Lukewarm Stove: Rasmus, Castillo, Shields, Hamels, Moncada, More

Jan 21, 2015

What with the Nationals/Scherzer/Strasburg stuff, then the Dexter Fowler trade, all on the heels of the Convention, it’s been a busy week already …

There has been other stuff happening, too, like Colby Rasmus signing a one-year, $8 million deal, according to various reports. The team with which he signed? Well, the Astros, of course! Although the Orioles had long been a favorite for Rasmus, their apparent unwillingness to add one more million to their offer, coupled with the Astros’ deal of Fowler to the Cubs, opened up the door for Rasmus to head to Houston. Being that the Cubs were potentially interested in Rasmus, too, I wonder how that played into the negotiations on the Fowler deal. Now, you get to debate: Rasmus for a year and $8 million, or Fowler for a year and $9.5ish million (and the loss of Luis Valbuena and Dan Straily)? For me, it’s a very close call because of the trade assets lost. My guess is that the makeup side of things would be a difference-maker if choosing between these two, and that’s not the kind of thing that we, as fans, have a ton of visibility to. In any case, Fowler is clearly the better fit for the 2015 Cubs, and is the safer bet to put together a good year.

To make room for Rasmus on the roster, the Astros DFA’d catcher Carlos Corporan, who may ultimately be dealt to the Rangers. Until that shakes out, and then likely until Geovany Soto signs, the Welington Castillo trade market will remain difficult. The Cubs may, uncomfortably, have to take this thing well into Spring Training. (UPDATE: Actually, it looks like the deal is going down today, with Corporan headed to the Rangers. You can likely scratch them off the list of potential Castillo suitors.)

With Max Scherzer off the market, James Shields stands alone as the last remaining big-time free agent. Jayson Stark examined Shields’ market, and scratched off a ton of teams as very unlikely to go after him, including the Cubs. (On the Cubs, Starks says that they will try to get another big-time starter, but not until next year – I agree.) This has become the scenario we discussed before, with the market drying up before Shields struck a deal. It’s still hard to see Shields’ price tag falling below four years and something like $80 million – he offers real value at that level – because once it dips to there or lower, teams that were uninterested at 5/$110 million suddenly become interested again. I don’t think you’ll see one of those teams be the Cubs, however, as I suspect they’re close to their payroll ceiling for the year already, and also because I think they’d prefer – all things equal – to pick up their next pricey starter next year. (Obviously, if his price falls to perversely low levels, you’d want the Cubs to find a way to leap – but, then, 10 other teams would be willing at that point, too.)

Shields will sign with someone, and it’s probably going to look like a great deal. Budgets are set by this point, however, and it’s tough to fit in a really pricey guy at this point in the offseason. At 33, and with so many innings logged in his career, I suppose I can see why his market has been the trickiest to develop. It’ll be really interesting to see what he gets, and from whom.

And that other big name pitcher who was supposed to go somewhere this offseason? Well, Cole Hamels probably isn’t going anywhere just yet. That, according to GM Ruben Amaro, who spoke with Jake Kaplan of the Inquirer, and guesses that Hamels is still with the Phillies when the year starts. The lefty ace has been openly on the market all offseason, after he was claimed on waivers by the Cubs back in August, but was not traded. Of a possible trade, Amaro sums up what everyone has believed his position to be: “He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. And so, if we were to move him, we’re going to have to get some of the best prospects in baseball back.” That strikes me as the completely wrong way to think about dealing a depreciating asset. At 31, Hamels still has value on his four-year, $96 million deal, and that might last through about July, if he stays healthy. From there, the value drops precipitously because of his age, because of the cost of the control, and because of the free agent pitching market next year. It’s totally arbitrary to seek “some of the best prospects in baseball” as the return. Just try to capture the value of your depreciating asset, in whatever form you can get. That’s it. I suspect it’ll be done by the Trade Deadline this year, but you just never know with the Phillies.

Just after I wrote about the latest on Yoan Moncada, including the Cubs’ still strong interest, Ben Badler wrote about why “rich teams” have the best shot at Moncada, and included a whole discussion about the Cubs, specifically. It’s mostly what we’ve already heard/know – the Cubs want him, the longer it takes for him to get clearance the better, and the Cubs can try to entice him to wait until July to sign by saying they’ll pay him $Ridiculous$ – but it’s great to read it coming from Badler, who knows his stuff.

The Brewers are not expected to go out and pick up a big name pitcher after trading away Yovani Gallardo, per Jon Morosi.

written by

Brett Taylor

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

Chicago Cubs

Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

What a road it's been - continues to be - for Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. The former top prospect was on a rocket ship to Triple-A in 2021, and then mostly lost the last two years to various injuries....

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

CRAAAAAP: Cody Bellinger to the Injured List (UPDATES)

So much for all those words of optimism and negative X-rays. After colliding with the outfield wall last night, Cody Bellinger fractured his rib (Update: It's actually TWO fractured right ribs) and will hit the injured list today. Chicago Cubs...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: What is it, June 2023?

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs took Game 1 against the Houston Astros in convincing fashion last night. So tonight, they'll go for the quick series win against Spencer Arrighetti at Wrigley Field (it'd be a good idea to win...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Bellinger Optimistic Post-Injury, Busch’s Defense, Almonte Stock Rising, Tauchman Slugging, and Other Cubs Bullets

Ed. Note: Since this article was published, a CT scan revealed a rib fracture for Cody Bellinger, who is now on the Injured List. You can find all the details of that news in our most recent article right here....

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Outfield Prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming Up

With Cody Bellinger headed to the Injured List with a rib fracture, the Cubs are in need of another outfielder: center field prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming back up to the big leagues for the second time. https://twitter.com/670TheScore/status/1783217891195625709 Crow-Armstrong, 22,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Is Mike Tauchman the Best Player in Baseball? An Exploration

Hey, we're just having some early-season fun. So allow me to present the 'Mike Tauchman Is Clearly Better Than' list. As of this moment, Mike Tauchman has ... ... a higher wRC+ (151) than Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., and...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 24, 2024: Kevin Alcántara Cannot Miss Right Now

Name a player hotter than Kevin Alcántara right now. Go ahead, I'll wait. (He's already raking again today. Literally as I type this.) More on Alcántara's big day and the Smokies home run parade last night in today's Cubs Farm...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oof: Blake Snell to the Injured List Just Three Horrible Starts into His Giants Career

Just three starts into his San Francisco Giants career, Blake Snell is heading to the injured list with a left-adductor strain. Oof. You hate to even say it — and who really knows if this was related — but early...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Gotten Impossible to Not Comment on the White Sox Making Futility History

In 1997, I was a miserable Chicago Cubs fan. I mean, that was true a lot of the time, but I mean it in a very specific way that year: the Cubs had started the season 0-14. They had literally...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Guardians vs. Red Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Triston McKenzie takes the mound for the Cleveland Guardians (17-7) when they host starter Chase Anderson and the Boston Red Sox (14-11) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Cleveland...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Maple Leafs vs. Bruins NHL Playoffs First Round Game 4 Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, April 27, 2024

The bookmakers are expecting a close game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins when they meet on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET, with the Maple Leafs at -112 on the moneyline, and the Bruins at -108.Maple Leafs vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rangers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Thursday, looking for a series sweep, Caleb Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners (12-11) face Adolis Garcia and the Texas Rangers (12-12), with first pitch scheduled for 2:35 PM ET at Globe Life Field.If you're planning on watching this game,...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Padres vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

The San Diego Padres (13-13), with Randy Vasquez on the mound, visit the Colorado Rockies (6-18) who will counter with Dakota Hudson, at 3:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

NFL

2024 Las Vegas Raiders Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle & Cornerback

The desert heat is rising in Las Vegas, and so are the expectations for the Raiders. The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Silver and Black hold the 13th overall pick. Will they prioritize shoring up the offensive...

Brian Twining

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Minnesota Twins (9-13), led by Ryan Jeffers, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-20) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Minnesota-Chicago matchup.When...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Astros vs. Cubs: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Justin Verlander takes the ball for the Houston Astros (7-17) when they visit starter Javier Assad and the Chicago Cubs (14-9) at 2:20 PM ET on Thursday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Houston-Chicago matchup below.When is Astros vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Royals vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Cole Ragans will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (14-10) when they host starter Jose Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) in a rubber match on Thursday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.If you're trying to...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

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

Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (17-8) host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (9-16) on Thursday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options for the...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Lukewarm Stove: Rasmus, Castillo, Shields, Hamels, Moncada, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular