And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, hoping Cole Hamels would be deposited in there.
Such is the holiday song for Cub fans.
The Cubs did sign a starting pitcher, but not that one.
Jason Hammel has struck a two-year, $20MM to return to the Cubs, according to
reports. The deal includes a club option for a third season, with a $2MM
buyout included as part of the aforementioned guarantee.
Hammel signed a one-year deal with the Cubs last February, at $6 million, then
enjoyed a strong half-season in Chicago before heading to Oakland in the Jeff Samardzija
deal. Hammel enjoyed great success a Cub starter (8-5, 2.98 ERA), but was terrible in pitcher friendly Oakland (2-6, 4.26 ERA).
Hammel significantly improved his strikeout rate (8.1 K/9, to go with
a 3.47 ERA and 2.2 BB/9) in 2014 following a down season with the
Orioles, and he pitched 176 1/3 innings, his highest total since 2010.
This offseason, Hammel had been
connected to the Marlins, Royals and Astros, along with the Cubs.
This is what we projected this off-season: the Cubs continuing to target second tier pitchers who have the ability to rebound their careers, and be possible trade bait in July. A two year deal gives the Cubs the option of trading Hammel next winter. Hammel is a known Cub commodity so this pick up was not unexpected or unusual.He had a 3.1 WAR last season, which puts him near the top of the current rotation.
December 8, 2014
December 7, 2014
CRAZIER THAN IT SEEMS
In the never ending moving target that is the Wrigley "rehabilitiation" project, the Ricketts are going back to the Chicago Landmark Commission, again, to revise their plans.
This time to eliminate one sign and reduce the size of the scoreboard.
These requirements are needed in order to trying to get approximately $70 million in "historic preservation" tax credits from the federal government. For those unaware how tax credits work, it gives a person or corporation in essence non-taxation on other income in order to promote the maintenance of landmark structures.
So when the Ricketts initially said they would not be using any taxpayer money on their project, they lied. Tax credits take tax dollars from government treasuries so taxpayers have to make up the difference.
But the most crazy aspect of this whole scheme is lost by everyone in the media like a deer in headlights: Wrigley Field is a historic landmark in its current structure, but the Ricketts family wants to designate it a "historic landmark" AFTER all the new, modern, electronic signage has been built in the bleachers.
None of the new signage has anything to do with the century old character of the building.
It is like a movie theater chain buying Ford's Theater in D.C., knocking it down to build a 20 screen Cineplex, then ask for huge historic tax credits because Lincoln was shot in the premises.
The whole idea that the new signs have any "historical" significance is absurd. They have not even been built yet! How can any person with common sense believe that preservation tax breaks can be used not to preserve the existing structure but totally change it.
IN many communities, landmark districts have strict rules. Owners of buildings must comply with the type of materials used to repair and maintain their buildings. Paints have to meet historical color standards. It costs more to to replace rotting siding with wood plank than with a modern vinyl product. So that is why tax break assistance is thought to be in the community's best interests to keep the aesthetic nature of an old downtown district.
AS I have mentioned previously in this blog, there is going to be a national jaw drop once the "improvements" at Wrigley Field have been completed. The memories of Wrigley Field that was televised throughout the nation on the WGN superstation will be jarred by the commercial overload of bleacher signage.
But when Ricketts talk about "restoring" Wrigley Field, they are really meaning that they are trying to make the most money as possible from their venue.
This time to eliminate one sign and reduce the size of the scoreboard.
These requirements are needed in order to trying to get approximately $70 million in "historic preservation" tax credits from the federal government. For those unaware how tax credits work, it gives a person or corporation in essence non-taxation on other income in order to promote the maintenance of landmark structures.
So when the Ricketts initially said they would not be using any taxpayer money on their project, they lied. Tax credits take tax dollars from government treasuries so taxpayers have to make up the difference.
But the most crazy aspect of this whole scheme is lost by everyone in the media like a deer in headlights: Wrigley Field is a historic landmark in its current structure, but the Ricketts family wants to designate it a "historic landmark" AFTER all the new, modern, electronic signage has been built in the bleachers.
None of the new signage has anything to do with the century old character of the building.
It is like a movie theater chain buying Ford's Theater in D.C., knocking it down to build a 20 screen Cineplex, then ask for huge historic tax credits because Lincoln was shot in the premises.
The whole idea that the new signs have any "historical" significance is absurd. They have not even been built yet! How can any person with common sense believe that preservation tax breaks can be used not to preserve the existing structure but totally change it.
IN many communities, landmark districts have strict rules. Owners of buildings must comply with the type of materials used to repair and maintain their buildings. Paints have to meet historical color standards. It costs more to to replace rotting siding with wood plank than with a modern vinyl product. So that is why tax break assistance is thought to be in the community's best interests to keep the aesthetic nature of an old downtown district.
AS I have mentioned previously in this blog, there is going to be a national jaw drop once the "improvements" at Wrigley Field have been completed. The memories of Wrigley Field that was televised throughout the nation on the WGN superstation will be jarred by the commercial overload of bleacher signage.
But when Ricketts talk about "restoring" Wrigley Field, they are really meaning that they are trying to make the most money as possible from their venue.
December 6, 2014
HOW WELL
As the Winter Meetings approach, it will be interesting to see how guarded the Cubs are with their prized prospects.
Many teams often fall in love with their prospects. So much so that the darling saplings wither on the vine over time. Former Cubs GM Jim Hendry was one of those talent managers who keep his prospects too long.
Prospects are nothing but prospects until they prove their worth at the major league market.
Prospects have value to another team if that team believes the prospect will have major league value.
If a prospect makes his team's ML roster and fails, the GM looks bad. If he does great, the GM is validated. If the prospect is just average, then it is a wash.
If a prospect does not make it to the majors quickly, it devalues the player as well. A high school prospect should be able to ramble through a system in four years. A college senior two or three years. Some teams isolated their prospects in the minors, coddle them and "wait" until they are ready. For some, they are never ready.
How well a team can balance the love of their prospects and the need to extract the most "value" from them is how well a team performs in the long run.
There will be plenty of stories naming interest in Bryant, Castro, Russell, Baez, Alcantara, CJ Edwards, Hendricks. Other teams can see the "potential" in their game. Castro actually have a five year track record, so he is no longer a mere prospect.
If the Cubs hold tight and not part with any prized prospect for a major league ready position player or starter, then that may not be a good sign. Positional log jams do not help the club's depth when you have to cool someone's jets in AAA.
Many teams often fall in love with their prospects. So much so that the darling saplings wither on the vine over time. Former Cubs GM Jim Hendry was one of those talent managers who keep his prospects too long.
Prospects are nothing but prospects until they prove their worth at the major league market.
Prospects have value to another team if that team believes the prospect will have major league value.
If a prospect makes his team's ML roster and fails, the GM looks bad. If he does great, the GM is validated. If the prospect is just average, then it is a wash.
If a prospect does not make it to the majors quickly, it devalues the player as well. A high school prospect should be able to ramble through a system in four years. A college senior two or three years. Some teams isolated their prospects in the minors, coddle them and "wait" until they are ready. For some, they are never ready.
How well a team can balance the love of their prospects and the need to extract the most "value" from them is how well a team performs in the long run.
There will be plenty of stories naming interest in Bryant, Castro, Russell, Baez, Alcantara, CJ Edwards, Hendricks. Other teams can see the "potential" in their game. Castro actually have a five year track record, so he is no longer a mere prospect.
If the Cubs hold tight and not part with any prized prospect for a major league ready position player or starter, then that may not be a good sign. Positional log jams do not help the club's depth when you have to cool someone's jets in AAA.
December 5, 2014
PULLING THE TRIGGER
Everyone knew the Yankees were in the market for a shortstop replacement. We thought that the Cubs would be an ample trading partner for the Yankees. For whatever reason, nothing gelled in that regard because the Yankees apparently found their replacement middle infielder.
The Yankees acquired Didi Gregorius from the Diamondbacks in a three way trade with Tigers. Gregoriusis a typical good glove weak bat shortstop. But he has major league experience.
The Tigers get a fifth starter in pitcher Shane Green. In his short career, he is about an average major league starter which is okay in the back of a deep rotation.
The Diamondbacks get two players: lefty Robbie Ray, who last year posted a 1.59 ERA through is first five starts at Triple-A, with a 21/5 K/BB ratio in 28 innings, showing his promise, but he is not a flawless prospect, and shortstop Domingo Leyba from the Tigers. He’s only 19 and hasn’t played above A-ball, but he hit very well across two levels in 67 games last season. In leagues in which he was very young.
Apparently, the Yankees were eager to get a deal to solidify their shortstop position before the winter meetings. If the Cubs were inclined to trade a surplus middle infielder to a team that really needed one, this could be a missed opportunity.
The Yankees acquired Didi Gregorius from the Diamondbacks in a three way trade with Tigers. Gregoriusis a typical good glove weak bat shortstop. But he has major league experience.
The Tigers get a fifth starter in pitcher Shane Green. In his short career, he is about an average major league starter which is okay in the back of a deep rotation.
The Diamondbacks get two players: lefty Robbie Ray, who last year posted a 1.59 ERA through is first five starts at Triple-A, with a 21/5 K/BB ratio in 28 innings, showing his promise, but he is not a flawless prospect, and shortstop Domingo Leyba from the Tigers. He’s only 19 and hasn’t played above A-ball, but he hit very well across two levels in 67 games last season. In leagues in which he was very young.
Apparently, the Yankees were eager to get a deal to solidify their shortstop position before the winter meetings. If the Cubs were inclined to trade a surplus middle infielder to a team that really needed one, this could be a missed opportunity.
December 4, 2014
TENDERS
The Cubs 40 man roster stands at 37 players after not tendering contracts to LHP Wesley Wright and catcher John Baker.
The Cubs tendered contracts (for arb eligible players) as follows:
— Chris Coghlan : $1.4 million
— Luis Valbuena : $3.1 million
— Justin Ruggiano : $2.5 million
— Travis Wood : $5.5 million
— Pedro Strop : $2.4 million
— Jake Arrieta : $4.1 million
— Felix Doubront : $1.3 million
— Welington Castillo : $2.1 million
The projected 2015 salaries are based on MLBTR estimates. The release of Wright and Baker save the Cubs approximately $3.2 million.
Despite what people may "want" to believe, the Cubs are going into next season with basically the same club as last year's. Overtime to get the bleachers done in a reasonable time has to come out of somebody's pocket, and usually that is the players payroll budget.
The Cubs tendered contracts (for arb eligible players) as follows:
— Chris Coghlan : $1.4 million
— Luis Valbuena : $3.1 million
— Justin Ruggiano : $2.5 million
— Travis Wood : $5.5 million
— Pedro Strop : $2.4 million
— Jake Arrieta : $4.1 million
— Felix Doubront : $1.3 million
— Welington Castillo : $2.1 million
The projected 2015 salaries are based on MLBTR estimates. The release of Wright and Baker save the Cubs approximately $3.2 million.
Despite what people may "want" to believe, the Cubs are going into next season with basically the same club as last year's. Overtime to get the bleachers done in a reasonable time has to come out of somebody's pocket, and usually that is the players payroll budget.
December 3, 2014
NOTES ON THE CUBS
With the winter meetings fast approaching, and the non-tender deadline past, the Cubs like all other teams should be finalizing their winter plans.
It is like an X-Mas list self-evaluation.
The Outfield. The rock band is still better than the current Cub players. A platoon of Coghlan-Riggiano, Alcantara and Soler does not bode well for 2015 and beyond. Soler is the new prototypical free swinger - - - high torque, high power, home runs or bust mentality like Baez. Can he mature and adjust in his first full season is the open question. Alcantara is still playing out of position; he is much more valuable as a second baseman. More likely than not, other clubs will be asking about him in trade because of his power. Left field is barren. Perhaps, this open stance is because the front office is looking to fill it with either Baez, Bryant or even Castro.
Evaluation: Need major upgrades in left field and center field.
The Infield. The front office continues to claim that Castro is the Cubs core shortstop now and in the future. However, he is the most valuable trade chip the team has (as the Yankees need to replace Jeter). Baez plays a better shortstop than Castro, and Alcantara plays a better second than Baez. Rizzo is going to anchor first base for a long time so that is the only position that is set. Third base is being held for Bryant, who wants to play there and not in the outfield. It is usually better to transition a potential star at his natural position rather than having him learn a new position at the same time as learning major league pitching. Valbuena may also be a trading chip at the winter meetings.
Evaluation: Need upgrade at third (which could be Bryant in June), stability up the middle.
Catcher. There has been a lot of negativity on Castillo. It seems to be mostly unfounded. He is a better defensive catcher than most people think. He is in the upper half in regard to catcher BA. The most probably detriment is potential injury history. But he grades out as a starter. The Cubs were reported to be on the Martin free agent negotiations. With Martin signing with the Blue Jays, the odd man out is D. Navarro, the ex-Cub, who hit .274, 12 HR, 69 RBI in 2014. He could be an upgrade, but not at the cost of a young middle infielder. Baker is a weak back up catcher, so anyone would be an improvement (except for Koy Hill).
Evaluation: Either keep Castillo as the #1, or trade big for an upgrade (Gattis).
Starting Pitching: This has been the trade bin for the Cubs the past several years. The trade and turnover of the starters has been remarkable. The question is whether the Cubs will stop trading starters and actually build a core staff. Arrieta has shown some good stuff, but throughout his career he has never put together back-to-back solid years. Hendricks had a nice debut season, but the league will adjust to him quickly. Neither Arrieta or Hendricks are lock down #1 starters. Wada and Wood are lefty #5 starters at best. E. Jackson is the lump of coal in the stocking. He was supposed to be a solid innings eater, but has been terrible. (There have been plenty of rumors that other teams like him, but no trades means no real interest.) The Cubs have a bunch of other journeymen (Turner, Doubront, Roach, Straily) from other clubs who add spot starter depth.
Evaluation: The Cubs need three quality starters in order to compete. The minor league system is not going to produce quality starters for some time.
Bullpen. The rest of the pitching staff performed above expectations. Grimm, Parker, Ramirez, Strop and Rondon all did quite well in their respective roles. The only upgrade could be adding a lefty specialist to the mix.
Evaluation: The core group is solid, but adding left handers is a possibility.
It is like an X-Mas list self-evaluation.
The Outfield. The rock band is still better than the current Cub players. A platoon of Coghlan-Riggiano, Alcantara and Soler does not bode well for 2015 and beyond. Soler is the new prototypical free swinger - - - high torque, high power, home runs or bust mentality like Baez. Can he mature and adjust in his first full season is the open question. Alcantara is still playing out of position; he is much more valuable as a second baseman. More likely than not, other clubs will be asking about him in trade because of his power. Left field is barren. Perhaps, this open stance is because the front office is looking to fill it with either Baez, Bryant or even Castro.
Evaluation: Need major upgrades in left field and center field.
The Infield. The front office continues to claim that Castro is the Cubs core shortstop now and in the future. However, he is the most valuable trade chip the team has (as the Yankees need to replace Jeter). Baez plays a better shortstop than Castro, and Alcantara plays a better second than Baez. Rizzo is going to anchor first base for a long time so that is the only position that is set. Third base is being held for Bryant, who wants to play there and not in the outfield. It is usually better to transition a potential star at his natural position rather than having him learn a new position at the same time as learning major league pitching. Valbuena may also be a trading chip at the winter meetings.
Evaluation: Need upgrade at third (which could be Bryant in June), stability up the middle.
Catcher. There has been a lot of negativity on Castillo. It seems to be mostly unfounded. He is a better defensive catcher than most people think. He is in the upper half in regard to catcher BA. The most probably detriment is potential injury history. But he grades out as a starter. The Cubs were reported to be on the Martin free agent negotiations. With Martin signing with the Blue Jays, the odd man out is D. Navarro, the ex-Cub, who hit .274, 12 HR, 69 RBI in 2014. He could be an upgrade, but not at the cost of a young middle infielder. Baker is a weak back up catcher, so anyone would be an improvement (except for Koy Hill).
Evaluation: Either keep Castillo as the #1, or trade big for an upgrade (Gattis).
Starting Pitching: This has been the trade bin for the Cubs the past several years. The trade and turnover of the starters has been remarkable. The question is whether the Cubs will stop trading starters and actually build a core staff. Arrieta has shown some good stuff, but throughout his career he has never put together back-to-back solid years. Hendricks had a nice debut season, but the league will adjust to him quickly. Neither Arrieta or Hendricks are lock down #1 starters. Wada and Wood are lefty #5 starters at best. E. Jackson is the lump of coal in the stocking. He was supposed to be a solid innings eater, but has been terrible. (There have been plenty of rumors that other teams like him, but no trades means no real interest.) The Cubs have a bunch of other journeymen (Turner, Doubront, Roach, Straily) from other clubs who add spot starter depth.
Evaluation: The Cubs need three quality starters in order to compete. The minor league system is not going to produce quality starters for some time.
Bullpen. The rest of the pitching staff performed above expectations. Grimm, Parker, Ramirez, Strop and Rondon all did quite well in their respective roles. The only upgrade could be adding a lefty specialist to the mix.
Evaluation: The core group is solid, but adding left handers is a possibility.
December 2, 2014
A SHARK FOR A SHORT
There is a rumor that the A's are shopping Jeff Samardzija, who has one year left on his deal. But the asking price is steep.
The A's are looking for a shortstop, and the White Sox Alexi Ramirez's name has popped up in rumors.
Ramirez has two years left on his deal, at $10 million each, which is not too expensive for a starting shortstop.
The question is whether a Ramirez for Samardzija rental a good trade?
For the White Sox, no. Ramirez is still a valuable top half of the order player for whom the younger players respect. It will take two years before the White Sox top prospect, Tim Anderson, is ready to play short. So it makes more sense to hold on to Ramirez.
Yes, the White Sox are in need of starting pitchers, especially a right hander or two. Unless Samardzija agrees to an extension before trade, the A's are not going to get the bounty that they are asking for.
There was also another rumor about a three team trade with Braves which would include C/1B Evan Gattis. Again, the White Sox are in need of upgrading their catcher spot, but that is not nearly as important has maintaining stability at shortstop.
The A's might as well keep the Shark for 2015, give him a qualifer and then get a high draft pick for 2016.
The A's are looking for a shortstop, and the White Sox Alexi Ramirez's name has popped up in rumors.
Ramirez has two years left on his deal, at $10 million each, which is not too expensive for a starting shortstop.
The question is whether a Ramirez for Samardzija rental a good trade?
For the White Sox, no. Ramirez is still a valuable top half of the order player for whom the younger players respect. It will take two years before the White Sox top prospect, Tim Anderson, is ready to play short. So it makes more sense to hold on to Ramirez.
Yes, the White Sox are in need of starting pitchers, especially a right hander or two. Unless Samardzija agrees to an extension before trade, the A's are not going to get the bounty that they are asking for.
There was also another rumor about a three team trade with Braves which would include C/1B Evan Gattis. Again, the White Sox are in need of upgrading their catcher spot, but that is not nearly as important has maintaining stability at shortstop.
The A's might as well keep the Shark for 2015, give him a qualifer and then get a high draft pick for 2016.
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