MLB: ***Official 2016 - 17 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION CHICAGO CUBS Offseason Thread***

[Bret44]

The "Never Say Die" attitude was there all dang year. Nice short read this morning.

http://www.bleachernation.com/2016/...-the-cubs-home-opener-after-a-near-no-hitter/

 

[CloneinWDSM]

Looks like the Cubs won't be able to do this anymore. I think they usually make rookies dress up as women/Disney princesses if I remember.

The MLB has launched an anti-hazing initiative, banning players dressing as women & dressing in offensive costumes. http://es.pn/2gDmdVG

 

[Clark]

Looks like the Cubs won't be able to do this anymore. I think they usually make rookies dress up as women/Disney princesses if I remember.

The MLB has launched an anti-hazing initiative, banning players dressing as women & dressing in offensive costumes. http://es.pn/2gDmdVG

good.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[cycart]

Article makes sense and didn't get the impression Chapman was upset, more so just thought he could have been utilized better. I think a lot of us didn't agree with how he was used in game six, but hindsight is 20/20 and the Cubs won the World Series.

 

[chuckd4735]

Article makes sense and didn't get the impression Chapman was upset, more so just thought he could have been utilized better. I think a lot of us didn't agree with how he was used in game six, but hindsight is 20/20 and the Cubs won the World Series.

Yeah, if the Cubs didnt win the World Series, this would be a much bigger story. As it is, meh...

 

[CyJack13]

Yeah, if the Cubs didnt win the World Series, this would be a much bigger story. As it is, meh...

Also with a healthy Strop and Rondon things would have played out differently.

 

[BigJCy]

Also with a healthy Strop and Rondon things would have played out differently.

Agree, also think Cubs knew all along they weren't going to resign him so they were going to use him as often & long as possible. Gave up a hell of a prospect to get him so had to get their "money's worth" so-to-speak.

 

[psychlone99]

Yeah, if the Cubs didnt win the World Series, this would be a much bigger story. As it is, meh...

Maddon would have been crucified in Chicago had the Cubs lost game 7. There were probably writers queuing up their Maddon-torching stories immediately after Cleveland tied it up. I don't care what the explanation, dude made some bone-headed moves in the last few games of that series.

 

[jbindm]

He's probably right, but hindsight is 20/20. Big leads had been erased in that series prior to Game 6, and Maddon didn't want to take any chances. Unlike Francona, he didn't have the luxury of playing for Game 7. It was must win for the Cubs, so he used his best weapons. I can't say I agreed with putting him out there in game 7 after that, but it all worked out for Chapman. He got a ring and he got paid. Let it go.

 

[CyJack13]

Maddon would have been crucified in Chicago had the Cubs lost game 7. There were probably writers queuing up their Maddon-torching stories immediately after Cleveland tied it up. I don't care what the explanation, dude made some bone-headed moves in the last few games of that series.

The only move I really disagreed with was bringing in Lester when Hendricks was cruising in Game 7, but I also understand his logic. He was going Hendricks-Lester-Chapman, that was the plan. Hendricks had some struggles in the 3rd and they started warming up Lester, so unfortunately once that happened he had to bring him in earlier than they probably would have liked since you can't keep him throwing in the pen all night.

 

[chuckd4735]

The only move I really disagreed with was bringing in Lester when Hendricks was cruising in Game 7, but I also understand his logic. He was going Hendricks-Lester-Chapman, that was the plan. Hendricks had some struggles in the 3rd and they started warming up Lester, so unfortunately once that happened he had to bring him in earlier than they probably would have liked since you can't keep him throwing in the pen all night.

Yeah his explanation to the situation makes perfect sense. Maddon had some serious trust issues with most the guys in the pen, and that was the main issue.

 

[CyForPresident]

People forget that Maddon lost game 6 in the 2008 ALCS with a 7 run lead over the Francona lead Red Sox. Game 6 was the exact same situation. Maddon wasn't losing that game no matter what and frankly even forcing a game 7 was a huge accomplishment

 

[Rabbuk]

Shut up and take your money aroldis. Dude gets paid like a few hundred grand an inning.

 

[NoCreativity]

Yeah his explanation to the situation makes perfect sense. Maddon had some serious trust issues with most the guys in the pen, and that was the main issue.

Maddon was managing in panic mode the entire post-season with his pitchers. He was inexplicably pulling his starting pitchers when they shouldnt have been. Perfect example was pulling Hendricks in Game 7. He was cruising, and got a horrible call by the ump that got him into a little heat.

 

[CyJack13]

Maddon was managing in panic mode the entire post-season with his pitchers. He was inexplicably pulling his starting pitchers when they shouldnt have been. Perfect example was pulling Hendricks in Game 7. He was cruising, and got a horrible call by the ump that got him into a little heat.

Which manager wasn't? Roberts using Kershaw out of the pen in Game 5 in the NLDS, going with him and Hill on short rest in the NLCS. The Indians running Miller and Shaw into the ground, going on short rest with Kluber twice, Bochy overthinking lefty-righty matchups in Game 4 of the NLDS. The postseason is a different game and it's especially difficult when two of your top three bullpen arms are coming off late season injuries and are questionable options. I agree he pulled Hendricks early, but it really comes down to getting Lester up when Hendricks was struggling in the third, once he did that he started the clock on when he had to get him in the game.

 

[cycloneworld]

Maddon would have been crucified in Chicago had the Cubs lost game 7. There were probably writers queuing up their Maddon-torching stories immediately after Cleveland tied it up. I don't care what the explanation, dude made some bone-headed moves in the last few games of that series.

And rightfully so.

Agree, also think Cubs knew all along they weren't going to resign him so they were going to use him as often & long as possible. Gave up a hell of a prospect to get him so had to get their "money's worth" so-to-speak.

Dave Kaplan said that the Cubs wouldn't even offer to sign Chapman on any financial terms. I gathered that something didn't click with Chapman and the team. But there is no doubt he was a reason for winning the title.

 

[NoCreativity]

Which manager wasn't? Roberts using Kershaw out of the pen in Game 5 in the NLDS, going with him and Hill on short rest in the NLCS. The Indians running Miller and Shaw into the ground, going on short rest with Kluber twice, Bochy overthinking lefty-righty matchups in Game 4 of the NLDS. The postseason is a different game and it's especially difficult when two of your top three bullpen arms are coming off late season injuries and are questionable options. I agree he pulled Hendricks early, but it really comes down to getting Lester up when Hendricks was struggling in the third, once he did that he started the clock on when he had to get him in the game.

Very true, some bizarre pitching decisions all around. If Bochy doesnt pull Matt Moore in the divison series the Cubs might not have made it out of the first round. I just didnt quite understand the quick hooks by managers when other pitchers were cruising.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[CyJack13]

The Cubs obviously have liked him for a while. The only downside is that the Cubs can't promise him a rotation spot once he's healthy like some rebuilding teams would be able. Of course, I would think playing for one of the best run organization in sports with a chance to be a starter in a potential dynasty would outweigh that downside.