The Cubbies

[twl221]

(Hey all! This is going to be my attepmt at playing through a whole season with the Cubs, likely starting in 2017. The first couple of posts will be mostly roster and season updates)

"Patience is a virtue" - Prudentius

It sure is. As lifelong Cub fans can tell you, we have waited long enough, but must wait longer. The fan base must understand what is being done, and we can only hope for so much so fast. I long for the days in which Lee and Ramirez were smashing pitching on to Waveland over the park, the days when Wood, Prior, Zambrano, and the like were Aces, When Sosa was prime Sosa. I long for the days when the Cubs can be good enough, just once in my lifetime, to win what is unknown to most: A World Series Title.

Eamus Catuli!

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Pre-2014 prospect spotlight and season outlook.

Players to watch in the Majors:
1B Anthony Rizzo looks to build on what can be considered a strong season, but needs to hit for a better average.
SS Starlin Castro looks to take a more disciplined approach and to get back to what he knows he can do at the dish.
SP Jeff Samardzija is the Cubs Ace, but is considered a valuable trade asset; look for him to be on the move if the Cubs are scuffling mid-season.

Hope for this season is slim, and it looks as though the Cubs are headed for another 90+ loss season. With a high pick in this year's draft, the Cubs will likely eye a bat, picking up pitching in the later rounds.
Prospect Highlight:

3B Kris Bryant: After a strong start to his professional career, the college third baseman looks to improve, especially in the field. Reports are he could shift to Right field to get his bat in the major league lineup sooner rather than later.
Scouting report:
Contact: 60/75
Power: 65/80
Arm: 40/65
Glove: 30/55
Speed: 35/45
ETA: Late 2014/Early 2015

SS Javier Baez: After leading the minor leagues in Homers last season, Baez again looks to out-slug everybody. With elite bat speed, Baez should also push the Cubs to call him up later this season, the question being where he will play in the field. With Castro firmly ingrained at short, Baez could transition to either 2B or 3B, depending on what the Cubs do with Bryant.
Scouting Report:
Contact: 50/70
Power: 60/75
Arm: 50/65
Glove: 30/50
Speed: 45/55
ETA: Mid/Late 2014.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs pick up strong bat, Pitching depth in Draft; Strong start has Cub fans wondering front office should do.

First year player draft prospect profiles:
1st Round: LF Eric Hamilton (L/L, 20, 6'5, 233)
Hamilton comes from a JUCO, with strong indications, even at age 20, that he could potentially be a 30-30 player in the future. He is a Lefty at the dish and in the field, built strong (6'5, 233) and plays hard. His knock? he doesn't hit for a high average and does not project to be a good fielder. STill he could push for the Majors nearing the 2018 season, perhaps earlier.
Contact: 30/45
Power: 60/75
Arm: 35/65
Glove: 25/40
Speed: 65/75

2nd Round: CP Eric Gagnon (R/R, 19, 6'2, 180)
Gagnon isn't overpowering, but what is impressive is his secondary stuff at such a young age (19). ETA: 2017

3rd Round: 2B Jeff Woodson (L/R, 21, 6'2, 211)
Woodson has been praised for his line-drive approach and readiness to take what is given to him. His ceiling isn't as high as some players, but his floor is much higher than most.

4th Round: SP Michael Wells (S/L, 20, 6'4, 199)
Right now, Wells has a good fastball, and that's about it. That is not bad, per se, as that is how many pitcher come into the league. If he can develop his secondary pitches, he could be a #3 in the MLB; otherwise, he'll he a bull pen guy. ETA: 2021

5th Round: SP Randy Villanueva (R/L, 18, 6'1, 204)
A prep pitcher with a good fastball, these are the guys you take a chance on, because hey, who knows? He can move it a few ways (4s, Cut, Sink) but needs to develop his curveball to become a better pitcher rather than a thrower. ETA: 2022

6th Round: RP David Crowley (R/R, 22, 6'1, 205)
A more polished pitcher, but the stuff isn't there for a guy to stick as a starter. He has a good fastball with a decent changeup, but needs to learn how to use them effectively. ETA: 2022

7th Round: LF Chris Bulger (R/R, 21, 6'5, 2017)
Built as an athlete, but not as a baseball player per se. Needs to improve mechanics at the plate. His glove is his best attribute. ETA: None

Season update:
The season has gone better than expected for the Cubbies, sitting at 31-27, 1.5 back of the Cardinals. It has been the pitching more than anything, with Samardzija and Wood near the top of the boards in WHIP (3 and 7, respectively). Castro and Rizzo have struggled, while Mike Olt has gotten off to a strong start.

Prospect updates:
Kris Bryant: .268/.322/.442, 7 HR, 27 RBI
Javy Baez: .2718.317/.447, 6 HR, 30 RBI

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Rangers, Cubs swap in blockbuster

A day after Jeff Samardzija, the MLB's era leader started the all-star game for the National League, he was sent to Texas what is the first big trade of the Season. The Cubs, in return for Samardzija (as well as Bonafacio) acquired SP Kevin Gausmen, who will take over the empty rotation spot in the Majors, SP Alex Gonzalez, who will likely make his debut sometime this season, and 3B Joey Gallo, a intriguing prospect who grades out at 80 power. In a corresponding move, Bryant has made the full transition to RF for the moment.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Cubbies

Good luck. I am a Cubs fan going back to the days of Grace, Sandberg, Dunston, Dawson, Maddux ect..

It has been a long long long long long time since we had a winning team.


Not sure I really like the deal you made with Texas. Olt was a Top-60 prospect in 2013 (Ranked #58), when the Cubs got him last year, not sure why the Rangers would give up another high rated 3B prospect 2 years in a row. (Gallo is their #4 rated Overall going into 2014)

Anyways good luck turning things around

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Good luck. I am a Cubs fan going back to the days of Grace, Sandberg, Dunston, Dawson, Maddux ect..

It has been a long long long long long time since we had a winning team.


Not sure I really like the deal you made with Texas. Olt was a Top-60 prospect in 2013 (Ranked #58), when the Cubs got him last year, not sure why the Rangers would give up another high rated 3B prospect 2 years in a row. (Gallo is their #4 rated Overall going into 2014)

Anyways good luck turning things around

Yeah, I had to consider stuff like that. However, I feel as though if Texas had not done that deal, they may have done something similar to this in real life (no chance of it happening now). My thoughts are that it really helps Texas get to the top in game; they are 2 back of the Mariners at 52-43, and theire rotation has been far from great. Bonafacio also steps into the lineup against lefties and gives them a good bench player. As for Olt, I think he was dealing with vision problems at the time and wasn't thought of very highly anymore in the Rangers organization, and they seem to be bothering him again.

At any point, this Franchise will become more in depth whenever I decide to start playing; I just want to get to that point asap.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Trade deadline update; new prospect highlights.

After a good start by the Cubs to the 2014 season, they have been playing as to what everybody expected all along. With Samardzija and Bonafacio gone for three players in a Texas swap, however, the future becomes brighter. Things are also looking up for Rizzo after his slow start, already matching his homerun total from last season, with an All-star (and HR derby) appearance. Castro is still scuttling, especially with runners in scoring position (.154). The Cubs are currently 46-61, 12 games back of the Cardinals.

New Prospect Highlights and updates:

Of the three players to be highlighted from the Samardzija trade, Kevin Gausmen looks to have the brightest future. The pitcher projects to be a top end starter, though he has more of a #2 look than an ace. His best qualities are his plus fastball and plus splitter, while his changeup and slider need work. Already he has taken his spot in the Cubs rotation, and should be there for some time. Gausmen is 23 years old, and stands at 6'3, 190 pounds.

The other pitcher acquired, Alex Gonzalez, is a hard thrower, with his fastball topping at 97 with sharp movement. His slider is also good, but not great. his off-speed pitches need work. He projects as a #3, maybe a #2 at the very best.

Third baseman Joey Gallo is perhaps the most intriguing prospect of the three. Strong and extremely powerful, Gallo is a homerun hitter by any definition. He already grades at 80 power, but needs polish as a hitter, and needs to reduce his strikeout percentage. Bottom line, if he can hit at least .240, he could be an allstar in the bigs in a few years.

Updates:

Kris Bryant (AA): .272/.343/.456, 16 HR, 51 RBI, 376 PA.
Javy Baez (AA): .280/.316/.459, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 371 PA.
Joey Gallo (AA): .280/.357/.540, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 66 PA.
Kevin Gausmen (MLB, 2 teams): 2-5, 4.96, 31 K, 45.1 IP.
Alex Gonzalez (AA/AAA): 7-6, 2.15, 124 K, 125.1 IP / 0-0, 3.18, 5 K, 5.2 IP

[redsrulenc]

Re: The Cubbies

Joey, Joey, Joey!

I'm an Alex Gonzalez fan as well. Nice to have them in your Cubs organization, I can imagine!

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Final season update:

The Cubs finished at 74-88, probably better than what was expected for them at the beginning of the year.

The bright spots:

The Samardzija trade brought in more talent, and pitching talent, which has been a concern for a while in Chicago.

Castro, despite his struggles early, pulled out a .259/.294/.391 line, leading the league in doubles.

Rizzo finished 2nd in MVP voting (McCutchen), slashing .266/.347/.509 with 37 HRs and 101 RBI.

Wood and Arrieta. Wood tossed 210.0 innings, Arrieta 198.0, both with sub-4 ERAs.

The Bad:

The starting staff; a combined 3.85 ERA, which was 17th in the Bigs, would have been much worse if not for Wood, Arrieta, and some solid bullpen work.

The lack of production from those not named Rizzo, Ruggiano, Olt, and Castro.

World Series:

The Mariners beat the Braves in 5, taking all three games in Atlanta behind some good pitching.

[FSanchez12]

Re: The Cubbies

Really like the direction this one is heading. You're building quite the system in Chicago. The only thing I can suggest (and it's because little things like this bother me) It's Gausman not Gausmen. Other than that awesome start!

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs lock up Wood, bring in Dunn, Billingsley.

In major contract news this offseason, the Cubs have locked up Travis Wood for 6 years, extending him through his age 34 season, at a reported annually 2.3M.

Other major news is that the Cubs have brought in Adam Dunn on a 1 year deal. Dunn struggled last year, but has hit well at Wrigley throughout his career. Reports are Dunn will play Left field versus Righties with Lake against Lefties. Chad Billingsley also looks to make his return to starting in the bigs, inking a 2 year deal worth 4.6M. Billingsley was a Bullpen guy for the Dodgers last year.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

(I know I'm shooting through this, but I wanna get to a point where I want to play!)

Pre-2015 Season predictions, Prospect spotlights:

If the 2014 season was any indication of things to come, we can confidently say that things are indeed looking up. And Cubs fans, this is the year to be excited about; Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and surprise Joey Gallo have all been included on this years opening day squad, while Kevin Gausman is the clubs project #2 starter, while Alex Gonzalez is a year away.

Last year's #1 pick for the Cubs, LF Eric Hamilton, begins in AA ball, hitting cleanup for now, while Scott Gagnon mans the closer role.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs pick up another bat in early round; season update:

This season has not started off as well as many may have hoped, but has still gone reasonably well, with the Cubs sitting at 25-32 on draft day. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have been tearing the cover off the ball, while Gallo, Baez, and Castro leave something to be desired. Still, with all the youth on the big league squad, there is nothing but room for optimism. Gausman has not been good, but hasn't been particularly bad so far.

Kris Bryant (MLB): .292/.337/.505, 12 HR, 33 RBI, 203 PA.
Anthony Rizzo (MLB): .330/.386/.521, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 233 PA.
Javier Baez (MLB): .251/.301/.458, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 192 PA.
Starlin Castro (MLB): .256/.296/.382, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 252 PA.
Joey Gallo (MLB): .215/.264/.368, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 173 PA.
Kevin Gausman (MLB): 2-6, 4.12 ERA, 65 K, 74.1 IP.
Eric Hamilton (AA): .263/.319/.474, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 15 SB, 184 PA.
Scott Gagnon (AA): 0-1, 21 SV, 1.71 ERA, 23 K, 21.0 IP.

Draft update:
This year, the Cubs front office focus was clearly on youth, with every player being 20 or younger, as well as finding some impact bats for the future (because you can never have too many bats).

1st Round:
1B Mark Hernandez (19, R/R, 6', 198)
Drafted as a firstbaseman, Hernandez will likely make the switch to the corner outfield, as his bat is high above where most 19 year old bats are. He projects as a high average, high power guy who doesn't strikeout or take too many walks. His fielding needs to catch up to his bat, but with work, he could be a plus defender.
Contact: 45/70
Power: 50/75
Glove: 40/60
Arm: 35/50
Speed: 35/50
ETA: 2016/7

2nd Round:
3B Manuel Jimenez (19, R/R, 6'4, 215)
The Cubs have formed a habit of drafting impact bats at the third base position, and it appears they have another. Jimenez is renowned for crushing lefties while still being good against righties. The only question is, where will he fit in?
Contact: 45/65
Power: 45/70
Glove: 30/45
Arm: 45/55
Speed: 25/35
ETA: 2017

3rd Round:
RF David Travis (18, R/R, 5'11, 175)
Travis is a guy who can make an impact if put in the right spot, but will probably never be great. His bat is very good for straight out of high school, but his play in the field leaves a lot to be desired. Would be a good DH if he found himself in the AL.
Contact: 45/60
Power: 40/60
Glove: 25/35
Arm: 30/45
Speed: 40/50
ETA: 2017/8

4th Round:
SP Mariano Castellano (19, R/L, 6'1, 204)
Castellano is a pitcher who has gotten away with have a good fastball and changeup, but not much else thus far. He need to improve secondary pitches if he is to have a substantial impact.
Makeup: 35/55
Stuff: 45/60
Movement: 40/60
Stamina: 65/75
ETA: 2017

5th Round:
SS Corey Bryson (20, S/R, 6'5, 212)
A big guy for the shortstop position, Bryson is known for his glove and legs, not his bat. If he can improve at the dish, he could at the very least be a defensive sub / pinch runner in the majors.
Contact: 35/45
Power: 25/35
Glove: 45/60
Arm: 40/50
Speed: 50/65
ETA: 2018

6th/7th Round:
RP Rich Lopez (19, L/L, 6'5, 200)
RP Fernando Guzman (18, R/R, 5'10, 183)
Both Lopez and Guzman have good movement on their pitches, but don't have much else; both are long shots to make the majors.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Giants, Cubs make deal

In a not-so out of the blue move, the Giants have acquired 2B Darwin Barney and RP Pedro Strop for SP Edwin Escobar, SS Brandon Hicks, and C Roberto Mota.

Barney is enjoying a bounce back year, hitting .280 while splitting time with Baez at second base. This frees up Baez to be the full time starter, while Strop has been strong, just a 3.19 ERA with a 49/16 K/BB rate. Barney will take over at second, as the platoon of Arias and Justin Turner hasn't given the Giants much.

On the Cubs side of the deal, Escobar and Mora are the two big pieces, with Hicks being thrown in.

Escobar projects as a #2-#4 starter, and is lefthanded. He could make his debut next year, but likely will see time starting in 2017. Mora is a top prospect, and Catching is something the Cubs need depth at. While Mora could make noise with his bat down the line, he is praised for his defensive potential, specifically his arm. Mora bats lefthanded.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Season wrap up, prospects focus of near future.

This season was a little worse than last record wise, 69-93, but it was better than last. If there is one thing we can be sure of, is that the Cubs have a very bright future. Bryant played very well, finishing 3rd in ROY voting, highest among position players. Gausman showed he can be the top of the line guy, pitching 208.1 innings in his second full season, while the lineup was better than last season. The problem this year was the starting rotation, which needs to improve for the Cubs to have a shot.

Kris Bryant (MLB): .266/.309/.445, 26 HR, 79 RBI, 578 PA.
Anthony Rizzo (MLB): .290/.380/.496, 29 HR, 75 RBI, 639 PA.
Javier Baez (MLB): .251/.305/.452, 24 HR, 76 RBI, 553 PA.
Joey Gallo (MLB): .232/.273/.429, 21 HR, 57 RBI, 490 PA.
Starlin Castro (MLB): .238/.277/.343, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 704 PA.
Kevin Gausman (MLB): 9-14, 208.1 IP, 183 K, 4.10 ERA.
Eric Hamilton (AA): .248/.294/.434, 20 HR, 66 RBI, 30 SB, 444 PA.
Roberto Mora (AA, 2 teams): .251/.319/.348, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 428 PA.

*I'm thinking my team is coming together nicely, Hamilton will be up by 2017, and 2017 is the season I will begin play, which will be much more in depth than these posts barely scratching the surface.

World Series:
Dodgers defeat Rangers in a sweep, the Rangers never mustering more than 3 runs in any of the 4 games.