Despite coming off a roughly five-win season, Reds shortstop Zack Cozart could face a difficult market in free agency, writes Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Buchanan quotes an exec from the American League and another from the National League who suggested that Cozart would struggle to match even the three-year, $40MM pact attained by J.J. Hardy at a similar age three offseasons ago. A lack of contending teams in clear need of a shortstop is working against Cozart, as is the fact that he doesn’t have a track record of producing at his 2017 levels. An NL exec opined that Cozart could expand his market by adopting a super-utility role in which he started a couple of times per week at shortstop, second base and third base, though Buchanan notes that Cozart “feels strongly” about remaining a shortstop. Cincinnati is thought to be “leaning heavily against” a qualifying offer for Cozart, per Buchanan, which would certainly help his free-agent stock. From my view, it still seems likely that a team will ultimately see Cozart as too good a value not to find a spot for him at a certain point. It’s difficult to see his market falling below even the three-year, $33-36MM range, as even if he doesn’t replicate his 2017 excellence at the plate, he could still be reasonably expected to more than justify that level of commitment.
Elsewhere in the NL Central…
- The Cubs need to replace 40 percent of their starting rotation in 2018, writes Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago/670 The Score, adding that the team is “expected” to pursue an acquisition similar to its July pickup of Jose Quintana (i.e. a controllable arm on the trade market). Levine speculatively lists former Cub Jeff Samardzija (now the Giants and owed $58.5MM through 2020) and Rays right-hander Chris Archer (owed $34MM through 2021, with the final two years being club options) as possibilities. Of course, the Giants have shown no inclination that they’ll be selling off veteran pieces this winter, and the Rays have no pressure to move Archer, whose contract is one of the most affordable commitments to any established starter in the big leagues. Levine also notes Alex Cobb as a potential free-agent target, noting the righty’s connection to manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey — each of whom knows Cobb well from their days with the Rays.
- Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has posted highlights from a lengthy, comprehensive chat on the Cardinals and their offseason plans. There are more than a dozen interesting scenarios covered within, including the team’s search for a closer, the need to add a known quantity to the middle of the lineup and the possibility (or lack thereof) various players currently on the roster will be moved. Goold notes that the Cardinals have had interest in Brandon Morrow on multiple occasions in the past and notes that he could well be a target if the Cardinals ultimately decide to pursue multiple arms and have a competition for the ninth inning next spring. He also adds that St. Louis will likely pursue top-end closers (e.g. Wade Davis, Greg Holland), though the Cards will have obvious competition on that front. Any who track the offseason closely, especially fans of the Cardinals or other clubs in the NL Central, will want to take a full look for some insight into the Redbirds’ upcoming plans.
jbigz12
How are they getting Archer without any prospects left? You’d think they can only trade one of happ/baez and maybe almora. Seems to me it’d be a whole lot easier to sign cobb.
kehoet83
Schwarber is also a possibility.
Jean Matrac
Schwarber isn’t nearly enough to land Archer. I’m not even sure the Rays would want him.
thecoffinnail
I am sure any AL East team would want Schwarber as a DH. He could also be flipped via a 3 team trade which the Rays have done in the past when trading their starters. Happ, Schwarber and a prospect like Tseng or Alzolay should be enough to get it done. The Cubs would then need to sign an OF (Kendrick would fit nicely) to make up for the loss or hope for a bounce back season from Zobrist..
bastros88
that’s not enough to land Archer
HalfAstros7
More like Happ, Almora, Schwarber, and then some for Archer. I think Odorrizi would be a good fit. Happ and Schwarber for Odorrizi and Colome
rememberthecoop
That’s too much. Cubs wouldn’t do that. Archer is.not an ace.
hc422
That is hilarious. Happ, Almora and Schwarber to the Rays would net way more than Archer alone. (Not to mention would not happen.) Add in more pieces might as well send the entire Rays roster in return. That’s ludicrous.
Cardsfanatik
Why do cubs fans think Schwarber is so valuable to everyone? He’s literally one of the worst defenders in baseball, doesn’t run the bases well, doesn’t hit for high averages, and won’t age well. He hit. 211 for God’s sake. He’s Brandon Moss 2.0. Odds are better than not that the Rays wouldn’t even want him.
EndinStealth
@Cardsfanatik didn’t you get the memo, all Cubs “prospects “prospects” are the next coming of Babe Ruth, Cy Young or Jackie Robinson.
HalfAstros7
Y’all are crazy. Archer has the most team friendly contract in the sport. His ERA is a tad bit inflated but he still easily a number 2 starter with ace upside. Because his contract is so cheap, it would absolutely take a huge overpay to get him. Happ and Almora absolutely would have to go. Add in Schwarber to beat other teams offers.
Cubguy13
I think a power hitter who would play every day would land Archer. Not to mention Schwarber is 4-5 years younger and would cost the Rays even less than Archer
justinept
Considering that the trade offer included multiple other young players, you might want to ask why the Rays think Archer is so valuable… Sure, he’s a really good pitcher with a fantastic contract, but Schwarber, Almora, and Happ would be considered – at worst – an equal package to what the White Sox received for Sale. Is Archer Chris Sale? Absolutely not.
Id think somewhere along the lines of Happ, Almora, Tseng and Caratini…
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
He’s better in the field than most think. He’s never played a full season. He’s not a stop fielder but he threw 8 guys out at home. Including game 1 of this year’s nlcs. Leading him off was dumb. That messed up his swing. He’ll be fine. He’s nowhere near as near as bad as Brandon moss.
wrigleywannabe
There is no way I give them Kyle.
Archer’s stats for the last TWO years are middle of the rortation to back end.
Era over 4 both years. WHIP at 1.25, He gives up the long ball. His WAR is 1.5 total for the two years.
No way you get a guy who projects to hit .250 with 35 homers and a .340 OBP for that.
I’d rather sign Cobb AND Lynn.
Before anyone baskes on Kyle.THos are what his numbers from the second half project, too. He just crossed 700 PA this year.
IN a lot of way, experience wise, he just finished being a rookie.
Look at where Rizzo and Baez were at that mark of their career..
I’d give them Baez or Happ. Maybe, a mid level prospect, too, because Archer has had better years before, but that is it. If they say no, move on.
Baez has regressed. he looked lost, again, in the pkayoffs. He has over 500 more PA than Kyle and style swings at anything and won’t walk.
He struck out 144 times in 508 PA. Kyle was 150 in 486. Kyle has more power, gets on base more and just a better hitter.
It also starting to show that Baez is NOT as good on D as everyone tried to make him out to be. FINALLY.
Happ is already better at the plate and is almost as good in the field. Look at the metrics.
thegreatcerealfamine
Good because it would take three Kyles to get Archer…
HalfAstros7
I think y’all are misunderstanding. There isn’t a team in baseball that wouldn’t want Archer on their team. He has not pitched like an ace, though it isn’t crazy to think that his best years are still ahead of him. He would also look a lot better pitching in the NL. Is Happ and Almora and overpay for Archer? Yes of course. Other teams can offer a more appealing package of prospects over what the Cubs could, thus they would have to include more from their MLB depth. Archer to Cubs will not happen anyways.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Baez needs to be untouchable. No matter what.
jasonpen
They’re going to try and get both, Cobb and Archer. They have alot of expendable MLB talent, and a few up and coming prospects in the minors.
Schwarber, Russell, Baez, Happ, Almora all are available in the right deal. And some websites even say the minor league is still considered deep.
minorleagueball.com/2017/10/1/16392126/3-chicago-c…
jbigz12
I mean you could find a website on any team where they praise 3 prospects and say their farm is looking good. The Cubs are out of the top 20 on every major site. Which, again is not surprising after all the moves they’ve made.
cards81
cubs don’t even have one prospect in the top 100…cubs fans are delusional
mlb1225
Cubs fans are delusional because some still have World Series Hangover. Because they won The 2016 World Series, and broke the 108 year curse, they think they have the best team to ever play the game of baseball, ever.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
The “curse” was broken when they won the pennant.
lowtalker1
Cubs still have plenty in the farm
jbigz12
Cubs definitely don’t have plenty in the farm. ITs not surprising or a knock on them. You trade Torres,Jimenez,Cease,Candelario,Mckinney, etc. Then you have guys like Baez,Happ etc. come up, It’s really hard to have a lot left. There’s no top prospect left in that system and Schwarber isn’t bringing back a top starter. Nowhere close to that.
dewssox79
this.
tim815
Anyone going to either extreme with the Cubs is misguided. They made the post-season in Short-Season ball and Advanced-A on strong pitching. The just missed in the Midwest League in both halves.
As is the standard now, the Cubs are deeper than many organizations.
They have graduated or traded much of their top-end talent. If assessing the top few in the pipeline is your sole method for assessing a pipeline, the Cubs will get low marks.
However, they have three guys going to the AZ League All-Star Game. Their pitching depth in A-Ball is funny good.
The Cubs system belongs in the 24-26 range. However, they’ll get shortsed in the Rule 5 Draft because they have quite a bit more depth than many teams who have more upside.
bigjonliljon
They have plenty. Just not at the high minors. Loaded in A ball levels. Especially in pitching.
Please pass on Shark. Please
ABCD
Right! Don’t need to see Shark pacing and swearing to himself on the mound after giving up another HR – well, unless a Cub hits it.
schellis 2
There are plenty of prospects that look like the second coming in A ball that completely fall on their face in the upper levels.
jasonpen
Telling facts just gets you downvoted here…
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Shark would have been better off as a TE for the bears. He’s a below average starter and wouldn’t even be a spot starter on 25 teams. The giants , Marlins, Mets , reds and probably the A’s he would a #4 at best.
dewssox79
they are ranked 25th.
dewssox79
you are high.
rocky7
Yeh, goats, cows, a few horses and lots of chickens!
And they’re planting Soybeans next year too!
Jean Matrac
Just about every team wants Archer, but why would the Rays trade him? But the Cubs still have a decent farm. They aren’t completely devoid of prospects. It would take a boatload of them to bowl the Rays over, which is what it would take, but I can’t see the Cubs or any team giving up enough talent for the Rays to give him up.
jbigz12
It’s not that they don’t have some prospects they just don’t have a top prospect. Quintana cost a consensus top 10 prospect in jimenez+ and Chapman cost a top 10 prospect in Torres+. They don’t have another one up their sleeve. How do you get Archer without that? They have to compete against teams if they want Archer. I can tell you right now 4 or 5 might have some interest and have more to give. If the Brewers, Yankees, Dodgers decide to get in the Cubs don’t have a chance.
slider32
I don’t see the Rays trading Archer to the Yanks!
jasonpen
Some people can see that the Rays are very deep at pitching and need hitters. Schwarber can mash 40-50 HRs from the DH spot and has shown in the minors to hit for a high average. In the AL he’d be the centerpiece of a good lineup for years to come. Not alot of teams are willing to part with mlb level talent, so the Rays would have to gamble on an unknown, or take Schwarber, who is already good, but with a very high ceiling.
thegreatcerealfamine
No lineup is gonna scare anybody with a .200-.220 hitter with a low OBP as their main source. Schwarber is a toward the bottom of the order bat and that is all. Please Cubs fans stop acting like teams are falling all over themselves to give up something big for just him…
bigjonliljon
Obviously your not keeping up on stats. His 2nd half was off the charts. Plus it was only his first full season in majors.
thegreatcerealfamine
Small sample size theater. Off the charts…come-on-man
FromTheJuicingEra
I hate it when you guys fight
ChiSoxCity
Typical Cubbie-fan comments. They tend exaggerate positive aspects of mediocre players, especially “fan favorites.” Schwarber had a better 2nd half, but he was not “off the charts” by any means.
He has a lot of potential as a hitter, obviously. If he can cut down on the strikeouts and shorten his swing, he’s most likely a .245/.330/30 moving forward.
He’s probably due for a great season or two at the plate at some point in his career as a DH. He’s expendable with the Cubs, however, and they should look for obvious trade partners in the AL.
ABCD
You’d love to have Kyle as DH.
rocky7
“40-50 homers”, “centerpiece of a good lineup for years to come”, “Schwarber who is already good”, “high ceiling”….pass over whatever you’re smoking right away!
Delusional thinking at best! Must be a CUBS FAN!
mlb1225
.253/.335/.559 stat line post all-star game isn’t “Off the charts”. Yea, it’s not bad, especially the slugging %, but everything else is average.
jasonpen
He had 30 HRs in just over 400 ABs. In his first full season. His minor league numbers are flat out ridiculous and he came back after tearing his acl in the first week of the season and tore up Indians pitching on just one leg. I may be high on his talent, but that’s because I watch about 100 games a year and I see it first hand. I think you just read overused stat lines (like batting average) and probably haven’t seen more than just a few of Schwarber’s ABs.
bleacherreport.com/articles/2733859-kyle-schwarber…
mlb1225
I’m not doubting his power. Just overall, his second half was average. It’s not like he batted 300, and brought his OBP up by a lot. Yea, his second half was a lot better than his first half, I know that. Plus, he has a 2.5 K/BB ration, which isn’t great.
outinleftfield
There is no way to get Archer without an elite prospect. That would have to come from the Cubs MLB roster. Happ and lots more.
ABCD
Right! Just easier to sign Cobb and hope he stays off the DL.
wrigleywannabe
They need two staters, as they seem set on keeping Mile Montgomery in the bullpen as the emergency starter.
Archer has had an ERA over 4 the last two years, with a WHIP around 1.25
He gives up a good number of long balls, too. He isn’t going to command the trade value that some other guys would.
The Cubs still have Caratini and a few decent guys in the minors. I think a package of Happ or Baez and one prospect would do it.
THey won’t get that much more for him, if any.
There is no way I would include Kyle in a deal for him.
thegreatcerealfamine
When Kyles dealt to the AL this winter for a BP arm don’t sink into the bottle…
pplama
2 Julys ago cub fans wouldn’t trade schwarber for Sale. Now they think he’ll get them Archer.
Maybe someday they’ll realize his actual value.
dewssox79
a poor mans adam dunn
jasonpen
I’m not sure who you talked to, but no one I know wouldn’t have made that trade.
rememberthecoop
I don’t know about Sale, but it’s true that prior to last year Theo considered Schwarber untouchable. He’s had a man crush on him.
ABCD
Still does.
ABCD
Have a man crush, that is.
mrkinsm
Rumors of Cozart’s FA value – NOT surprising.
timyanks
what happend to the cubs dynasty? i forgot, they started another drought dynasty this year.
jasonpen
3 straight NLCS’s and one championship. Pretty good start.
thecoffinnail
Their core is still very young.. Their dynasty hasn’t even started yet. Give them another year or two of seasoning, a decent starter or two and they are going to be the team to beat until everyone hits free agency..
hiflew
Well they did win, so it has started.
teufelshunde4
So 3 straight trips to postseason with one WS and this team hasn’t started their dynasty yet? Come on… That’s cray cray talk.
Cubs fans need to accept the fact this team peaked early. Not a thing wrong with it either. With 2/5ths of the SP gone and zero in house candidates. Coupled with a BP that was problematic all season long. Davis is a FA and will not be giving any team a discount on years or sac.
Any Cubs fan pretending that team will fork over front of the rotation SP without getting both quality & quantity of prospects back is smoking crack.
Theo and co now have to draft at back end of drafts and dig to find talent and develop it. Gone are the days of top 3 picks. Gone is a stocked farm system loaded with hitters.
Cubs gonna have to get creative like the rest of baseball.
CubsFanForLife
This is back when Cubs fans felt that Addy was going to a be a 280 hitter with 20-25 HR pop, and now he’s just consistently below average. Jeff Sullivan hit it home – the defense wasn’t as lucky as it was in 2016, and the team’s offense regressed from a loaded lineup of superstars to a range of useful to good players, but not great. I’m happy they won in 2016, but I don’t think that was a deserving team.
ABCD
2016 Cubs were definitely a deserving team.
Solaris601
Cubs May be well served to offer Russell to TB in a trade that would bring Archer to CHI. Rays need an everyday SS. Russell could still fulfill the promise he showed in 2016, but I think Archer would hold more value for the Cubs than gambling on whether or not Russell figures things out. CHI can always sign a Zach Cozart to a 2 or 3 year deal as an ample replacement.
thegreatcerealfamine
Russell plus who?
Caseys Partner
The “Genius” traded the farm for a couple of relievers.
With that the dynasty ended before it began.
Ry.the.Stunner
What “farm” did they trade for a couple of relievers?
The only useful prospect the Cubs traded for a reliever was the Chapman-Torres trade.
aff10
Disagree. Candelario and Paredes are good prospects (not top-tier, of course, but potential everyday players)
aff10
Not to say that I agree with the original post either. The Chapman trade was a terrible overpay from the beginning, but the Wilson trade looked pretty good to me for both sides (definitely addressed a key need for the Cubs), he just happened to become awful immediately upon arriving in Chicago. Should still be a solid piece next year, though
Cardinals17
Mozeliak has stated that the Cardinals have the resources and the money to go after top tiered impact players to get the team’s downside turned around. Although History of Mozeliak’s acquisitions shows he generally speaks with a forked tongue. He’s said this same thing for going on 4 years now, only to go dumpster diving in the end. Thus the decline of the Cards!! Dee Gordon, Pardo
cards81
name one move that Mo really could have made then I will believe you
Triteon
Well, Cozart’s a 32 year-old SS coming off a career year — that’s the type of signing that has ‘Mozeliak’ written all over it, even if we have DeJong controlled at a low salary.
God, I hope Mo doesn’t read this. Just a joke, Johnny, just a joke…
mlb1225
The Cubs, and Red Sox are in a similar situation with their farm. Both teams’ minor league system isn’t bad, but both teams have traded most of their worth-while prospects to improve their roster, like when The Red Sox acquired Sale last winter for Moncada, and Kopech, and when The Cubs got Quintana for Jimmenez, and Cease. The Cubs though, still have some young talent that could be moved like Happ, and Caratini. Schwarber’s value is not too high right now. I don’t know why people think he’s worth a lot. Without the homeruns, he doesn’t provide too much else.
thegreatcerealfamine
Thing is most Cubs who post on here feel that and more. Happ more then likely will be some what like Schwarber. Posters on here feel they can’t move Baez or Russell because “they’re top three at their positions”. Theo knows they need a lot of pitching so goodbye to a couple of those guys or the dynasty will end before it barely got started…
mlb1225
I don’t think Happ will become like Schwarber. Happ has more upside. He can not only hit for power, but carry a solid average, something Schwarber hasn’t been able to show. Plus, he’s got ok speed, so that gives him some utility in the infield and outfield, and play it well. Truthfully, IMO, I’d be looking to move Russell. He’s got a very good glove, and ok power, but can’t seem to get his average above the 240 mark. Baez carries a good glove, decent power, and a 270-275 average, along with 10-12 stolen base speed.
ChiSoxCity
The Cubs aren’t a dynasty caliber club because they won’t spend money on top tier free agents like the Yankees or Dodgers will.
ABCD
I’d skip the top tier free agents available this year.
mlb1225
The most I’d do is spend on one of the top FA starters. Maybe add some depth pieces for the outfield too.
ABCD
I’d bet you’d like Happ over Starlin.
thegreatcerealfamine
Na but the Yankees appreciate giving Warren back…
alexgordonbeckham
Archer has 4 years of control and even cheaper than Sale and Q were. No way he gets traded for less then what either brought back at this point.
FromTheJuicingEra
I agree. Almost every team is looking for top tier pitching and some will over pay to get one.
CubsFanForLife
What an awful article from 670. Rays aren’t trading Archer, and if they do, Cubs fans won’t like the steep price they’ll have to pay. Sharky hasn’t approached his 2014 numbers in his tenure in SF, and that contract is unfavorable for a guy whose true talent lies as a 4th or 5th starter with an ERA in the low 4s. Cobb is an injury risk and betting on him returning to his 2013-2014 numbers is a long shot at best. Maddon and Theo keep bringing back their favorite coaches and players from old teams, but you have to bring back the good ones, not just whoever you’re familiar with.
mlb1225
Without the power, Schwarber is a 230-250 hitter, who isn’t fast, doesn’t have a good glove, and doesn’t get on base. His power output is one the only things that would make a team look at him. That and his young age. Yea, he’s only 24, and has room for improvement, but right now, Schwarber is not worth very much.
CubsFanForLife
Because Schwarber missed the 2016 season, no one got to witness his “sophomore slump”, which he even begun to exhibit in the end of his 2015 season, when he went 11-80 with 7 HRs. So people just assumed he would skip the adjustment period. 2018 will be a season to watch to see if he’ll respond with adjustments of his own or if he’ll just end up as a 240 hitter that slugs 30 homers a year – which is still useful, but is disappointing with respect to the hype he had.
ABCD
I think he will stay with the Cubs in 2018 and improve. Lay off the high fastballs and the OBP will rise.
CubsFanForLife
Always trust a mother’s instinct. I have your son’s jersey – he’s a good kid.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
He’s a better fielder than most think. He had 6 outfield assists all to home plate including one in the nlcs. That was taken away by the runner being out and blocked at home. Never touched the plate yet he was awarded a run.
mlb1225
But overall, Schwarber rated as a negative defender in the outfield, with -9 DRS. Plus his range isn’t all that great either, mainly because of his lack of speed.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
2 errors all year.
thegreatcerealfamine
That’s the two he could actually get to..lol
Schwarber the stay-puft-marshmallow-man of MLB…
mlb1225
Using errors, fielding % assists does not show very much. Stats like DRS, show more about how good a player is fielding .Anyway, he made 5 errors during the regular season.
ABCD
Somebody crack the UZR open.
teufelshunde4
You cannot block the plate without possession of the ball. Runner was ruled safe by the rule. The at was dead as soon as instant replay started.
What is so hard to understand with that?
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
The runner never touched the plate blocking the plate should become irrevlavent at that point. There was no reason overturn it when they never touch home
brucewayne
That’s because the catcher blocked the plate without the ball! That’s a No No! Blame Buster Posey!
rocky7
Oh my god, he’s a butcher in the field….come on man!
thegreatcerealfamine
Look how close the throws were from. Remember him losing the ball next to the fence against the Nats? Does the worst ball from glove to hand exchange,then theirs the whole running into CF’s thing… Simply slow and dreadful…lofl
brood550
Just sign 2 of Lynn, Cobb, or Darvish and move on from the rotation. Signing one of Holland or Davis will secure the 9th inning. Then try for an affordable setup man. I’m really liking Addison Reed for the 8th inning role.
Joe giovengo
Oh the arm chair GMs in this room. Teams with money and deep farm systems and just need an arm or bat, are the ones that are going to make trades. Teams that are torn apart and rebuilding are the ones to trade with. Chicago white sox, Houston Astros and awhile back the pirates. But the owner didn’t want to spend two years ago.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Why would the cubs waste their time with Jeff Samardzija. He’s hardly an emergency spot starter.
mlb1225
Samardzjia is a very inconsistent pitcher if you look at it (at least his ERA has been inconsistent).
fangraphs.com/graphs.aspx?playerid=3254&stat=…
Though, he does K a lot of people, and doesn’t walk too many guys either, he led the league in lowest BB/9. Plus, he has a very good WHIP. I think mainly his problem is is BABIP. It was about 312, and that could be defensive issues on The Giants part. Maybe a move where The Cubs’ defense is very good, would help him.
slider32
Ohtani is the best value starting pitcher available, the team that gets him will be one up on the rest of the field. Best case scenario for the Cubs, they land Ohtani, Archer, and Holland.
slider32
I can see the Cards making a trade for Stanton and a closer. I think their is a chance the Yanks move Betances for a young starter, and the Cards are a fit.
calikid13
The Cardinals aren’t hindered by having a depleted farm, like the Cubs. The so-called dynasty barely lasted a year, and Cleveland should have won, if you ask me. The real dynasty is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bottomless wallet to the point of being unfair to the rest of the league.
thegreatcerealfamine
You should have waited to post that Thursday…if at all.
GarryHarris
Just a stretch: The Cubs may be able to trade Jason Heyward to the Tigers for Jordan Zimmermann. That maybe good for both teams.
ABCD
Nah, Chili’s fixing Jason. I can feel it.
teufelshunde4
Chili is fixing Jason chili dogs that’s it.. Face fact Heyward has regressed to a state of normalcy. All glove & baserunning and no bat.
Good luck with that
aff10
Kinda sucks for both teams TBH. Heyward’s useful still, but on a much larger contract, which makes him much more valuable to the team currently in contention than the rebuilding one. Zimmermann sucks, so I doubt the Cubs would have any interest really (even if they do need back-end staters), and I can’t see why Detroit would consider adding a ton of payroll to pick up a slightly more useful player when they’re fully committed to rebuilding
cardfan2011
Closers like Holland or Davis would be great to have, but I don’t think Mo will want to go into a huge bidding war for them
Jnoyola5
The fact that people think the Cubs can low ball a deal for Archer is comical.
KB R.
How much do you think a guy with a 4.00+ ERA the last two years is worth? Archer’s been a #3 quality starter at best the last 2 years. On the Cubs rotation he’d be a #4 if not 5 with an ERA that high. Also, I don’t care what anyone says…… give me a solid/very good everyday player who plays 150+ games; over just a good starting pitcher who plays 30-33 games – any day.
So while you say the Cubs can’t low ball a deal, I don’t want to see them “high ball” a deal either…… again, for a guy with a 4+ ERA the last 2 years. The names tossed out in this piece are underwhelming IMO. Throw in the fact of how insanely injury prone young pitchers are these days….. I’d stay as far away as possible from Archer. Finally…… Theo and Co RARELY overpay in trades. Especially if those trades happen in the offseason.
KB R.
If they are completely unwilling to re-sign Arrieta, then why no just go out and get both Cobb and Lynn? With Lackey, Arrieta, and Montero off the books that alone frees up like $45M in payroll from 2017 heading into 2018. Cobb and Lynn WILL NOT cost you $45M combined per year……. if they do, baseball execs valuation process is royally f***ed up. Also. The Cubs being “unable” to sign anyone is BS. Is there any other organization that even compares to the amount of money the Cubs have oozing out of their ears right now? And this is still a couple of years before they reportedly plan to create their own TV network. When that happens price should be ABSOLUTELY no obstacle.
Cubguy13
Happ is not getting traded. It’s gonna be either Schwarber, Baez, or Russell. Cubs will sign Lynn I think also as he would be a great Lackey replacement with a better ERA and about 6 years younger
wrigleywannabe
Management loves Kyle. He isn’t going to be traded, especially after the second half he had. His numbers were as good or better, in almost every category, than his first year when everyone acted like he was Babe Ruth.
Even if you wanted to trade him, you can never get in return equal value to what he brings/means to CHicago.
For all the reasons, some people want to trade, is exactly why you shouldn’t. You would be selling relatively low, due to the first half.slump.
You do trade a guy who should hit.250-.260 with a .340 OBP and 35 Homers for mediocre pitching.
Baez needs to go.
He has regressed, again. He looked lost in the playoffs, again. People are finally seeng he is not the pod baby of Snadberg and Biggio Offensively or defensively.
He is still good on defense, just not the second coming. He has more value because he can play multiple spots, although he is far better suited for second base.
You can send him to a team that will slot him in the 4 or 5 hole and let him swing away, like Merril in Signs.
Happ is already better offensively and almost as good on defense.
Persoanlly, Archer does not impress me. Look at his numbers the last two years. He looks like a mediocre three to decent 4 guy. You do give up multi players for that.
The only thing he has going is he is cheap, relatively speaking.
I’d rather make a tun at Lynn and CObb. They both have things that concern me, but would have to regress a decent chunk to do what Archer has the last two years. and we give up no players.
I would be fine with letting Monty start and getting reliever, as well.