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Post by 2mileshighillini on Mar 3, 2024 20:29:33 GMT -5
1) Right now, Luis Vazquez is a better ballplayer than Nico Hoerner.
Better hitter. Better Fielder. Better Arm.
Meaningless (as they say). But he's younger, cheaper & better... Right now.
2) Right now, Owen Caissie is the best MiLB hitter we have.
And one of the youngest.
He could make the Darvish trade look ingenious. And I think he will.
BTW... He's 21
3) Right now, Michael Busch may be hitting .222, but his OBP is .417
Testament to how he doesn't chase.
I'm comfortable with him, as a Baseball player.
4) Right now, Christopher Morel has locked down 3B.
Thank God, we didn't listen to the fanbase.
I can't wait.
5) Right now, Matt Shaw has an MLB bat.
Great bat speed. Great approach. For real.
Go rock at Iowa and... We'll see you soon.
6) Right now, Alexander Canario is a better ballplayer than Ian Happ.
Better hitter. Better Arm. Better wheels. Bigger threat.
7) Right now, PCA is our 4th best hitting MiLB OF'er.
With a game on the line, I'd rather see Alcantara at the plate.
Speaking of Alcantara: Anybody notice, he's changed his grip?
No more gripping below the knob. Which was my biggest concern.
8) Right now, David Bote appears to have resurrected himself.
He looks good, just simply standing in the box.
9) Right now, if Matt Mervis were to get 600 PA's:
There is no doubt in my mind he would hit more HR's than Happ ever has.
He is barely missing it. But at least he isn't swinging and missing.
However, I think Busch will be even better. Which is a good thing.
10) Right now, Miles Mastrobouni is all over it.
Picking up, right where he left off.
Having Morel from day 1. Having a 1B from day 1. Having a healthy Suzuki & Bellinger. Having Alzolay from day 1. Having an improved Bullpen, from day 1. Having a real Manager. Having more mature, Pitching & Hitting @ Iowa. Having a chip on their shoulder...
Bring it on. #We're good.
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Post by chubbycub on Mar 3, 2024 22:41:39 GMT -5
The best treatment for Spring Training Fever is patience. Funny how it always seems to go away in April.
I really don't like that you appear to want to give Happ's job to Canario while Happ is injured. Of COURSE Canario has better wheels. Happ only has one good one RIGHT NOW.
And Morel might have 3B locked down after the fewest starts there in MLB history because of his power and the lack of it from Madrigal and the fact that they have given up on Wisdom as an everyday player at anywhere. It looks like they think they can teach defense to him easier than they can bulk up Madrigal.
When I gave them a shot at 90+ wins, it was because of Counsell, the veterans AND I'm counting on ONE rookie to give them a boost. Not multiple kids arm wrestling jobs away from older guys.
But your enthusiasm is heartwarming and I among others I'm sure would rather see that than the lamebrained complaining of, say, ageofthecubs or santosrug.
We'll see what they look like in three weeks.
Me, I can't get me enough Cuas. He just looks funky enough to confuse God (who IS a baseball fan so I'm not going to hell for that).
Right, Sir? lol
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Mar 4, 2024 5:09:07 GMT -5
Well, there already are multiple kids wrestling jobs away from veterans. Why? Because multiple kids are better than those veterans. Having better players is a good thing. We should all hope for us getting better. Last April, I imagined a Cubs' MiLB All-Star team actually beating the Chicago Cubs. That was when Mancini, Barnhart, Hosmer, Madrigal and a struggling Mastrobouni were in the Lineup. www.mlb.com/gameday/mariners-vs-cubs/2023/04/12/718606/final/boxTauchman Morel Mervis Velazquez Caissie Perlaza Amaya Vazquez Slaughter PCA, Alcantara, Aliendo Look at that lineup. They've already begun replacing MLB veterans and it's just a start. Now? There's even more/healthier talent in the system (Busch, Canario, Shaw, Triantos). Looking back, it wasn't so far fetched to think they'd be better than Mancini and Hosmer. |
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Post by batman66 on Mar 4, 2024 7:49:33 GMT -5
1. because of the depth they have I don't see Vazquez getting a real chance with the Cubs, so I can't get too excited about him.
2. Caissie is probably going to end up being the Cubs face of the franchise eventually , the kid is legit and watching all the minor league broadcasts last season which often featured the opposing teams feed, the other teams announcers constantly praised his play to an almost strange level you don't expect to hear from a non homer.
3. Like I mentioned and was questioned on , I'm not too worried about this guy , he will be a legit productive major league hitter.
4. Not sure what you mean about the fan base ,most of us wanted to see him get the chance we just thought he wouldn't because there had to be something we don't know because it seemed like the obvious thing to do with him, but Jed never mentioned it. We all were thrilled when Counsell said he wants him at 3b.
5. Shaw is a legit bat and they are going to have to find a spot for him sooner than later and I'm not sure what happens if Morel runs with the 3b gig, does that make Nico expendable ? I don't see them trading him before his contract runs out.
6. I can't say that yet until we see a season of him in the majors. I know you are not a Happ fan , and I like Canario a lot myself, but he's not proven anything in the majors at this point.
7. PCA may end up being the 4th best , but right now I think he's still the secons best. Caissie is the best and then PCA, then Canario and then the Jaguar , who still has a lot of work to do. I think people soured a bit too much over PCA's hitless call up where he had sporadic at bats mostly against other teams bullpens.
8. Bote is Bote, that's how he's been and how he tricked the Cubs into an extension . He will look very good for a period of time, but eventually he calms back down and is mediocre at best. I will say I'm surprised another team hasn't come calling on him , I think he belongs on some teams bench in the majors and not AAA.
9. Probably but we will never see him get another chance with the Cubs unless there is an abundance of injuries.
10. Yes he is , I had mentioned before , something happened at Iowa when he was sent down , he's been a completely different hitter ever since and is probably a lock to grab the utility role which gives Vazquez no chance.
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Mar 4, 2024 8:30:36 GMT -5
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Mar 4, 2024 8:34:39 GMT -5
6. I can't say that yet until we see a season of him in the majors. I know you are not a Happ fan , and I like Canario a lot myself, but he's not proven anything in the majors at this point. 6) It's easy to say I'll believe it, after it happens. This is about saying it, before it happens. Something I usually keep to myself, because they're out there. Waiting for me to be wrong. Waiting. |
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Mar 4, 2024 8:50:12 GMT -5
2. Caissie is probably going to end up being the Cubs face of the franchise eventually , the kid is legit and watching all the minor league broadcasts last season which often featured the opposing teams feed, the other teams announcers constantly praised his play to an almost strange level you don't expect to hear from a non homer. Caissie struck out a ton, but when he hit it, he crushed it. Exit Velocity. Whether on the ground, on a line or in the air. A 20 year old, crushing @ "AA". Awesome. He hit 22 HR's. Canario hit 24 HR's for Tennessee... In 81 games.  At age 21. 37 overall. In 125 games. The biggest shame in the organization last year, was Canario not being able to play a full season. PCA could only dream about Canario type numbers. That's nothing against PCA. He's been excellent. But Canario was on another level. PCA - (Age 20) .829 @ Iowa / (Age 20) .176 @ Chicago (19 PA's) AC - (Age 21) .924 @ Iowa / (Age 22) .941 @ Chicago (17 PA's) We're talking about... Right now. |
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Post by rvn11 on Mar 4, 2024 9:19:23 GMT -5
I cannot find stats, but I feel like Bote always does well in spring training. The combination of the slightly thinner air and some middle of the road pitchers usually does him well. If he can get hot and they can offload him that might be best for all involved.
I'm excited about the young guys, which makes the Happ extension even more questionable.
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Post by batman66 on Mar 4, 2024 10:14:04 GMT -5
6. I can't say that yet until we see a season of him in the majors. I know you are not a Happ fan , and I like Canario a lot myself, but he's not proven anything in the majors at this point. 6) It's easy to say I'll believe it, after it happens. This is about saying it, before it happens. Something I usually keep to myself, because they're out there. Waiting for me to be wrong. Waiting. I'm almost right there with you on this , but I need to see more from him in the majors. My worry is like Velezquez who we both loved from an early stage in the minors , that it's going to come with another team. |
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Post by batman66 on Mar 4, 2024 10:37:32 GMT -5
2. Caissie is probably going to end up being the Cubs face of the franchise eventually , the kid is legit and watching all the minor league broadcasts last season which often featured the opposing teams feed, the other teams announcers constantly praised his play to an almost strange level you don't expect to hear from a non homer. Caissie struck out a ton, but when he hit it, he crushed it. Exit Velocity. Whether on the ground, on a line or in the air. A 20 year old, crushing @ "AA". Awesome. He hit 22 HR's. Canario hit 24 HR's for Tennessee... In 81 games. At age 21. 37 overall. In 125 games. The biggest shame in the organization last year, was Canario not being able to play a full season. PCA could only dream about Canario type numbers. That's nothing against PCA. He's been excellent. But Canario was on another level. PCA - (Age 20) .829 @ Iowa / (Age 20) .176 @ Chicago (19 PA's) AC - (Age 21) .924 @ Iowa / (Age 22) .941 @ Chicago (17 PA's) We're talking about... Right now. So "right now " he will be 24 on May 7. I'm not by any means saying he is old, just that you might be off by a year , he was 23 playing for the Cubs last year. |
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Post by cfin on Mar 4, 2024 10:37:56 GMT -5
I cannot find stats, but I feel like Bote always does well in spring training. The combination of the slightly thinner air and some middle of the road pitchers usually does him well. If he can get hot and they can offload him that might be best for all involved. I'm excited about the young guys, which makes the Happ extension even more questionable. The Happ extension was always a puzzler for me too. With so many outfield prospects in the system it just seemed ill-timed.
Last year the team lacked thump in the middle of the lineup and I think they still do, although it might be a bit better going into this season. But I also think Canario is an answer that nobody seems to recognize. I do feel like Canario is a better fit in LF than Happ. I do feel like Canario can be that middle of order impact bat that the team has been missing.
I kind of fear that with the Happ extension, Canario won't get an opportunity with this club and he will be traded at some point. And then we will watch from afar as Canario becomes the hitter that this team needed.
Having said all of that, I would be extremely cautious of reading too much into spring performances. Offensive performances should be taken with an extreme grain of salt in Arizona. And under performing pitching should also be taken with a grain of salt. While it's always better to perform than to not perform, just because a player is putting together an outstanding offensive spring training performance says nothing about how they will perform once the season starts. The same with pitching on the other side of the ball.
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Post by batman66 on Mar 4, 2024 10:45:06 GMT -5
I cannot find stats, but I feel like Bote always does well in spring training. The combination of the slightly thinner air and some middle of the road pitchers usually does him well. If he can get hot and they can offload him that might be best for all involved. I'm excited about the young guys, which makes the Happ extension even more questionable. The Happ extension was always a puzzler for me too. With so many outfield prospects in the system it just seemed ill-timed.
Last year the team lacked thump in the middle of the lineup and I think they still do, although it might be a bit better going into this season. But I also think Canario is an answer that nobody seems to recognize. I do feel like Canario is a better fit in LF than Happ. I do feel like Canario can be that middle of order impact bat that the team has been missing.
I kind of fear that with the Happ extension, Canario won't get an opportunity with this club and he will be traded at some point. And then we will watch from afar as Canario becomes the hitter that this team needed.
Having said all of that, I would be extremely cautious of reading too much into spring performances. Offensive performances should be taken with an extreme grain of salt in Arizona. And under performing pitching should also be taken with a grain of salt. While it's always better to perform than to not perform, just because a player is putting together an outstanding offensive spring training performance says nothing about how they will perform once the season starts. The same with pitching on the other side of the ball.
It might be tough to do , but it is possible Happ could end up being traded , I'm not talking about now but in a year or two. I highly doubt it , but at some point they might look at paying him 21 million vs paying a guy like Canario or Caissie 750K and those guys being more productive to boot. Even though we all seemed puzzled he did get that extension, it's only through 2026 , so it's not as much of a burden as it may seem since it usually takes young players 2-3 years or so before they really establish themselves . |
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Post by cfin on Mar 4, 2024 11:02:36 GMT -5
The Happ extension was always a puzzler for me too. With so many outfield prospects in the system it just seemed ill-timed.
Last year the team lacked thump in the middle of the lineup and I think they still do, although it might be a bit better going into this season. But I also think Canario is an answer that nobody seems to recognize. I do feel like Canario is a better fit in LF than Happ. I do feel like Canario can be that middle of order impact bat that the team has been missing.
I kind of fear that with the Happ extension, Canario won't get an opportunity with this club and he will be traded at some point. And then we will watch from afar as Canario becomes the hitter that this team needed.
Having said all of that, I would be extremely cautious of reading too much into spring performances. Offensive performances should be taken with an extreme grain of salt in Arizona. And under performing pitching should also be taken with a grain of salt. While it's always better to perform than to not perform, just because a player is putting together an outstanding offensive spring training performance says nothing about how they will perform once the season starts. The same with pitching on the other side of the ball.
It might be tough to do , but it is possible Happ could end up being traded , I'm not talking about now but in a year or two. I highly doubt it , but at some point they might look at paying him 21 million vs paying a guy like Canario or Caissie 750K and those guys being more productive to boot. Even though we all seemed puzzled he did get that extension, it's only through 2026 , so it's not as much of a burden as it may seem since it usually takes young players 2-3 years or so before they really establish themselves . Yea. I don't know if I'd classify the Happ extension as horrible. It's certainly not an albatross like the Heyward contract. But it was just puzzling.
I think it was a knee jerk reaction to Davis being injured/under performing and the Canario ankle injury.
I was really advocating for the team to trade Happ this offseason - although I'd also admit that I thought it was unlikely. It would have saved the team some money for this offseason.
The fear I have is that the team will eventually trade Canario - because there's no room for him on this team - and watching him become an offensive force with another team. OR... the team hangs on to Canario, but never gives him a long look any where - because there's no room for him on this team - and that stunts his growth. I'm a firm believer that one of the worst things you can do to young players that are projected to be high performing everyday players is bring them up to the majors and sit them on the bench endlessly. Either play them everyday in the majors or let them play everyday in the minors.
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Post by batman66 on Mar 4, 2024 11:20:31 GMT -5
It might be tough to do , but it is possible Happ could end up being traded , I'm not talking about now but in a year or two. I highly doubt it , but at some point they might look at paying him 21 million vs paying a guy like Canario or Caissie 750K and those guys being more productive to boot. Even though we all seemed puzzled he did get that extension, it's only through 2026 , so it's not as much of a burden as it may seem since it usually takes young players 2-3 years or so before they really establish themselves . Yea. I don't know if I'd classify the Happ extension as horrible. It's certainly not an albatross like the Heyward contract. But it was just puzzling.
I think it was a knee jerk reaction to Davis being injured/under performing and the Canario ankle injury.
I was really advocating for the team to trade Happ this offseason - although I'd also admit that I thought it was unlikely. It would have saved the team some money for this offseason.
The fear I have is that the team will eventually trade Canario - because there's no room for him on this team - and watching him become an offensive force with another team. OR... the team hangs on to Canario, but never gives him a long look any where - because there's no room for him on this team - and that stunts his growth. I'm a firm believer that one of the worst things you can do to young players that are projected to be high performing everyday players is bring them up to the majors and sit them on the bench endlessly. Either play them everyday in the majors or let them play everyday in the minors.
yep , I mentioned it before, my fear is Canario will break out and be a star slugger but it's not going to be with the Cubs. OF is already full and they will probably favor giving PCA and Caissie the chance to bump somebody out of a spot over Canario and I just don't see him ever getting a real chance with the Cubs with them also having to find a spot to get Busch his at bats. Good problems to have , but you hate to see good young players lost , like I hated to see Velazquez go who I followed from early on , but I knew he wasn't going to get a chance here. My only hope is they can turn Canario into somebody else they can really use. |
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Post by bryzzobrist on Mar 5, 2024 0:56:10 GMT -5
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Post by nukeslide on Mar 10, 2024 10:21:50 GMT -5
Bote is Mr. March
Bote Spring Stats
2023 .323 .447 .548 .996
2022 NA
2021 .311 .367 .622 .990
2020 .333 .448 .375 .823
2019 .442 .545 .721 1.266
I think he will have a nice run in Japan
2018 .269 .339 .442 .781
2017 .300 .417 .500 .917
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Post by 2mileshighillini on Apr 14, 2024 19:17:42 GMT -5
1) Vazquez (.375 / 1.029)
Shaw (.381 / 1.457)
Slaughter (.353 / .921)
Hoerner (.182 / .556)
But I was wrong about Vazquez' glove. Nico's the man, there.
2) 3 Games ago, Caissie was hitting .324 / Since? (0-12) / Now .245 / Kids?
3) I knew nothing about Busch, except about 50 AB's between archived games and ST.
I saw it. Now, you see it too.
4) Morel. There you go. Nailed that too.
5) Shaw. It took me 1 week to see it. Another week to publicly state it here.
He's the best hitter in the system. Called it.
6) Canario (.858) and just starting to hit it consistently.
Happ (.690) and falling like a rock (0-18).
Canario better arm and wheels too.
7) PCA isn't even close to being the Hitter that the others are (if you include the infielders).
Now, if you're watching, you see it too.
I know he's hurt. But Pitch Recognition has nothing to do with being hurt.
And if he's THAT hurt, then get the fuck off the field. You have nothing to prove.
They're standing in line, just to play a couple of games.
8) Bote was doing decent (.785) -- (April 1.017), but he got hurt.
9) Mervis might have his best season, ever. (.333 / 1.112)
4 HR's / 10 RBI's -- Both lead Team. And it hasn't even gotten warm, yet.
Maybe if we trade him... We could get another Cuas.
10) No worries with Mastrobouni. Wish he played today. Nico could have used a day off.
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At age 21.
