***Official 2024 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[CYdTracked]

At the Iowa Cubs tonight. Cassie and Ballestros have really nice strokes so it at least gives me some hope.

Got to see Cassie a few weeks ago, love his swing too. Seen Canario a few times and the ball flies off his bat too I think. Wish they'd either give him a fair shot or use him as a piece in a big trade before they tank his value. Feels like another Nelson Velazquez situation in the making but Canario may have a bigger ceiling.

Hoping to get to see Ballesteros at some point. I'm torn if the Cubs play it safe and leave him in Iowa the rest of the year or role the dice in August and call him up to see if he can make the jump at such a young age. If it was any position other than catcher I'd say let's see what the kid can do sooner than later.

 

[NoCreativity]

Got to see Cassie a few weeks ago, love his swing too. Seen Canario a few times and the ball flies off his bat too I think. Wish they'd either give him a fair shot or use him as a piece in a big trade before they tank his value. Feels like another Nelson Velazquez situation in the making but Canario may have a bigger ceiling.

Hoping to get to see Ballesteros at some point. I'm torn if the Cubs play it safe and leave him in Iowa the rest of the year or role the dice in August and call him up to see if he can make the jump at such a young age. If it was any position other than catcher I'd say let's see what the kid can do sooner than later.

I dont know if you've seen Arias pitch yet but he has electric stuff. It looks like they might be grooming him to be a closer. There's at least some talent in the minors so we'll see how it plays out.

 

[RoseClone]

Got to see Cassie a few weeks ago, love his swing too. Seen Canario a few times and the ball flies off his bat too I think. Wish they'd either give him a fair shot or use him as a piece in a big trade before they tank his value. Feels like another Nelson Velazquez situation in the making but Canario may have a bigger ceiling.

Hoping to get to see Ballesteros at some point. I'm torn if the Cubs play it safe and leave him in Iowa the rest of the year or role the dice in August and call him up to see if he can make the jump at such a young age. If it was any position other than catcher I'd say let's see what the kid can do sooner than later.

I've seen Ballesteros Tues-Thurs so far this week and the kid is killing the ball. Seemed fine behind the plate defensively. They did play him at 1st one game and he ole'd a ground ball pretty badly.

 

[Cyforce]

I'd really like to see them trade Taillon, winning record on a bad team 2.90 ERA but he just doesn't seem like a competitive guy. Much rather see that money used elsewhere. I think Brown is the guy that becomes our power righty in the top half of the rotation with Justin and Sota. That gives us Wicks, Assad and Horton to fill out a rotation. Likely need one more. Rather see us add an economical vet and spend the money on the offense. Who knows if Hendricks is fixed maybe he gets one more one year extension. This said I wouldn't mind seeing us spend some prospects on a really good righty, but it needs to be a power guy 95+.

Does anyone know how far out we're from seeing the IL starters again?
Brown
Assad
Wicks

I also like Wesneski as the spot starter guy except for the occasional dinger.

 

[ISUCubswin]

I'd really like to see them trade Taillon, winning record on a bad team 2.90 ERA but he just doesn't seem like a competitive guy. Much rather see that money used elsewhere. I think Brown is the guy that becomes our power righty in the top half of the rotation with Justin and Sota. That gives us Wicks, Assad and Horton to fill out a rotation. Likely need one more. Rather see us add an economical vet and spend the money on the offense. Who knows if Hendricks is fixed maybe he gets one more one year extension. This said I wouldn't mind seeing us spend some prospects on a really good righty, but it needs to be a power guy 95+.

Does anyone know how far out we're from seeing the IL starters again?
Brown
Assad
Wicks

I also like Wesneski as the spot starter guy except for the occasional dinger.

Just my pitching philosophy if I’m the FO, an organization like the Cubs should always have the plan of BUYING a certified 1 and 2 starter and the farm supplements 4 and 5, while the 3 and swing guys should be a year by year basis.

And what I mean by this is that 4 or 5 the farm supplements could be a true ace. But now you have multiple true aces.

Instead, we buy a bunch of 3s (Stroman, Taillon, Hendricks) and hope they perform as 1s and 2s.

 

[Cyforce]

Just my pitching philosophy if I’m the FO, an organization like the Cubs should always have the plan of BUYING a certified 1 and 2 starter and the farm supplements 4 and 5, while the 3 and swing guys should be a year by year basis.

And what I mean by this is that 4 or 5 the farm supplements could be a true ace. But now you have multiple true aces.

Instead, we buy a bunch of 3s (Stroman, Taillon, Hendricks) and hope they perform as 1s and 2s.

I don't disagree. I just think we are in dire need of a big bat, we'll never get Soto but he would fix a lot.

Steele and Imanaga are legit. Brown seems perfect to put a power righty in between those 2. If we can squeeze a guy like Luzardo out of the Marlins hell yes. But if not an economical vet that can eat innings make sense. Wicks is always going to be a 4-5 guy and that's fine. Assad still to be determined what his best value is. Not one of these guys have the potential of Horton, I'm sure we'll see him in 25 but they won't really turn him loose until he has a year in the bigs under his belt.

My question is could we get Lazardo without parting with Horton? Being on the 60 day IL so it might be the best time to aquire him for 25.

 

[ISUCubswin]

With the previous post in mind, here’s where I’d look for 2025

1 Burnes ($40 MM)
2 Senga (purchase via trade this year, $15MM next year) or Mariners SP load
3 Imanaga ($13 MM)
4 Steele
5 Horton

Bullpen
Wicks
Brown
Assad
Wesneski
Alzolay
Merryweather
MJL
Almonte

Entirely homegrown aside from your first 3 starters and I trust a lot of that bullpen if roles are properly figured out

 

[Cyforce]

With the previous post in mind, here’s where I’d look for 2025

1 Burnes ($40 MM)
2 Senga (purchase via trade this year, $15MM next year) or Mariners SP load
3 Imanaga ($13 MM)
4 Steele
5 Horton

Bullpen
Wicks
Brown
Assad
Wesneski
Alzolay
Merryweather
MJL
Almonte

Entirely homegrown aside from your first 3 starters and I trust a lot of that bullpen if roles are properly figured out

Doesn't Imanaga have opt outs? He's going to get a raise. Plus you're adding to our strength and ignoring the weaknesses. Hitting and relief.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Doesn't Imanaga have opt outs? He's going to get a raise. Plus you're adding to our strength and ignoring the weaknesses. Hitting and relief.

I’d argue I’m improving our relief by taking Wicks/Assad/Brown to the bullpen.

I’m only looking at pitching right now - Bats solution seems fairly straightforward to me but I don’t foresee them doing it - I’m doing anything I can for Soto and if that means Suzuki/Happ need to sit, so be it. For what it’s worth, I don’t see Soto leaving NY.

 

[NoCreativity]

I’d argue I’m improving our relief by taking Wicks/Assad/Brown to the bullpen.

There won't be enough innings for all three of those guys out of the bullpen. They are all innings eaters not 1 innings guys so you are taking away all 3 of their skillsets. We need traditional relievers who can come and get 3 outs.

 

[Cyforce]

I’d argue I’m improving our relief by taking Wicks/Assad/Brown to the bullpen.

I’m only looking at pitching right now - Bats solution seems fairly straightforward to me but I don’t foresee them doing it - I’m doing anything I can for Soto and if that means Suzuki/Happ need to sit, so be it. For what it’s worth, I don’t see Soto leaving NY.

Were 50/50 this year in save opportunities. Get that to 80% and we're in 1st place. CCs BS about all 27 outs not the last 3 makes me sick. I'd rather get a true stopper instead of spending 40 mil on an ace.

 

[ISUCubswin]

There won't be enough innings for all three of those guys out of the bullpen. They are all innings eaters not 1 innings guys so you are taking away all 3 of their skillsets. We need traditional relievers who can come and get 3 outs.

Assad can only throw 5 innings as a starter and has proven he can be a good bullpen arm. His 2023 stats are near identical and show he performs the exact same as a starter as a reliever.

Remove Browns first relief appearance in Texas, he has allowed 2 ER in 14.2 innings and has a higher strikeout rate in relief (11.6) than as a starter (9.9)

Wicks averaged 4.2 IP a start this year AND last year. That’s unsustainable for a MLB starter and will only tax your bullpen.

 

[isucy86]

With the previous post in mind, here’s where I’d look for 2025

1 Burnes ($40 MM)
2 Senga (purchase via trade this year, $15MM next year) or Mariners SP load
3 Imanaga ($13 MM)
4 Steele
5 Horton

Bullpen
Wicks
Brown
Assad
Wesneski
Alzolay
Merryweather
MJL
Almonte

Entirely homegrown aside from your first 3 starters and I trust a lot of that bullpen if roles are properly figured out

Maybe things will change, but if I'm Wicks, Brown, Assad and Wesneski being mid-20s and pegged as a long-inning reliever is settling from a career standpoint. Teams don't value relievers when it comes to compensation. It's why a guy like Jordan Hicks with the Giants goes from being a nice closer who throws 100mph to push for a FA contract with the opportunity to start.

And from a Cubs standpoint, those 4 have more value in the trade market as MLB starters than long relievers. Now those players each have to prove they are MLB starter material to league GM's. Wesneski is the only question mark for me and he has shown me a lot this season if he can cut down on the HR pitches.

The Cubs approach with off-season acquisition relief pitching has been solid over the last 4-5 years. This year has been ugly, but injuries have played a big part. I also want most of my relief pitchers to throw 96mph+. I'll take a Merryweather flyer over a Nerris flyer.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Maybe things will change, but if I'm Wicks, Brown, Assad and Wesneski being mid-20s and pegged as a long-inning reliever is settling from a career standpoint. Teams don't value relievers when it comes to compensation. It's why a guy like Jordan Hicks with the Giants goes from being a nice closer who throws 100mph to push for a FA contract with the opportunity to start.

And from a Cubs standpoint, those 4 have more value in the trade market as MLB starters than long relievers. Now those players each have to prove they are MLB starter material to league GM's. Wesneski is the only question mark for me and he has shown me a lot this season if he can cut down on the HR pitches.

The Cubs approach with off-season acquisition relief pitching has been solid over the last 4-5 years. This year has been ugly, but injuries have played a big part. I also want most of my relief pitchers to throw 96mph+. I'll take a Merryweather flyer over a Nerris flyer.

I have zero issue if they get traded but it’s not the Cubs FOs job to make Wicks/Wesneski/Brown/Assad happy because they aren’t happy with their role. It’s the FOs job to find guys who are capable of filling a role.

Hicks has performed well as a starter and undoubtedly earned more money for it. He also, statistically, has performed better as a reliever.

I have no doubt MJL, Merryweather, and Alzolay would prefer to be starters as they were developed throughout their Minor League Careers to be. But they’ve shown they best serve the team in the relief role.

 

[1UNI2ISU]

Doesn't Imanaga have opt outs? He's going to get a raise. Plus you're adding to our strength and ignoring the weaknesses. Hitting and relief.

All of Imanaga's options are club options. He's locked in.

 

[isucy86]

I have zero issue if they get traded but it’s not the Cubs FOs job to make Wicks/Wesneski/Brown/Assad happy because they aren’t happy with their role. It’s the FOs job to find guys who are capable of filling a role.

Hicks has performed well as a starter and undoubtedly earned more money for it. He also, statistically, has performed better as a reliever.

I have no doubt MJL, Merryweather, and Alzolay would prefer to be starters as they were developed throughout their Minor League Careers to be. But they’ve shown they best serve the team in the relief role.

But the difference is age:

• Wicks 24
• Brown 24
• Assad 26
• Wesneski 26
• Alzolay 29
• Merryweather 32

If the Cubs don't see a starter role for the first 4 in the future, they should be getting value at the trade deadline.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Were 50/50 this year in save opportunities. Get that to 80% and we're in 1st place. CCs BS about all 27 outs not the last 3 makes me sick. I'd rather get a true stopper instead of spending 40 mil on an ace.

I have zero issue spending to fix the bullpen to find a true closer. There isn’t a “next Hader” in next years FA class. My concern with going crazy on spending is there is nothing in all of professional sports more volatile than a MLB bullpen.

It's not too hard also to look at Jed's history and know he is inept at building a bullpen from the outside.

**** moves:
Signing Hector Neris
DFA'ing Tyson Miller to trade for him back
Jose Cuas is your only bullpen addition in a pennant race
Letting Jeremiah Estrada, the hottest reliever in the MLB right now, walk for nothing
Signing Colton Brewer and Richard Lovelady

I'd argue in his entire tenure, he's made two decent bullpen moves - grabbing Michael Fulmer (who we broke) and trading for Yency Almonte (who is currently broke)

 

[NoCreativity]

Assad can only throw 5 innings as a starter and has proven he can be a good bullpen arm.

That's the problem though, how often are we going to need him to go 5 innings out of the bullpen? It will either be when we are down early or have a 5-6 run lead. He's too good of a pitcher to basically be used as a garbage time innings eater and if we only pitch him 1 inning then that's alot less time he's out there. Now, if they decided once a week to do an Assad/ Brown or Assad/ Wicks type game that's a different story but I doubt they do that because that means 1 less bullpen arm the other 6 days of the week.

 

[CYdTracked]

There aren't too many guys on this current roster that I'd be upset with if they traded them. I know that people were not happy when they busted up the core from the 2016 team but they were not winning at the time.and looking in hindsight this team would be an even bigger mess had Rizzo KB and Javy took the extensions that were offered to them. I'm kind of at that point now where is there a guy on this team you can point to and say I'll really miss that guy if he was traded? Let's toss out the obvious guys that won't be traded and that's the 2 guys with NTC Happ and Suzuki, Shota is not getting traded and pretty sure Steele Swanson Nico PCA and Busch are going nowhere either because of their contracts and roles unless the return is too good to pass on. Some of the younger cost controlled guys likely won't be on the block but after those guys I listed is there anyone currently in Chicago you really see as a key building block that is untouchable?

 

[ISUCubswin]

That's the problem though, how often are we going to need him to go 5 innings out of the bullpen? It will either be when we are down early or have a 5-6 run lead. He's too good of a pitcher to basically be used as a garbage time innings eater and if we only pitch him 1 inning then that's alot less time he's out there. Now, if they decided once a week to do an Assad/ Brown or Assad/ Wicks type game that's a different story but I doubt they do that because that means 1 less bullpen arm the other 6 days of the week.

I guess I’d rather him throw an inning or two 4-5 times a week in the 7/8/9 spots and buy a guy who can consistently get through 6 over have Assad throw 5 innings and then hand the ball to Brewer/Smyly/Nittoli/Hodge/Thompson for the last 4