Hours after bringing Mickey Callaway into the fold as the club’s new pitching coach, it appears the Angels are interested in adding veteran hitting coach John Mallee to their staff, according to a tweet from Bruce Levine of WSCR-AM (link). Mallee was most recently a hitting coach with the Phillies before a team-wide slump saw him replaced by Charlie Manuel in mid-August of the 2019 season. Previously, the 50-year-old has worked as an MLB hitting coach with the Marlins, Astros, and Cubs, helping Joe Maddon’s Chicago outfit to their World Series title in 2016.
- With the hiring of a new manager cleared from his offseason checklist, Padres GM AJ Preller now must turn to an even more urgent matter–the acquisition of more winning players to the team’s big league roster. As Kevin Acee notes in his piece for the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres still have a long way to go if they want to truly compete with teams like the Dodgers and Nationals. Interestingly, even one of Preller’s own players understands that his team, as currently constructed, might not stack up as a 2020 contender. “We’re not close yet,” one Padre told Acee. Readers should check out Acee’s article for his own assessment of where San Diego stands, though it is worth noting that the Padres could theoretically stand to improve in a few areas simply by shifting playing time allotments. San Diego’s tepid offense could be improved via a more full time-share for catcher Francisco Mejia, for one; Mejia’s rookie output (96 wRC+ in 244 PA) was much more encouraging than what the club has received from Austin Hedges in recent years (62 career wRC+), even if the value of Hedges’ sterling defense can’t be discounted.
- One of the chief challenges faced by new Cubs skipper David Ross will be, in the opinion of Steve Greenberg of The Chicago Sun-Times, how the former catcher handles tough decisions regarding some of his old teammates and good friends (link). Namely, Greenberg identifies Jon Lester and Jason Heyward as two players with whom Ross has a particularly deep relationship, as the new manager was the former’s personal catcher in Chicago and the latter’s mentor dating back to his time in Atlanta. Ross will be faced with being in the unique position of having to take the ball from Lester if–as he did at certain points in 2019–the pitcher struggles late in ballgames. Heyward’s own tendency to enter long Chicago slumps–to say nothing of his big contract–could also force Ross to endure some tough conversations in 2020.
Jesus , Ross will be fine. I like my friends but they ain’t paying my bills. I’ll fire my friend in a heartbeat if he ain’t doing his job
And my true friends would understand
Exactly
have fun with Malee if he is hired lol
Yeah, as a Phillies fan I will warm you that this hitting”genius” actually tells his hitters to not focus on hitting fastballs when they get them. You know, going against one of the most important parts of hitting 101.
Former Phillies coaches (and players) tend to have success in new environments. It’s a tough place to play and players like Hoskins were clearly over valued. I’m not sure I’m willing to blame the coaches for the offensive struggles, but a shakeup was needed.
Thought Jeremy Reed did fine. If they were going to replace him, I was hoping more for Chili Davis.
The cubs are set for disaster.
Because of one columnist’s speculation that because he is friends with some players, he will be soft on them?
From what players have said about him as a teammate, that doesn’t sound like how he would handle it. Sounds like this columnist just needed something to write about
No, because Lester is a terrible pitcher.
Your bias is terrible. Stop making us look bad. Please I implore you
Seriously you and your alter ego chi town311 make me sick.
How am I “terribly biased” about Lester. He’s been great for the cubs up until the last two years. You, my friend, have issues with the truth.
Jon Lester isn’t what he used to be but he certainly isn’t “terrible”. You’re just using hyperbole because most of your baseball fandom revolves around bias against one team
Lester pitched quite well for the Cubs in 2018 and even received some cy young votes
He’s not want he used to be obviously, but terrible? Stop it
Yea Lester is terrible, last season he had a 3.30 ERA was an All Star and lead the league in Wins.
If you think Lester is so bad, I do believe that the Cardinals would give the Cubs Carlos Martinez for him in a heartbeat!!!
Sox fan has nothing to talk about except the Cubs. I called Sox park and asked what time the game started. They said ‘when can you get here.’
How so? They will be adding to their team. They’ll have a brand new bullpen. Strop and Morrow will be gone. I can see them re-signing Cishek for 1 year.
Add in dallas keuchel they’ll be set.
Yep, if you call over 100 wins a disaster. I believe in Ross. If you don’t, go root for someone else.
Austin Hedges is just Martin Maldonado with more power. Granted though, I see more value in Hedges since he is younger, and a former top prospect not so long ago.
Hedges would be a decent trade get for the Yankees. See if they can find a taker for Sanchez. Perhaps a three team trade, San Diego-Yankees-another AL team. There could be more players involved of course.
Hedges would be a good get as a backup to Sanchez tbh, but there would have to be some massive pieces involved to make up the value difference.
Personally I’d like the Yanks to give up on Sanchez, and give the job to Hedges. They could re-sign Romine and do a rotation. The third Al team could balance the pieces. There’s some prospects in the Padres system that are quite attractive, and the Yankees have some arms to use.
Sure Yankees are running out for .200 hitting lifetime catcher who strikes out a ton
Austin Hedges is still nursing his thigh after he blocked the plate to Anthony Rizzo
Would like to see angels try for sanchez maybe for marsh?
you could get a better player tha. Hedges for much less on the open market.
*than
The Cubs will go as their defense and base running go. Especially their catcher’s defense. They’ve needed way better framing for a while now. But when they played good defense and ran the bases well, they won a World Series. They also ABSOLUTELY HAVE ADD some position players that put the ball in play! Less K’s. Period. And build a solid bullpen to go with it. This year they had almost 2 decent pens. They had a lot of depth. They did not have 7-8/9 guys that were dependable, threw strikes, and got people out consistently and in big spots.
You are correct. They have to learn to play small ball and do the little things needed to win games. I suspect Bryant will be moved. I like him but it seems his agent has put it in his head that he doesn’t want to be a Cub. We want players who want to wear the uniform. They need a manager who holds players accountable and this nonsense of themed road trips has to be earned.
Do you think Bryant still feels some resentment towards the Cubs for holding him back in the minors a couple of weeks to keep the extra year of control? He was pretty vocal in his displeasure with that
Without question. The cubs should trade him this offseason, then make a push for Rendon.
Base running? Wishful thinking there. The cubs have to actually get on base with some regularity, which they haven’t done in a long time. Their offense will be a bigger problem next season without Castellanos. They really need to cut dead weight, and spend some money on better players.
What are you talking about? Since 2015, the Cubs have been top 5 in obp in th NL… Problem is that they are inconsistent at bringing them in.
Padres aren’t close yet according to a player. Who says these strikeout happy Padres aren’t smart.
Did the front office hire a love-able Ross to lessen the blow of rebuilding or a status quo seasons to come? What do you guys think?
The front office thought he would be a good manager and a good fit for the team
They shouldn’t need to be rebuilding Ricketts should actually be spending more than he has.
The cubs don’t need to spend more money. They just need to spend it on better players. Jason Heyward’s contract was and still is a joke. Good to see Darvish finally pitching well, but it’s two years too late. Chattwood just needs to be waived. That’s nearly what, $60MM per year between those three? Jeez.
The Ricketts are more focused on the neighborhood than the team …
I guess that’s what you should expect when tom Ricketts borrows 900 mil dollars from his father.
He’s hardly a Cubs fan which makes everything worse for real cubs fans
The Cubs aren’t in rebuild mode. A team that makes the playoffs of the last 5 year and 3 straight NLCS Appearances and a world series championship..
You’re right totally in rebuild mode.. they have about 60-70 mil to spend after arbitration and other contract obligations.
They will get a starter and 3 bullpen arms..(they need an 8th inning guy)
Re-sign Castellanos 4/65 with an option for a 5th year.
They should trade kyle Schwarber for bullpen help..he could easily get 2 solid pitchers back
If corey Kluber wasnt 34 next year I’d say Schwarber for kluber and a top 20 prospect
Maybe
Schwarber and Kris Bryant for Jose Ramirez, Logan Allen, Brad Hand and ptbnl or cash
They’d lose a lot at 3rd but Ramirez other than never smiling has 4 years left. I’d rather keep Bryant and offer him a deal.
You never know what they might offer him for the first extension talks..
Schwarber wouldn’t get Kluber straight up let alone Kluber plus. Schwarber has some trade but not near as much as most Cub fans think he has.
“Value”
That’s why I said instead of Kluber they can get cody allen jose Ramirez and maybe shane beiber for Schwarber and Bryant. Personally I’d rather keep Bryant over jose Ramirez
You really must be a Cub fan because the Indians wouldn’t come close trading Bieber in that scenario. Bieber has blossomed into one of the top pitchers in baseball and is controlled through 2024. Maybe they could get Ramirez for Schwarber and Bryant maybe the Indians would throw in a lottery pick on top of that but that. I’m sure Cubs fans are going to think that’s light but it’s pretty close to realistic. Not going to happen though.
Cody Allen is not an Indian anymore. He is a free agent. The Indians are not trading Shane Bieber. Bieber alone, with his contract and years of control, is worth more than Bryant and Schwarber are at the stages of their contracts. The same applies with Jose Ramirez.
Jose Ramirez with 4 years of control and his affordable contract is worth more than Bryant and Schwarber together, let alone have to pay any other players. Cleveland would not trade a player with 4 years of control for one with 2 years. That is not how the Indians do business. Also Indians have no need for Schwarber. He is likely a DH and the Indians already have a DH in Framil Reyes.
Attitude really does matter and I think Ross will help there too. Dump Bryant. He already committed to bring a free agent through Boras and with 2 years of control left he might bring back a pitcher or lead off man. Resign Castellanos, he fit right in as a #2 hitter.
let’s see if Ross names his buddy Lester to be the opening day starter
Probably.
Chisoxcity should go watch soccer or play bingo. His opinions are valueless and intentionally hateful.
And worse he’s probably a Bears fan
I am a Bears fan, hence my bitterness. Not a lot to be excited about in Chicago sports right now
I grew up a bears fan, stopped watching football because of them.
Geez the 2020 season ain’t over yet and you guys are talkin abou th OD starter for NEXT season?
I think the Angels are gearing up for a big 2020 season. They are setting up their coaching staff under Maddon and I feel they will go broke,ie, Trying to Sign Gerrit Cole, Cole Hamels and maybe Zack Wheeler.. Also need to acquire a legit closer and a set up core.
*go for broke
Anaheim needs a 3rd baseman as well..Anthony Rendon is a perfect fit
We don’t need a 3B. We have Fletcher, or La Stella or others that can play 3B. We need pitching, pitching, and a catcher only…
Is LeStella fully healed after he Terrance Long’d his leg.
Nice of you to think Fletcher is any good. Yes Anaheim needs pitching more than anything but Rendon is a perfect fit between Trout Otani and pujols .
yeah good point. Even though Im not crazy about Mejia at least Hedges has had his chance with the Padres. Would prefer to pick up a solid offensive catcher but Mejia batting 8th, assuming we get a couple of batters via trade or FA, wouldn’t be too bad either. And we still need some SP’s.
Rendon is a “nice to have”, but not a necessity. The cost to sign him is better deployed in pitching and catching. Life is never this predictable, but I’d rather spend less (both in annual salary and in contract length) on Grandal, solve the catching problem and gain LH power bat to complement a heavily RH lineup, than sign Rendon, commit for 5-6 years, and add one more RH bat.
Give them Bryant.
No, sorry, don’t think putting Mejia as padres C for a full time role is an ideal solution. He has below average to poor plate disipline, struggles with curveballs from what I’ve seen. Given that its a common pitch, that’s not a good idea. Decent hitters typically have a solid defense or eye against most commonly thrown offspeed pitches such as sliders and curveballs. Honestly, I thought Hedges would do better and i was wrong, however in my defense, and moreso near the latter end of the season, he was struggling mightedly laying off offspeed pitches, mostly sliders and curveballs. That can happen to Meja, but instead of striking out as hedges does, he might end up putting the ball more in play, but in the form of weak groundouts because when u don’t have good plate disipline u end up chasing pitches. Having good plate disipline then indirectly helps with putting the bat on the ball,
Either Hedges isn’t worth much defensively or the Padres pitching is historically bad, as even he couldn’t make them look good this year. He’s had 3 years to prove he was worthy of a starting job and has failed each time. Put Mejia in and have Hedges spell him every third or fourth game. Batting behind the pitcher, as they did with Hedges a few times this year, should embarrass you out of the game.
Good point. For some reason the comment I posted showed up on another thread, but with Hedges already having almost 3 years, either give Mejia a chance and find upgrades else where mabye OF and 2nd base for example, or find another catcher.
I think the Padres, if managed correctly are a playoff team right now. They lost too many games by 1 run. In 2020, manufacture runs, and you will win games.
That’s spot on lose 91 games then playoffs next year bong much?
Its not always so easy to manufacture runs and I every one run loss does not mean the game was mismanaged
Jon Lester and Jayson Heyward will be the least of new Manager David Ross’ problems. Heyward plays RF everyday and Lester starts every 5.
Center field now and had 6 errors all season, same as Schwarber. BTW, Bryant had 15 or 16.