2015 Cubs Offseason: Building a Winner Around David Ross

[Quality Start Machine]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

[SKO]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

[Quality Start Machine]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

[SKO]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

Bryant got a start there last year, wouldn't be a bad idea to get him some offseason work there. They could play Baez at third and Bryant at first. Schwarber would also seem like a fairly logical choice to be a backup first baseman, but they may not want to overload him as they focus on making him a half decent left fielder while also trying to make him a half decent catcher.

[Tonker]

According to mlbtraderumors, the Giants and Nats both beat the Cubs' offer for Zobrist, and the Mets were "confident they would get a deal done".  Heh heh.

[Quality Start Machine]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

Bryant got a start there last year, wouldn't be a bad idea to get him some offseason work there. They could play Baez at third and Bryant at first. Schwarber would also seem like a fairly logical choice to be a backup first baseman, but they may not want to overload him as they focus on making him a half decent left fielder while also trying to make him a half decent catcher.

I was at the game where Bryant played first. Trust me, reliving that wouldn't be good for anyone.

[Quality Start Machine]

I can't believe what the Braves just got for Shelby fucking Miller.  Talk about trade rape...

The Braves weren't shy about setting a high price tag for Miller.

[Tonker]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

Bryant got a start there last year, wouldn't be a bad idea to get him some offseason work there. They could play Baez at third and Bryant at first. Schwarber would also seem like a fairly logical choice to be a backup first baseman, but they may not want to overload him as they focus on making him a half decent left fielder while also trying to make him a half decent catcher.

I was at the game where Bryant played first. Trust me, reliving that wouldn't be good for anyone.

When ScoutFork is speaking, buckle up and pay attention, guys.

[Chuck to Chuck]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

Bryant got a start there last year, wouldn't be a bad idea to get him some offseason work there. They could play Baez at third and Bryant at first. Schwarber would also seem like a fairly logical choice to be a backup first baseman, but they may not want to overload him as they focus on making him a half decent left fielder while also trying to make him a half decent catcher.

I was at the game where Bryant played first. Trust me, reliving that wouldn't be good for anyone.

That smell when Fork is at Wrigley...

[Quality Start Machine]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

Bryant got a start there last year, wouldn't be a bad idea to get him some offseason work there. They could play Baez at third and Bryant at first. Schwarber would also seem like a fairly logical choice to be a backup first baseman, but they may not want to overload him as they focus on making him a half decent left fielder while also trying to make him a half decent catcher.

I was at the game where Bryant played first. Trust me, reliving that wouldn't be good for anyone.

When ScoutFork is speaking, buckle up and pay attention, guys.

There were 40,000 scouts all groaning as he was flailing at grounders.

Now, maybe if you had a game where Hendricks were pitching to a lineup full of righthanded pull hitters...

[Quality Start Machine]

So according to the dudes on MLB Network, signing Zobrist comes with the added bonus of fucking the Mets.

The Mets offered 4/32. Any fucking was self-inflicted.

[Eli]

There were 40,000 scouts all groaning as he was flailing at grounders.

If he can handle a ground ball at 3B, he can probably handle a ground ball at 1B. And he got two chances in that game and handled them both, so I'm skeptical that 40,000 people were groaning about it.

[Armchair_QB]

Interesting, since Theo doesn't usually say things just to say them:

Theo on syncing up another trade and FA: "There is still the potential for that again." Internet go nuts in 3-2-1.

Trade Hammel to clear salary, sign Heyward. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I think they really, really want Heyward. That doesn't mean it'll work out, but Theo is clearly swinging for the fences.

I'm just hoping if they swing and miss there that they end up with Fowler. I'm hoping the "Cubs in on Gerardo Parra" rumor is their fallback if the fallback fails.

Imagine this lineup opening day next year:

Zobrist 2B
Heyward or Fowler CF
Rizzo 1B
Bryant 3B
Schwarber LF
Soler RF
Russell SS
Arrieta P
Montero C

Where you fitting in Baez? 1 day per week for Zobrist?

The way Joe shuffles guys around in the late innings? Baez can get into 130 games without starting any.

Yeah, Baez can get a couple starts a week at 3B, SS, 2B, and some OF. He's apparently playing CF in winter ball. If he starts looking like 30 Home Run Potential Javy they'll find a way to make sure he plays every day.

What I'd love to see is somebody get some reps at 1B. I don't think giving Rizzo a game off every 3 weeks would cost the Cubs the pennant.

Bryant got a start there last year, wouldn't be a bad idea to get him some offseason work there. They could play Baez at third and Bryant at first. Schwarber would also seem like a fairly logical choice to be a backup first baseman, but they may not want to overload him as they focus on making him a half decent left fielder while also trying to make him a half decent catcher.

I was at the game where Bryant played first. Trust me, reliving that wouldn't be good for anyone.

I'm not exactly fired up about the idea of watching Schwarber play first base either.

[Yeti]

There were 40,000 scouts all groaning as he was flailing at grounders.

If he can handle a ground ball at 3B, he can probably handle a ground ball at 1B. And he got two chances in that game and handled them both, so I'm skeptical that 40,000 people were groaning about it.

+1

[SKO]

There were 40,000 scouts all groaning as he was flailing at grounders.

If he can handle a ground ball at 3B, he can probably handle a ground ball at 1B. And he got two chances in that game and handled them both, so I'm skeptical that 40,000 people were groaning about it.

+1

Fork saw him play, dammit, and he was the worst defensive first baseman he'd seen since Jimbo Dumbledick managed to throw a ball into left field on a play where they had the runner dead to rights on a pickoff at second back in '68. Fork remembers because he was wearing an onion on his belt that day, which was the style at the time.