canario You'll see - He's a natural 9) Busch Your Rookie of the Year Candidate PCA is not making the team Vazquez neither Madrigal traded ($2M) Wisdom, Amaya, Tauchman, Mastrobuoni, off the bench. I see a Cubs bench consisting of: Amaya, Cooper, Mastrobuoni and Canario or PCA. With Bellinger being re-signed and the younger players needing a shot, Tauchman is expendable.
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Post by TheChico on Feb 26, 2024 15:53:32 GMT -5
1) Hoerner You have the top Base Stealer leading off 2) Happ The guy who takes the most pitches (See #1) 3) Bellinger Your highest OPS guy 4) Morel Your highest HR guy (#3 guy excluded) 5) Suzuki Your next best OPS guy 6) Swanson Your glue guy 7) Gomes Your Veteran 8) Canario You'll see - He's a natural 9) Busch Your Rookie of the Year Candidate PCA is not making the team Vazquez neither Madrigal traded ($2M) Wisdom, Amaya, Tauchman, Mastrobuoni, off the bench. Hoerner is going to break at least 50+ SB with Happ in the 2 hole.
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