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

[Chuck to Chuck]

If they lose 85 games in 2015, does it really matter?

It depends. If they lose 85 because Baez K'd 300 times, Bryant couldn't hit, Soler OPS'd 700 and Lester went Dave Dravecky, then yes.

If they lose 85 because Bryant hit .200 through July then improved every month, same for Baez, Strop blew a bunch of saves early, then no.

I'm OK if the 2015 Cubs are more 1983 Bears (who won 5 of last 6) than 1984.  I'm expecting 1984.

[Eli]

If they lose 85 games in 2015, does it really matter?

It depends. If they lose 85 because Baez K'd 300 times, Bryant couldn't hit, Soler OPS'd 700 and Lester went Dave Dravecky, then yes.

Yeah, that's the other thing. If this team does end up below .500 it means quite a few things went wrong for guys that are a huge part of the future.

[Saul Goodman]

Jason Motte a Bosio reclamation project?  Or, maybe, an injury reclamation project.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

Jason Motte a Bosio reclamation project?  Or, maybe, an injury reclamation project.

Ramirez and Strop insurance. 

[PenFoe]

They're not signing Rasmus, so SKO is once again an idiot.

[SKO]

They're not signing Rasmus, so SKO is once again an idiot.

Did I say they were going to? I just said I'd be okay if they did.

[PenFoe]

They're not signing Rasmus, so SKO is once again an idiot.

Did I say they were going to? I just said I'd be okay if they did.

Dumb.

[Slaky]

I heard they want Dexter Fowler or some kind of left handed hitting OF.

Probably won't be anyone that'll blow us away - something in line with the OF signings they made early in Theo's tenure. Which is fine.

Something I keep having to remind myself of is that Maddon has been known to use players creatively, at least that's what the narrative seems to be. I'm excited to see how he handles a pen, makes out a lineup, and uses the bench. It's going to be fun.

[InternetApex]

I heard they want Dexter Fowler or some kind of left handed hitting OF.

Probably won't be anyone that'll blow us away - something in line with the OF signings they made early in Theo's tenure. Which is fine.

Something I keep having to remind myself of is that Maddon has been known to use players creatively, at least that's what the narrative seems to be. I'm excited to see how he handles a pen, makes out a lineup, and uses the bench. It's going to be fun.

He's going to draw caricatures of all the players in the lineup directly onto the bench - with a pen - so they know exactly where to sit, when to hit etc.

At least that's the narrative. 

[Eli]

I heard they want Dexter Fowler or some kind of left handed hitting OF.

Probably won't be anyone that'll blow us away - something in line with the OF signings they made early in Theo's tenure. Which is fine.

Something I keep having to remind myself of is that Maddon has been known to use players creatively, at least that's what the narrative seems to be. I'm excited to see how he handles a pen, makes out a lineup, and uses the bench. It's going to be fun.

He's going to draw caricatures of all the players in the lineup directly onto the bench - with a pen - so they know exactly where to sit, when to hit etc.

At least that's the narrative. 

All the caricatures will show the players as their best selves and they will be very physically attractive with great smiles. It will be great for self-esteem and, subsequently, winning.

[Quality Start Machine]

It's early yet, but in Winter Ball in PR, Baez has 6 Ks in 11 ABs.

[CBStew]

It's early yet, but in Winter Ball in PR, Baez has 6 Ks in 11 ABs.

Finally.  He is
showing some improvement

[SKO]

It's early yet, but in Winter Ball in PR, Baez has 6 Ks in 11 ABs.

Finally.  He is
showing some improvement

I lol'd. Like really loudly.

[Eli]

It's early yet, but in Winter Ball in PR, Baez has 6 Ks in 11 ABs.

I keep hanging my hopes on Rizzo's disastrous first MLB stint showing that guys can bounce back (both were 21, similar mid-.500 OPS) to still become stars. But I don't feel very confident in it.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

It's early yet, but in Winter Ball in PR, Baez has 6 Ks in 11 ABs.

I keep hanging my hopes on Rizzo's disastrous first MLB stint showing that guys can bounce back (both were 21, similar mid-.500 OPS) to still become stars. But I don't feel very confident in it.

Baez played a better shortstop than I expected.  His hands, quickness...there was a fluid quality that I thought merited him to possibly rate higher than Castro defensively already, and I think Castro is greatly improved and is pretty good himself to be honest.  Maybe my expectations were so low for Baez upon hearing that he made 40 errors in 2013, but I think I saw enough of him to think he might be really, really good at that position.  And, if Baez really can play shortstop...if he can just cut down on his K rate a leetle, and drive up his ability to reach base somewhat, then I have to think he's a pretty valuable player if he's doing this while clobbering 30 home runs...for the Cubs or somebody else.