MLB: Chicago Cubs Offseason Hot Stove

[ThatllDoCy]

Anybody care to tell me what to expect from Maddon?

He really swooped in at the right time. I don't know if you have seen the Tribune's pics of it, but the Bleachers are down, and renovations have begun. I actually was disturbed by those pics I have had so much fun out there.

Anyway, the new facilities and buzz about them is going to change the atmosphere greatly. I don't know much about Maddon, but I did see one report about him. He seemed a bit unconventional, and I like that type of approach to things. Especially about things others are going to take too seriously. Seems to have the personality to succeed in Chicago.

I liked Renteria a lot and felt he did a very good job, and the work they accomplished with Arrieta and a few other pitchers was I thought remarkable. I mean, Jackson is Jackson, not sure anyone could help him, but I hope Maddon keeps Chris Bosio, Guy has done a lot with youth and rehabs.

 

[Cy4Lifer]

Somebody's nervous.

Nope, not until I see the 10th World Series ring on Theo's hand will I be nervous.

 

[CycloneErik]

Nope, not until I see the 10th World Series ring on Theo's hand will I be nervous.

Your nervous insecurity is showing.

 

[jbindm]

I understand that when a manager the caliber of Maddon suddenly becomes available, you have to go after him. But I don't like how the story got out and left Renteria twisting in the wind for several days. Ideally, the negotiations would have been kept under wraps and they could have made a clean break with Renteria instead of him having to endure almost a full week of public speculation about his impending dismissal. He still would have been fired but it would have been a more dignified way to handle it. I thought he did a good job with all the young players, and at the very least the Cubs could have afforded him a little more respect at the end. I guess in the long run they made themselves better but in the short term they lost the PR battle.

 

[enisthemenace]

I understand that when a manager the caliber of Maddon suddenly becomes available, you have to go after him. But I don't like how the story got out and left Renteria twisting in the wind for several days. Ideally, the negotiations would have been kept under wraps and they could have made a clean break with Renteria instead of him having to endure almost a full week of public speculation about his impending dismissal. He still would have been fired but it would have been a more dignified way to handle it. I thought he did a good job with all the young players, and at the very least the Cubs could have afforded him a little more respect at the end. I guess in the long run they made themselves better but in the short term they lost the PR battle.

In this day in age, the days of facespace, the twittersphere and over zealous, TMZ style reporting, it's getting harder and harder to conduct business on the DL.

 

[jbindm]

In this day in age, the days of facespace, the twittersphere and over zealous, TMZ style reporting, it's getting harder and harder to conduct business on the DL.

Yeah, I know. It's just a shame that Renteria got left hanging. But hey, it's a business and he's a professional. He'll land another job. However messy the process may have been, the Cubs got the right guy.

 

[Cy4Lifer]

Your nervous insecurity is showing.

Sorry to disappoint, but no, zero insecurity here. Once the Cubs start to get close to the success that the Cardinals and other successful teams historically have had, then I might start to get nervous and/or insecure. As of now, I am content.

 

[jbindm]

Sorry to disappoint, but no, zero insecurity here. Once the Cubs start to get close to the success that the Cardinals and other successful teams historically have had, then I might start to get nervous and/or insecure. As of now, I am content.

That's fair-ish. A team poised to make the leap and a team actually making the leap are two different things. But things are definitely starting to come together and success could be coming sooner than later.

 

[ISUCubswin]

After the season, the front office said all coaches will be returning except those who leave willingly.

However, a few days before Maddon announced he was leaving the Rays, the Cubs DID tell Reneria if his opportunity for Maddon came up, they would be letting him go.

 

[ISUCubswin]

I think Renteria would've been fine here for another year. He's great with player development. But players have come out and said they weren't happy with his in-game management.

Maddon has amazing in-game management, and everyone knows he's great with player development. And he's one of the most liked managers in the league. No doubt those great TB pitchers will be looking our way, especially with Maddon here.

 

[CyJack13]

I understand that when a manager the caliber of Maddon suddenly becomes available, you have to go after him. But I don't like how the story got out and left Renteria twisting in the wind for several days. Ideally, the negotiations would have been kept under wraps and they could have made a clean break with Renteria instead of him having to endure almost a full week of public speculation about his impending dismissal. He still would have been fired but it would have been a more dignified way to handle it. I thought he did a good job with all the young players, and at the very least the Cubs could have afforded him a little more respect at the end. I guess in the long run they made themselves better but in the short term they lost the PR battle.

It sounds like the Cubs were keeping him updated through his agent. There isn't going to be a good way to handle this situation but to me it seemed like they were as upfront with him as they could have been. I'm sure it's not easy to be a baseball lifer and finally get the chance to manage and have it taken away after only one year, but hopefully getting two years pay and a glowing recommendation from one of the most respected front office guys in baseball makes it a little bit easier.

 

[Mumbai1986]

I always say, "Wait till next year", and this actually might be the year next year!

Cubs have incredible hitting, they are selecting great pitchers in free agency, and now they have a great manager who has been working with so much less. Things are looking up!

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/c...epstein-javier-baez-kris-bryant-jake-arrieta/

 

[enisthemenace]

I always say, "Wait till next year", and this actually might be the year next year!

Cubs have incredible hitting, they are selecting great pitchers in free agency, and now they have a great manager who has been working with so much less. Things are looking up!

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/c...epstein-javier-baez-kris-bryant-jake-arrieta/

Cubs need arms now, that's for sure. Lester has to be the top target, and I would bet they get him. James Shields, Jason Hammels would be next in line. Or, do they wait for the next class?

 

[ISUCubswin]

It'll be 2016 when the Cubs start playing for the WS. Not getting my hopes up until then.

Russell may not even be up in 2015.

And we won't win until David Price is a Cub.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Don't think World Series will be happening in 2015.

A lot of people are wanting Jason Hammels, but I'm not sure why, when in 2016 we could get Price. Hammels has had 2 seasons in his entire career with a sub-4.5 ERA.

1. Price
2. Lester/Shields
3. Arrieta
4. Hendricks
5. Turner/Edwards

If Peavy truly wants to come here and wants to give us a deal, I'd take HIM, because even though he's injury prone he can still pitch. Otherwise, I'd rather wait until next year when we have a good idea on our 2016 rotation to start making moves for less than mediocre pitchers.

 

[Bobber]

I think Renteria would've been fine here for another year. He's great with player development. But players have come out and said they weren't happy with his in-game management.

Maddon has amazing in-game management, and everyone knows he's great with player development. And he's one of the most liked managers in the league. No doubt those great TB pitchers will be looking our way, especially with Maddon here.

This move really surprised me. Wish they would have given Ricky more time. I thought he did a really good job this past year.

That being said, it sounds like Madden is one heck of a manager. It will be nice to have a guy with a great sense of humor.

Will know in a few years if this is a good move. Ricketts and Eapstien_ are all in.

 

[Rabbuk]

I have zero desire to get Hammel back. That pitching he did for us was an anomaly.

 

[CycloneErik]

I have zero desire to get Hammel back. That pitching he did for us was an anomaly.

I agree. Aim higher, like Lester, Scherzer, or guys like that.
We're in this deep. Let's go big and win this thing a few times.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Joe Maddon is here until 2019. Really shows the expectations of this front office.

Orioles declined OF Nick Markakis @ $15 million. Would still love to see him as a Cub.

Cubs signed Wada to a one year, $4 million. Surprising move. Great pitcher, cheap. But probably not a part of our future. May have been a fail safe plan.

 

[cyhiphopp]

I agree. Aim higher, like Lester, Scherzer, or guys like that.
We're in this deep. Let's go big and win this thing a few times.

I want Scherzer BAD. He was so solid and consistent last season.