5 replies to this topic

[calicubsfan007]

We got Scott Hairston, so now what? Should the Cubs just clear up the last two spots and then walk away? Or should they try to get another pitcher, like Marcum? I am curious how they will finish out this offseason.

[King Jeff]

This is probably it, outside of a few non-roster invitees to Arizona. It really doesn't look like there's going to be much competition in camp outside of the back-end of the rotation and the last bullpen slots.

[X the cubs fan]

A Garza trade and maybe a Soriano and Marmol trade as well.

[Mike Taylor (no relation)]

Garza is the one on our roster who has the most trade interest and for that matter, likelihood of being dealt. I doubt the Rangers think highly of Marcum or want to give up a high pick for Lohse. We had a trade already in place before he was injured last year, so if he's healthy we can assume that those talks will recommence.

He'll be tied to draft pick compensation if he's dealt in the off season, so there's value there. I think acquiring Mike Olt through way of dealing Garza makes the most sense for the Cubs. Olt can start in AAA if Stewart gets the starting gig (albeit to be flipped, or later platooned with Olt).

Vitters should get one more legitimate shot and will have to broaden his horizons by playing some LF in Iowa. Since we will have acquired a 3B and Soriano will be leaving soon, that's where he'll need to practice his defense. We'll have a lot of depth next year, assuming we add talent through free agency and make a playoff push.

2014:
LF/2B Martin Prado --FA--
3B/LF Josh Vitters
CF Brett Jackson (L)
RF Jorge Soler
OF Scott Hairston
OF Dave Sappelt
1B Anthony Rizzo (L)
2B Darwin Barney
3B/1B Mike Olt
SS Starlin Castro
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (S) --FA--
C Welington Castillo
BN Luis Valbuena (L)
SP David Price (L) --Trade--
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Arodys Vizcaino
SP Phil Hughes --FA--
SP Edwin Jackson
LR Hector Rondon
LR Travis Wood (L)
RP Rafael Dolis
RP Trey McNutt
RP Lim (if healthy)
SU James Russell (L)
CL Kyuji Fujikawa

[bonger0493]

Marcum signed with the Mets today

[fromthemitten]

Prado's most likely going to get an extension from the Diamondbacks. I'd like to see the Cubs pick up another infielder who can provide some pop off the bench and that's about it.