Cubs Offseason 2014: So, what did your team do this offseason? Isn't that cute.

[SKO]

If they want to fast-track the rebuild now that the core is coming up then they're going to have to give stupid money to somebody. You can't comfort yourself with "thank God Theo won't give out bad contracts" and truly expect them to contend on a rotation built around Arrieta and Hendricks and lord knows what else in 2015.

Not only that, but looking at their payroll, they can afford some stupid contracts.  Adding two $25mm/ year contracts only puts payroll in 2015 at about $110mm.  That's lower than payroll was in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and only $1mm higher than 2012.

Going forward, they project to have young cheap guys the next 4 years or so, making high priced guys very affordable.

Lastly, it's not our money. And with the Ricketts supposedly seeing their Cusb valuation up over 50% already and their TDA stock up over $900mm last year, I don't want to hear about anything being too expensive.  I mean, shit. They just bought Nebraska for their kid to play with.

*shudders* Yeah, Chuck is right. And I get not wanting to go on a Yankee-esque "buy all of the free agents" splooge so much that it does cripple their financial future when, god willing, Bryant and Co. merit long-term extensions, but we're talking One deal for a pitcher they really could use that would be the cherry on top of this long rebuild, not trying to build a core of aging shitheads.

I still hope they sign Lester AND Scherzer.

If that happens I'll enjoy seeing how many Cub fans currently bracing themselves with the fiscal responsibility defense in case they don't get Lester suddenly think two massive contracts are absolutely wonderful.

[Slaky]

If they want to fast-track the rebuild now that the core is coming up then they're going to have to give stupid money to somebody. You can't comfort yourself with "thank God Theo won't give out bad contracts" and truly expect them to contend on a rotation built around Arrieta and Hendricks and lord knows what else in 2015.

Not only that, but looking at their payroll, they can afford some stupid contracts.  Adding two $25mm/ year contracts only puts payroll in 2015 at about $110mm.  That's lower than payroll was in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and only $1mm higher than 2012.

Going forward, they project to have young cheap guys the next 4 years or so, making high priced guys very affordable.

Lastly, it's not our money. And with the Ricketts supposedly seeing their Cusb valuation up over 50% already and their TDA stock up over $900mm last year, I don't want to hear about anything being too expensive.  I mean, shit. They just bought Nebraska for their kid to play with.

*shudders* Yeah, Chuck is right. And I get not wanting to go on a Yankee-esque "buy all of the free agents" splooge so much that it does cripple their financial future when, god willing, Bryant and Co. merit long-term extensions, but we're talking One deal for a pitcher they really could use that would be the cherry on top of this long rebuild, not trying to build a core of aging shitheads.

I still hope they sign Lester AND Scherzer.

Me too. Fuck spending wisely.

If you give Lester an extra year to make it happen so be it. Let's say he gets 7 years from the Cubs. If the Cubs honestly believe they will be WS contenders by 2016, 2017 at the very latest that means Lester will be a major part of those teams and most likely still very effective. If he gives you a better shot at winning in those years does it really matter if he's broken down for years 6 and 7? It would have been worth it.

Not willing to spend stupid money means no big time free agents. That's the bottom line. If they would rather wait to see if they're in contention and trade for the pitching they want mid-season that's still one way to do it. But then you're going three or four months with a lesser rotation than you could have had over an extra year? 10 million bucks?

Seems pretty dumb. They should be willing to blow Lester's best offer away.

[Eli]

If they want to fast-track the rebuild now that the core is coming up then they're going to have to give stupid money to somebody. You can't comfort yourself with "thank God Theo won't give out bad contracts" and truly expect them to contend on a rotation built around Arrieta and Hendricks and lord knows what else in 2015.

Not only that, but looking at their payroll, they can afford some stupid contracts.  Adding two $25mm/ year contracts only puts payroll in 2015 at about $110mm.  That's lower than payroll was in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and only $1mm higher than 2012.

Going forward, they project to have young cheap guys the next 4 years or so, making high priced guys very affordable.

Lastly, it's not our money. And with the Ricketts supposedly seeing their Cusb valuation up over 50% already and their TDA stock up over $900mm last year, I don't want to hear about anything being too expensive.  I mean, shit. They just bought Nebraska for their kid to play with.

All of that, plus there's the future revenue from the mythical giant TV deal, Wrigley renovations, etc. Baseball is swimming in money. For the Cubs to lose out on a much-needed major FA pitcher this offseason over like $2 million AAV is kind of inexcusable.

[CBStew]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

[SKO]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

[Quality Start Machine]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

[Eli]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

He can't be traded until June anyway.

[Oleg]

Medlen and Beachy were both non-tendered by The Braves.  Those two seem like great buy-low options.  I know they'll need a bit of 2015 to get their shit together after Tommy John Disease but they may be bargains for the 2016 WS Champion Cubs.

[Quality Start Machine]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

He can't be traded until June anyway.

Even after that.

[Eli]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

He can't be traded until June anyway.

Even after that.

I don't know that a guy without a clear major league position should be "off the table." Then again, I don't think good teams really operate with that sort of philosophy for any player.

[Slaky]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

He can't be traded until June anyway.

Even after that.

I don't know that a guy without a clear major league position should be "off the table." Then again, I don't think good teams really operate with that sort of philosophy for any player.

I'm starting to feel like very few of these guys will amount to much beyond "serviceable".

Trade almost anyone if you're getting a good, proven major leaguer in return who isn't past his prime.

[SKO]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

He can't be traded until June anyway.

Even after that.

I don't know that a guy without a clear major league position should be "off the table." Then again, I don't think good teams really operate with that sort of philosophy for any player.

I'm starting to feel like very few of these guys will amount to much beyond "serviceable".

Trade almost anyone if you're getting a good, proven major leaguer in return who isn't past his prime.

I think Bryant should be a fairly above average offensive player. Same with Russell. It's not that they're untradeable but I just don't know what kind of compensation would be worth trading them. The rest of them? Sure. If you're not listening to offers on Kyle Schwarber you need help.

[Eli]

I'm starting to feel like very few of these guys will amount to much beyond "serviceable".

A few will, a few won't. Personally (which is worth nothing), I feel best about Soler and Russell, but maybe Bryant answers those contact questions and becomes the next Giancarlo Stanton. We really have no idea. But hopefully Theo and co. do, since they're the ones getting paid to be right about it.

[Richard Chuggar]

Surely they must have known about all of those holes in Baez's swing.  It was probably a mistake to give Baez all of those at bats, thus reducing his value during the off season.  I can't think of any teams that have anything that the Cubs want who would be interested in anything that the Cubs are willing to trade. 

I assume any star pitcher traded this winter will get a better package in return than Price and Lester did during the season, but still I think the Cubs could offer a pretty good package built around Baez/Edwards/Vogelbach/Almora or any number of the highly rated prospects they have that aren't necessarily the core. If the teams are willing to take guys not quite major league ready people seem really high on Gleyber Torres and it's not like the Cubs need another shortstop prospect. Heck, throw in a guy like Valbuena who at least seems like a reasonably average everyday 3rd or 2nd baseman. I'd bet they can match just about any package most other franchises are offering without having to part with Bryant or Russell or Soler. Everyone else I'd be willing to listen.

I'd toss Schwarber into the "off the table" group too.

He can't be traded until June anyway.

Even after that.

I don't know that a guy without a clear major league position should be "off the table." Then again, I don't think good teams really operate with that sort of philosophy for any player.

I'm starting to feel like very few of these guys will amount to much beyond "serviceable".

Trade almost anyone if you're getting a good, proven major leaguer in return who isn't past his prime.

I think Bryant should be a fairly above average offensive player. Same with Russell. It's not that they're untradeable but I just don't know what kind of compensation would be worth trading them. The rest of them? Sure. If you're not listening to offers on Kyle Schwarber you need help.

Wait, so the royal we waited around for them to collect all of these sploogtastic prospects that everybody gets gigantic erections over and claims are going to be the future, the truth, the shit, and before they even make the majors, you want them to be traded for 31 year olds that will be declining in the near future?  That's how this works? 

[Eli]

Wait, so the royal we waited around for them to collect all of these sploogtastic prospects that everybody gets gigantic erections over and claims are going to be the future, the truth, the shit, and before they even make the majors, you want them to be traded for 31 year olds that will be declining in the near future?  That's how this works? 

I think you're talking about different groups of people.