Outsiders See the Cubs Set Up for “Sustained Success” and Other Bullets

jason mcleod theo epstein jed hoyerOne thing that really suffers when important life/family stuff takes most of my attention is my knowledge of what’s going on in the rest of the sporting world. I can usually stay on top of Cubs stuff, and usually keep the content here going as normal. But I haven’t the foggiest clue of what else is going on. In fact, “the sporting world” is probably too narrow of a classification. I have no idea what else is going on anywhere in the world. Any Bigfoot sightings or major geopolitical conflicts about which I should be aware?

  • While they may not always be the best at evaluating a particular baseball franchise’s state of affairs, ESPN experts took on the challenge of ranking baseball organizations as a whole. They described the endeavor as “an attempt to measure how well each team is set up for sustained success over the next five years.” Sound a bit like the Cubs’ plan? Well, it should, because it is. And, for that reason, it’s no surprise that the Cubs ranked 6th on the list, behind only the Cardinals (le sigh), the Rangers, the Rays, the Nationals, and the Yankees. The picture looks even better when you consider that the Cubs were at just about the bottom of the list on one of the most heavily-weighted factors (current talent in the majors), yet still scored so highly because in the other four factors – minor leagues, finances, management,  and player mobility – the Cubs blew almost every other organization away. And, to my mind, those four factors are where the Cubs are focusing their long-term efforts. This organization should be a powerhouse over the next decade.
  • Starlin Castro (tight hamstring) should be back into game action within a few days. Ian Stewart (strained quad) isn’t expected to start hitting again for a week.
  • Dale Sveum talks up Javier Baez’s defensive development, and notes that the rocket the youngster hit against the Dodgers the other day may have been the hardest hit ball he’s ever seen. (Just think about that.)
  • Matt Snyder previews the 2013 Cubs, and, for a national guy, does a pretty excellent job of summing up where the Cubs stand. In fact, it’s just about exactly what I’d say. Nicely done, Mr. Snyder.
  • Patrick Mooney on the intended pitching duties of Carlos Marmol and Kyuji Fujikawa, who will work the 9th and 8th innings, respectively, for the Cubs this year … assuming Marmol is still around when the season begins.
  • At least one scout sees a bright future for Cubs catcher Welington Castillo, whom the scout describes as having a plus-plus arm and power. He also says Castillo moves well behind the plate, and should see his receiving/game-calling skills improve this year.
  • Non-roster invitee, and bench job competitor, Darnell McDonald is a fan of Twitter, apparently.
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

    It's Mother's Day. I'm hanging with the family. I don't feel like being as pissed off as a game like that threatened to make me. So I am QUITE relieved by that 10th inning (and the fact that the Cubs...

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    I'll just presume he was sending this one out for mom. And I'll also presume that the knee is indeed feeling good. Home run number nine on the season for Christopher Morel: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1789713524052087082

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have played thirteen series so far this season, and this is already their eighth rubber match. Let's see if Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs can bring this one in. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, SS...

    Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

    No surprises here, as the decision to start Kyle Hendricks this afternoon against the Pirates was made yesterday, but the news has officially hit the wire, and here it is. Kyle Hendricks Activated Kyle Hendricks is returning from his short...

    Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

    Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

    The Sunday TBD has been D'd, and it's going to be Kyle Hendricks coming back an outing early. Instead of making another rehab start at Iowa, Hendricks is going to be activated from the IL to rejoin the rotation tomorrow:...

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

    The Cubs came within 90 feet of keeping that ridiculous game going. No dice. Stupid game. Early on, it just kinda seemed like the Cubs might lose a perfectly normal - bad, but normal - game. Justin Steele did not...

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — After a little tease yesterday, Seiya Suzuki is actually, officially in the Cubs lineup today. And he'll be greeted with a tough matchup against the top pitching prospect in Major League Baseball. Welcome back! Chicago Cubs Lineup:...

    Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

    Today the Chicago Cubs placed reliever Yency Almonte on the Injured List with a right shoulder strain. Jose Cuas has been recalled from Iowa to take his place in the bullpen. Almonte, together with Mark Leiter Jr., had been performing...

    Credit to Assad, Huge Ups to Brown, Hopes for Taillon, Happ’s Bat and Glove, Bellinger History, and Other Cubs Bullets

    How did I not know that the Aurora Borealis was going to be visible last night?!?!? I woke up this morning to all these awesome pictures from friends and other people in the area, and I'm MISERABLE ABOUT IT. With...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Mariners Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

    The summer sun is heating up Seattle, and so are the Seattle Mariners! With the 2024 MLB season in full swing, the M's are battling for a playoff berth, and the remaining games promise to be electric. Whether you're a...

    Astros vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In a series opener on Monday, Spencer Arrighetti will take the mound for the Houston Astros (15-25) against Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics (19-23), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.Keep reading to see...

    How to Watch Brewers vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

    William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (24-16) host Connor Joe and the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-23) on Monday, with first pitch at 7:40 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Milwaukee take on Pittsburgh live.When...

    How to Watch Rangers vs. Guardians: Live Stream or on TV

    The Texas Rangers (22-20), led by Marcus Semien, host Josh Naylor and the Cleveland Guardians (25-16) on Monday at 8:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Texas take on Cleveland.When is Rangers vs....

    How to Watch Braves vs. Cubs: Live Stream or on TV

    The Atlanta Braves (24-12), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs (24-17) at 7:20 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Atlanta-Chicago matchup below.When is Braves vs. Cubs and when does...

    Phillies vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Cristopher Sanchez takes the ball for the Philadelphia Phillies (28-13) when they visit starting pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (18-20) at 7:10 PM ET on Monday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Philadelphia...

    How to Watch Nationals vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (19-20) visit Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (12-29) at 7:40 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Washington square off against Chicago live.When is...

    Tigers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Detroit Tigers (20-20), with Kenta Maeda on the mound, host the Miami Marlins (11-31) who will hand the ball to Sixto Sanchez, at 6:40 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the Detroit-Miami matchup...

    How to Watch Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (26-13) host Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) on Monday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:35 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to know...

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

    In a series opener on Monday, Kutter Crawford will start for the Boston Red Sox (21-19) against Zach Eflin and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-21), with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.If you're planning on watching...

    more cubs news