December 22, 2014

MID-WINTER REPORT CARD: CUBS

Both Chicago teams have been active in the off-season.

Surprisingly, the Cubs went out and spend a fortune on Jon Lester ($155 million) on a team that still projects to be several years away from competing for the NL Central title.  The move rates a "A" for audacity but a "C" for impact. The question is that Lester's peak years (one through three) of the contract may be with a team that may not have a Plan B if Baez, Alcantara, Russell, Bryant etc. don't work out. Even if the prospects work out, with most big money deals, the back half performance of the pitcher may not be up to expectations.

The trade for Miguel Montero and the signing of David Ross to be Lester's personal catcher also merits scrutiny since the Montero-Ross battery combination is actually less productive than Welington Castillo's 2014 numbers. Montero has had two sub-par seasons for the Diamondbacks, and Ross will be 38 next season. The Cubs also claimed catcher Ryan Lavarnway off waivers from the Dodgers, but it seems to be a nominal signing. However, he is another former Red Sox so that is the front office connection. Depending if the Cubs can trade Castillo for an impact position player, the re-working of the catching staff merits a "D."

As for adding a legitimate outfielder to the roster, the Cubs only claimed Shane Peterson from the A's. He only has 7 major league at bats (all in 2013). In AAA last year, he hit 11 HR, 90 RBI with a .308 BA in PCL. He can also play first base. But he projects as a AAA/AAAA replacement level player so the Cubs continue to not address a glaring need so this move is an "F."

The Cubs bullpen was not a problem last season. The signing of Jason Motte adds another rehab project into the mix. Some think he is insurance in case both Rondon and Strop fail at the closer position, but other think Ramirez should be the third man up in that role. Motte settles into a middle relief role with the Cubs, so it rates a "C" at best.