Cubs 2022 Season

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#301      
I can't help but feel a bit of optimism about where this is headed.

You add a big bat and a front of the rotation starter (both of which are highly available this winter for the right price), and you may have something here.

And superstars aren't bubbling up through the system, but really good depth of major league quality pieces are. Should provide a lot of flexibility going forward.
I agree but that is with the present roster. Are you assuming that we resign Willie? Keeping Happ?
 
#303      

DeonThomas

South Carolina
I heard last week that Trea Turner and Carlos Rodon are very good friends and have been discussing the opportunity of playing together. They both played at NC State. Rodon loved his time in Chicago. (Source: A close relative of Rodon's wife.)
 
#305      

DeonThomas

South Carolina
The qualifying offer is going to really damage Contreras' market, I think it's pretty possible the Cubs find a way to get something done there, even if it's short term.
1. CF - Hoerner
2. C - Contreras
3. SS - Turner, Trea
4. RF - Suzuki
5. LF - Happ
6. DH - Reyes, Franmil
7. 1B - Wisdom
8. 3B - Morel
9. 2B - Madrigal

SP - Rodon (LH)
SP - Hendricks (RH)
SP - Stroman (RH)
SP - Sampson (RH)
SP - Steele (LH)

Might need to trade a middle infielder or two for a big left-handed hitting Corner Infielder.

Compete for a wild card, maybe?
 
#306      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
1. CF - Hoerner
2. C - Contreras
3. SS - Turner, Trea
4. RF - Suzuki
5. LF - Happ
6. DH - Reyes, Franmil
7. 1B - Wisdom
8. 3B - Morel
9. 2B - Madrigal

SP - Rodon (LH)
SP - Hendricks (RH)
SP - Stroman (RH)
SP - Sampson (RH)
SP - Steele (LH)

Might need to trade a middle infielder or two for a big left-handed hitting Corner Infielder.

Compete for a wild card, maybe?
Has Hoerner played any CF?
 
#307      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
Everybody seems to think they're favorites for Carlos Correa and that would certainly boost the lineup significantly.

One of the big four free agent shortstops of Correa, Bogaerts, Turner and Swanson ought to be a Cub.
Correa is the youngest of the four, no? I think I'd prefer him. His injury history is of concern, though.
 
#308      

DeonThomas

South Carolina
Has Hoerner played any CF?
Yep. 5 games last year.

But I sort of expect him to end up playing 2B/SS for some MLB club in 2023. (Hence my comment about trading a MI if we end up getting a big name free agent SS.)
 
#309      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
Yep. 5 games last year.

But I sort of expect him to end up playing 2B/SS for some MLB club in 2023. (Hence my comment about trading a MI if we end up getting a big name free agent SS.)
Didn't know that. Sure will be an interesting offseason...
 
#310      
Yep. 5 games last year.

But I sort of expect him to end up playing 2B/SS for some MLB club in 2023. (Hence my comment about trading a MI if we end up getting a big name free agent SS.)
Cubs can’t go into next year counting on anything from Madrigal. He’s had a nice 15-ish games since coming off the IL, but how horrible he was before that coupled with his repeated inability to stay on the field (he’s yet to pass 120 combined games in a season at any level of professional baseball), means if the Cubs go into next year actually trying to compete, they need to see any contribution from Madrigal as a bonus.

The Cubs need sure-thing bats. It just so happens that a good chunk of the sure-thing bats in free agency next year are short stops. Them signing Correa, Turner or etc. next year would have more to do with the offense than the defense. I think you’d see Hoerner at 2B and the free agent at SS, with Madrigal as your super-sub. Ideally, they’d also bring in a 1B and have a Morel in CF.
 
#311      
Two things about Correa that I don’t think has been brought up:

1. He’s easily the best defender of the SS free agents. It’s not really close. You could make a strong argument for Nico to stay at SS and the new guy shifting to 2B/3B/CF for any of the other candidates.

2. Correa won’t be saddled with a QO. He was given a QO by Houston last year and you can’t be given one two years in a row, even if you change teams.

All that said, my favorite candidate of the SSs is Trea Turner. I think he’s the most complete package and would give the Cubs the lead off hitter they haven’t had in a long time.

Dark horse free agent candidate: Nolan Arenado. He can opt out of his deal with the Cardinals and he’s having the kind of season you opt out of. We know the Cubs flirted with trading for him in the past and he is the exact kind of anchor super star the team needs. He’d be perfect to start slotting the young kids around as they come up.

If Arenado does opt out from the Cards, it will be because he’s looking for a massive payday, and I’m still dubious of the Cubs actually being in the hunt for the top tier of the free agent class next year, despite the various leaks to the press otherwise.
 
#312      
Two things about Correa that I don’t think has been brought up:

1. He’s easily the best defender of the SS free agents. It’s not really close. You could make a strong argument for Nico to stay at SS and the new guy shifting to 2B/3B/CF for any of the other candidates.

2. Correa won’t be saddled with a QO. He was given a QO by Houston last year and you can’t be given one two years in a row, even if you change teams.

All that said, my favorite candidate of the SSs is Trea Turner. I think he’s the most complete package and would give the Cubs the lead off hitter they haven’t had in a long time.

Dark horse free agent candidate: Nolan Arenado. He can opt out of his deal with the Cardinals and he’s having the kind of season you opt out of. We know the Cubs flirted with trading for him in the past and he is the exact kind of anchor super star the team needs. He’d be perfect to start slotting the young kids around as they come up.

If Arenado does opt out from the Cards, it will be because he’s looking for a massive payday, and I’m still dubious of the Cubs actually being in the hunt for the top tier of the free agent class next year, despite the various leaks to the press otherwise.
My concern with Correa is his durability. Using your previous post as a guide, he has only had two 120 game campaigns in 7 years. (Could hit that mark this season as well) If you are comparing Correa's durability to Madrigal's, by the time Carlos was 25 (Madrigal's current age), he had only played 120 games once at any level.
Correa also strikes out over 20% of his at bats.

The Madrigal was have seen the last few weeks has looked a LOT more like the guy we traded for. Hitting .325, rarely striking out.

Turner is still my #1 followed by Bogaerts. Xander has been extremely durable and consistent at the plate. (He has even played at little 3rd)
 
#313      

Illiniaaron

Geneseo, IL
I was a high school senior in 1979.
1979 Cubs were the Little Blue Machine. Sox were the South Side Hitmen
fun year

when Kong hit a dinger, it was often to the far side of Waveland. 425 foot shots were common
Kingman was fun to watch that season. I remember him one-arming a homer to the basket in center field against the Mets.
 
#314      
I took my son and grandson to South Bend yesterday. It's a pretty nice ball park. Well supported by Cub fans. We didn't go over there but the play area is good by anyone's standards.(Before posting I looked at a map. I see there is a playground and a fun zone. What more can you ask for?)
They could use a little more parking but it is Class A ball. My son was worried about parking on the street as it's only 2 hour parking. After we drove around and around I asked him it he really thought we would in here for more than 2 hours. (My grandson is almost 4.) We stayed in the park roughly 3/4 hour before he had enough. That was about how long it took to eat his ice cream in a helmet and look around a little.
As we walked back to the car my son asked what did he like the best. "The ice cream". I asked if he liked the clapping? "Yes". He also liked the mascot, Stu. He was standing on the visitor dugout right in front of us and my grandson was certain Stu was waiving right at him. He was disappointed than he didn't get a free t-shirt but so were 100s of other patrons. Maybe next time. The other fun thing was flipping his seat up and down which naturally annoyed his dad. We might have made it an hour if that activity was still on the board.

Per other posts, Kingman had some amazing moon shots along with epic strikeouts. Probably the best .200 hitter I have ever seen. (I jest.)
 
#316      

Mr. Tibbs

southeast DuPage

funny fact about Kingman​

in 1977 season, he played for one team in each divison in both leagues​

New York Mets​

San Diego Padres​

California Angels​

New York Yankees​


also in 1979 : He hit three home runs in a game twice that season, both coming in Cubs losses. The first was a slugging duel with Mike Schmidt on May 17 at Wrigley Field; Kingman hit three home runs and drove in six while Schmidt hit two in the game, with Schmidt delivering his second in the top of the tenth inning to give the Phillies a 23–22 victory. Kingman's third home run during this game is likely the longest home run of his career, and believed to be the longest in the history of Wrigley Field. There is a street called Kenmore Avenue that T's into Waveland Avenue behind left-center field. Kenmore is lined with houses, and the ball Kingman launched landed on the third porch roof on the east side of Kenmore, a shot estimated at 550 feet.[24]
 
#317      
Dark horse free agent candidate: Nolan Arenado. He can opt out of his deal with the Cardinals and he’s having the kind of season you opt out of. We know the Cubs flirted with trading for him in the past and he is the exact kind of anchor super star the team needs. He’d be perfect to start slotting the young kids around as they come up.

If Arenado does opt out from the Cards, it will be because he’s looking for a massive payday, and I’m still dubious of the Cubs actually being in the hunt for the top tier of the free agent class next year, despite the various leaks to the press otherwise.

Arenado could have opted out after the 2021 season and didn't. Last option out is after this season and I don't see it happening. If he doesn't opt out he will have made/make $35 million a season alone from 2020-2024. 2025 is $32 million, 2026 is $27 million and 2027 is $17 million at 36 years old. I am a Cardinals fan and only way I see it happening is if he would opt out to sign longer. Honestly hope he doesn't opt out as definitely financially feasible the way contract is now.

He was going to opt out of his contract in Colorado if he wasn't traded to a contender. He is not going to the Cubs because would be the same situation all over again. Not dissing the Cubs but if going for a rebuild, Arenado will be 32 starting the 2023 season and he is not doing that again.
 
#318      
Is he named after the Studebaker car brand that used to be manufactured in South Bend? If so, that’s pretty cool.
Yes. Yes he is. Very good.
Full Name: Stu D. Baker
Jersey #: 1
Twitter: @SBCubsStu
Birthplace: Four Winds Field
Eye Color: Cubbie Blue
Height: The Average Bear
Weight: Varies depending on how many nachos he's consumed
Bats/Throws: Right-Paw / South Paw
 
#319      
Arenado could have opted out after the 2021 season and didn't. Last option out is after this season and I don't see it happening. If he doesn't opt out he will have made/make $35 million a season alone from 2020-2024. 2025 is $32 million, 2026 is $27 million and 2027 is $17 million at 36 years old. I am a Cardinals fan and only way I see it happening is if he would opt out to sign longer. Honestly hope he doesn't opt out as definitely financially feasible the way contract is now.

He was going to opt out of his contract in Colorado if he wasn't traded to a contender. He is not going to the Cubs because would be the same situation all over again. Not dissing the Cubs but if going for a rebuild, Arenado will be 32 starting the 2023 season and he is not doing that again.

I believe Arenado’s guaranteed $144mm over the next five years. Any decision to opt out would be premised on getting a better deal than that. Kris Bryant is a pretty obvious parallel and he just signed a 7-year $182mm guaranteed contract. Arenado is a better player than Bryant by pretty much any metric you want to use.

Arenado would be about 2 1/2 years older than Bryant was when he’d be signing a potential new contract, but has been a far healthier player than Bryant. If either player is still going to be productive at 37 years old, it’s far more likely to be Arenado. Arenado would also be attached to a qualifying offer that Bryant wasn’t.

So, I imagine, Arenado would be aiming at minimum at a 6-year, $180mm contract - basically adding another guaranteed year at $35mm - and I think he’s likely to get it from someone. The Cubs, though? The Cubs say they’re going to be ready to offer that kind of contract next year. As I said in my previous post, I’m not convinced they’re being honest, but if they are, there’s really no reason why they won’t be able to put a competitive team on the field next year.

ETA - I have to imagine that anyone who wants Arenado is going to have to outbid the Dodgers. They have a ton of money coming off the books next year and a Justin Turner-sized hole at 3B.
 
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#320      
I believe Arenado’s guaranteed $144mm over the next five years. Any decision to opt out would be premised on getting a better deal than that. Kris Bryant is a pretty obvious parallel and he just signed a 7-year $182mm guaranteed contract. Arenado is a better player than Bryant by pretty much any metric you want to use.

Arenado would be about 2 1/2 years older than Bryant was when he’d be signing a potential new contract, but has been a far healthier player than Bryant. If either player is still going to be productive at 37 years old, it’s far more likely to be Arenado. Arenado would also be attached to a qualifying offer that Bryant wasn’t.

So, I imagine, Arenado would be aiming at minimum at a 6-year, $180mm contract - basically adding another guaranteed year at $35mm - and I think he’s likely to get it from someone. The Cubs, though? The Cubs say they’re going to be ready to offer that kind of contract next year. As I said in my previous post, I’m not convinced they’re being honest, but if they are, there’s really no reason why they won’t be able to put a competitive team on the field next year.

ETA - I have to imagine that anyone who wants Arenado is going to have to outbid the Dodgers. They have a ton of money coming off the books next year and a Justin Turner-sized hole at 3B.
Yeah I see it only working 2 ways. He would opt out and get more money on the back end and extend with the Cardinals. Other option though don't see it would be a California team because of location and where he grew up. We will see, I don't see him leaving the Cardinals.
 
#321      
Yeah I see it only working 2 ways. He would opt out and get more money on the back end and extend with the Cardinals. Other option though don't see it would be a California team because of location and where he grew up. We will see, I don't see him leaving the Cardinals.
Cards are in an interesting spot with him, especially considering they have a top prospect at his position in AA. Arenado's contract appears to be structured in a way that would encourage him to opt out this season.

According to this site:
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/st-louis-cardinals/nolan-arenado-12643/

He is only going to get paid 14 million next season. That's not going to be enough... (I may be missing some deferred money, or maybe Colorado is responsible for the rest???)

I certainly don't think he will end up a Cub, but it seems there is a distinct possibility he ends up somewhere else.

His Wiki says he is from Newport Beach, CA... Going to LA would essentially mean going home. Not sure how that would be a deterrent. Never heard a pro athlete complain about playing in Southern California...
 
#322      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado will not opt out at the end of the season. This is a big win for John Mozeliak and company.​

Nolan Arenado will stay with the St. Louis Cardinals for the next few seasons. Arenado’s contact came with two available opt outs, with the first in 2021.

The second one came this year, but Arenado will stay with the Cardinals, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is not opting out of his $144 million over the next five years. He loves St. Louis, and the city loves him.
Arenado’s decision comes at a time when fans fretted if he would actually opt out and test free agency. Those worries can now be put to the wayside.

Arenado will be your third baseman until he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028. This is wonderful news for the Cardinals organization, but Mozeliak and company should not be done yet.

---------------------------------------

This talk of Arenado opting out here on this board seems nothing more than wishful thinking by other teams and fans wanting him to come their way......

it ain't happening folks ......carry on...
 
#323      

St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado will not opt out at the end of the season. This is a big win for John Mozeliak and company.​

Nolan Arenado will stay with the St. Louis Cardinals for the next few seasons. Arenado’s contact came with two available opt outs, with the first in 2021.

The second one came this year, but Arenado will stay with the Cardinals, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:


Arenado’s decision comes at a time when fans fretted if he would actually opt out and test free agency. Those worries can now be put to the wayside.

Arenado will be your third baseman until he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028. This is wonderful news for the Cardinals organization, but Mozeliak and company should not be done yet.

---------------------------------------

This talk of Arenado opting out here on this board seems nothing more than wishful thinking by other teams and fans wanting him to come their way......

it ain't happening folks ......carry on...
Arenado must like boring although Bryant didn't like all the excitement of Chicago.
 
#324      
Cards are in an interesting spot with him, especially considering they have a top prospect at his position in AA. Arenado's contract appears to be structured in a way that would encourage him to opt out this season.

According to this site:
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/st-louis-cardinals/nolan-arenado-12643/

He is only going to get paid 14 million next season. That's not going to be enough... (I may be missing some deferred money, or maybe Colorado is responsible for the rest???)

I certainly don't think he will end up a Cub, but it seems there is a distinct possibility he ends up somewhere else.

His Wiki says he is from Newport Beach, CA... Going to LA would essentially mean going home. Not sure how that would be a deterrent. Never heard a pro athlete complain about playing in Southern California...
Just scroll up like a few posts lol

That breaks down what his original contract was when he signed it with Colorado.

When he got traded to St Louis his contract got amended. It not only deferred $50 Million of his total contract but added that final year on. Nolan had $20 Million of his 2021 year deferred alone so he will be getting paid 15-20 years from now. Beauty of it all is Colorado is paying some of this contract. If he doesn't opt out Colorado pays even more :D

Arenado batting behind a MVP is not a bad gig. Throw in he makes $9-10 million more a year than Goldschmidt right now doubt he is going for more money.
 
#325      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Just scroll up like a few posts lol

That breaks down what his original contract was when he signed it with Colorado.

When he got traded to St Louis his contract got amended. It not only deferred $50 Million of his total contract but added that final year on. Nolan had $20 Million of his 2021 year deferred alone so he will be getting paid 15-20 years from now. Beauty of it all is Colorado is paying some of this contract. If he doesn't opt out Colorado pays even more :D

Arenado batting behind a MVP is not a bad gig. Throw in he makes $9-10 million more a year than Goldschmidt right now doubt he is going for more money.
I think i read somewhere that the Rockies are paying roughly $ 50 million of Arenado's remaing contract........hard to believe a team would trade a star like Arenado and give the other team $ 50 million also.......lol
 
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