Chicago Cubs 2026
I think Shaw’s ceiling is Ian Happ, which is pretty damn good. The question is whether he can hit consistently enough to be that.
You have to get a good return for him, but he’s hardly untradeable.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I would be fine trading him. He doesn't pass the eye test, and hasn't done anything with the big club this year.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
What would Shaw bring with all his injury problems this season? I wouldn't want to sell low with him.
I feel the opposite. Above average defenders with consistent bats are far easier to find than quality pitching depth. Deal him away for an arm and don't look back.
Hasn’t done anything? You mean in his 20 ABs? He’s never even gotten more than two ABs in a game. I’d have no problem if they traded him, but not at any kind of discount.
Factoid that may interest only me:
Kyle Tucker only has 12 home runs over the last calendar year.
Kyle Tucker only has 12 home runs over the last calendar year.
Welp, it isn't often you put an 11-0 shellacking on Paul Skenes and the Pirates. He did tie his career strikeout record (11) in less than six innings, but Master PCA is currently too much for almost anyone. And Imanaga has a .24 ERA in 36 innings against the Buccos
Great night altogether... Hopefully, get the broom out tomorrow.
Great night altogether... Hopefully, get the broom out tomorrow.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
That’s surprising.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
Now that Ohtani isn’t pitching, if PCA can continue this pace…
Go Cubs win tomorrow.
It will be interesting. Though Ohtani isn’t pitching, he still had crazy good stats when he was. Their offensive numbers are pretty close to identical. May come down to PCA’s SBs and defense vs Ohtani’s pitching and being on the better team. Voter fatigue and not wanting to vote for Ohtani yet again could play a part too.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Just found out Shaw lives in my building part of the year. Anyone want me to pass a message along if I see him?
Can anyone think of the last time the universally acknowledged best defensive player in the game put up a .900 OPS 30/30 season? Do we have to go back to Willie Mays?
Andruw Jones wasn’t the stolen base threat PCA was in 05 and it took Albert Pujols being Albert Pujols to deny him an MVP.
The Mays comparison is valid at least for this season right now .
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
Barry Bonds in 1990 although not sure he was the best defensive player.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
At this point Counsell should put Assad back in the rotation and use Taillon to eat innings in blowout games.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
He’s not going to bring you much in a trade anyway. Counsell clearly doesn’t trust him to do much based on how he was used when he’s been up.
I was having the exact same thought and then he gave up that grand slam.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Well I guess it’s a blowout now, maybe he can eat some innings.
[Lee Corso]Not so fast, my friend.[/Lee Corso]
PCA is on pace for 10 bWAR. Since 2000, 3 position players have gotten 10 bWAR and not won the MVP:
Trout in 2012 came in 2nd to Cabrera who won the Triple Crown.
Sosa in 2001 came in 2nd when Bonds also had a 10 bWAR season.
In 2000 ARod somewhat mystifyingly came in 3rd to Giambi and Frank Thomas.
Trout in 2012 came in 2nd to Cabrera who won the Triple Crown.
Sosa in 2001 came in 2nd when Bonds also had a 10 bWAR season.
In 2000 ARod somewhat mystifyingly came in 3rd to Giambi and Frank Thomas.
Since 1967 (when both Leagues started handing out a Cy Young award) only three others with a 10 bWAR haven’t won the MVP, I can only assume Yaz in 1968 (9th) and Ripken in 1984 (27th?!?!) didn’t win because of some leftover hangup unwritten rule over voting for a guy two years in a row, because those votes don’t make any sense otherwise.
Rocco Petrocelli came in 7th in 1969, and every player in front of him is a far bigger name. I assume the writers of the time recognized his season for the fluke it apparently was.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I give the Cubs credit for how they kept at it today after being down 7-1. Since they had the 7-22 stretch to fall to 34-34, they have gone 25-12, which is a really nice bounce back. Swanson has had a great July, good for him. Ramirez has really looked good.
hopefully a few arms will get healed and we can have a solid 5 man rotation & a closer