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Post by kfidd on Oct 3, 2023 18:10:02 GMT -5
The problem with that I think is that the number of teams lining up for 4 guaranteed years of control for a 5 tool player like Robert would make sure the White Sox could in fact ask for the moon. And for as stubborn as Reinsdorf is I get the impression he’d make sure any offer from the Cubs would have an extra layer of oomph added to it. I think the Robert cost is likely too high. In today’s Hoyer presser, he said that both A) trades from the farm are inevitable and B) a farm loaded with both quality and quantity is essential. I’d venture a guess that four years of Robert is far more expensive than one year of Soto, and rightfully so with the guaranteed years and payroll commitment. With 4 years of control he would also be a trade asset for the Cubs. Soto, most likely, is a one and done player who will test free agency. And now the Cubs would have to out-bid teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, etc. for his services. Unless he agrees to a contract extension, I would pass on Soto and Alonso also. I 100% agree there, I wouldn’t consider any trade for Soto or Alonso without the intention of extending them. But their prospect cost would both be lower than for Robert Jr and I’m not overly concerned about the payroll. I’d rather pay less in prospects and more in dollars if I had my choice. What do you think the cost of 4 years of Robert Jr would be?
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Post by kfidd on Oct 3, 2023 18:47:45 GMT -5
Here’s my fantasy trade idea out of left field. It’s based on the following assumptions for the front office.
- Stay under the luxury tax for another season - Leave decent payroll space for mid season trades as needed - Trades are inevitable but lots of depth is important so can’t empty the farm entirely - Rotation depth in particular is super important - They will not sign more than one elite free agent, but will sign one - Keep the door open for young mega talent like Soto and/or Murakami in the coming years
Early signs are pointing to Alonso but I still think the asking price will be too high for him particularly. The Mets want to eat money so they can increase the return price and really bulk up their farm. Alonso reportedly wants a ten year deal. I’d love him in our lineup but I have other ideas.
Tampa had quite the second half, eh? The team fell off a cliff after a historically hot first half. Wander Franco, nuff said. McClanahan gets TJS in August. Commitment to stay in St Pete and begins plans for new stadium. So much going on, something tells me they’d be open to a bit of a shakeup. Yandy Diaz is owed 10m next season with a 12m club option for 2025. Tampa and their traditionally low payroll might like some relief there, though he’s coming off a monster of a season:
.330/.410/.522/.932, 22 hr, 15.7% k, 10.8% bb
Wowzas. However, they are getting abysmal production in centerfield and just lost their ace starting pitcher for all of next season. Tampa likes young, cheap, talented players and they are excellent at developing them. Let’s find them a first baseman, centerfield, and starting pitcher to pry away their star. The trade:
Rays gets: one of Brown/Wicks, Mervis, Alcantara Cubs get: Diaz and one of Adams/Fairbanks
A hefty price to pay but the Cubs have a deep enough farm that they can afford it. They get two years of a very professional and disciplined hitter at a modest cost and an excellent veteran reliever with three years of control (both Adams and Fairbanks have proven success and three years each).
Least of all this, the Cubs add excellent veteran talent to their roster at a combined payroll hit of under 15m for next season. That leaves plenty of room to still add Yamamoto and even bring back Hendricks on a restructured multi year deal. The offense will still need some but development from guys like Happ, Suzuki, Morel, and Hoerner to be considered a strength, but the depth is there and the Cubs don’t pigeon hole themselves into a long term commitment on the field (aside from Yamamoto who only just turned 25 and at least the tools there are as good as they get), leaving plenty of room for growth and development on the positional side of things as well as the door open for a young mega star like Soto next winter or Murakami the year after.
Oh, and the Cubs get a very solid closing option to pair up with Alzolay, and he doesn’t cost 15-20m per year.
So, what do you think? Am I crazy?
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Post by Mike on Oct 3, 2023 18:55:24 GMT -5
The whole reason Tampa gave Diaz an extension was to buy out his FA years. He's not going anywhere.
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Post by batman66 on Oct 3, 2023 19:12:38 GMT -5
Here’s my fantasy trade idea out of left field. It’s based on the following assumptions for the front office. - Stay under the luxury tax for another season - Leave decent payroll space for mid season trades as needed - Trades are inevitable but lots of depth is important so can’t empty the farm entirely - Rotation depth in particular is super important - They will not sign more than one elite free agent, but will sign one - Keep the door open for young mega talent like Soto and/or Murakami in the coming years Early signs are pointing to Alonso but I still think the asking price will be too high for him particularly. The Mets want to eat money so they can increase the return price and really bulk up their farm. Alonso reportedly wants a ten year deal. I’d love him in our lineup but I have other ideas. Tampa had quite the second half, eh? The team fell off a cliff after a historically hot first half. Wander Franco, nuff said. McClanahan gets TJS in August. Commitment to stay in St Pete and begins plans for new stadium. So much going on, something tells me they’d be open to a bit of a shakeup. Yandy Diaz is owed 10m next season with a 12m club option for 2025. Tampa and their traditionally low payroll might like some relief there, though he’s coming off a monster of a season: .330/.410/.522/.932, 22 hr, 15.7% k, 10.8% bb Wowzas. However, they are getting abysmal production in centerfield and just lost their ace starting pitcher for all of next season. Tampa likes young, cheap, talented players and they are excellent at developing them. Let’s find them a first baseman, centerfield, and starting pitcher to pry away their star. The trade: Rays gets: one of Brown/Wicks, Mervis, Alcantara Cubs get: Diaz and one of Adams/Fairbanks A hefty price to pay but the Cubs have a deep enough farm that they can afford it. They get two years of a very professional and disciplined hitter at a modest cost and an excellent veteran reliever with three years of control (both Adams and Fairbanks have proven success and three years each). Least of all this, the Cubs add excellent veteran talent to their roster at a combined payroll hit of under 15m for next season. That leaves plenty of room to still add Yamamoto and even bring back Hendricks on a restructured multi year deal. The offense will still need some but development from guys like Happ, Suzuki, Morel, and Hoerner to be considered a strength, but the depth is there and the Cubs don’t pigeon hole themselves into a long term commitment on the field (aside from Yamamoto who only just turned 25 and at least the tools there are as good as they get), leaving plenty of room for growth and development on the positional side of things as well as the door open for a young mega star like Soto next winter or Murakami the year after. Oh, and the Cubs get a very solid closing option to pair up with Alzolay, and he doesn’t cost 15-20m per year. So, what do you think? Am I crazy? Just don't see the Rays doing it , good thought though
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Post by kfidd on Oct 3, 2023 19:46:51 GMT -5
I don’t the Rays are trading Diaz, either. But the crux of my thinking here is they should be in a prime contender window but they are now without their most dynamic player and best pitcher for all of next season, and that’s before considering their second half collapse coupled with the rise of Baltimore. That may have them willing to entertain a mini reset to develop their top now promoted prospects Caminero and Mead plus, in this example, the return from the Cubs.
Pipe dream, but fun to think about this shit now that the Cubs are out and we have ~2 months before anything offseason related really happens.
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Post by sjwil506 on Oct 3, 2023 21:14:21 GMT -5
Watch the playoffs, these teams will all have electric arms that are not making much money. They are home grown or castaways.
High priced bullpens subtract from somewhere else, I'm in favor of paying everyday players and building a bullpen on the cheap.
Ross is perfectly fine. Get a solid 1b, 3b, and SP, and he'll get 4-5 more wins next which means playoff baseball.
To many holes in this year's team. The bullpen was spent and not real good. Taillon and Hendricks accounted for 14 total wins, need 20 from them.
You lose Bellinger and your starting over on offense but could make up for it with more solid 1b & 3b.
Ross isn't the reason this team didn't make the playoffs, but he might be the reason they were in contention.
Morel is not an everyday player. He is great in smaller doses when Ross can sit him when his head isn't into it. Playing him everyday is giving up a lot of outs. High quality super sub.
Suzuki and Happ might be a great platoon tandem, both seem to fall asleep in long stretches.
If Bellinger signs, maybe he is the RF, PCA in center, Happ/Suzuki in LF.
Just some thoughts
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Post by fine09 on Oct 4, 2023 7:40:48 GMT -5
Watch the playoffs, these teams will all have electric arms that are not making much money. They are home grown or castaways. High priced bullpens subtract from somewhere else, I'm in favor of paying everyday players and building a bullpen on the cheap. Ross is perfectly fine. Get a solid 1b, 3b, and SP, and he'll get 4-5 more wins next which means playoff baseball. To many holes in this year's team. The bullpen was spent and not real good. Taillon and Hendricks accounted for 14 total wins, need 20 from them. You lose Bellinger and your starting over on offense but could make up for it with more solid 1b & 3b. Ross isn't the reason this team didn't make the playoffs, but he might be the reason they were in contention. Morel is not an everyday player. He is great in smaller doses when Ross can sit him when his head isn't into it. Playing him everyday is giving up a lot of outs. High quality super sub. Suzuki and Happ might be a great platoon tandem, both seem to fall asleep in long stretches. If Bellinger signs, maybe he is the RF, PCA in center, Happ/Suzuki in LF. Just some thoughts Suzuki & Happ are both pretty good outfielders considering the bat & the glove with them being "worth" 24 & 26 million per season based on bWAR value & Suzuki was top 3 in all of baseball in hitting after his "re-set" benching a few months ago so I respectfully disagree. Morel is such a freak power hitter for his size & so new to the big leagues that we really don't know what he can bring so I would not give up on him being a very valuable starter just yet.
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Post by Returnofstevefitz on Oct 4, 2023 8:44:26 GMT -5
Kaplan says his sources say the Cubs want BOTH Alonso and Belly. They want to move Belly to CF, PCA in LF or RF and DH Happ or Suzuki. Don't know what that means for Morel.
Kap also says Cubs will NOT go beyond 6-7 years per his sources and Boras is looking for 8-10, per his sources. Says he thinks the Cubs will be OUT on Belly.
My personal opinion, yes, I like Alonso as a Cub. I think Alonso as a Cub can increase his production to that of Goldschmidt-ish levels, but if it's lose Belly and gain Alonso, I think it's a step backwards for the Cubs unless they get someone else.
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Post by rvn11 on Oct 4, 2023 9:24:37 GMT -5
Kaplan says his sources say the Cubs want BOTH Alonso and Belly. They want to move Belly to CF, PCA in LF or RF and DH Happ or Suzuki. Don't know what that means for Morel. Kap also says Cubs will NOT go beyond 6-7 years per his sources and Boras is looking for 8-10, per his sources. Says he thinks the Cubs will be OUT on Belly. My personal opinion, yes, I like Alonso as a Cub. I think Alonso as a Cub can increase his production to that of Goldschmidt-ish levels, but if it's lose Belly and gain Alonso, I think it's a step backwards for the Cubs unless they get someone else. I think that means Morel better put in a lot of work at 3B in the offseason, or else perhaps be part of that trade for Alonso.
Not being discussed much is that Bellinger is a huge left handed presence in the order. Remove him and the team has far less balance. If they don't re-sign Candelario then it's down to just Happ from the left side. IMO they'd struggle to replace even a portion of his left handed production should he leave. Maybe Caissie, PCA, Mervis could come up and contribute, but that's a lot to expect from rookies.
I don't like the idea of not re-signing Bellinger, he was the key to the offense this year. When he went down with the knee the whole offense struggled. He contributed power as well as average, on top of stellar defense at 2 positions. Not exactly the type of player you can simply replace by signing another or a trade, might take 2 guys to replace him. Alonso would be a good start, but I'd rather give up money than prospects to improve the team.
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Post by foolforthecity on Oct 4, 2023 9:31:32 GMT -5
I don’t want another power bat in the lineup that will hit .220. Especially for the prospects you will have to give up for one year of this guy. No thanks
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Post by fine09 on Oct 4, 2023 10:09:09 GMT -5
Kaplan says his sources say the Cubs want BOTH Alonso and Belly. They want to move Belly to CF, PCA in LF or RF and DH Happ or Suzuki. Don't know what that means for Morel. Kap also says Cubs will NOT go beyond 6-7 years per his sources and Boras is looking for 8-10, per his sources. Says he thinks the Cubs will be OUT on Belly. My personal opinion, yes, I like Alonso as a Cub. I think Alonso as a Cub can increase his production to that of Goldschmidt-ish levels, but if it's lose Belly and gain Alonso, I think it's a step backwards for the Cubs unless they get someone else. I don't typically put too much into what Kaplan says but he's not wrong all of the time so we pretty much need to listen. That being said, 7 years from the Cubs is close enough to 8 years wanted from Boras & I do believe from every report during the year that Cody is very happy here so I think he would accept an offer from the Cubs if the money is equal & they should be able to do that. The other team attempting to sign him will lose their 2nd. round pick along with the slot money & with them being large market they will also take a hit on international spending (according to an article 3 months or so ago) which gives the Cubs a nice advantage. I'd be perfectly ok with an 8 year 200 mil deal which sounds fair but Boras will want 50% more, I just hope they don't get it. Alonso according to Baseball Reference had a better season than Goldy in 2023 based on his WAR & OPS+ but I just can't get on board with his .217 average if it costs us very good prospect(s) AND for only 1 year. And I don't believe guys can simply "turn it on" in a contract year as if they weren't trying last year so I'd personally be hesitant to sign him long term even if he cost us ZERO prospects..
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Post by kfidd on Oct 4, 2023 10:14:38 GMT -5
Bellinger for 8-10 years is a huge risk. It’s not a risk that can’t be worth taking, but a huge risk nonetheless. The front office preaches good value in their additions. It’s something that kept them from being more aggressive on Turner and Bogaerts and Correa last season, “settling” for what they viewed as the better value player in Swanson at fewer years. And that was with Turner and Bogaerts having much more consistent and stable recent production than Bellinger has had.
I think we are going to see something similar play out with the Cubs pursuit of Bellinger. They will have a line drawn in the sand and if an aggressive market brings him to that 8+ territory the front office will back out. If that happens the problem will be how they replace his 2023 production, and I get the impression they are wanting to find that via the trade market. That’s where Alonso steps in, and I’m sure they have other less obvious targets in mind, too. I still think Ohtani makes a ton of sense, but who knows where his market stands and will develop following his pitching injury.
Jed said what we all knew in his press conference, the team as a whole has a lot of areas it needs to improve. The offense was too inconsistent, but the pitching depth both in the rotation and the pen took a huge plunge in the second half. The starting pitching market in free agency, while weaker than once perceived with the losses of Ohtani and Urias, is still flush with strong options. I think they will be aggressive for Yamamoto and would love to bring back Hendricks as well. Then find some offensive improvements and stability in the trade market while planning for stronger and steadier seasons from Suzuki and Hoerner, as well as a full season from Morel at third.
The addition of Yamamoto and retention of Hendricks plus restructuring of the bullpen makes for a deeper and more capable pitching staff. All of Wicks, Brown, and Horton are closer to contributions than they were at the beginning of 2023.
The offense, even if the only addition they make is Alonso while losing Bellinger, looks better than it did on last opening day where no one knew Bellinger would go off the way he did. Full season of Morel over Wisdom/Madrigal at third, Gomes/Amaya over Gomes/Barnhart, and a hopefully healthier and more capable Suzuki. It’s an offense that’s still finding it’s identity and needs guys to step it up, but I think it’s a more capable offense from one opening day to the next.
You aren’t entering the season as the division favorites as the division as a whole takes a step forward. The Brewers, Reds, and Pirates could all be better next season (lolfuckthecards). With the above changes the Cubs will be better, too.
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Post by TheChico on Oct 4, 2023 11:10:04 GMT -5
People are looking way into Alonso .217 average, while it is not good but he had a .205 BABIP which means he was very unlucky, so the odds say he will be more the 135-140 WRC+ guy again next season while batting .250+ avg. who will hit 40+ bombs and drive in over a 100+ RBIS especially if you sandwhich him between Bellinger and Suzuki in the middle of the lineup.
People who are comparing him to Patrick Wisdom, but a HUUGE Difference between the two, is ALonso had a 22.9% SO% in 2023 while Wisdom had a 36%, so no they are not similar type hitters, Alonso has the massive power but can also put the ball in the field and drive in a ton of runs, while Wisdom is a true 2 outcome hitter Homer or Strikeout.
Sign me up for Alonso at 1B and batting cleanup in 2024!!
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Post by TheChico on Oct 4, 2023 11:55:34 GMT -5
Kaplan says his sources say the Cubs want BOTH Alonso and Belly. They want to move Belly to CF, PCA in LF or RF and DH Happ or Suzuki. Don't know what that means for Morel. Kap also says Cubs will NOT go beyond 6-7 years per his sources and Boras is looking for 8-10, per his sources. Says he thinks the Cubs will be OUT on Belly. My personal opinion, yes, I like Alonso as a Cub. I think Alonso as a Cub can increase his production to that of Goldschmidt-ish levels, but if it's lose Belly and gain Alonso, I think it's a step backwards for the Cubs unless they get someone else. Bellinger is going to be tough to gauge, I do agree I don't see the Cubs going no more than 7 years on Bellinger and if a teams tops that he will not be playing for the Cubs next offseason. I guess it will come down to where Ohtani signs, because if he signs with the Giants then you have likely the biggest threat to sign Bellinger out of the way, but you also still have the Yankees to deal with but do they have the appetite to sign another player to a massive contract? This is not the George Steinbrenner Yankees that would have no issue but Hal seems to have more limitations on payroll and the Yankees still have a lot of holes to fill. I also agree, they cannot replace Bellinger with Alonso, that is still a step backwards so if Bellinger walks they need to still replace his production somehow even if they trade for Alonso
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Post by batman66 on Oct 4, 2023 12:04:58 GMT -5
Kaplan says his sources say the Cubs want BOTH Alonso and Belly. They want to move Belly to CF, PCA in LF or RF and DH Happ or Suzuki. Don't know what that means for Morel. Kap also says Cubs will NOT go beyond 6-7 years per his sources and Boras is looking for 8-10, per his sources. Says he thinks the Cubs will be OUT on Belly. My personal opinion, yes, I like Alonso as a Cub. I think Alonso as a Cub can increase his production to that of Goldschmidt-ish levels, but if it's lose Belly and gain Alonso, I think it's a step backwards for the Cubs unless they get someone else. Kap doesn't make much sense as usual. If the Cubs do sign Belli and it's to play the OF and not 1b I would imagine it's to play RF for the long run and not CF. Doesn't make sense to put PCA in a corner when he's an elite CF . Belli is a very good CF but he played more in RF than in CF . My guess would be Belli in CF until PCA is ready , then Belli in RF when he is ready and Suzuki or Happ in LF and the other the DH. That is , if they get a 1b, and if they don't then Belli is probably the guy. I imagine the Cubs would prefer the shorter deal, they've been clear on their prference to go higher AAV shorter years so that doesn't mean they will be "out" in means they'll be in like they say they will but trying to get him on the shorter year higher AAV deal than an 8-10 year deal and I could be wrong but I don't think years is going to be what makes Belli sign. It's going to be best contract and that could be the shorter year , higher AAV deal and in a place he'd like to be.
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Post by TheChico on Oct 4, 2023 12:11:59 GMT -5
Kaplan says his sources say the Cubs want BOTH Alonso and Belly. They want to move Belly to CF, PCA in LF or RF and DH Happ or Suzuki. Don't know what that means for Morel. Kap also says Cubs will NOT go beyond 6-7 years per his sources and Boras is looking for 8-10, per his sources. Says he thinks the Cubs will be OUT on Belly. My personal opinion, yes, I like Alonso as a Cub. I think Alonso as a Cub can increase his production to that of Goldschmidt-ish levels, but if it's lose Belly and gain Alonso, I think it's a step backwards for the Cubs unless they get someone else. Kap doesn't make much sense as usual. If the Cubs do sign Belli and it's to play the OF and not 1b I would imagine it's to play RF for the long run and not CF. Doesn't make sense to put PCA in a corner when he's an elite CF . Belli is a very good CF but he played more in RF than in CF . My guess would be Belli in CF until PCA is ready , then Belli in RF when he is ready and Suzuki or Happ in LF and the other the DH. That is , if they get a 1b, and if they don't then Belli is probably the guy. I imagine the Cubs would prefer the shorter deal, they've been clear on their prference to go higher AAV shorter years so that doesn't mean they will be "out" in means they'll be in like they say they will but trying to get him on the shorter year higher AAV deal than an 8-10 year deal and I could be wrong but I don't think years is going to be what makes Belli sign. It's going to be best contract and that could be the shorter year , higher AAV deal and in a place he'd like to be. Yeah.. PCA is the CF if ready and Bellinger to RF while Happ/Suzuki split LF/DH duties is the most reasonable option if they acquire Alonso.
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Post by batman66 on Oct 4, 2023 12:12:45 GMT -5
People are looking way into Alonso .217 average, while it is not good but he had a .205 BABIP which means he was very unlucky, so the odds say he will be more the 135-140 WRC+ guy again next season while batting .250+ avg. who will hit 40+ bombs and drive in over a 100+ RBIS especially if you sandwhich him between Bellinger and Suzuki in the middle of the lineup. People who are comparing him to Patrick Wisdom, but a HUUGE Difference between the two, is ALonso had a 22.9% SO% in 2023 while Wisdom had a 36%, so no they are not similar type hitters, Alonso has the massive power but can also put the ball in the field and drive in a ton of runs, while Wisdom is a true 2 outcome hitter Homer or Strikeout. Sign me up for Alonso at 1B and batting cleanup in 2024!! Well today is a new day and I'm back on board with Alonso. I was put off by the average this season, but it's not typically him , he usually hits for a decent average and I think he'd hit even better in Wrigley , he'd be a beast of an RBI guy . He supposedly wants to be a Cub and if the Cubs do want him long term and not just for 2024 then there is the thought to wait until free agency. A couple wrinkles yesterday , it could just be Stearns saying what he's supposed to but he said he expects Alonso to be starting for the Mets opening day. Another wrinkle , Alonso was supposedly so pissed they fired Showalter that he wanted to meet with Cohen face to face so he's disgruntled and apparently already not liking what Stearns is doing.
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Post by lajoiesghost on Oct 4, 2023 12:33:09 GMT -5
The cost for Alonso is what makes me apprehensive, especially if it turns out to be 1 year, then a huge overpay to extend him. If we have to give too much in prospects to do that, count me out. But as someone else mentioned, Killian and Mervis, I think that's as far as I'd go.
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Post by TheChico on Oct 4, 2023 12:35:21 GMT -5
People are looking way into Alonso .217 average, while it is not good but he had a .205 BABIP which means he was very unlucky, so the odds say he will be more the 135-140 WRC+ guy again next season while batting .250+ avg. who will hit 40+ bombs and drive in over a 100+ RBIS especially if you sandwhich him between Bellinger and Suzuki in the middle of the lineup. People who are comparing him to Patrick Wisdom, but a HUUGE Difference between the two, is ALonso had a 22.9% SO% in 2023 while Wisdom had a 36%, so no they are not similar type hitters, Alonso has the massive power but can also put the ball in the field and drive in a ton of runs, while Wisdom is a true 2 outcome hitter Homer or Strikeout. Sign me up for Alonso at 1B and batting cleanup in 2024!! Well today is a new day and I'm back on board with Alonso. I was put off by the average this season, but it's not typically him , he usually hits for a decent average and I think he'd hit even better in Wrigley , he'd be a beast of an RBI guy . He supposedly wants to be a Cub and if the Cubs do want him long term and not just for 2024 then there is the thought to wait until free agency. A couple wrinkles yesterday , it could just be Stearns saying what he's supposed to but he said he expects Alonso to be starting for the Mets opening day. Another wrinkle , Alonso was supposedly so pissed they fired Showalter that he wanted to meet with Cohen face to face so he's disgruntled and apparently already not liking what Stearns is doing. Alonso even batting .217 still drove in 118 runs! Hot damn!! Career Average: .251/.342/.528 hitter 45 Homers (per 162 games) 118 RBI average (per 162 games) 136 OPS+ 133 WRC+ With Stearn comments expecting to be the starting 1B in 2024, that is nothing more then trying to build leverage but he is totally open minded to dealing Alonso this offseason especially if he did not sign any type of extension this offseason which does not sound like it will happen. Stearn is smart and Mets are retooling if they don't see Alonso playing with the Mets beyond 2024 then he will be traded this offseason and feels like both sides kind of want to move on which is the vibe I am getting.
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Post by okeecub on Oct 4, 2023 12:36:22 GMT -5
People are looking way into Alonso .217 average, while it is not good but he had a .205 BABIP which means he was very unlucky, so the odds say he will be more the 135-140 WRC+ guy again next season while batting .250+ avg. who will hit 40+ bombs and drive in over a 100+ RBIS especially if you sandwhich him between Bellinger and Suzuki in the middle of the lineup. People who are comparing him to Patrick Wisdom, but a HUUGE Difference between the two, is ALonso had a 22.9% SO% in 2023 while Wisdom had a 36%, so no they are not similar type hitters, Alonso has the massive power but can also put the ball in the field and drive in a ton of runs, while Wisdom is a true 2 outcome hitter Homer or Strikeout. Sign me up for Alonso at 1B and batting cleanup in 2024!! Well today is a new day and I'm back on board with Alonso. I was put off by the average this season, but it's not typically him , he usually hits for a decent average and I think he'd hit even better in Wrigley , he'd be a beast of an RBI guy . He supposedly wants to be a Cub and if the Cubs do want him long term and not just for 2024 then there is the thought to wait until free agency. A couple wrinkles yesterday , it could just be Stearns saying what he's supposed to but he said he expects Alonso to be starting for the Mets opening day. Another wrinkle , Alonso was supposedly so pissed they fired Showalter that he wanted to meet with Cohen face to face so he's disgruntled and apparently already not liking what Stearns is doing. final answer bat or to be determined lol
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