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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 26, 2024 19:44:16 GMT -5
1) Hoerner You have the top Base Stealer leading off 2) Happ The guy who takes the most pitches (See #1) Hoerner is going to break at least 50+ SB with Happ in the 2 hole. And Happ is gonna see more Fastballs.
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 26, 2024 23:12:26 GMT -5
AzP: "So if the Cubs self-imposed 2024 payroll AAV limit is the CBT threshold ($237M AAV), the Cubs are right there - right now, with no payroll AAV space available for additional free agent signings and/or players acquired in trades and/or roster additions at the Trade Deadline. That is, unless the Cubs trade Hendricks ($14.5M AAV) and/or Smyly ($10.25M) AAV plus an additional ($3M) in potential performance bonuses). It would also help if the Cubs could somehow jettison Bote's contract ($3M AAV hit). The Cubs could also pick up as much as $10M in AAV space by trading Almonte (1.9M), Madrigal ($1.8M), Leiter ($1.5M), Wisdom ($2.7M), Merryweather ($1.175), and Tauchman ($1.95M) (or outrighting them and then hoping they elect free-agency and forfeit their contract and salary)."***AzP adds an additional (hidden) $9.5M to the Cubs current payroll, due to the probability of needed call-ups ( injuries) and the possibility of incentive bonuses ( Smyly, Gomes, Imanga).*** Or in other words... Somebody gotzta goh!
Or... The Cubs could go 2Miles Nutz and simply trade Happ. Freeing up ($20M) & unblocking an additional prospect (PCA) - All in one stroke.
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Post by cfin on Feb 26, 2024 23:42:39 GMT -5
I really wouldn't read too much into these minor league deals the Cubs have made. Peralta, Smith, Cooper. I think they are just insurance policies for spring injuries.
With the DH in the league, you don't really have the role of pinch hitting like you used to. That's why I think versatility on the bench makes more sense. Being able to cover multiple positions outweighs power or hit tool off of the bench.
Peralta is limited to the outfield corners. Smith is limited to 1B and the outfield corners. The same with Cooper. Wisdom being able to play both infield corners and the outfield corners (and I think he even logged some time in CF last year, although I don't really know how much you really want to put him there). Not to mention he probably has more power than these 3 minor league contract players. I still would have to say that Wisdom has the inside track for a roster spot.
You're basically limited to 3 non-catching bench spots on the 26 man roster. Ideally you want one of those spots to be someone that can play CF, because if you can play CF, you can play the outfield corners. Ideally you want one of those spots to be someone that can play SS, because if you can play SS you can probably play the other infield positions. That leaves you with one other bench spot available, which PROBABLY goes to an infielder since, in a pinch, it's a lot easier to take an infielder and play him in the OF than it is to bring an OF in to play the IF.
Of course it also depends on how the "everyday" starting lineup plays out.
I'd have to think that the outfield bench spot goes to either Canario or Tauchman, depending on whether or not if PCA starts the season with the big league club or if Bellinger in playing CF (which means Busch would be playing 1B, thus opening the DH spot for someone like Canario).
I still like Vazquez for one of the infield bench spots, because he could play any where on the infield. Although this spot PROBABLY goes to Mastrobuoni.
That leaves one spot for Wisdom, Madrigal, Peralta, Smith, Cooper, or any other spring surprises.
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 27, 2024 0:14:19 GMT -5
Being able to cover multiple positions outweighs power or hit tool off of the bench. 1) Wisdom being able to play both infield corners and the outfield corners. Not to mention he probably has more power than these 3 minor league contract players. I still would have to say that Wisdom has the inside track for a roster spot. You're basically limited to 3 non-catching bench spots on the 26 man roster. 2) Ideally you want one of those spots to be someone that can play CF. 2*) Ideally you want one of those spots to be someone that can play SS 2 & 3) I'd have to think that the outfield bench spot goes to either Canario and/or Tauchman4) I still like Vazquez for one of the infield bench spots, because he could play any where on the infield. Although this spot PROBABLY goes to Mastrobuoni. 2*) Vazquez makes sense, but the Cubs have the "luxury" of moving Hoerner to SS (Day to Day) or replacing an injured Swanson with a SS/2B/3B/MiLB Utility (Vazquez/Shaw). This would allow us to play Vazquez every day on a loaded Iowa team (Plan C Replacement), while utilizing an MLB experienced SS, (two) CF/DH replacements & still employ the established, 2B/3B/Utility guy (Mastro).
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Post by bryzzobrist on Feb 27, 2024 0:59:27 GMT -5
Cubs asking chicago for 30m for safety upgrades
Will look bad if they give the sox a jillion dollars and the cubs zero, but chicago probably isnt worried about it.
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Post by fine09 on Feb 27, 2024 7:59:30 GMT -5
Being able to cover multiple positions outweighs power or hit tool off of the bench. 1) Wisdom being able to play both infield corners and the outfield corners. Not to mention he probably has more power than these 3 minor league contract players. I still would have to say that Wisdom has the inside track for a roster spot. You're basically limited to 3 non-catching bench spots on the 26 man roster. 2) Ideally you want one of those spots to be someone that can play CF. 2*) Ideally you want one of those spots to be someone that can play SS 2 & 3) I'd have to think that the outfield bench spot goes to either Canario and/or Tauchman4) I still like Vazquez for one of the infield bench spots, because he could play any where on the infield. Although this spot PROBABLY goes to Mastrobuoni. 2*) Vazquez makes sense, but the Cubs have the "luxury" of moving Hoerner to SS (Day to Day) or replacing an injured Swanson with a SS/2B/3B/MiLB Utility (Vazquez/Shaw). This would allow us to play Vazquez every day on a loaded Iowa team (Plan C Replacement), while utilizing an MLB experienced SS, (two) CF/DH replacements & still employ the established, 2B/3B/Utility guy (Mastro). Will the Cubs have to remove a 40 man spot before Cody plays in a ST game? If so I’d think a 2-person trade happens soon, maybe Nick & another 40-man young arm for a very good 19 year old from a small market team. We’ll see very soon.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 27, 2024 8:28:40 GMT -5
2*) Vazquez makes sense, but the Cubs have the "luxury" of moving Hoerner to SS (Day to Day) or replacing an injured Swanson with a SS/2B/3B/MiLB Utility (Vazquez/Shaw). This would allow us to play Vazquez every day on a loaded Iowa team (Plan C Replacement), while utilizing an MLB experienced SS, (two) CF/DH replacements & still employ the established, 2B/3B/Utility guy (Mastro). Will the Cubs have to remove a 40 man spot before Cody plays in a ST game? If so I’d think a 2-person trade happens soon, maybe Nick & another 40-man young arm for a very good 19 year old from a small market team. We’ll see very soon. All websites seem to have the Cubs payroll different. I've been using Cotts for years. They have them 3.364 under the luxury tax so I'm probably thinking who they trade might come down to who they can shed more money on to give them more wiggle room. Obviously Smyly would be the ideal one and his 9.5 million others Wisdom 2.75 Madrigal 1.8 Tauchman 1.9 Almonta 1.9 Leiter Jr 1.5 Dom Smith is pretty much assured to be cut now , his deal pays him 1.75 if he makes the roster and with incentives could double to 3.5 I have confidence the Cubs will go over at the deadline if need be, but I still think they would prefer not to, and would like to sit around 10 million under .
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 27, 2024 8:47:50 GMT -5
AzP:
"I can see right away that Cots did not set-aside the $4.25M in potential performance bonuses for Smyly, Gomes, and Imanaga.
While Cots doesn't count potential performance bonuses when determining available AAV, clubs do, because if they don't they could find themselves over the CBT threshold at the end of the year"
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Feb 27, 2024 8:59:01 GMT -5
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Post by Returnofstevefitz on Feb 27, 2024 9:17:48 GMT -5
Per Jesse Rogers, Cubs are back in on Chapman for 3B
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Post by fine09 on Feb 27, 2024 9:43:20 GMT -5
Per Jesse Rogers, Cubs are back in on Chapman for 3B Man I really hope that is not the case.. I am ready for a Morel full time situation with Busch as a 2 day per week “tiny platoon” which lets Cody play first a bit. I cannot see them taking the QO penalty on Chapman even with his good glove but a bat that is “iffy” at this point. Hell, if they want to spend 20-25 mil a year on someone I’m wanting Montgomery on a 4-5 year deal without a NTC just in case and no QO penalties
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Post by okeecub on Feb 27, 2024 9:49:40 GMT -5
Per Jesse Rogers, Cubs are back in on Chapman for 3B a little off topic Steve but my better half just told me she saw the free mlb through T-Mobile sign up is March 26-April2. I know you were talking about it the other day
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Post by Returnofstevefitz on Feb 27, 2024 9:52:22 GMT -5
Per Jesse Rogers, Cubs are back in on Chapman for 3B a little off topic Steve but my better half just told me she saw the free mlb through T-Mobile sign up is March 26-April2. I know you were talking about it the other day That's great! Thanks for the heads up
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Post by TheChico on Feb 27, 2024 9:52:43 GMT -5
Cubs snd Rays in talks involving Keegan Thompson.
The cubs want to move a pitcher to clear a spot for Belly
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Post by kfidd on Feb 27, 2024 10:18:12 GMT -5
Cubs snd Rays in talks involving Keegan Thompson. The cubs want to move a pitcher to clear a spot for Belly Surprising to me. The position player glut seems real.
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Post by rvn11 on Feb 27, 2024 10:26:58 GMT -5
Cubs snd Rays in talks involving Keegan Thompson. The cubs want to move a pitcher to clear a spot for Belly Ugh, had such high hopes for him. He and Steele looked like a solid 2-3 a couple years back. And you know the Rays will get the best out of him.
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Post by kfidd on Feb 27, 2024 10:40:48 GMT -5
Per Jesse Rogers, Cubs are back in on Chapman for 3B Man I really hope that is not the case.. I am ready for a Morel full time situation with Busch as a 2 day per week “tiny platoon” which lets Cody play first a bit. I cannot see them taking the QO penalty on Chapman even with his good glove but a bat that is “iffy” at this point. Hell, if they want to spend 20-25 mil a year on someone I’m wanting Montgomery on a 4-5 year deal without a NTC just in case and no QO penalties Yeah, I don’t buy this at all. The draft pick compensation is the kicker. Without it if I squint hard enough with my Cubs Homer hat on I can dance my way into liking it, but it’s irrelevant. There is not fit here, it is a far better use of resources to give Morel all the run he needs at the position. If they wanted to blow a QO pick on someone it should be Snell over Chapman but that’s not happening either and the stability Montgomery would provide is far more valuable in my eyes. Doubt we sign any of them though.
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Post by batman66 on Feb 27, 2024 10:45:13 GMT -5
Cubs snd Rays in talks involving Keegan Thompson. The cubs want to move a pitcher to clear a spot for Belly He was one of the guys they supposedly wanted in a Glasnow deal. I'm not thrilled that they might trade him but he probably doesn't have a place in the pen anymore. I'd rather they move a guy like Cuas or Almonte .
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Post by batman66 on Feb 27, 2024 10:52:27 GMT -5
Per Jesse Rogers, Cubs are back in on Chapman for 3B I don't see it . They would have to get VERY creative not to go over the luxury tax and move a few players in trade . It's been rumored he might have to sign a 1 year deal like Belly did last season but I don't think there is any way the Cubs would give up the draft pick for a 1 year deal on Chapman. I also don't know what the hell they'd do with all these players if they do sign him and it takes Morel back to a DH, then where does Busch get at bats when Bellinger eventually is playing 1b with PCA in CF. I'm still very intrigued with an infield D of Chapman, Swanson, Hoerner and Belly so if it happens I'm not going to hate it. I just don't see it happening.
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Post by Mike on Feb 27, 2024 10:58:10 GMT -5
Rays were trying to sell high on Paredes with the outperform metrics. He plays passable 3B, but I don't know how the money would work.
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