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Chicago Cubs 2020 Season
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<blockquote data-quote="champaignchris" data-source="post: 1505656" data-attributes="member: 26283"><p>The 5 things that have happened since 2016 that have gotten the Cubs where they are now... in no particular order...</p><p></p><p>1. Inability to field a MLB-caliber CF: The Cubs' outfield hasn't worked since Dexter Fowler left. They gave the CF job to Almora without much evidence at the Major or Minor League level that he'd be able to handle the job and he's been a below average defender and a complete disaster at the plate. They are unwilling to give the job to Happ and have been unable to find another candidate through either internal or external means.</p><p></p><p>2. The complete implosion of Addison Russell as a baseball player and human being: A historically elite infield defense was a big part of what made the 2016 great and the 2016 version of Addison Russell was a big part of that. Injuries and off the field issues have turned Russell from NL ASG starting SS in 2016 to non-tendered after the 2019 season. And honestly, he should have been non-tendered a year sooner. The Cubs had a ton of capital invested in Russell and to have him dissolve into nothingness has been a disaster.</p><p></p><p>3. The disappointing returns on Quintana: The Cubs emptied the remainder of the farm out for Quintana. He hasn't been horrible, but he hasn't been anywhere near the pitcher he was with the Sox. None of the prospects traded would have been able to help the Cubs the last couple years (or probably this year), but this is an opportunity cost issue here since the same prospects the Cubs sent to get Quintana could have been used to trade for Justin Verlander instead. </p><p></p><p>4. Spending tons of money on bad/hurt closers: In 18 and 19, the Cubs spent a combined $28MM on Brandon Morrow and Craig Kimbrel to get 51.1 IP, a 3.51 ERA and 35 saves. They're still on the hook for at least $20MM more from these two with absolutely no guarantee that they'll provide anything. Thus still having a big question mark at the back end of their bullpen.</p><p></p><p>5. The development of a grand total of ZERO pitching prospects during Epstein's entire time in Chicago: The reason that #3 and #4 are such a disaster is that the Cubs have been unable to do any back filling of the pitching staff with prospects. We're at 8 drafts now for Epstein and co. Is 2019 the year they finally get some contribution from the farm? The Cubs seem to be banking on it. As the roster is currently constructed, Underwood looks like he'll be coming out of the pen. Maples (a Hendry pick, BTW) looks like the first reliever on the shuttle from Iowa. If Alzolay doesn't beat out Mills or Chatwood for the 5th rotation spot, he'll be the first starter up from the minors in case of injury. Norwood will get an opportunity to win a spot in spring training, and Steele and Tyson Miller could be later season call ups. If the Cubs had been getting a 5th starter and a couple bullpen pieces from their farm that last couple season, that would have given them far better payroll flexibility to handle some of their other issues.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="champaignchris, post: 1505656, member: 26283"] The 5 things that have happened since 2016 that have gotten the Cubs where they are now... in no particular order... 1. Inability to field a MLB-caliber CF: The Cubs' outfield hasn't worked since Dexter Fowler left. They gave the CF job to Almora without much evidence at the Major or Minor League level that he'd be able to handle the job and he's been a below average defender and a complete disaster at the plate. They are unwilling to give the job to Happ and have been unable to find another candidate through either internal or external means. 2. The complete implosion of Addison Russell as a baseball player and human being: A historically elite infield defense was a big part of what made the 2016 great and the 2016 version of Addison Russell was a big part of that. Injuries and off the field issues have turned Russell from NL ASG starting SS in 2016 to non-tendered after the 2019 season. And honestly, he should have been non-tendered a year sooner. The Cubs had a ton of capital invested in Russell and to have him dissolve into nothingness has been a disaster. 3. The disappointing returns on Quintana: The Cubs emptied the remainder of the farm out for Quintana. He hasn't been horrible, but he hasn't been anywhere near the pitcher he was with the Sox. None of the prospects traded would have been able to help the Cubs the last couple years (or probably this year), but this is an opportunity cost issue here since the same prospects the Cubs sent to get Quintana could have been used to trade for Justin Verlander instead. 4. Spending tons of money on bad/hurt closers: In 18 and 19, the Cubs spent a combined $28MM on Brandon Morrow and Craig Kimbrel to get 51.1 IP, a 3.51 ERA and 35 saves. They're still on the hook for at least $20MM more from these two with absolutely no guarantee that they'll provide anything. Thus still having a big question mark at the back end of their bullpen. 5. The development of a grand total of ZERO pitching prospects during Epstein's entire time in Chicago: The reason that #3 and #4 are such a disaster is that the Cubs have been unable to do any back filling of the pitching staff with prospects. We're at 8 drafts now for Epstein and co. Is 2019 the year they finally get some contribution from the farm? The Cubs seem to be banking on it. As the roster is currently constructed, Underwood looks like he'll be coming out of the pen. Maples (a Hendry pick, BTW) looks like the first reliever on the shuttle from Iowa. If Alzolay doesn't beat out Mills or Chatwood for the 5th rotation spot, he'll be the first starter up from the minors in case of injury. Norwood will get an opportunity to win a spot in spring training, and Steele and Tyson Miller could be later season call ups. If the Cubs had been getting a 5th starter and a couple bullpen pieces from their farm that last couple season, that would have given them far better payroll flexibility to handle some of their other issues. [/QUOTE]
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