A few important tidbits as we enter July
- Last year, July 2nd was a big trade day for the Cubs because of some financial reason - trading players/signing players/calling players up becomes cheaper (I think for extension or something like that) so I wouldn't be shocked to see the majority of Cubs trades happening the next week or so.
- Smardzija and Hammel are our two hottest trade commodities. Rumors popped up yesterday that Hammel was about to be traded so I'd expect him to be gone soon.
- Castro was rumored to be on the trading block at the beginning of the year, but with how hot of a year he's having, will he be traded? Here's what the Cubs need to consider: Bryant and Baez make up your third base and shortstop starting next year. Can Castro take over at second and Alcantara take on the outfield, or will the Cubs try and get some high end prospects for one of the top shortstops in the league? Alcantara's only weakness right now is he strikes out like a blind man, but when he does hit the ball, often times he reaches base, and is a threat on the base paths.
- Looks like this is the last time for awhile us Cubs fans will be in "sell" mode. Sounds like they are planning on spending a lot this offseason. They only need 2 pitchers and a corner outfielder to be a playoff contender next year.
- Could the front office look at Schwarber and see Kris Bryant? He's putting up better numbers than Bryant did his first year of pro ball (.481 BA, 19 RBI, 8 HR in 15 games) While it's unlikely the Cubs would call a guy up after just .5 years in the minors, he can already play a corner outfield spot (unlike Bryant) Also, Bryant could have played for the Chi-Cubs this year and been just fine. It would definitely be interesting to see if the front office felt he was ready to go and just brought him up.
Right now, we have a potential 2015 infield of Rizzo, Castro, Baez, and Bryant (average age: 24) and a 2016 outfield of Soler, Alcantara, and Schwarber (average age: 22) I'm sure we get some free agent vets to add to the talent and bring knowledge to the game, but damn, that is some seriously young talent.