While the Cubs have plenty of trade chips at their disposal due to farm system that is deep in position players, infielder Javier Baez is not among the candidates to be moved, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Cubs value Baez’s versatility and power upside enough that they wouldn’t part with him even if the Yankees were to make Andrew Miller available, per Rosenthal. Rather, the FOX scribe lists players such as Gleyber Torres, Eloy Jimenez, Ian Happ, Jeimer Candelario and Mark Zagunis as more realistic trade options for Chicago, who is loath to part with Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora or Willson Contreras in summer trades. A power lefty for the bullpen is the team’s top priority as the Aug. 1 deadline inches closer, per Rosenthal.
More from the Senior Circuit…
- Fernando Rodney’s brilliant season with the Padres is “not going unnoticed by contenders” in the market for bullpen help, tweets MLB Network’s Peter Gammons. Rodney has, incredibly, yet to allow an earned run through 25 1/3 innings with San Diego this season. He’s still averaging a solid 94.3 mph on his fastball and has made improvements over last season in both K/9 (9.6) and BB/9 (3.6). Beyond that, he’s also inducing grounders at a career-best 60 percent clip. While Rodney is an obvious regression candidate due to that 0.00 ERA, metrics such as FIP, xFIP and SIERA all feel that an ERA in the low 3.00s or upper 2.00s would be a reasonable expectation moving forward. On top of that, he’s affordable, as he’s earning just a $1.6MM base salary with a $2MM option for the 2017 season. Rodney can also earn up to $5MM worth of incentives, and any incentives he does reach are tacked onto the value of that option.
- Phillies skipper Pete Mackanin sounded frustrated with his team’s lack of success at the plate following yesterday’s loss to the D-backs, as the Inquirer’s Matt Gelb writes. “We need some professional at-bats,” said Mackanin. “The guys are all not the type of hitters who are established.” Mackanin has tried various lineup alterations and motivational tactics for his position players, but the production hasn’t been there, resulting in a team that is presently on pace to finish with the second-worst team OBP in Major League history. As Gelb points out, a number of the team’s top prospects getting closer to the Majors. With a number of placeholders currently in the lineup, it stands to reason that the Phils could dip into their farm if the MLB stopgaps continue to underwhelm.
- Similarly, the struggling Mets “may shake things up,” manager Terry Collins said after suffering a sweep at the hands of the last-place Braves, which was capped off by a one-hit Julio Teheran shutout. Ken Davidoff of the New York Post was among those to speak to Collins, and Davidoff opines that the shakeup should begin with the reinstatement of Travis d’Arnaud from his rehab assignment and the promotion of outfield prospect Brandon Nimmo. The arrival of Nimmo, he adds, should come at the expense of either designating Alejandro De Aza or optioning Michael Conforto. As Davidoff notes, meaningful upgrades on the trade market (e.g. Danny Valencia, Yunel Escobar, Yangervis Solarte) aren’t likely to be moved until mid-July, and early asking prices tend to be exorbitant in nature. As such, internal maneuverings should be considered to help right the ship. The Mets are 7-10 in June and have lost six of their past eight games
Obligatory public service announcement: The Cubs, in no way, will be trading Kyle Schwarber. #PleaseStop
On a serious note, Chapman lands in Chicago (I predict) as he will cost the Cubs less (from a prospect perspective) since he is a rental.
I’m not sure the Cubs will target Chapman. They have a consistent history of targeting high character players, and chapman is someone with domestic abuse on his record. I dont see that meshing with the clubhouse at all.
That’s valid. A Maddon clubhouse is harmonious and that isn’t by accident.
How much influence does a manager typically have over who a team trades for? Are they consulted about particular players? Like could Maddon veto a Chapman trade?
Plus, and I may be wrong, Cubs are not a big rental team if I remember correctly. At least I cannot think of a big one off the top of my head. A sustainable contract like Miller sounds more like it. Although I would rather see them line out a trade with my team (sorry for the bigpapi4ever moniker) the Braves and Vizzy.
Throw the first stone jerk self righteous people kill me
The cubs had Milton Bradley and Zambrano
Oh and they currently employ Lackey and Manny Rameriez
That makes sense. He knows the league also. Good fit
Agreed
If you think Cashman isn’t getting two to three big prospects from the Cubs your crazy. For example: Happ, Candelario, and Soler or top pitching prospect. If Cubs are not willing to go that high then Yanks mine on or keep Chapman and get comp pick but no one is giving Cubs anything free and lesser prospects for a rental is nonsense because Yanks are not the team to give up on a season unless they get blown away with offer.
Cashman isn’t getting two to three big prospects from the Cubs exactly because the Cubs aren’t crazy.
Billyball stop smoking that weed. No way in the world you get that deal from the Cubs. Wake up and smell the Roses dude. Sorry but the fact he is a “rental” does effect his market. Deal with it!
Even if he’s rental doesn’t expect to be cheap , remember Andrew Miller when he was with the Red Sox? They got Rodriguez for two month of him.
Right one top prospect makes sense not 2-3
Doubt he costs the cubs less from a prospect perspective. The yankees have 2 options.
1. Keep him and net a QO if its still around
2. Trade him to the highest bidder. Its not like the cubs are the only team that has prospects and could benefit from his services. Texas for example has prospects and needs bullpen help.
I dont see the rangers parting with gallo tate or brinson, but ortiz could probably be had in a deal revolving around chapman and switching other prospects somewhere in there.
Yeah i agree if the Yankees do happen to sell I can see chapman going to the Rangers and Miller to the Cubs
I agree that the cost to the Rangers of a Chapman rental should be Ortiz. Of course, who knows what might happen if a bidding war develops for him.
Its been so long for the cubs fans to be in the position of buying they forgot the cost to get help. If you want a all star player you give up talent not a guy that is a 4th outfielder or utility player. Closer to the trade deadline the cost goes way up with multiple bidders. Chapman will get a top prospect if traded but not 2 or 3. A top starter will cost 3 top prospects not 1. There are still 18 teams that have a chance so its a sellers market right now.
Eric Jagielo, Tony Renda, Rookie Davis, Caleb Cotham–which one was the “top prospect”?
If anything, Cubs fans would have a good idea of what selling these types of players returns. Theo Epstein did it every year from the time he took over.
Look what the Yankees gave up for Chapman. Why do you think they are all of a sudden going to get a much better return now?
If I were a Cubs fan I’d much rather give up Almora than Torres.
I can’t see them trading Torres for a reliever.
Bob, Torres is in the low minors. Almora will be starting CF next year when Fowler leaves as a free agent. Torres is a good prospect but until you do it in AA or AAA its still just suspect stuff.
Do you think that .every single prospect that hasn’t played in AA or AAA is just suspect then?
There is a reason that evaluators still rank low level prospects. Yes, they may be a higher risk than someone who has shown he is capable of performing over multiple levels, but you can see the tools a guy has no matter what level he is playing at.
For one, with Torres, he will likely be able to stick at ss. That helps a ton with any floor value. He also has a well rounded skill set and good bat to ball skills. His performance age/league has been impressive. That is something you need to look at.
Teams do not simply write off the value of a prospect because he happens to be 19 and yet to reach AA.
No one said teams right it off but until they do it in AA or higher that is all taken into consideration. There are many top prospects from A ball that fizzle in AA or higher. Almora was already in AAA. Now performing in MLB. I rank him higher and more valuable then Torres who I like as a prospect but not nearly as much as Almora who we also need next year. You obviously agree with the other guy and like him better then Almora. I disagree.
Where, exactly, do you see Torres fit into the mix of this team? I still don’t see him moved for anything less than a rotation piece in the offseason or possibly in a deal that involves both Chapman and Miller. It’s unlikely, but I support that move if all the Cubs give is prospects not named Almora or Contreras.
jmocubsfan8 Agree 100% – Everyone freaking out at the prospects beign traded. But people forget the Cubs are the youngest team in MLB –
Not counting Ross who leaves after the year, and any SP – Rizzo, Russle, Baez, Soler, KB, Heyward, Contr, Only Zor is older. Every one blocked by the time these guys are done, those prospects will be 28 years old maybe older. Don’t look at your sports car in the garage, it doesn’t do no good. Drive it or sell it.
I agree jmocubsfan. I rank Torres as a valuable commidity but onviously we have to give someone of value in one of those proposed trades
Agreed. I’ve been saying it since all this Yankee reliever talk began. Yanks are going to ask for the moon for Miller and Betances and the Cubs are not going to pay that kind of price. Chapman will cost a little bit in prospects but not nearly the haul the other 2 will
I agree with Cubsfan
While I don’t think it’s impossible, I do agree. It wouldn’t make sense to move him to any team at the deadline. Anything short of including him in a trade for Mike Trout is unlikely…
Sure they will. The Cubs are pretty much a strong team from start to finish but the bullpen isn’t as strong as the rest of the team so they will probably want to upgrade it and might dangle Kyle as a way to do that. And if were being honest, Kyle belongs in the AL.
Theo on Schwarber just last week: “Getting him back next spring will be like adding a high end free agent.” Schwarber goes nowhere.
You gotta give value to get value. If winning a championship means making the back end of the bullpen lights out via trading Kyle they absolutely will part with him.
West coast ryan the cubs will not part with Kyle for a reliever because that does not make sense. Watch when the trades are made. If Cubs make the deal it will not include Kyle and if someone else gets him the Yankees will not have acquired anyone like Kyle.
So can you tell me the winning lotto numbers seeing how you have a crystal ball and everything?
If you are saying that claiming that the Cubs won’t trade Schwarber for relief pitching over the next year is as predictable as picking the winning number in a one-ball lottery, then your comparison holds up.
Just wondering why he feels the need to speak in absolutes. He doesn’t work for the Cubs so he doesn’t know what they will and won’t do.
Just stop. Schwarber is a power hitting, high on base, student of the game. Then has said he is one of the hardest working players he’s ever seen. The guy told the I and hoyer (allegedly) that they’re f-in stupid if they don’t think he could catch. He was with them during the drafting process. As mentioned above, theo thinks it’ll be like adding a brand new toy or free agent when they get him back next year. All this talk of top prospects is coming from Yankee camp. Same thing came from the Reds camp last year with him about chapman, Bruce, and Frazier last year. The team selling wants the highest reward. When have the Cubs been the biggest bidder (trading prospects wise) under theo regime. Last time I checked, they sign their own long-term. He values a farm too much to give up MLB ready talent. I’m not even doubting Miller and Chapman’s greatness. They might get it from someone. It just won’t be the Cubs.
@Thewestcoastryan
I completely disagree. Yes, you have to give value to get value, but it needs to be in proportion. You wouldn’t trade mike trout for chapman because they both “have value.”
Hahahaha so now you’re comparing Kyle Schwarber to Mike Trout? Come on man.
I’m not saying the Cubs should or will trade Kyle but if the Cubs FO decides that an elite bullpen is what they need to get past the Nats or Giants in the NLCS there is definitely room for discussion about it.
Just something to think about bro.
Okay, then don’t get Chapman or Miller and get trounced by the Giants in the NLCS
I wasn’t comparing Mike trout to Schwarber. I used mike trout to illustrate that your argument of trading “value for value” is flawed. Both trout and Schwarber are much more valuable than a reliever, especially due to their volatility. That is why the Cubs front office made the statements they have.
You’re forgetting the added value that a shutdown reliever carries at the deadline and the pressure the Cubs FO is under to bring a championship to the city of Chicago.
Okay so my guess is you are a Giants fan, the giants need bullpen help as well to my understanding. Are you prepared to trade a package of Duffy and Belt for a reliever? I mean you have to give value to get value right? Contracts and control include value too. Three months of a guy who throws the ball for one inning every couple of days is not worth a cornerstone bat like Schwarber (or even one of Duffy or Belt for that matter)
I’m not a Giants fan, but Duffy and Belt are playing and producing at the Major League level right now. Schwarber is out for the season. Also the Giants have won 3 of the last 5 World Series. They don’t need this one as badly as the Cubs do.
The Cubs bullpen outside of Rondon isn’t too special. Wood and Strop have had decent seasons so far, but Warren’s early magic has worn off completely, Cahill is OK but quite susceptible and Richards is at least one guaranteed run for the opposition at this point. They really need a lockdown lefty and one more power guy to put the bullpen in conversations with the offense and starting staff as world series quality.
I completely agree. I don’t have too much faith in their pen, even though they’ve been playing well. What’s nice is they have options in the minors like Edwards (who has filthy stuff) or rivero. In the end, some of them will get (or stay) hot, which is thanks to the incredible depth the Cubs have built.
Clayton Richard should not be allowed to throw a pitch unless there is a 6 run lead and it’s past the 7th inning.
He came in 6-1 in the 7th last night and made the game much more interesting.
Chapman? Bring him on! A woman beater known as a cute, cuddly Cubbie!! How nice. People in these parts are saying . . . How bout them Cubs!! How bout em, they haven’t won a championship in 108 years! How bout them Cubbies!!!
I don’t remember him being charged or convicted with any crime
Reyes wasn’t convicted either. Furthermore, chapman released a statement about the incident and accepted MLB’s suspension. I’m not saying I know exactly what happened (only chapman and his spouse know that), but to imply that nothing happened is simply incorrect.
Cavaliers just brought a championship to Cleveland for the first time in 50 plus years for any sport, Chicago has its bet chance this year.
Ugh
Having watched Rodney pitch this year, it is pretty impressive the adjustments he made from the previous years. His fastball is still good, but his change up has been a nasty pitch. I wonder what he would fetch in a trade? I imagine most teams won’t want to give up much given his age, but still he would be a nice addition to any competitor.
I can see the rangers sending over something like yohander mendez or josh morgan and andrew faulker in a trade for rodney. A top 10 (#8) guy or 2 top 15 (#11, #12) for the rangers. He’s not just a rental he has a 2 mill option I believe. He keeps pitching like he has no doubt itll be exercised.
Rodney’s best pitch has ALWAYS been his change up. One of the best in the game.
Cubs will not be giving up 2-3 top prospects for Chapman, period. Miller could fetch much more as previously stated but not Schwarber or Baez like some Yankees fans would hope. Only way big prospect names are moving is in the offseason for the likes of Fernandez or Gray. I do trust in Theo and the new regime to have a permanent contender, not just a one and done like previous management. Anyone remember when the Cubs got Rich Harden to solidify a mediocre run? Yeah, we gave up this guy by the name of Josh Donaldson.
Soler for Miller
Soler would, at best, be the second best piece of probably four players in a potential Miller trade.
Get a clue man. Gotta love the entitled Yankees fans.
I agree Halos. These Yankees fans are delusional
Look at the packages Ken Giles and Craig Kimbrel fetched. If you think Miller is going for anything less, you’re delusional.
Ken Giles has 4 years of control genius
And an ugly era too don’t forget that
Giles and Kimbrel are exactly why the Yanks aren’t going to get the big package they are looking for. They both fetched a huge return and have not been very good. I will agree that Miller is a stud and will bring in some nice pieces but I promise it’s not going to be near what their fans are expecting. Teams are going to trade for the Doolittle/Abad types because the asking price will be reasonable and the production will still be there. My guess is the Yanks won’t get the offers they like and will just hold on to Miller
Only Cubs fans think silver and McKinney are amazing .. Almost everyone have a solver type player in the organization..
Silver to Solver is my favorite DP combination of all time.
Josh Donaldson was a no name player who took 5 years, a position change, and complete mechanical overhaul to become a good player. If you saw that one coming when they traded him you should work in a front office.
Good call chester. He was a catcher at the time. It took years for him to become what he is plus position change. Harden by the way was fantastic … When healthy. He was not a rental either but also could not stay healthy. An issue with pitchers that always bothers me
I truly believe the Cubs are saying they won’t trade Baez because they think it will increase his perceived value. They don’t really have a place to play him other than utility. Of course you would trade a potential part time player for Chapman.
He’s gonna take over at 3B with the defense he plays over there. Bryant will become an almost fulltime LF.
I am with you jmocubsfan. Baez is just tooooo good at third base and Bryant is a good outfielder too
Depth is huge. There’s always an injury.
Stymee that is an insane statement. He is not a part time player in reality. Look how much time he gets. If he is just some part time utlility player why would anyone want him then? He was a top 5 prospect in all of baseball with tremendous baseball instincts amd versatility and would be a starting second baseman or shortstop or third baseman for a majority of teams in baseball with a power bat that is hard to find. This guy is a 40 homer guy when he gets 600 plus at bats and you want to give him away? He is a big reason cubs are as good as they are now. So then who replaces Baez? No one since one else can do what he does and he allows Zobrist to settle in. Jesus watch Baez play third. This is Brooks Robinson and Santo in one
@stymeedone
Baez is such a difficult player to project. I agree I was surprised by the statement. I don’t think anyone knows what the Cubs have in Baez. He’s still only 22 and is still continuing to make major adjustments. I highly doubt he’s untouchable- the big question is what would it take to move him?
Who is silver and solver?
Theo does not over pay for anyone and hes not going to start now for a bullpen arm. Let another team pay the premium for Miller ect. There will be other available options before Aug 1st.
Miller and Chapman for schwarber and soler any chance?
Zero chance. Miller and Chapman would bring in some very nice pieces but I don’t see the Cubs paying that kind of price. I could see Schwarber moved but it would be for a young controllable starter. The only way i see Schwarber going anywhere would be in a package for a Gray or Fernandez type. Good quality bullpen can be had for less in my humble opinion
I can’t see a trade like that happening. cubs have said they wouldn’t be surprised if Schwarber ended up being their best hitter, and I believe them. We may as well throw Rizzo in these trade talks instead seeing as he’s more expensive. (Not seriously suggesting they trade Rizzo, just saying how crazy high the Cubs are on Schwarber).
I’d like to know what you would trade for Miller and chapman in 2 separate deals , tell me
For 3 months of Chapman not a ton. Probably a prospect in the 10-20 range and a young low level prospect with some upside.
Miller would cost alot more obviously, but I personally wouldn’t trade the farm to get him. I’d probably be willing to give up 2 prospects in the 6-10 range and 1, mayyyybe 2 the 10-20ish range. Maybe a flyer added.
But this is only because I believe they can get bullpen help for cheaper. Not as talented as Miller or Chapman but serviceable
Especially to the Yankees.
Well said Cubsfan!
I could see Schwarber traded, but something like Jose Fernandez would have to be on the table.
And I’d be surprised and saddened if we were to ship Jimenez or Torres for a reliever. Ok, maaaaybe for Betances, but I’d be just as content putting together a lesser package for Abad.
Candelario, Happ, and Contreras for Miller
Candelario and Torres for Chapman.
Bryant and Schwarber for Miller and Chapman.
Don’t do drugs, kids.
*without sharing
lol. Seriously. Chapman is still a rental and while Miller has a ton of value bc of control and $9m/yr….the two of them together aren’t worth Bryant. I’m not a Cubs homer either, just an avid baseball fan…..and Mets homer.
I wouldn’t trade the entire team of Yankees for Schwarber of bryant, I wouldn’t even trade their entire system for them.
I’m not trading Bryant and Schwarber for Rivera and Eckersley let alone Miller and a rental!!!
That’s good.. I imagine Mo has lost some velo and not sure Eckersley could even throw an inning at this point.
Mo might still be better then both lol
Might not have the gas but the stuff is still there
I needed a good laugh. Thanks
No way Judge Judy
Would the Cubs be willing to part with a mid tier prospect like Bryan Hudson or Carl Edwards Jr to bring back Rodney? Or is that over optimistic trade hype?
Over optimistic
Need LHRP more than RHRP
That may be true, I could definitely see a reunion at a slightly more realistic price. Rodney is a Maddon guy, had success with the Cubs last year, and so far this year is showing success under a team friendly deal. It’s not as if the bullpen has been perfect either….far from it.
If you’re going to part with assets do so to fill your biggest weakness.
In a perfect world, sure, but things might not progress so linearly.
I don’t think acquiring a competent reliever who throws left handed requires a perfect world.
He may not be a world beater that makes fans super happy like a Chapman or Miller, but if he is better than Clayton Richard, he’s more important to the team’s overall success than acquiring another rhrp like Rodney is.
I’m not arguing if a LHP is more important or not. I am saying that with the way transactions are made, GMs take what they get when it becomes available. If somehow an upgrade to the rotation or say a LF became available at the right price, a good GM won’t pass up and wait to consider those positions only after filling the LHP roster spot…
Actually many of them do exactly that because you don’t want to waste resources you could use to acquire something you need more on something that is superfluous. It is also part of the reason
teams wait a long time to make some upgrades.
Unless by “the right price” you mean a complete steal or some trade that doesn’t involve any players of real standing then I disagree. I don’t think that process for a team like the cubs with so few needs makes any sense.
Teams that have lots of holes to fill, yes. They should be looking to add talent anywhere they can. When you have very few needs, you need to prioritize the most glaring one before others.
“When you have very few needs, you need to prioritize the most glaring one before the others.”
No. When you have very few assets you need to prioritize the most glaring need before others.
In regards to the original question, no the Cubs wouldn’t trade Hudson or Edwards for Rodney, but they would be foolish to not consider him simply because he doesn’t throw with his left arm. If he is better than Grimm, or Cahill, or Warren, they would be smart to consider it even if they have not yet acquired their lefty…
i’d give up CJ for Rodney
That is too much for Rodney
Trading for Rodney is certainly the threat that the Cubs would leak to counter this 2-3 top prospect non-sense from the Yankees. He isn’t a perfect fit, but depending on prospect cost, he could be a much more realistic option.
I doubt the Yankees get a haul for Chapman bc it is his walk year (even with factoring in the QO pick) and teams are hoarding their young talent with a WEAK free-agent class coming up this off-season.
for miller the cubs are looking at trading
Torres, Soler, and a pitching prospect (Cease, Hudson, Johnson)
for chapman (though i doubt with his character issues and past issues with cubs (rizzo))
Soler, Candelario, and lower pitching prospect,
otherwise guys like Abad, Doolittle, Rodney are also targets.
More than likely they will go for 1 of the 4 available big lefties (Miller,chapman, abad, doolittle, heck i bet if the rockies make Jake Mcgee available, the cubs would be inclined to buy low). and then a second bullpen arm. Guys like Warren, Wood, Cahill, Strop, Rondon, are locks to stay. Grimm, Richards are both on the chopping block. They are 2 Bullpen arms away from having this back end patched up. I can see them trying for Miller or Chapman, but coming back down to earth for a Mcgee, Abad, Doolittle. The braintrust isn’t trading Baez, Contreras, Almora, anytime soon unless it’s for the aforementioned ace.
even a guy like ian happ is probably made available. I just think Contreras, Almora have legit shots at starting next year, and a guy like Baez is the glue for many positions. I could be wrong and the yankees get an ultimate haul.. When they traded for Chapman last offseason, many teams contacted yanks on miller, but no one met their demands. I highly doubt the cubs do. They are desperate to win a title in the near future, but not crazy.
I don’t think they move Soler for a rental like Chapman. For some reason, they seem to like him. It also just doesn’t make much sense to move someone off your major league team in the middle of a playoff race to fill another spot on your major league roster. They have enough prospect capital to find a deal (not necessarily with the yankees) to find a reliever that doesn’t subtract from their current roster.
“They are desperate to win a title in the near future, but not crazy.” – I’m curious what you mean by this and what gives you that impression? I don’t think anything that the front office has done shows any desperation at all.
i guess i could’ve phrased it better. but they just saw cleveland win a title, they want to give the fans the same thing. The cubs realize that the next two years are critical because Arrieta, Hammel, Lackey, and an eventual decline from Lester, they want to maximize these two years. Honestly, i could care less about the reg season record or run differential. i am more worried about that first title, and then after sustained success. The Nats and Giants are scary right now. It is super earlier and these relievers can get hurt, so i would rather they wait. I know they love Soler, as i do too, but he just doesn’t have much of a place on this team. He’s too good to be a platoon player at this point in his career. He deserves regular at bats. like almora is future in CF and heyward has RF. i think schwarbs is LF of future as well.
So you do care about the regular season record and run differential?
touche” i couldn’t care less!
justacubsfan 100% agree. Let be real here. 4 teams are going to be in the play offs. Forget the WC –
First order of business is to prepare for post season. Season done, just needs to be played out –
Get the home field and best record – NOT 100 win record or 116 record best record so we have a WC draw. Going through SF and Wash to the WS won’t be easy, I’m not sure if the Cubs could pull it off. Maybe. But I wouldn’t want to try if I didn’t have to.
Cubs vs WC team while SF and Wash beat the $”hit out of each other. Will see one of them but I rather have one not both. Winning record gets you the WC in the NLDS and either wash or SF in the NLCS. I believe if the Cubs IF the cubs can get to the WS they will win it. Boston, Texas or Bault do not worry me. All can hit but like St.L struggle against great pitching. Cubs #1 in MLB BTW. IT getting past a WASH who has just as good pitching ranked #2 or SF Rank #3 in the NLCS is the key – We will win the WS if we can get there trough SF or Wash.
The Mets are still in the running….their staff is probably pretty scary in the playoffs, just ask the Cubs how that went for them last year. The Mets have half of their bats on the DL, so they have fallen in the standings, but they are only 5.5 back of WAS and have a TON of baseball left to play. WAS has been mostly injury free, so let’s see where everyone is at a month from now.
I agree for Miller Ian Haap would be in play
justacubsfan is exactly right. I believe that the Cubs (the front office Theo/Jed) have this all planned out. First things first, what I have observed is that thus far, they have been making a few low risk/high reward, under the radar type moves in regards to pitching. In just the last 3-4 weeks the Cubs have acquired Joe Nathan, R.J. Alvarez, BrianMatusz and Joel Peraita. The Cubs are only 1-2 pitchers out of the mix in the bullpen, if just one, just ONE of these guys breaks out to their potential, all the Cubs need is a lone lefty from the pen. Knowing Theo and Jed’s tendencies, they will not make a big splash move, like for Chapman or Miller. I see them going after a cheap, lesser name type guy who maybe needs just a bit tweaking that has the potential to be very good. They won’t sell the farm for 3 months of service, esp for a reliever. If they can get Woods and Warren on track, one of the above mentioned guys to come in and pitch a good inning, Strop, Rondon and a decent leftie to throw in the mix they will be just fine. The exception for this team is even if the bullpen blows it, the offensive steps up.
Good points Harry. Team Theo looking toward playoffs and trying to catch lightning in a bottle with Nathan et al. If one of those depth moves comes up big by or in September that will be huge!
Andrew Miller is going to be a Cub at some point in the next 6 weeks. It’s inevitable. And the Cubbies are going to pony up a top prospect like Torres or Happ to get it done. I see a package similar to Torres, Vogelbach, Edwards Jr., and another mid-level prospect getting it done. For those who have forgotten about big Dan Vogelbach, he’s currently mashing at AAA to the tune of .303/.425/.527 with 12 jacks and 49 RBI in 64 games. He’s destined for the AL. Makes perfect sense to me. Torres is obviously log jammed at short stop. I’d personally rather keep Happ over Torres. But either would be a nice headline piece with Vogie, Edwards Jr., and maybe a return of Cory Black. The yanks pull the trigger there or counter with something close.
yeah, i suggested something similar. as nice as vogelbach is playing he is a straight DH/3rd piece. I think it might take a larger 2nd piece, but that is just the realist in me.
I really disagree. Vogelbach’s batted ball speed is stellar. He takes plenty of walks. With a slightly elevated swing plane the guy hits 35-40 HRs in Yankee stadium every year. That with Torres replacing Didi by 2018 gives the Yankees to high caliber players on a KATOH scale for 1M/year under control till 2022.
Torres won’t be moved for a reliever. The upside is too high with that kid. He’s far away so by the time he’s ready, zobrist may be more of a utility guy (2-3 years)
I see more of a player like Sean Doolittle or Andrew Miller going to the Cubs. Especially since the Cubs and Oakland frequently make trades together it would make sense.
Believe it or not the Cubs may get Grey I was reading that today and Bean and Jim H are talking…
I think they are going to move on either Grey or Teheran for sure. And I find it interesting that both those teams have a potential bullpen target with Doolittle and Vizcaino( I know he’s not a lefty but he’s a great late inning guy). I can definitely see something big happening with one of these 2
That would shake things up. I think Gray is having a down year, but he has a ton of talent. Taheran…not a huge fan of him, but he can slot in at #3 and be very effective against another team’s #3/#4.
Getting a young high ceiling pitcher is the one thing that the front office have talked about doing but have been unable to pull it off. I think this is the year (no pun intended) that they pull it off. They have enough good young pieces to make something happen
They have the pieces but they refuse to cash them in to get what they need. If it’s Sonny Gray you want you’re gonna have to part with more than one blue chip prospect.
Absolutely. Sonny Gray will be an expensive trade but it’s one I would expect the Cubs to do. I don’t mind a trade being expensive for a top half of the rotation, young, cost controlled starter. Id pay the premium for a starter, but not for a reliever. I think the Cubs and A’s match up well, hopefully they can get something worked out
I don’t understand the fascination with Sonny Gray. Sure he had a brilliant start to his career, but he profiles for regression from those numbers, is already showing signs of that this season, and now has some injury concerns strapped to him.
I like the Teheran possibility, but any SP move can be done in the offseason. I’d also like to see them kick the tires on Fernandez, Walker, Odorizzi, Archer, and possibly Wheeler. The prospects are there to acquire any of these names if the other teams are willing to deal.
I would love if they could pry Fernandez, Walker or Wheeler away but with their teams still in the hunt I can’t see it happening, it’d be alot cooler if it did though. I think they have a legitimate shot at Grey or Teheran cuz their teams arent in the hunt and more apt to deal and could really use some pieces to build with. Not to mention the bullpen options they have to expand the trade and maybe kill 2 birds with 1 stone
Gray and Teheran can’t see free agency with a telescope. Trading them makes ZERO sense.
Any trade that improves your team overall makes sense. Mike Trout is one of the best players in baseball under control for years to come and not that a trade is going to happen but it’s been discussed. Neither Atlanta or Oakland have a stud veteran to trade with enough value to seriously help rebuild their respective franchises so they may trade 1 or 2 younger assets to bring in more overall talent
Trading Miller or Teheran doesn’t improve their team tho.
Michael if Jim H is Jim Hendry then its the Yankees they are talking to as Hendry is with the Yankees