Chicago Cubs 2021 season

#151      
Cubs resign right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Tepera to a 1 year deal for $800,000 plus incentives. Tepera had a 3.92 ERA last season with the Cubs and a 3.66 ERA over his career.
It was a little weird that they let him hit the open market at all. Glad he's back.

The Cubs have managed to patchwork together a pretty interesting bullpen. Obviously, it all depends on Kimbrel. If he can be the guy he was over his last 15 appearances last year, the Cubs will have more than enough arms behind him to be a really good pen.
 
#152      
It was a little weird that they let him hit the open market at all. Glad he's back.

The Cubs have managed to patchwork together a pretty interesting bullpen. Obviously, it all depends on Kimbrel. If he can be the guy he was over his last 15 appearances last year, the Cubs will have more than enough arms behind him to be a really good pen.
Yeah, especially since Wick is still having problems with that intercostal thingy. Workman & Chafin could close , if needed. Like you said, Kimbrel looked really good down the stretch, so hopefully that's the guy we get coming out of the gates.
 
#156      
I expect the Cubs will sign or trade for a left handed hitting infielder. Eric Sogard is out there. Have to think Frazier from the Pirates would be a top target. Other than that, I think these are your 2021 Chicago Cubs.
I’d like to claim credit for making the call on the Sogard signing, but seeing as how he was literally the only left-handed 2B out there to sign, it wasn’t exactly a bold prediction.
 
#158      
Cubs lose! Not a good day for Kimbrell. He surrendered 4 runs on 4 hits in his inning of work. Dillon Maples didn't fare well either, giving up 4 runs in his inning of work. On the bright side, Nico Hoerner continued his torrid spring, going 2 for 2 with a HR. Alex Mills started and went 2 innings, giving up no hits or runs. Starting pitchers have looked solid so far, with Arrieta yet to pitch in a game.
 
#159      
Cubs lose! Not a good day for Kimbrell. He surrendered 4 runs on 4 hits in his inning of work. Dillon Maples didn't fare well either, giving up 4 runs in his inning of work. On the bright side, Nico Hoerner continued his torrid spring, going 2 for 2 with a HR. Alex Mills started and went 2 innings, giving up no hits or runs. Starting pitchers have looked solid so far, with Arrieta yet to pitch in a game.
After signing no proven relievers in the offseason, Kimbrel cannot have a down year
 
#161      
Cub starters have pitched 11 innings this spring, surrendering only 1 run on 7 hits, with 13 K's & 3 walks. Arrieta makes his debut today vs the D-Backs.
 
#162      
Cubs lose to D-Backs, 5 to 4. Arrieta with 2 scoreless innings. Adbert Alzolay got roughed up in his 1.1 innings of work, giving up all 5 runs on 4 hits & a pair of walks. Workman with a scoreless frame and 2 K's & Chafin struck out the side in his 1 inning. Rizzo & Contreras with dingers.
 
#163      

KBLEE

Montgomery, IL
Nationals released Jeffress yesterday for unspecified reasons (ie - not performance related). I'd be happy with a Cubs reunion. His peripherals were far from great, but he still had a solid season last year.
 
#164      
Zach Davies with 3 scoreless innings today in his 2nd start of the spring. Javy had a 3 run bomb and Joc Pederson went 2 for 2 with a walk & 2 RBI's. Hoerner continued his torrid start, going 2 for 3, incl. his 3rd double of the spring.
 
#167      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
Following up on the service time issue, I wonder how often something like this happens? Do all teams do it or are there a select few that do it? I know the Cubs did it with Bryant and now Hoerner. Did they do it with anyone else? I will be honest and say that I am too lazy to look it up. :)
 
#168      
Following up on the service time issue, I wonder how often something like this happens? Do all teams do it or are there a select few that do it? I know the Cubs did it with Bryant and now Hoerner. Did they do it with anyone else? I will be honest and say that I am too lazy to look it up. :)
Everybody does it. The Mariners president resigned in February due in part to the admission of manipulating service time he made in that talk to the rotary club.

in Hoerner’s case, the Cubs really are between a rock and a hard place in that they have to either send Hoerner down or expose Sogard to waivers.
 
#169      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
Everybody does it. The Mariners president resigned in February due in part to the admission of manipulating service time he made in that talk to the rotary club.

in Hoerner’s case, the Cubs really are between a rock and a hard place in that they have to either send Hoerner down or expose Sogard to waivers.
What’s so good about Sogard?
 
#171      

bdutts

Houston, Texas
He hits left handed. He’s shown more ability to hit at the MLB level than Hoerner has. He’s out of options, while Hoerner has options left.

This isn’t a sending down Bryant while playing Olt situation. At all.
I guess we’ll see when Hoerner is back up...
 
#175      
That was a really poor effort yesterday. You can’t put too much stock in just one game, but that was shockingly bad. Hitters: 2 hits/13 strikeouts. Pitchers: 11 walks. Against the Pirates!

If efforts like that continue through the first month, there will be some big changes sooner rather than later.