Whats going to happen this offseason? I'm pretty much assuming, with my writing below, that 2014 will be a bust and we're building towards 2015.
INFIELD:
I have really high hopes that Bryant, Baez, and Alacantara are ready to fill the infield holes for opening day 2015. Alacantara is the Cubs 8th best prospect according to most sites, but his numbers are freakish. He'll make a great leadoff hitter. Olt will end up being traded somewhere. I could see the Cubs signing Mark Ellis just to have a vet on board that could be worth some sort of prospect in July.
OUTFIELD:
Not completely sure where I see Lake in the future. I think he will be a utility guy come 2015. Not starting opening day, but playing somewhere for 140+ games. But I think he'll be starting for us in 2014. Almora and Soler should be ready by opening day 2015. I'm pretty confident Almora will work out great for us. I'm still unsure of Soler. I definitely could see the Cubs signing an outfielder to a bigger contract this offseason. Ellsbury is likely out, because of his price. I also think the front office is banking on Alacantara to pan out, who has Ellsbury's speed, but more power. Not as high of a BA though. I could definitely see the Cubs going after Gomes after next year in free agency. A fun clubhouse guy, who is a vet, that could take the reigns in left field for us. Brett Gardner wouldn't be bad, either, but I don't see the Yanks letting him go.
PITCHING:
Smardzija may not even be in our future now. Would like to see us sign a nice reliever or two so we don't take ourselves out of 20 games this year because we couldn't close it out. I think this is where we spend most of our FA money the next two years. No idea on who, though. Got a couple solid prospects but can't bank on them.
CATCHING:
Rumors are swirling that the Cubs want a lefty hitter here.. Saltalamachia would be the only guy I can think of that would take that spot, but he'll be pricey. Just pay up Navarro, who was great last year.
SIDE NOTE - Rumors have it the Mets MAY be looking into Starlin Castro to fill their need for shortstop. Not sure what the front office thinks about it.
INFIELD:
I have really high hopes that Bryant, Baez, and Alacantara are ready to fill the infield holes for opening day 2015. Alacantara is the Cubs 8th best prospect according to most sites, but his numbers are freakish. He'll make a great leadoff hitter. Olt will end up being traded somewhere. I could see the Cubs signing Mark Ellis just to have a vet on board that could be worth some sort of prospect in July.
OUTFIELD:
Not completely sure where I see Lake in the future. I think he will be a utility guy come 2015. Not starting opening day, but playing somewhere for 140+ games. But I think he'll be starting for us in 2014. Almora and Soler should be ready by opening day 2015. I'm pretty confident Almora will work out great for us. I'm still unsure of Soler. I definitely could see the Cubs signing an outfielder to a bigger contract this offseason. Ellsbury is likely out, because of his price. I also think the front office is banking on Alacantara to pan out, who has Ellsbury's speed, but more power. Not as high of a BA though. I could definitely see the Cubs going after Gomes after next year in free agency. A fun clubhouse guy, who is a vet, that could take the reigns in left field for us. Brett Gardner wouldn't be bad, either, but I don't see the Yanks letting him go.
PITCHING:
Smardzija may not even be in our future now. Would like to see us sign a nice reliever or two so we don't take ourselves out of 20 games this year because we couldn't close it out. I think this is where we spend most of our FA money the next two years. No idea on who, though. Got a couple solid prospects but can't bank on them.
CATCHING:
Rumors are swirling that the Cubs want a lefty hitter here.. Saltalamachia would be the only guy I can think of that would take that spot, but he'll be pricey. Just pay up Navarro, who was great last year.
SIDE NOTE - Rumors have it the Mets MAY be looking into Starlin Castro to fill their need for shortstop. Not sure what the front office thinks about it.