Theo Epstein Sploosh Thread

[Oleg]

Baseball America thinks The Cubs had the 4th best 2014 draft.

QUICK TAKE
The Cubs executed a plan deftly, getting the consensus top bat in Schwarber and saving enough to add needed million-dollar arms in Stinnett, Sands, Steele and Cease.

Best Pure Hitter: Several scouting directors contacted for this feature called C/OF Kyle Schwarber (1) the best hitter in the draft, wowed by his combination of strength, short swing and confident presence in the box. » Best Power Hitter: Schwarber has plus power from pole to pole and made hitting home runs look easy in his debut, mashing 18 over three regular season levels (and one more in the high Class A Florida State League playoffs) after hitting 14 in the spring for Indiana. » Fastest Runner: Five-foot-9, 170-pound OF Calvin Graves (27) has no power to speak of but is an aggressive 60 runner who stole 92 bases in four seasons at Division II Franklin Pierce (N.H.). » Best Defensive Player: 2B Andrew Ely (32) was an all-league defender in the Pacific-12 Conference with sure hands, good range and instincts to spare.

Best Fastball: RHP James Norwood (7) and RHP Jake Stinnett (2) have the best present fastballs, with the Cubs giving Norwood a slight edge. Both reach 97 mph regularly as starters, and pitch in the 92-95 mph range as starters. RHP Dylan Cease (6) came out of the gate hitting 98 mph this spring but got hurt and needed Tommy John surgery after signing in July » Best Secondary Pitch: Stinnett has improved his feel for a hard, late slider that has power in the 78-83 mph range.

Best Pro Debut: Schwarber made pro ball look too easy, hitting .344/.428/.634 with 18 homers and a 39-57 walk-strikeout ratio in 262 at-bats. He struggled more with the defensive part of the game. OF Kevonte Mitchell (13) hit .294/.374/.371 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, showing a more advanced swing than expected and stealing 19 bases in 20 tries. » Best Athlete: At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Mitchell was a first-team all-Missouri basketball player as a junior, but he was committed to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State. » Most Intriguing Background: OF Joey Martarano (22) was one of Idaho's top prep players in 2013 but didn't sign and attended Boise State to play football. The Cubs drafted him in 2014 and signed him while allowing him to continue playing linebacker for the Broncos. LHP Carson Sands (4) has a younger brother Cole who is a priority follow for the 2015 draft. » Closest to Majors: Schwarber's arrival will depend mostly on his ability to catch. If the Cubs decide to stick him in left field, he'll be in Wrigley Field in 2015. » Best Late-Round Pick: RHP Jeremy Null (15) had back problems in the spring and saw his velocity drop into the mid-to-upper 80s. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder threw the ball better this summer after signing and was back up to reaching 93 mph with good downhill plane. » The One Who Got Away: Athletic OF Isiah Gilliam (23) was ruled ineligible this spring at Parkview High in Lilburn, Ga., limiting looks at the athletic switch-hitter. He'll make up for lost time at Chipola (Fla.) JC.

[Saul Goodman]

Baseball America thinks The Cubs had the 4th best 2014 draft.

QUICK TAKE
The Cubs executed a plan deftly, getting the consensus top bat in Schwarber and saving enough to add needed million-dollar arms in Stinnett, Sands, Steele and Cease.

Best Pure Hitter: Several scouting directors contacted for this feature called C/OF Kyle Schwarber (1) the best hitter in the draft, wowed by his combination of strength, short swing and confident presence in the box. » Best Power Hitter: Schwarber has plus power from pole to pole and made hitting home runs look easy in his debut, mashing 18 over three regular season levels (and one more in the high Class A Florida State League playoffs) after hitting 14 in the spring for Indiana. » Fastest Runner: Five-foot-9, 170-pound OF Calvin Graves (27) has no power to speak of but is an aggressive 60 runner who stole 92 bases in four seasons at Division II Franklin Pierce (N.H.). » Best Defensive Player: 2B Andrew Ely (32) was an all-league defender in the Pacific-12 Conference with sure hands, good range and instincts to spare.

Best Fastball: RHP James Norwood (7) and RHP Jake Stinnett (2) have the best present fastballs, with the Cubs giving Norwood a slight edge. Both reach 97 mph regularly as starters, and pitch in the 92-95 mph range as starters. RHP Dylan Cease (6) came out of the gate hitting 98 mph this spring but got hurt and needed Tommy John surgery after signing in July » Best Secondary Pitch: Stinnett has improved his feel for a hard, late slider that has power in the 78-83 mph range.

Best Pro Debut: Schwarber made pro ball look too easy, hitting .344/.428/.634 with 18 homers and a 39-57 walk-strikeout ratio in 262 at-bats. He struggled more with the defensive part of the game. OF Kevonte Mitchell (13) hit .294/.374/.371 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, showing a more advanced swing than expected and stealing 19 bases in 20 tries. » Best Athlete: At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Mitchell was a first-team all-Missouri basketball player as a junior, but he was committed to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State. » Most Intriguing Background: OF Joey Martarano (22) was one of Idaho's top prep players in 2013 but didn't sign and attended Boise State to play football. The Cubs drafted him in 2014 and signed him while allowing him to continue playing linebacker for the Broncos. LHP Carson Sands (4) has a younger brother Cole who is a priority follow for the 2015 draft. » Closest to Majors: Schwarber's arrival will depend mostly on his ability to catch. If the Cubs decide to stick him in left field, he'll be in Wrigley Field in 2015. » Best Late-Round Pick: RHP Jeremy Null (15) had back problems in the spring and saw his velocity drop into the mid-to-upper 80s. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder threw the ball better this summer after signing and was back up to reaching 93 mph with good downhill plane. » The One Who Got Away: Athletic OF Isiah Gilliam (23) was ruled ineligible this spring at Parkview High in Lilburn, Ga., limiting looks at the athletic switch-hitter. He'll make up for lost time at Chipola (Fla.) JC.

Whoa.

[Eli]

Baseball America thinks The Cubs had the 4th best 2014 draft.

QUICK TAKE
The Cubs executed a plan deftly, getting the consensus top bat in Schwarber and saving enough to add needed million-dollar arms in Stinnett, Sands, Steele and Cease.

Best Pure Hitter: Several scouting directors contacted for this feature called C/OF Kyle Schwarber (1) the best hitter in the draft, wowed by his combination of strength, short swing and confident presence in the box. » Best Power Hitter: Schwarber has plus power from pole to pole and made hitting home runs look easy in his debut, mashing 18 over three regular season levels (and one more in the high Class A Florida State League playoffs) after hitting 14 in the spring for Indiana. » Fastest Runner: Five-foot-9, 170-pound OF Calvin Graves (27) has no power to speak of but is an aggressive 60 runner who stole 92 bases in four seasons at Division II Franklin Pierce (N.H.). » Best Defensive Player: 2B Andrew Ely (32) was an all-league defender in the Pacific-12 Conference with sure hands, good range and instincts to spare.

Best Fastball: RHP James Norwood (7) and RHP Jake Stinnett (2) have the best present fastballs, with the Cubs giving Norwood a slight edge. Both reach 97 mph regularly as starters, and pitch in the 92-95 mph range as starters. RHP Dylan Cease (6) came out of the gate hitting 98 mph this spring but got hurt and needed Tommy John surgery after signing in July » Best Secondary Pitch: Stinnett has improved his feel for a hard, late slider that has power in the 78-83 mph range.

Best Pro Debut: Schwarber made pro ball look too easy, hitting .344/.428/.634 with 18 homers and a 39-57 walk-strikeout ratio in 262 at-bats. He struggled more with the defensive part of the game. OF Kevonte Mitchell (13) hit .294/.374/.371 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, showing a more advanced swing than expected and stealing 19 bases in 20 tries. » Best Athlete: At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Mitchell was a first-team all-Missouri basketball player as a junior, but he was committed to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State. » Most Intriguing Background: OF Joey Martarano (22) was one of Idaho's top prep players in 2013 but didn't sign and attended Boise State to play football. The Cubs drafted him in 2014 and signed him while allowing him to continue playing linebacker for the Broncos. LHP Carson Sands (4) has a younger brother Cole who is a priority follow for the 2015 draft. » Closest to Majors: Schwarber's arrival will depend mostly on his ability to catch. If the Cubs decide to stick him in left field, he'll be in Wrigley Field in 2015. » Best Late-Round Pick: RHP Jeremy Null (15) had back problems in the spring and saw his velocity drop into the mid-to-upper 80s. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder threw the ball better this summer after signing and was back up to reaching 93 mph with good downhill plane. » The One Who Got Away: Athletic OF Isiah Gilliam (23) was ruled ineligible this spring at Parkview High in Lilburn, Ga., limiting looks at the athletic switch-hitter. He'll make up for lost time at Chipola (Fla.) JC.

Whoa.

I can't see Schwarber having a faster timeline than Bryant.

[Quality Start Machine]

Baseball America thinks The Cubs had the 4th best 2014 draft.

QUICK TAKE
The Cubs executed a plan deftly, getting the consensus top bat in Schwarber and saving enough to add needed million-dollar arms in Stinnett, Sands, Steele and Cease.

Best Pure Hitter: Several scouting directors contacted for this feature called C/OF Kyle Schwarber (1) the best hitter in the draft, wowed by his combination of strength, short swing and confident presence in the box. » Best Power Hitter: Schwarber has plus power from pole to pole and made hitting home runs look easy in his debut, mashing 18 over three regular season levels (and one more in the high Class A Florida State League playoffs) after hitting 14 in the spring for Indiana. » Fastest Runner: Five-foot-9, 170-pound OF Calvin Graves (27) has no power to speak of but is an aggressive 60 runner who stole 92 bases in four seasons at Division II Franklin Pierce (N.H.). » Best Defensive Player: 2B Andrew Ely (32) was an all-league defender in the Pacific-12 Conference with sure hands, good range and instincts to spare.

Best Fastball: RHP James Norwood (7) and RHP Jake Stinnett (2) have the best present fastballs, with the Cubs giving Norwood a slight edge. Both reach 97 mph regularly as starters, and pitch in the 92-95 mph range as starters. RHP Dylan Cease (6) came out of the gate hitting 98 mph this spring but got hurt and needed Tommy John surgery after signing in July » Best Secondary Pitch: Stinnett has improved his feel for a hard, late slider that has power in the 78-83 mph range.

Best Pro Debut: Schwarber made pro ball look too easy, hitting .344/.428/.634 with 18 homers and a 39-57 walk-strikeout ratio in 262 at-bats. He struggled more with the defensive part of the game. OF Kevonte Mitchell (13) hit .294/.374/.371 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, showing a more advanced swing than expected and stealing 19 bases in 20 tries. » Best Athlete: At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Mitchell was a first-team all-Missouri basketball player as a junior, but he was committed to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State. » Most Intriguing Background: OF Joey Martarano (22) was one of Idaho's top prep players in 2013 but didn't sign and attended Boise State to play football. The Cubs drafted him in 2014 and signed him while allowing him to continue playing linebacker for the Broncos. LHP Carson Sands (4) has a younger brother Cole who is a priority follow for the 2015 draft. » Closest to Majors: Schwarber's arrival will depend mostly on his ability to catch. If the Cubs decide to stick him in left field, he'll be in Wrigley Field in 2015. » Best Late-Round Pick: RHP Jeremy Null (15) had back problems in the spring and saw his velocity drop into the mid-to-upper 80s. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder threw the ball better this summer after signing and was back up to reaching 93 mph with good downhill plane. » The One Who Got Away: Athletic OF Isiah Gilliam (23) was ruled ineligible this spring at Parkview High in Lilburn, Ga., limiting looks at the athletic switch-hitter. He'll make up for lost time at Chipola (Fla.) JC.

Whoa.

I can't see Schwarber having a faster timeline than Bryant.

He had a better first pro season than Bryant did.

[Chuck to Chuck]

Baseball America thinks The Cubs had the 4th best 2014 draft.

QUICK TAKE
The Cubs executed a plan deftly, getting the consensus top bat in Schwarber and saving enough to add needed million-dollar arms in Stinnett, Sands, Steele and Cease.

Best Pure Hitter: Several scouting directors contacted for this feature called C/OF Kyle Schwarber (1) the best hitter in the draft, wowed by his combination of strength, short swing and confident presence in the box. » Best Power Hitter: Schwarber has plus power from pole to pole and made hitting home runs look easy in his debut, mashing 18 over three regular season levels (and one more in the high Class A Florida State League playoffs) after hitting 14 in the spring for Indiana. » Fastest Runner: Five-foot-9, 170-pound OF Calvin Graves (27) has no power to speak of but is an aggressive 60 runner who stole 92 bases in four seasons at Division II Franklin Pierce (N.H.). » Best Defensive Player: 2B Andrew Ely (32) was an all-league defender in the Pacific-12 Conference with sure hands, good range and instincts to spare.

Best Fastball: RHP James Norwood (7) and RHP Jake Stinnett (2) have the best present fastballs, with the Cubs giving Norwood a slight edge. Both reach 97 mph regularly as starters, and pitch in the 92-95 mph range as starters. RHP Dylan Cease (6) came out of the gate hitting 98 mph this spring but got hurt and needed Tommy John surgery after signing in July » Best Secondary Pitch: Stinnett has improved his feel for a hard, late slider that has power in the 78-83 mph range.

Best Pro Debut: Schwarber made pro ball look too easy, hitting .344/.428/.634 with 18 homers and a 39-57 walk-strikeout ratio in 262 at-bats. He struggled more with the defensive part of the game. OF Kevonte Mitchell (13) hit .294/.374/.371 in the Rookie-level Arizona League, showing a more advanced swing than expected and stealing 19 bases in 20 tries. » Best Athlete: At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Mitchell was a first-team all-Missouri basketball player as a junior, but he was committed to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State. » Most Intriguing Background: OF Joey Martarano (22) was one of Idaho's top prep players in 2013 but didn't sign and attended Boise State to play football. The Cubs drafted him in 2014 and signed him while allowing him to continue playing linebacker for the Broncos. LHP Carson Sands (4) has a younger brother Cole who is a priority follow for the 2015 draft. » Closest to Majors: Schwarber's arrival will depend mostly on his ability to catch. If the Cubs decide to stick him in left field, he'll be in Wrigley Field in 2015. » Best Late-Round Pick: RHP Jeremy Null (15) had back problems in the spring and saw his velocity drop into the mid-to-upper 80s. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder threw the ball better this summer after signing and was back up to reaching 93 mph with good downhill plane. » The One Who Got Away: Athletic OF Isiah Gilliam (23) was ruled ineligible this spring at Parkview High in Lilburn, Ga., limiting looks at the athletic switch-hitter. He'll make up for lost time at Chipola (Fla.) JC.

Whoa.

I can't see Schwarber having a faster timeline than Bryant.

He had a better first pro season than Bryant did.

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

[Eli]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

[Slaky]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

[R-V]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

[Chuck to Chuck]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

Exactly.

[Chuck to Chuck]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

While that's true, service time means if he's called up anytime after about April 20th he gets that 7th year.  It's why Bryant won't be here for an extra 3 weeks.  If they call us Schwarber in May or September, it's no difference to service time in terms of what year he becomes a free agent.  If service time is really an issue with him (like it was for Bryant), we won't see Schwarber in Chicago until April 20th 2016.

[InternetApex]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

I really don't care to see him play catcher at all if he's really, truly Christ Fucking Brian, the short. If that's a fallback position in case he isn't quite who they think he is, then fine.

[Quality Start Machine]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

I really don't care to see him play catcher at all if he's really, truly Christ Fucking Brian, the short. If that's a fallback position in case he isn't quite who they think he is, then fine.

I think getting another lefty boomstick in the lineup is the first priority. If everyone develops to their potential, carrying Castillo's bat isn't that big a deal.

[Slaky]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

I really don't care to see him play catcher at all if he's really, truly Christ Fucking Brian, the short. If that's a fallback position in case he isn't quite who they think he is, then fine.

I think getting another lefty boomstick in the lineup is the first priority. If everyone develops to their potential, carrying Castillo's bat isn't that big a deal.

Except Castillo isn't that good defensively.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

I really don't care to see him play catcher at all if he's really, truly Christ Fucking Brian, the short. If that's a fallback position in case he isn't quite who they think he is, then fine.

I think getting another lefty boomstick in the lineup is the first priority. If everyone develops to their potential, carrying Castillo's bat isn't that big a deal.

Except Castillo isn't that good defensively.

No?

[R-V]

He's not repped by Scott Boras. He already signed under slot. Appears they aren't needing to play games with his service time like they have to with Bryant.  Bryant's timeline was artificially slowed.

I think Theo wants to maximize everyone's service time, regardless of who they're repped by.

I guess Schwarber does have the benefit of starting earlier than Bryant did, so he has a few hundred extra at-bats under his belt. I guess that makes it a bit more likely, but I still would be a little surprised.

The one thing that would really accelerate Schwarber's timeline would be showing real improvement defensively as a catcher. If the FO decides he's good enough I think they'd call him up right away. He's probably capable right now of at least equalling Castillo's offensive output.

Actually I think Schwarber being godawful at catcher is probably the scenario that gets him to Wrigley quickest. They try him there for a month, he gets hit in the nuts multiple times because he's unable to catch a cutter, they throw him in left field, he hits the shit out of the ball, and he's up here midsummer.

If he shows signs of being a good catcher I think they keep him in the minors at least through this season to let him get as comfortable as possible there. I worry about him being passable defensively at catcher in the minors, only to come up here and give up 40 stolen bases in a week, and then shit the bed at the plate because he's worried about Ned Yost pantsing him in the next half inning.

I really don't care to see him play catcher at all if he's really, truly Christ Fucking Brian, the short. If that's a fallback position in case he isn't quite who they think he is, then fine.

I think getting another lefty boomstick in the lineup is the first priority. If everyone develops to their potential, carrying Castillo's bat isn't that big a deal.

Except Castillo isn't that good defensively.

No?

I'm guessing Slaky is referring to pitch framing, which doesn't fall under the traditional definition of catcher defense (blocking pitches, throwing out runners), and the measurement of which is still tough to rely on.