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#Post#: 199649--------------------------------------------------
Hot Stove 2015
By: Dave23 Date: November 4, 2014, 2:52 pm
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Free agency is firing up...who's going where?
#Post#: 199651--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: Ron Date: November 4, 2014, 3:56 pm
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I think it's a given that the Cubs' primary free agent target is
Jon Lester, and it seems very possible that they'll succeed in
signing him, assuming that he's not focused exclusively on
money. That would be very, very cool.
The second player with whom the Cubs have been frequently linked
is Russell Martin. Jon Heyman, the first guy to report the Cubs
had gone after and then reached a deal with Jon Maddon, is
reporting that the Cubs are definitely targeting Martin.
HTML http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24783904/cubs-already-a-big-free-agent-player-are-targeting-russell-martin
HTML http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24783904/cubs-already-a-big-free-agent-player-are-targeting-russell-martin
I do really hope that the Cubs are able to get Martin. Beyond
his obvious fine offensive and defensive attributes, he also
brings, by all accounts, special leadership qualities. That's
something the Cubs have repeatedly emphasized that they intend
to look for in any additions. It's hard to imagine another
position player who would be as valuable to the Cubs over the
next few years. My main concern is that the length of contract
could be an insurmountable obstacle.
Speaking of leadership qualities, I can't help but wonder if the
Cubs have more interest in James Shields than is generally
assumed here. I know that there is understandable wariness
toward Shields. But I can't help but wonder if he could end up
fairly high among Cub priorities this winter, at least if they
do not sign Lester (who is two years younger than Shields).
There are two special considerations when it comes to Shields.
The first is his exceptional reputation as a clubhouse and field
leader who is credited with changing the culture in Kansas City,
in a brief period of time. This quality is something the Cubs
have repeatedly stressed as a priority as they evaluate
potential additions. The second consideration is his history
with Joe Maddon. Is there a possibility of Shields agreeing to a
relatively shorter, reasonably priced deal in order to play for
Maddon and be part of history with the Cubs?
#Post#: 199652--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: CurtOne Date: November 4, 2014, 4:03 pm
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Ron, I was not really impressed with Shields or Peavy in the
postseason. Shields proved to be a good leader and decent
pitcher until September which makes me worry that he either
tired or is hurt and flying under the radar. If we sign him,
fine, but I hope they don't spend too much.
I agree with the sentiment that you can never have enough
pitching, but you do only have 40 roster spots.
#Post#: 199653--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: davep Date: November 4, 2014, 4:05 pm
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If the Cubs fail to get Lester, I would think that Schields
would be their second target. Scherzer is likely to be even
more costly than Lester.
#Post#: 199654--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: CUBluejays Date: November 4, 2014, 4:16 pm
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Lester/McCarthy with a Brian Anderson kicker would be nice.
I like the idea of Martin, I'm just scared about giving a 31
catcher 4-5 years. They break down quickly and his offense this
year was BABIP fueled.
The Angels signed a 20 year old Cuban, Roberto Baldoquin, for $8
million. He was subject to the IFA pools so it will cost the
Angels around $14 million with penalties. He wasn't mentioned
in Badler's latest piece on Cubans so it will be interesting
what Moncada goes for.
#Post#: 199657--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: Ron Date: November 4, 2014, 4:42 pm
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[quote author=CurtOne link=topic=209.msg199652#msg199652
date=1415138608]
Ron, I was not really impressed with Shields or Peavy in the
postseason. Shields proved to be a good leader and decent
pitcher until September which makes me worry that he either
tired or is hurt and flying under the radar. If we sign him,
fine, but I hope they don't spend too much.
I agree with the sentiment that you can never have enough
pitching, but you do only have 40 roster spots.
[/quote]
Curt, Shields was very, very good the last couple of months of
the season, after having some struggles earlier. His ERA and
WHIP for August and Sept/Oct were 2.95/1.078 and .231/0.857,
respectively.
Granted he did not do well in the playoffs, but he was hardly
alone in that regard. See Clayton Kershaw (7.82 ERA), Max
Scherzer (6.14 ERA), Jon Lester (7.36 ERA).
#Post#: 199661--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: CurtOne Date: November 4, 2014, 4:57 pm
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Ron, he wasn't the stud we were looking for, you know, a guy
like Edwin Jackson.
#Post#: 199664--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: craig Date: November 4, 2014, 5:03 pm
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I know Lester is the name, and he had an excellent season (2.80
FIP).
Lester's previous three seasons were 3.59, 4.11, and 3.83 FIP.
So this is really the first year in four where he's been more
than a #3/#2 guy.
Scherzer: 2.85, 2.74, and 3.27 FIP last three years, with K/W
ratios of 3.8, 4.3, and 4.0, and massive K volumes ((231, 240,
252). Dominant stuff.
Shields: 3.59, 3.47, 3.47, 3.42 FIPs his last four seasons.
Despite pitching in Kansas City, he's still given up lots of
HR's; the HR's could get ugly in Wrigley field. (Did any WS
announcers remind us how cavernous and HR-unfriendly KC is?)
I think Scherzer's stuff is lots better, and perhaps with a
little more margin to lose a little stuff and still be
excellent.
Stuff-wise it's Scherzer >> Lester >> Shields. Not really
close. The dollars will set up accordingly.
#Post#: 199668--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: DelMarFan Date: November 4, 2014, 5:36 pm
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[quote]I like the idea of Martin, I'm just scared about giving a
31 catcher 4-5 years. They break down quickly and his offense
this year was BABIP fueled.[/quote]
It will be interesting to see what he gets. I'd love him at
three years. Not so much at five.
A big part of the Cubs interest will be for defense, pitcher
handling, and general leadership, so if his offense
declines/returns to norm it won't be too devastating.
#Post#: 199670--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hot Stove 2015
By: PRCubFan Date: November 4, 2014, 5:41 pm
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4 years for Martin max. First two years he's the undisputed
starter and hopefully by year 3 Schwarber is ready and Martin
can serve as a mentor. He can also start agains tough lefties.
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