Lukewarm Stove: Leake, Papelbon, Starting Pitching, Reds Really Gearing Up for a Sale, More

Jul 17, 2015

Don’t miss out on a chance to win a signed Jorge Soler bat and/or a BN shirt and/or $100,000. I guess that last one’s probably the big one, eh? Full details here. Sign up to play at DraftKings here.

Jon Heyman’s latest column is a treasure trove of rumor bits, so give it a look. Among Heyman’s remarks: (1) the Dodgers are heavy on Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto, (2) the Cubs are among many teams to have shown interest in Mike Leake (who has apparently already been told the Reds plan to trade him) at some point; (3) David Price says that, where ever he winds up pitching next year, it won’t be because of the manager – he offered that in response, specifically, to a suggestion about the Cubs and Joe Maddon; (4) the Brewers may consider moving both Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura; (5) the Mets – just a game behind the Cubs in the Wild Card race – may have interest in adding a big bat like Gomez or Justin Upton; and (6) so much Padres stuff that mostly touches on things we’ve already heard (but that’s more smoke for the idea that they’re open to discussing just about anyone, including James Shields).

On Leake, by the way, when writing about the Reds as a possible match for the Cubs, Michael discussed how Leake might be the best fit for a Reds target. The 27-year-old righty is a free agent after this year, and has always been a steady, unspectacular starter. His career 3.94 ERA, 4.20 FIP, and 3.76 xFIP are more or less where he is again this year.

More on Jonathan Papelbon wanting out of Philadelphia, and about being happy to come – for example – to Chicago. It’s not up to him, though, and it doesn’t sound like he’s going to use his no-trade rights to try and force a trade to a particular team. As we’ve discussed before, it’s debatable how much the Cubs need a Papelbon right now, even if his presence would make virtually any team better (including the Cubs).

Joel Sherman mentions the teams “viewed as working the hardest” to add a starting pitcher these next two weeks as the Royals, Dodgers, Astros, Blue Jays. I wouldn’t make much of the absence of the Cubs for a couple reasons: (1) those four teams really, really need to add a starting pitcher, so it’s legit that they’d be mentioned; and (2) I doubt the Cubs are going to let themselves be viewed as “working the hardest” to get a starter. It’s just not their style. That said, if the Cubs don’t add at least a depth starter before the deadline, I’d be absolutely shocked. Has the pitching gone well? Yup. Am I terrified about the 5th starter spot for the rest of the year and even more terrified about the 6th/7th/8th options? Yup.

Things sure do seem to be heating up on the Reds’ front:

#Reds are prepared to trade prospective free agents Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake now that All-Star Game is over, sources say. @FOXSports

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 17, 2015

The #Reds have not packaged Cueto and Chapman in any proposals so far, preferring separate deals, if they do decide to move their closer.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 17, 2015

Opposing exec on Cueto said: #Reds know can't make playoffs, can't re-sign ace, can recoup better than compensation sandwich pick so (cont)

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 17, 2015

"It would be negligence not to trade (Cueto). They are trading him. That's a fact." #Reds

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 17, 2015

In some ways, the Reds should be playing the part of the Cubs this year: they’re not going to win, they have very marketable trade chips (especially if they shop Chapman), and they can take advantage of a relatively desperate market. On the other hand, unlike the Cubs of recent years, they’ve got Todd Frazier and Joey Votto under team control/pricey contract for a few years yet, and that’s quite a formidable core to have languishing while you rebuild. But are the Reds realistically going to be competitive next year? Even if they keep Chapman, even if they add a great starter externally to replace Cueto and Leake, and even if Homer Bailey comes back healthy, I’m not sure the answer is yes – especially when you consider that the Cardinals, Cubs, and Pirates don’t exactly project to be any worse off next year. No, no; when you drill down, the Reds have to sell, and they have to sell right now, aggressively. If they don’t, I like their chances to do some serious languishing in the next few years, and then not have a monstrous youthful core ready to explode when they’re done.

This will probably get its own piece for discussion purposes soon, but, since it just came out today, I’ll include it here: the Cubs have two of the seven most valuable trade pieces in all of baseball, according to FanGraphs. You know who they are, and you know that the Cubs aren’t trading them. So, mostly, it’s just interesting and fun.

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

Pirates Promoting Top Pitching Prospect Paul Skenes to Face the Cubs

On the one hand, it's cool to see a top pitching prospect in a game that you're already watching and passionate about. On the other hand, I absolutely do not want this for the Cubs: https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/1788306462621536666 That's top pitching prospect...

Brett Taylor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Padres 3, Cubs 0 – May 8, 2024

By the nature of the sport, of course it's true that an offense has the ability to do thing. Some of a results from a game will always be on them. But it's also true that, some days, a pitcher...

Brett Taylor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Seiya Suzuki’s First Rehab Game is in the Books (and He Looked Good!)

The Chicago Cubs are on the mend. Justin Steele and Cody Bellinger returned to the team this week, and it looks like Seiya Suzuki isn't far behind them. Suzuki started a rehab assignment with Iowa today and had an impressive...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

WATCH: Owen Caissie Stays Alive to Crush a 424ft Homer

Owen Caissie's third home run of the season was a scorcher! The 21-year-old took Columbus Clippers pitched Adam Oller deep in the bottom of the first inning to give the Cubs a 4-2 lead. The four-seamer was placed perfectly over...

Elias Schuster

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Returned and Was Like, No, Seriously, I’m BACK

We were all bummed when Cody Bellinger crashed into that wall and fractured two of his ribs for all the obvious reason. No team wants to play without their star center fielder and top-2 hitter. But the injury was especially...

Michael Cerami

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Red Sox Starters Cutting Back on the Heater, A Horrific Trade for the Marlins, More

MLB Notes — The latest from around Major League Baseball ... The Boston Red Sox have one of the best rotations in baseball through the first month-plus, but it's interesting to see how they're achieving their success this year. Red...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Loading Up with Lefties vs Dylan Cease

CUBS LINEUP — Another day, another rubber match. That's all we have around here. Let's take a look at the Cubs lineup for the finale at Wrigley Field against Dylan Cease and the Padres. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, SS...

Michael Cerami

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

We Might Eventually Run Out of Praise for Shota Imanaga, But Not Yet

It's becoming a routine at this point, but his performances keep justifying it! Shota Imanaga was fantastic once again last night, going 7.0+ innings, allowing 2 ER on 7 H and just 1 BB, while striking out 8. He is...

Brett Taylor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Counsell’s Decision on Imanaga, Suzuki Plan, White Sox Trade, Morel, and Other Cubs Bullets

Thoughts are with folks who were impacted by the severe weather in the Midwest yesterday and last night. We wound up in our basement most of the evening with tornado sirens going off, though thankfully everything was fine. I was...

Brett Taylor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | May 8, 2024: Hendricks’ Rehab Start, Pelicans Triple Play, More

Kyle Hendricks had a successful rehab start with the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans turned in an impressive triple play! That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report | May 8, 2024 Triple-A...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 08, 2024

How to Watch

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

The Texas Rangers (21-16), led by Marcus Semien, visit JJ Bleday and the Oakland Athletics (17-20) on Wednesday at 7:07 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Texas play Oakland live.When is Rangers vs....

Data Skrive

May 08, 2024

Picks

Rangers vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, May 8, 2024

The Texas Rangers (21-16) and Marcus Semien (four hits last time out) are favored (-131) on the moneyline for their matchup with the Oakland Athletics (17-20) on Wednesday at 7:07 PM ET on NBCS-CA.Jack Leiter will get the ball for...

Data Skrive

May 08, 2024

Picks

Rangers vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – May 8

The Oakland Athletics (17-20), who lost their previous three games, face the Texas Rangers (21-16) at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Wednesday. First pitch is at 7:07 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Rangers will send Jack Leiter...

Data Skrive

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pirates Promoting Top Pitching Prospect Paul Skenes to Face the Cubs

Brett Taylor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Iowa Cubs Win on Walk-Off Walk After a Position Player Was Forced to Pitch

The Iowa Cubs better celebrate with a shrimp cocktail. (That is a shrimp reference, which is one of the best and silliest baseball references - a walk-off walk is a shrimp. Who knows why.) The Triple-A squad entered this afternoon's...

Elias Schuster

May 08, 2024

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Lakefront Stadium Will Face Opposition From Friends of the Parks

Just because the Chicago Bears announced their proposal for plans to build a new stadium along the lakefront doesn't mean it is going to happen. And if it does happen, it won't be easy. But if you're a Bears fan,...

Luis C. Medina

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Padres 3, Cubs 0 – May 8, 2024

By the nature of the sport, of course it's true that an offense has the ability to do thing. Some of a results from a game will always be on them. But it's also true that, some days, a pitcher...

Brett Taylor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Seiya Suzuki’s First Rehab Game is in the Books (and He Looked Good!)

Patrick K. Flowers

May 08, 2024

Betting

FanDuel Promo Code: Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets Today!

In the bustling arena of online sports betting, the FanDuel promo code emerges as a beacon for bettors with an offer too tempting to pass up. For those ready to dive into the action, the FanDuel promo code unlocks an...

Andy Molitor

May 08, 2024

Chicago Cubs

WATCH: Owen Caissie Stays Alive to Crush a 424ft Homer

Elias Schuster

May 08, 2024

Lukewarm Stove: Leake, Papelbon, Starting Pitching, Reds Really Gearing Up for a Sale, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular