MLB: ***Official 2016 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION Chicago Cubs Season Thread***

[chuckd4735]

I guess we'll see how it works out, and I can see both sides, but I'm honestly surprised that so many people are against this move.

Again, Im not against him not being here next year, Im against letting him walk away with nothing in return. There has to be more to this. It makes zero sense.

 

[CyJack13]

I agree with this. However, in a offseason where starting pitching FA depth is horrid, you DO NOT let him walk.

Right, the Cubs were super lucky with their starting pitcher health last year, with only Lackey having a DL stint, and that was one he probably only took because the Cubs could be proactive with the division already basically wrapped up. It's real nice to have a guy like Montgomery or Hammel in the pen who can step in and start effectively if there is an injury. So you're not looking at something like the Roach/Wada/Beeler/Richards fifth starter rotation we had two years ago.

With that said, I'm sure the front office already has plans to acquire more starting pitching depth so we'll see how this plays out, but it's odd to see a team let a guy who was as productive as Hammel last year walk with a very reasonable team option available.

 

[chuckd4735]

Theo has always been a players first guy.

I wouldn't be shocked if Hammel asked to be released thinking he can make more money in free agency and Theo granted it.

That being said, MLB Trade Rumors recently came out with a Cub-related article in which it discussed how bad (and its bad) the Cubs pitching situation is after next year.

I like the idea of Montgomery taking a starting role - he can pitch.

I also have a feeling the Cubs will take a run at a young starting pitcher and give up 2-3 top prospects for him.

I could also see the Cubs try and trade Soler and maybe one top prospect for Sunny Gray. A's were willing to trade him but demanded too much - ended up having a God awful year this year.

This would also make more sense. Like I said, there has to be more to this.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Cubs gave Fowler a qualifying offer, meaning he has the chance to make $17.2 million for the next year.

Smart move, IMO, by the Cubs. Have a lot of money to burn and nothing glaring to burn it on. Might as well offer the dude a one year contract and if he turns it down we get a draft pick.

 

[Bret44]

I really want Fowler to stick around, but damn that is a crowded outfield.

I am guessing we Soler moved this offseason if there are any takers. Will give Almora more reps in the OF and let Schwarber develop.

 

[Bret44]

OK. I am doing it. Starting the Postseason Thread.

 

[chuckd4735]

RIP Greatest thread ever...

 

[CycloneErik]

Loved this thread. Best thread ever.

 

[BigJCy]

Not surprising but it looks like Fowler is indeed gone:

 

[CloneinWDSM]

Good defense. It'll be interesting to see how many starts he gets at each position with the outfield we have.

 

[chuckd4735]

WRONG THREAD!!!

 

[CycloneErik]

WRONG THREAD!!!

 

[CycloneErik]

Just saluting the year's greatest thread here, one more time for 2016.