***Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[isucy86]

I don't necessarily disagree regarding Mastrobuoni vs Madrigal vs Bote, but Mastro does hit left handed and is a little more flexible defensively.

Busch is a lefty who has played a lot more minor league games at 2B & 3B. So he has infield flexibility.

From a lefty bat standpoint, the Cubs are giving Peralta and Smith test drives this spring. Based on career- I'd take Smith and Peralta as late inning PH over Mastrobuoni.

 

[Cyforce]

I don't necessarily disagree regarding Mastrobuoni vs Madrigal vs Bote, but Mastro does hit left handed and is a little more flexible defensively.

I think with the considerable jump in salary with Bote's 2 club options he's not long for the organization. Honestly, I think barring multiple injuries he won't see Chicago again and really not in serious conversation for any of the bench spots.

Madrigal as a utl. has Vazquez pushing him. 2024 is likely his last season here.

The winner of the righty platoon 1B battle between Wisdom and Cooper is likely safe until 2025 with McGeary moving up the line.

Masterbuoni currently in a battle for the final bench spot with 5th OF candidates Canario and possibly Davis. He'll definitely be gone when Shaw forces his way onto the big league club.

Tauchman is only keeping a seat warm for PCA.

Final bench spot back up catcher, I wouldn't be surprised if they convince Gomes to stick around as backup for 25 and maybe 26 after Amaya takes over the starting jobs. Seems like the top 2 minor league candidates as only half the job. One solid defender and one big bat..

 

[CYdTracked]

With the news Kilian will likely be out for half the season he'll probably be moved to the 60 day IL which for the time being opens a 40 man spot for a non-roster guy to make the opening day roster if there is someone they want to break camp with.

 

[BigJCy]

PCA & Davis will be in Des Moines:

 

[BigJCy]

 

[Cyforce]

I Cubs are going to be fun to watch this spring. PCA, Davis, Caissie, Shaw. That's some serious talent. All 4 should be in the bigs by 25.

 

[CYdTracked]

I Cubs are going to have a loaded roster other than hose guys too. Have some non 40 man guys that could be there potentially like Peralta Smith and Bote and some other 40 man pitchers and guys like Vazquez and Mervis too. Have a feeling a few minor trades or granting some of the non 40 man guys a release are possible too but there should be a lot of talent going up and down between Chicago this year and some AA guys working their way up eventually too.

 

[Cyforce]

I Cubs are going to have a loaded roster other than hose guys too. Have some non 40 man guys that could be there potentially like Peralta Smith and Bote and some other 40 man pitchers and guys like Vazquez and Mervis too. Have a feeling a few minor trades or granting some of the non 40 man guys a release are possible too but there should be a lot of talent going up and down between Chicago this year and some AA guys working their way up eventually too.

It's amazing the Cubs have one or two legitimate prospects at every position between AA and AAA.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[Cyforce]

He's had inflammation in his shoulder. Maybe this pushes us to try to get Montgomery on a shorter deal.

 

[BigJCy]

He's had inflammation in his shoulder. Maybe this pushes us to try to get Montgomery on a shorter deal.

Yeah I think we could definitely use another starter or two. Doubt Ricketts will give out big money to one though right now.

 

[Cyforce]

Yeah I think we could definitely use another starter or two. Doubt Ricketts will give out big money to one though right now.

I doubt anyone is getting a big contract now. But it's been speculated Snell and Montgomery will have to settle for contracts similar to Bellinger.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[ISUCubswin]

Locked on Cubs brought up a point this week worthy of discussion.

Suzuki got hurt last year and this FO opted to have Mastroboni, Wisdom, and Mancini play in RF instead of having a better option playing (Tauchman and Morel in Iowa, no quality 4th OFs accounted for on last years roster.) If I understood them correctly, they said during that short time, the RF position had a -2.0 WAR. We knew it was a bad area, we opted not to correct it.

All of that being said, if the franchise learned anything from 2023, it should be that while not every game is a must in, there should be ZERO games this franchise crosses its fingers, throws a dart, and hopes what they have can get it done.

Point?

Chapman just essentially signed a cheap 1 year deal at 3B, while we have four question marks at that position. We have questions at SP and don't seem to have much interest in addressing them.

Much like 2023, we are heading into 2024 with many questions with our fingers crossed what we have will work out, instead of seeming to seek out real solutions.

 

[CYdTracked]

I'm a little more comfortable about the questions on the roster this year than going into last year as they have plenty of minor league depth to compensate. 3B is the biggest question but at the point they need to give Morel some runway there as the everyday guy and figure out if he can be a solution there or if they need to make a move. Already know Wisdom and Madrigal aren't the answer and Shaw may have the bat but could be just as much of a question defensively there as Morel potentially.

Having Smith and Cooper as insurance at 1B is not a bad thing either. It's possible 1 of them makes the opening day roster even as a DH and backup role.

I agree another veteran starting pitcher would be nice. Hendricks is healthy now but he's another guy I worry about holding up over the season and you just don't know how the young guys like Wicks will do the first full season in the majors and increased innings pitched. Don't want to necessarily lock in an expensive deal with Snell or Montgomery but if a short deal with options becomes a possibility they should consider it.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[CYdTracked]

Who fills his spot in the rotation of he starts the season on the IL? Assad Wesneski and Smyly would be in the mix, not sure the level of confidence I have in any of them if it turns into more than a few starts but I guess as bad as Taillon was to start last season it's not any different I guess.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Per Sharma, Cubs likely not making any more roster additions until July.

Ricketts did not learn from last year that games in April, May, and June do matter.

 

[Cyforce]

Per Sharma, Cubs likely not making any more roster additions until July.

Ricketts did not learn from last year that games in April, May, and June do matter.

Doesn’t Sound Like the Cubs Are All That in on Jordan Montgomery

The Cubs seem to prefer to preserve more flexibility for midseason, and also have budget concerns.

www.bleachernation.com

Really a head scratcher if they don't get involved. Willing to add down the road if in contention when it will costs prospects but not now when it's really needed to fill a hole due to Taillon's injury. How can they even question this team at minimum being in contention? Ricketts, you're really pissing me off!

 

[1UNI2ISU]

Who fills his spot in the rotation of he starts the season on the IL? Assad Wesneski and Smyly would be in the mix, not sure the level of confidence I have in any of them if it turns into more than a few starts but I guess as bad as Taillon was to start last season it's not any different I guess.

Smyly. Go with the vet to open the year in the cold.