MLB: 2014 Chicago Cubs

As a hypothetical who would be the guys to move from that line up for a vet and/or pitching?

Castro, Baez or Alcantara would be on my list hypothetically.

Castro is a proven bat and the trade offers could be interesting
Don't throw anything at me, but I could see Baez flaming out. Big swing with big results when he makes contact. When he makes contact.
Alcantara seems like a role guy. Not a huge stick. C+ or B- type of guy. Can't imagine the trade market is clamoring for his services.

A couple of package deals and maybe get a #3 pitcher or a veteran outfielder

I think it will largely depend on Russell's continued development, where he could make either Castro or Baez tradeable. The bigger issue I have is relying on a lineup where the oldest player is, what, Rizzo at 26? I think there's value in consistent veterans like Coghlan or Valbuena. I've really liked what they've been able to provide this year.
 
As a hypothetical who would be the guys to move from that line up for a vet and/or pitching?

Castro, Baez or Alcantara would be on my list hypothetically.

Castro is a proven bat and the trade offers could be interesting
Don't throw anything at me, but I could see Baez flaming out. Big swing with big results when he makes contact. When he makes contact.
Alcantara seems like a role guy. Not a huge stick. C+ or B- type of guy. Can't imagine the trade market is clamoring for his services.

A couple of package deals and maybe get a #3 pitcher or a veteran outfielder

Or just sign a free agent pitcher or two and keep all of the talent stockpiled. It's a given that at least 1 or 2 of the guys won't live up to the potential at the major league level. I'd hate to trade away more talent that could replace those guys.
 
Or just sign a free agent pitcher or two and keep all of the talent stockpiled. It's a given that at least 1 or 2 of the guys won't live up to the potential at the major league level. I'd hate to trade away more talent that could replace those guys.

I understand this line of thinking, but I'm having trouble seeing how it pans out. How do you figure out who is going to live up to expectations and who isn't with that big of a stockpile? What do you do, keep Addison Russell in Triple A for a few years while you see what you have with Baez?
 
Or just sign a free agent pitcher or two and keep all of the talent stockpiled. It's a given that at least 1 or 2 of the guys won't live up to the potential at the major league level. I'd hate to trade away more talent that could replace those guys.

Unless you happen to trade the guys who end up flaming out while their trade value is still high (Almora is a guy I'd be considering sending somewhere else; package him with someone and get a solid vet in the lineup to help the young guys mature). Then it's a win-win.
 
I understand this line of thinking, but I'm having trouble seeing how it pans out. How do you figure out who is going to live up to expectations and who isn't with that big of a stockpile? What do you do, keep Addison Russell in Triple A for a few years while you see what you have with Baez?

Play them all next year. If you catch lightning in a bottle, maybe you sniff a playoff run. If you don't, you've gained enough information to determine who stays and who goes for 2016 when you make the real push.
 
This thread is such a breath of fresh air from the one I started. I mean read those first post, depression. Typically Cubs fans are hopeful in the spring and depressed in the Fall. This is a fun switch.
 
This thread is such a breath of fresh air from the one I started. I mean read those first post, depression. Typically Cubs fans are hopeful in the spring and depressed in the Fall. This is a fun switch.

We're prepping for a dynasty run now. It's more fun.

Or at least a whole lot of winning. That's also nice. They've really put together an exciting young team.
 
We're prepping for a dynasty run now. It's more fun.

Or at least a whole lot of winning. That's also nice. They've really put together an exciting young team.

It's crazy that a September game for a last place team has continued to be much-watch TV for me. Hell, I had Saturday night's game on instead of watching college football.
 
Or just sign a free agent pitcher or two and keep all of the talent stockpiled. It's a given that at least 1 or 2 of the guys won't live up to the potential at the major league level. I'd hate to trade away more talent that could replace those guys.

Agreed. Having cost controlled elite talent is going to give the Cubs a huge advantage when it comes to free agent spending. I don't get why so many fans are in a hurry to trade off some of the young guys. 2017 and 2018 has always been the front office's time frame for when this team will start to peak. No need to rush that now.
 
Well there's no need to risk him getting hurt any further.

Nope he's had a great year, I wish Olt would get healthy soon, not a fan of wasting those games with Valaika playing first, a guy who certainly isn't part of the long term plan. Olt was hitting pretty well down in Iowa would be nice to get another look at him before they need to make 40 man decisions this winter. If Watkins can play first I wouldn't mind trying him there either.