2015/16 MLB Free Agency

[CanadianIrish 0]

$34.5 mill/yr avg to Greinke. Holy shiet.

[CanadianIrish 0]

Price was a welcome addition tot he clubhouse, but time to move on and find us a number one...

 

I pray the management doesn't try to float through with offense but no pitching as has been done in years past...

 

Running out of options. I do think Stroman is nearly there as a true ace. What I want is a) a solid 2/3 (Chen, Leake, Shark, etc) b) bounce back year from Hutch

 

I think if we get even 1 of the above we're back to the playoffs. I'm not afraid of the Sox yet (but after this year I think the division is theirs for the foreseeable future)

[Rocketsan 768]

Yup, slim pickings out there...

 

Would love to see Marcus step up...especially because I think the Dick is running out of life. Estrada I thought was our second best post season pitcher so I'm glad he's back too...

[OKCIrish99 3]

Cubs sign Zobrist and trade Castro for Warren/Ryan. Thoughts? Personally, I like it. Zobrist is a contact hitter who has a strong obp. Like his versatility also. Castro was gone after he was signed. Think Warren is underrated also and Ryan is supposed to be a defensive specialist.

[CanadianIrish 0]

Cubs sign Zobrist and trade Castro for Warren/Ryan. Thoughts? Personally, I like it. Zobrist is a contact hitter who has a strong obp. Like his versatility also. Castro was gone after he was signed. Think Warren is underrated also and Ryan is supposed to be a defensive specialist.

 

Zobrist is a gamer. Great addition. As long as you're not expecting all star levels but solid play and the ability to play multiple positions, get clutch hits, and avoid the big errors, he's awesome. I like the Cubs moves so far - especially avoiding overpaying for Price

[OKCIrish99 3]

Eager to see where Heyward lands and if the Cubs really pursue him. Reportedly, he's looking for a 10 year deal. He knows he's young and in his prime, so he wants to capitalize on it. A little surprised the Cubs aren't making a bigger effort to retain Fowler instead.

[aj7822 0]

Eager to see where Heyward lands and if the Cubs really pursue him. Reportedly, he's looking for a 10 year deal. He knows he's young and in his prime, so he wants to capitalize on it. A little surprised the Cubs aren't making a bigger effort to retain Fowler instead.

 

If Fowler wants 4 years at $15 mil a year, I say offer Heyward an extra 5 and sign him for 8. Heyward is 4 years younger and historically, a better hitter than Fowler.

[LasVegasIrish 0]

Great moves by the Cubs. I've always been a fan of Castro's and wish him nothing but the best, but the Cubs got better last night. I really like Warren as well.

 

DBacks got fleeced by the Braves.

[OKCIrish99 3]

Great moves by the Cubs. I've always been a fan of Castro's and wish him nothing but the best, but the Cubs got better last night. I really like Warren as well.

 

DBacks got fleeced by the Braves.

Yeah they did. Miller's stock seemed to soar during this FA period. No doubt, Grienke and him will be a nice 1-2 punch, but they gave up a ton for him.

[LasVegasIrish 0]

Yeah they did. Miller's stock seemed to soar during this FA period. No doubt, Grienke and him will be a nice 1-2 punch, but they gave up a ton for him.

 

I'm not big on Miller, personally. I think he's more of a good #3. Could have landed someone much better than Miller with that package I think.

[OKCIrish99 3]

I'm not big on Miller, personally. I think he's more of a good #3. Could have landed someone much better than Miller with that package I think.

How do you think Warren will be used? I expect long relief/main set up guy. However, him starting would not be surprising also. No doubt, he'll help the overall staff though.

[coltssb 1,044]

How do you think Warren will be used? I expect long relief/main set up guy. However, him starting would not be surprising also. No doubt, he'll help the overall staff though.

 

I think Miller is at least a #5 starter/long relief. It will be Hendricks, Hammel, and Miller fighting for those last two starting spots. We all saw that Hammel and Hendricks may not be the answer come playoff time. At least right now.

 

Also, The Cubs still have other pressing issues. They need to address centerfield. A guy with range, solely based on who their likely starting lineups will be next year. I've heard if they don't sign anybody then they will try Baez there. Fowler's not going to stay a FA forever and I think Heyward will be out of there range. So they need to figure this out soon.

 

I think the Zobrist signing will be good for two years and suck for the last two. He is exactly what they needed. A on-base guy. You saw during the Mets series that they had trouble of getting on when the homers weren't going their way. Sometimes you have to manufacture runs. They couldn't do that in that series. Great pitching beats great hitting every time. Which leads me to think that they may still not win it next year. Lackey's good but I don't think he's amazing. He benefited from a generous strike zone vs the Cubs last year. And he's a year older and he'll be 37. Not great numbers when looking at the past. Once the playoffs came Arrietta looked scared. Sure he pitched great against the Pirates but you could see he he struggled with the strike zone like you didn't see during the season. He said he was spent after compiling the most innings pitched in his career. Which could be the case. I just worry that they don't have a true number one. We'll see I guess.

[OKCIrish99 3]

I think Miller is at least a #5 starter/long relief. It will be Hendricks, Hammel, and Miller fighting for those last two starting spots. We all saw that Hammel and Hendricks may not be the answer come playoff time. At least right now.

I presume you're talking about Warren here not Miller?

[LasVegasIrish 0]

How do you think Warren will be used? I expect long relief/main set up guy. However, him starting would not be surprising also. No doubt, he'll help the overall staff though.

 

I like him in any role. At times last year he was probably the best starter for the Yankees. A lot will depend if they unload Hammel's contract (which I think is definitely possible, albeit not talked about much). If not, Warren will provide rotation depth in case of injury and be a good to great middle relief option.

 

One thing is for sure though. The Cubs aren't done, and once more moves are made we will receive more clarity.

[coltssb 1,044]

I presume you're talking about Warren here not Miller?

 

Sorry, yep, I meant Warren.

[OKCIrish99 3]

I like him in any role. At times last year he was probably the best starter for the Yankees. A lot will depend if they unload Hammel's contract (which I think is definitely possible, albeit not talked about much). If not, Warren will provide rotation depth in case of injury and be a good to great middle relief option.

 

One thing is for sure though. The Cubs aren't done, and once more moves are made we will receive more clarity.

That's why I don't get why many are up in arms about the deal. Warren is being severely undervalued. Castro strikes out a lot and isn't a great defender. This would be different if Starlin had 25+ hr seasons before and last year was simply an abberation, but that's not the case. Throw in Ryan (defensive whiz) and to unload Castro's contract makes this a very solid deal. Think many just have a tough time letting go sometimes. Theo is not one of them.

[LasVegasIrish 0]

That's why I don't get why many are up in arms about the deal. Warren is being severely undervalued. Castro strikes out a lot and isn't a great defender. This would be different if Starlin had 25+ hr seasons before and last year was simply an abberation, but that's not the case. Throw in Ryan (defensive whiz) and to unload Castro's contract makes this a very solid deal. Think many just have a tough time letting go sometimes. Theo is not one of them.

 

Definitely. I'm the biggest Castro supporter there is and believe he will be just fine in NY, but the Cubs got significantly better for next season and beyond yesterday. I was honestly a little shocked they were able to land Warren for him. I figured it would be for lower level high upside prospects.

[OKCIrish99 3]

Definitely. I'm the biggest Castro supporter there is and believe he will be just fine in NY, but the Cubs got significantly better for next season and beyond yesterday. I was honestly a little shocked they were able to land Warren for him. I figured it would be for lower level high upside prospects.

I follow the Yanks also. Going from Wrigley to the Bronx is going to be pretty eye opening for Starlin. Just hope the kid does well out there. If not, I could see the boo birds of Yankee Stadium rattling him some.

[OKCIrish99 3]

Cubs still eyeing Heyward or possibly Gordon:

 

http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1168982/cubs-improve-flexibility-cf-search-ben-zobrist-signing-payroll-bump

 

Could you imagine the hype for this team if one of these guys is also signed with the other moves? Cubs' fans, do you feel this is overkill and they should roll with Baez/possibly resign Fowler or approve this? Personally, I like it just hope they have money left for the other future big boys (Bryant, Schwarber, Arrieta, etc.)

 

I think Heyward would kill it in Wrigley. Know I'm greedy but hope they land him. Doubt they do though.

[coltssb 1,044]

Cubs still eyeing Heyward or possibly Gordon:

 

http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1168982/cubs-improve-flexibility-cf-search-ben-zobrist-signing-payroll-bump

 

Could you imagine the hype for this team if one of these guys is also signed with the other moves? Cubs' fans, do you feel this is overkill and they should roll with Baez/possibly resign Fowler or approve this? Personally, I like it just hope they have money left for the other future big boys (Bryant, Schwarber, Arrieta, etc.)

 

I think Heyward would kill it in Wrigley. Know I'm greedy but hope they land him. Doubt they do though.

 

That lineup would be crazy good if they signed Heyward too.

 

1. Zobrist

2. Heyward

3. Rizzo

4. Bryant

5. Schwarber

6. Soler

7. Miggy

8. Pitcher

9. Russell

 

Lots of runs and good table setters. Something they lacked. Also, two left handed hitters at the top and spaced in the order. I love it. Come to think of it. Sign Heyward up now!!!