***Official 2024 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter CycloneErik
- Start date
This is a tough team to watch because they aren't horrible and have some nice players, but they do not make plays that teams like the Brewers, Phillies, Cardinals, etc. tend to make.
Last night was a great example as you mention, defensive let downs that led to runs:
- Amaya passed ball in 8th
- Busch doesn't catch a tough foul pop
- PCA doesn't catch a line-drive
I don't pay much attention to the clubhouse stuff, but not sure there is a player (or two) who is holding his teammates accountable.
Actually those were Hoyer’s picks. I think you are talking about Carter Hawkins picks.
Think this game means the Cubs are back. Onward and upward.
Shoulda bought my tickets today when I had the chance (for September). They'll explode in value after this one.
Series wins are overrated. As long as we keep from getting swept every series we should be sitting well for the postseason.
Going to the Iowa Cubs game tomorrow night. There were rumblings yesterday that Shaw was getting promoted as he was listed on the roster but they've since removed him. Was excited briefly when I read that maybe I'd get a chance to see him. Hoping that Ballesteros is in the lineup as want to see what the hype is about. Canario had a day off last time Inwent but got to see Caissie crush one at least.
Something is going on with Shaw. Dude hasn’t played for over a week in Tennessee and it’s hard to believe there was just a random glitch where he was added to the Iowa Cubs roster.
Ballasteros has become one of the top 5 prospects in the Cubs system, partly because the bat is obviously special, but mostly because it’s beginning to look like he can do a passable job behind the plate. If he could do 100 games a year at catcher and then DH otherwise it would be huge for the future. You could live with Amaya if he was only playing 60 games a year.
No, Epstein was President until November of 2020. Every pick prior to 2021 was Theo's call.
Would love a world where you grab Danny Jansen in FA this offseason from Toronto. Dude is from just outside Chicago and won’t break the bank but will certainly be an upgrade from this year. Pair him with Ballesteros and we’re in business.
The Cubs can live with Amaya as 2nd catcher if he can hit .225+. Just doesn't make sense to keep playing a catcher who hits around .200 AND is below average defense.
Feel like Cubs need to add a proven MLB catcher either through FA or trade. Plan for Amaya to be 2nd catcher in 2025. Develop Ballesteros with eye for Jul/Aug 2025 call-up.
Amaya should DFA him after the season. Then park him.in Des Moines and see if he can figure things out.
Caissie ripped a laser off a lefty to take the lead in the 8th. Can’t wait for him to never bat against lefties because the FO computer algorithm automatically bans lefties from facing lefties in Chicago.
Agree. Only question is if another team will take him, which I don’t think should stop us from trying to improve the team, but I can see why it would be pondered
As is he's no loss. Nido is under contract for another year. Add the guy you suggested and we're far better off.
If the Cubs can re-sign Nido. He might prove over the balance of 2024 to be a better 2nd catcher.
Finding a solid backup catcher might be a challenge if the impression is Cubs want to bring Ballesteros up at some point in 2025.
Amaya is only 25- so Cubs may be willing to work with him on defense/bat over the winter. Also, Cubs are cheap and paying him $700k to be a backup might be easiest path on a roster that has bigger needs to address.
