Trying to Find a Realistic Jake Arrieta Extension is Not Easy, But I’ll Try
I land on a five-year deal that could arguably make sense for each side … and arguably be rejected by each side, too.
Category: Analysis and Commentary
Before and After Signing: A Decade in the Cubs’ Experience with Free Agency
So many hits and misses over the years in free agency. Can the Class of 2015 live up to what the group did in 2006?
The Trouble with High-Average, Low-Power Hitters in the Minors and Other Bullets
The lack of power, on its own, is not the only problem. It causes other issues, and I’m not sure we discuss it enough.
Ask Away: Outfield Moves, Option Rules, Sabermetric Gaps, Brett as a Boss, and More
In this week’s Ask Away, we check in on the remaining roster moves, gaps in sabermetrics, Brett as a Michael’s boss, and much more.
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Clayton Richard’s Versatility Should Provide the Cubs Value and Options in 2016
Richard was used a variety of ways in 2015, and that could happen again in 2016. Or, when you dig in, maybe he’ll mostly just be a match-up reliever.
Joe Maddon is Just Fine Without the DH – And Is That a Separate Edge for the Cubs?
No DH in the National League? No problem for Joe Maddon, who is among the best at what he does.
Exit Velocity Matters, and Cubs Are Going to Crush It and Other Bullets
The Cubs have some of the hardest hitters in baseball, which does matter.
The Cubs Picked A Really Good Year To Be Hyper-Active In Free Agency
It appears as if the Cubs and other big spenders picked a good year to invest in the free agent market.
David Ross Gets a Ton of Love from Other Players About His Future
You probably already felt like Ross was a future coach or manager – and you’re not alone.
The Value of a Manager Like Joe Maddon and Other Bullets
So much value is provided to the Cubs that we simply can’t quantify. Also: arbitration reminder, fun with billboards, fun with beards, more.
The John Lackey Signing Was One of the Offseason’s Best Moves
The Cubs’ low-cost John Lackey signing might have been one of the best moves of the offseason.
Chris Coghlan Shouldn’t Be the Forgotten Man – What’s His Role Next Year?
Everyone just assumes the Cubs have a starting outfield trio of Schwarber-Heyward-Soler, but where does that leave Coghlan?
Using Relievers Well, Fixing the Draft, Losing Ryan, and Other Bullets
No more traditional save usage. No more huge bonus pool discrepancies. No more Brendan Ryan free agency. Things!
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If Executives Could Have a Deal Do-Over: Jed Hoyer and Corey Kluber
Hoyer once green-lit a trade that sent out a future ace – but he’s far from alone in thinking about a do-over.
Early Payroll Estimates Have Cubs Making Biggest Leap in Baseball from Last Year
And their payroll was already climbing substantially as of last year.
Has Tanking Become a Problem in Baseball? If So, It’s a Complicated One
Given the rebuilding approaches of many teams, it’s not so simple as saying that “tanking” is bad and should be stopped.
The Damaging Qualifying Offer and Dexter Fowler and Other Bullets
Fixing the problem for players like Fowler could come soon. Also: Russell’s rates poorly in one defensive metric, Cubs marriages, skiing at Wrigley, more.
Building a Great Roster is Step One, But Being Flexible In-Season is a Critical Step Two
To that end, the Cubs have set themselves up very well for success this year in more ways than one.
Dreaming on Neil Ramirez Despite a Crowded Cubs Bullpen
Ramirez was a big part of the 2014 bullpen, but was injured for most of 2015. If he can’t return to form in time, might he be the toughest roster decision in Spring Training?