JUSTgottaBELIEVE

Based on Steamer projections, this everyday lineup would be as productive as the Cubs’ lineup (better offense, worse defense). The pitching on the other hand will likely still be an adventure unless the young guys can turn a corner (Giolito, 5th starter, bullpen) and stay healthy (Rodon). Either way, it would give them a legitimate chance to compete with the Indians in 2019 if they get significant contributions from the young players (with guys like Cease and Dunning possibly contributing in the second half as well).

So THAT’S why Nicky is still on this roster. Now it all makes sense.

You probably thought the Big Hurt’s career was over at age 37 when he left the White Sox too. Some guys still produce between ages 37-40 and wouldn’t be surprised Cruz and Abreu are those types of guys. It’s ridiculous to write off Jose after one injury plagued season and Cruz has proven to be one of the best hitters in the league despite his age. Of course there’s some risk but a short term relatively low dollar amount deal isn’t much of a risk for this team.

Why? WS have a huge hole at 3B and a future starter in Madrigal at 2B. Rodon hits FA same year as Bryant. Move the contention window forward if the WS are serious about contending in 2019 and signing someone like Harper. Of course, that also means they'd have another hole in the starting rotation to fill through FA or trade. Bryant, Harper, Abreu, and Eloy in the middle of the lineup would be so much fun even if the pitching is atrocious.

How about a framework built around Rodon and Moncada? Russell is gone right? Baez is their new SS.

Assuming the Cubs pick up Hamels' option, they are basically a lock to exceed the luxury tax threshold in 2019 even without any significant FA signings, correct? https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/payroll/

Yelich really didn't start hitting for power until age 24 and big time power this year at age 26. The guys you mentioned have a few years yet before they turn 24. The power may still come, in varying degrees.

Makes sense given their 2018 seasons. Like I said earlier today, Charlotte is pretty barren right now. Signing a guy like Gio isn’t blocking anyone decent from an MLB opportunity any time soon.

Yeah. I think (hope) they sign one decent FA like Gio Gonzalez and then another couple veterans to minor league contracts to compete with Covey for the #5 spot.

I suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I disagree. I'll leave it at that.

If the goal is talent accumulation, why not sign guys on 1 and 2 year contracts with the intention of flipping them? If the team turns out to be good, that's great, because the FA signings are probably contributing to that success.

Yolmer is nothing more than a utility player. Davidson is just too flawed of a player. Too limited in many ways, especiallyy for a roster already carrying Abreu, Delmonico, and Palka.

All while running a team payroll in the bottom 3 of MLB...Yet, signing an average to above average pitcher for 2 years at $8MM AAV eats up too many available slots in the pitching staff in 2020? I can't get behind that line of thinking. Not with the looks of the current 25-man and lack of appealing options currently sitting at the AAA level. There's going to be and have been plenty of available slots in the pitching staff for the last few years now. Don't see that changing within the next two years especially in light of the Kopech injury. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/payroll/2019/

I don't see that being an issue over the next two years. I really don't. Hope I'm wrong.

Think he'll do better than Cashner last winter? I don't know about that given his age and relatively average performance this year.

This is the same argument I heard last year. How do you know the 2020 staff will be overly crowded? Never hurts to have options. Besides, if you are worried about 2020, I'm sure Gio would make a fine long man or loogie out of the pen. Again, $8MM AAV over two years is peanuts. They spent nearly that between Holland and Gonzalez the last two years.

Why wouldn't the Sox consider a 2-year, $16MM deal for a guy like Gio? It's a minimal investment for a guy that gives you 175 innings/year with decent numbers.

I'd much rather bring Gio Gonzalez back than James Shields. He'll be more expensive, sure, but not considerably. He'll probably end up with a contract similar to what Cashner got last winter.

He has a 795 OPS. Maybe not elite but still above average for a DH. I think his walk rate will increase if he continues to slug at a 500+ rate. His walk rate in the minors was around 10% on average.

How do you it will only make things worse? Depends on what they get in return. If they get Jimenez/Cease 2.0, I’m pretty sure that would be a net positive for the rebuild.

Or Alen Hanson and Edwin Jackson, apparently.

Jon Lester = 1.0 WAR Jose Quintana = 1.1 WAR What’s your point?

Quite frankly, Boston is far and away the best team in baseball this year and they didn’t wow me last week. There wasn’t a moment in watching that series where I’m like damn these guys are much more talented than the WS. And yes, I know, the WS missed Sale but still. Good pitching (from the WS) will tend to do that to the opponent so whether or not that pitching is sustainable is a valid question. If it is...well, look out.

The one thing that is not debatable is this club is playing a hell of a lot better since late July than they did before then, lucky or not. Are they playoff good? Probably not right now but if the kids continue to develop, add an Eloy and a few agents to the mix and you never know. Cubs probably thought 2015 was another development year too considering they started the season with Bryant in AAA.

Have you watched the games? Because the team I’ve watched since late July isn’t the same team I watched pre ASB.