The Cubbies

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs add Zimmermann; hire fan favorite Ryne Sandberg as manager.

In a much anticipated move, the Cubs have announced Ryne Sandberg as the new manager of the Major league ball club. Sources say the contract was favorable, citing the Cubs financial flexibility. Fan loyalty spikes 30% in recent poll.

In large contract news, the Cubs sign reigning Cy Young award winner Jordan Zimmermann. Zimmermann, who was 19-3 last season with a staggeringly low ERA of 1.72, joins a rotation that includes up and coming Kevin Gausman, rookie Alex Gonzalez, and 2 29 year olds in Travis Wood and Jake Arrieta. With the signing of Zimmermann, the Cubs staff looks to be strong at the top, while solid at the bottom.

In other contract news, the Cubs retain bench players, including Schierholtz and Dunn.

During the Rule 5 draft, the Cubs selected lefty Joe Ortiz to help the bullpen. Ortiz was with the Rangers organization.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs off to good start; grab prep Catcher in first.

The cubs have started pretty well, all things considered, in the 2016 season. The hitting has been very good this year, with Castro, Bryant, Rizzo, and Castillo all above .300. Zimmermann has lived up to the billing so far, despite his 5-4 record, he is at a 2.22 ERA. Gausman has also been strong, leading the team in strikeouts with 88 to go along with his 2.49 ERA.

Notable picks:

1st Round: C Billy Whipple (18, R/R, 6'3, 195)
Whipple is a line drive hitter through and through, though he doesn't have much power in his swing. His approach is what excites people, not swinging at bad pitches while swinging at the good ones. Of course, when a catcher is drafted high without being an impact bat, his defense must be good. Whipple is no different in this regard.
Contact: 45/65
Power: 25/35
Glove: 50/70
Arm: 40/60
Speed: 35/40

2nd Round:
SS Robby Feldman (21, R/R, 6', 198)
Feldman is a very similar hitter to Whipple, but more polished. His identity as a player seems to come from his impact at the top of a lineup: one who can set the table, and often.
Contact: 50/60
Power: 25/30
Glove: 30/40
Arm: 35/45
Speed: 55/70

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs finish above .500, miss playoffs by 1.5 games.

If their is a team that is almost primed and ready to go, it is Chicago. The last year for the Northsiders was a good one, with positives all around. Gausman was looking like a lock for the Cy Young, until struggles late in the year. He started the All-Star game for the NL this year, and with Zimmermann pitching well and Gonzalez taking home the rookie of the year, the rotation seems set. Bryant, Castro, Baez, and Rizzo all had good years, all hitting 20 plus HRs, while Gallo struggled. A good finish for Gallo, crediting a more disciplined approach should bring optimisim however. Other production was average at best, with journeymen players having good seasons.

The bullpen, outside of rule 5 Ortiz (all star) needs to improve if the Cubs want to make a push at a division title, especially now that Jose Veras announced his retirement.

World Series: Indians over Dodgers behind good pitching.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Good news on my part: 2017 is upon us! Soon to come:

Prospect analysis, depth chart, series previews (including a who's where type deal), and yes Opening Day 2017.

"This is the YEAR!" - (late) Ron Santo

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

2017 Season Set to Begin, Cubs expectations high

The Cubs have been on the rise over the past few years, thanks to some good drafting and trades. Much of this can be attributed to the front office take over by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. What has improved, you may ask? One look at the roster and all answers are found.

Jordan Zimmermann was a good signing recently, and while no one should expect a season like he had in 2015 (19-3, 166 K, 1.72 ERA), he has pitched to an ERA under 3 for the last three seasons.

The Jeff Samardzija trade is having large impact, as both Keviun Gausman, last year's all star starter for the NL, and Alex Gonzalez, last year's ROY in the NL, are both prepared and battled tested.

A rule 5 selection and a second round pick may have yielded the best young duo of arms in then Cubs 'pen, with Joe Ortiz possibly being the best lefty specialist right now (all star appearance last year), and Scott Gagnon having the best secondary stuff some scouts have seen out of someone at age 21 (not to mention his funky submarine delivery throws hitters off).

And that's just the pitching staff; the lineup is one that will be feared, if it is not already.

Look at it this way: the only players projected as regulars (platoon) who are above age 30 are Justin Ruggiano and Nae Schierholtz, who combined for 43 homeruns and 143 RBI's last season (though they both had everyday jobs).

The rest are coming into, or just beginning their prime. Castro, Castillo, and Rizzo are the "veterans" of the group, being ages 26, 29, and 27 respectively. Among starters, Bryant is 25, Baez 24, Gallo 23, and Hernandez 20. No player off the bench is older than 25. Let's have a full look into the entire Cubs Roster for the upcoming 2017 season:

Chicago Cubs Depth Chart - 2017

• Catcher
• Wellington Castillo
• Roberto Mora

• First Base
• Anthony Rizzo
• Roberto Mora

• Second Base
• Javier Baez
• Jeff Woodson

• Third Base
• Joey Gallo
• Christian Villanueva
• Jeff Woodson

• Shortstop
• Starlin Castro
• Jeff Woodson

• Left Field
• Mark Hernandez
• Jorge Soler
• Nate Schierholtz
• Justin Ruggiano

• Center Field
• Nate Schierholtz (vR)
• Justin Rugiano (vL)
• Jorge Soler

• Right Field
• Kris Bryant
• Jorge Soler

• Starting Pitcher
• Jordan Zimmermann
• Kevin Gausman (AS)
• Alex Gonzalez
• Travis Wood
• Jake Arrieta

• Relief Pitcher
• Chad Billingsley
• Jason Hammel
• Wesley Wright (Specialist)
• Edwin Jackson
• Joe Ortiz
• Neil Ramirez

• Closer
• Scott Gagnon

The season kicks off March 31st against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field! Stay tuned for more!

[k_mac]

Re: The Cubbies

A little late to the party here, but how did the Rangers acquire Kevin Gausman to trade him for Jeff Samardzija?

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Tbh, I have no idea. I originally thought that he was part of their organization, but I looked him up and turns out he wasn't. If I knew I'd tell you.

First series is underway and should be up tonight.

[k_mac]

Re: The Cubbies

Tbh, I have no idea. I originally thought that he was part of their organization, but I looked him up and turns out he wasn't. If I knew I'd tell you.

First series is underway and should be up tonight.

Lol, since you're so far ahead in the franchise I don't think there's any way to find out either. Don't see any way the Rangers could get Gausman without giving up something major. Are you using 30 team control?

Regardless, Gausman + Gallo + Gonzalez is quite the haul for Shark. Must have been putting up some crazy numbers.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

No, just letting the CPU play out their roster and such. They accepted the trade, so I chalk it up to that. And, Shark was leading the MLB in ERA at the time of the trade, and started the All-star game for the NL a day before he was traded.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs Open Season with Patience, Power

The Cubs pick up their first win of the year on opening day against the Brewers; Sandberg credits the win to 5 walks and 3 homeruns, noting "if we can have this kind of approach every time we go out, we will be successful."

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs
Mar 31, 2017	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Milwaukee (0-1)	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	7	1
Chicago (1-0)	0	0	0	0	3	6	1	0	X	10	11	0
W: J. Zimmermann (1-0) L: M. Pineda (0-1)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			MIL	CHC

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Segura	4	1	3	1	0	0	1	.750
Murphy	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.000
Braun	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	.333
Davis	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Lucroy	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Reynolds	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Soltare	3	0	2	1	1	0	0	.666
Almonte	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Pineda (+PH)	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
BATTING: 2B: Braun HR: Segura RBI: Segura, Solarte GIDP: Braun

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
S. Castro	4	2	2	0	1	1	0	.500
N. Schierholtz	3	1	2	0	1	0	0	.666
J. Ruggiano	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
K. Bryant	3	2	1	2	2	0	0	.333
A. Rizzo	4	2	2	3	1	1	1	.500
J. Baez	5	1	1	4	0	0	1	.200
J. Gallo	5	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
M. Harnandez	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.250
W. Castillo	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.250
J. Zimmermann	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
J. Woodson	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
R. Mora	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	1.000
BATTING: 2B: Castro, Hernandez, Castillo HR: Rizzo, Baez (GS), Mora RBI: Bryant 2, Rizzo 3, Baez 4, Mora HBP: Ruggiano

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Pineda (L, 0-1)	5.0	7	3	3	1	3	1	5.40
Kintzler	1.0	3	6	6	3	0	1	54.00
Webb	1.0	1	1	1	0	1	1	9.00
Wang	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Zimmerman (W, 1-0)	6.0	6	2	2	3	7	1	3.00
Ramirez (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Billingsly	2.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs with another offensive outburst, Gausman dominant

Having face the minimum through 6, Gausman was on an absolute tear through the Brewers lineup, eventually giving up 1 run in the 8th while striking out 9, backed by an 11-run outburst by the Cubbies.

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs
Apr 2, 2017	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Milwaukee (0-2)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	3	2
Chicago (2-0)	1	1	1	1	1	0	0	6	X	11	11	0
W: Gausman (1-0) L: U. Jimenez (0-1)

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Segura	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.375
Murphy	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Braun	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.142
Davis	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	.142
Lucroy	3	0	1	0	0	2	0	.285
Reynolds	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Soltare	3	0	1	1	0	1	0	.500
Almonte	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Jimenez (+PH)	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
BATTING: 2B: Solarte RBI: Solarte GIDP: Reynolds

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
S. Castro	5	0	1	0	0	2	0	.333
N. Schierholtz	3	3	1	1	2	0	0	.500
K. Bryant	5	2	4	4	0	0	1	.625
A. Rizzo	4	0	0	0	1	1	0	.250
J. Baez	4	1	2	4	1	0	1	.333
J. Gallo	4	2	1	0	0	1	0	.111
M. Harnandez	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.285
W. Castillo	3	1	1	1	0	1	0	.285
K. Gausman	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
J. Woodson	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000
BATTING: 2B: Bryant 2 HR: Bryant, Baez RBI: Schierholtz, Bryant 4, Baez 4 HBP: Gallo, Woodson GIDP: Gallo, Gausman

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Jimenez (L, 0-1)	4.0	6	5	4	1	0	1	9.00
Burgos	1.0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0.00
Kintzler	2.0	0	0	0	2	1	0	18.00
Henderson	0.1	1	4	4	2	1	1	108.00
Wang	0.2	2	2	2	0	2	0	10.80

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
K. Gausman (W, 1-0)	8.0	3	1	1	0	9	0	1.12
Ortiz	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs walk-off a winner thanks to Bryant, finish sweep of Brewers

Kris Bryant might as well be given the MVP right now. Through his first 3 games, he is sitting at .615/.667/1.462, and just gave the Cubs 3 runs to complete the sweep of Milwaukee on a solo shot and a walk-off in extras.

Brewers at Cubs |
Apr 3, 2017	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extras	R	H	E
Milwaukee (0-3)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	1
Chicago (3-0)	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2 (10th)	3	10	1
W: Gagnon (1-0) L: Madson (0-1)

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Segura	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.250
Murphy	4	1	3	1	0	0	0	.300
Braun	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.090
Davis	4	0	0	0	0	3	0	.090
Lucroy	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.181
Reynolds	4	0	0	0	0	3	0	.000
Soltare	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.444
Almonte	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Peralta (+PH)	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
BATTING: HR: Murphy RBI: Murphy GIDP: Braun
FIELDING: E: Segura

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
S. Castro	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.307
N. Schierholtz	4	0	0	0	1	0	0	.300
K. Bryant	5	2	3	3	0	0	2	.615
A. Rizzo	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	.333
J. Baez	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.230
J. Gallo	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	.090
M. Harnandez	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.272
W. Castillo	3	0	1	0	0	2	0	.300
Gonzalez	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
J. Woodson	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Mora	2	1	2	0	0	0	0	1.000
BATTING: HR: Bryant 2 RBI: Bryant 3 SAC: Castro, Gonzalez GIDP: Castro, Rizzo, Baez
FIELDING: E: Schierholtz

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
W. Peralta	6.1	7	1	1	2	6	1	1.42
Webb	1.2	1	0	0	1	0	0	3.37
Madson (L, 0-1)	1.2	2	2	2	0	1	1	10.80

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Gonzalez	7.0	3	1	1	0	8	1	1.28
Ramirez	1.2	0	0	0	0	4	0	0.00
Ortiz	0.1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Gagnon (W, 1-0)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Series preview: Cincinnati Reds.

Probables:
Game 1, April 4, Travis Wood v. Alexander Reyes
Game 2, April 5, Jake Arrieta v. Mitch Brown
Game 3, April 6, Jordan Zimmermann v. Mat Latos

Roster Preview:
The Reds come into the 2017 season with some familiar names, some new. Constants include Votto, Bruce, and Hamilton, while newer guys are names such as Martin Prado, David Freese, and Jayson Werth. The two starters you may be unfamiliar with (Reyes and Brown) are 23 and 22 respectively. Reyes is a fireballer, coming off of a strong rookie season of 9-13, 218 strikeouts, and a 3.51 ERA. Brown is a Rule 5 selection, and will be making his debut against the Cubs.

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs drop series opener, Reyes dominant

Said the Cubs manager of Alexander Reyes: "He was unbelievable, one of the best performances I've seen in my career - playing or managing.

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
Apr 4, 2017	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cincinnati (5-3)	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	5	1
Chicago (3-1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
W: Wood (0-1) L: Reyes (1-0) S: Chapman (2)

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Hamilton	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.187
Prado	3	0	1	1	0	0	0	.294
Votto	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.125
Bruce	4	0	1	0	0	2	0	.277
Freese	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.294
Mesoraco	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Werth	4	2	2	0	0	1	0	.357
Cozart	1	1	0	1	2	0	0	.153
Reyes (+PH)	4	0	1	1	0	1	0	.250
BATTING: 2B: Prado, Werth RBI: Prado, Cozart, Reyes SF: Prado, Cozart
FIELDING: E: Prado

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
S. Castro	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.235
N. Schierholtz	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.230
Ruggiano	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
K. Bryant	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.529
A. Rizzo	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.266
J. Baez	2	0	0	0	1	2	0	.200
J. Gallo	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.071
M. Harnandez	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.214
W. Castillo	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.230
Wood	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Mora	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.750
FIELDING: E: Schierholtz

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Reyes (W, 1-0)	8.0	1	0	0	1	10	0	0.00
Chapman (S, 2)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	3.00

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Wood	6.2	3	2	2	3	3	0	2.70
Jackson	0.1	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
Billingsly	0.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Wright	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
Hammel	1.0	1	1	1	0	1	0	9.00

[twl221]

Re: The Cubbies

Cubs take 2nd game of series behind pitching, Arrieta
Arrieta was brilliant in his season debut, pitching to 7 shutout innings, letting the bullpen finish out the game. The 8th inning outburst didn't hurt either.

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
Apr 5, 2017	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cincinnati (5-4)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1
Chicago (4-1)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	6	X	7	8	0
W: Arrieta (1-0) L: Brown (0-1)

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
BATTING: 2B: Votto GIDP: Freese

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
BATTING: 2B: Rizzo HR: Schierholtz, Baez, Gallo RBI: Schierholtz 2, Rizzo, Baez 3, Gallo SAC: Arrieta

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA