Theo Epstein has largely led his clubs with positive, progressive messaging that, if anything, lands on the overly-diplomatic end of the spectrum. True to form, he and the Chicago Cubs organization are encouraging their players to speak their minds as they so choose, writes Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports. Though Epstein’s comments may come off as hollow, there’s little to suggest he’s being anything but sincere. He’s been up front about wanting to organizationally (and personally) take a long, inward look at themselves for traces of the systemic racism that’s been at the fore of the country’s cultural conversation. These comments stemmed from a tweet from Adbert Alzolay that voiced some of his concerns about camp in South Bend. That tweet, however, was deleted after some of his facts proved to be inaccurate, per The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma. This Here’s more from Chicago…
- Epstein more-or-less put the kibosh on any potential extensions for Chicago’s many popular, star players, per MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. After Kris Bryant recently re-iterated his desire to stay in Chicago, it’s a little disquieting to hear Epstein so thoroughly shut down the idea of extending much-beloved Cubs like Bryant, Javier Baez, or Willson Contreras. On the other hand, it’s certainly a confusing time in baseball, and there are plenty of logistics to keep the organization busy just in trying to keep players safe and return to the game of baseball. The market for star players like Bryant and Baez could not be any more uncertain, and with at least two seasons before any of their core players reach free agency, the Cubs have the luxury of time. If nothing else, next offseason will offer a fascinating data point as Mookie Betts hits the open market. The Cubs certainly have the funds to re-up their stars, but they might just want to wait to see the going rate for a superstar in these uncertain times.
- On the field, manager David Ross is mulling the possibility of carrying three catchers once the season starts, per Bastian (via Twitter). Given the somewhat chaotic terms of the 2020 season, it would not be surprising to see many teams go this route. For the Cubs specifically, Victor Caratini proved enough with the bat last season to get some at-bats at first base or designated hitter while Contreras continues to serve as the everyday catcher. The switch-hitting Caratini, 26, hit .266/.348/.447 across 279 plate appearances. He saw 23 starts at first base and 2 at third base to go along with 59 starts behind the plate. Josh Phegley would figure to be the third catcher. Phegley hasn’t rated all that well defensively, but the former Oakland Athletic did pop 12 homers with a .411 slugging percentage last season.
Carrying three catchers when there’s only 60 games and there’s a massive drop off a cliff from your first two to your third, just makes very little sense to me. I get that you have 35 guys at the beginning of the year…but I don’t think Ross knows how bad this bullpen might be
and its not like Phegley is going anywhere. i agree, I’ve never liked the 3 catcher thing, just seems like a waste unless one can play elsewhere. (and 1B/DH doesnt count)
Ross himself can always be the third catcher.
I could see him and Kapler getting into some games if their teams get thinned out by the virus
Be the first time since Rose that we had a player manager!!!!!
Willson plays outfield, Victor plays first, both can DH. Would we rather have Kyle step in behind the plate if in a bind.
He could always take Descalso’s spot on the roster
Dark side830. Re watch game 7 of 2016 World Series . Contreras bomb, Ross bomb and montero rbi to win 8-7. Better have loved 3 catchers that night .
Carrying three catchers THIS year seems a bit absurd. If one of your backstops goes down while on the road, you have the three man taxi squad, with the requirement being that one of them has to be a catcher. If home, you have the Summer Camp guys working out close by; doubtless at least one of those twenty (likely two or three) will be catchers.
Of course you have the unlikely possibility that both your catchers go down during the same game, but frankly I don’t remember that happening at all, though I admit it MIGHT have happened once or twice.
After the roster size cutdowns happen, and you only have 26 players to utilize, it seems those spots can be used with more dexterity. With the late start (and not much time for non-pitchers to get into playing shape) , there are more useful ways.
Yep, the probability of needing a third catcher doesn’t often happen. The only normal situation where it could be justified is if one of your catchers was a good offensive player who you wanted to utilize as a pinch hitter or DH.
Caratini and Contreras could both fit the category of “good hitter”
Ross as player /manager. But he gives up his ABs to a 2nd.dh.
3 catchers worked great for the cubs in 2016
There’s less off days, but they’re playing 40% of a season. Three catchers is usually a crutch for a manager, and that’s especially the case when the “grind” element of the season isn’t going to be nearly as intense as a 162-game season.
“positive, progressive”
Well, except for the Addison Russell situation. Twice.
It’s progressive if you can think about it at a higher level that Theo helped Russell. It’s positive if we never see Russell in any future negative light.
“at least two seasons before any of their core players reach free agency”. I thought Bryant, Baez, and Schwarber were free post ‘21??
Yes, what don’t u get?
2020 Season
2021 Season
That’s two!
Yea looks like your math is spot on ChiSox!
@amanda——2020 and 2021 = two seasons for the players you listed. In many level of mathematics two does equate to “at least two”. If you would have listed Chatwood…..you would be correct. But, pretty sure there was a reason you excluded him…………