You have hit on an important future problem.

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Elections have consequences.

Stanton - why would he want to go to SF. That ballpark is crap for hitting HRs.

Stanton/Harper - they aren't coming to the Cubs.

Schwarber - I see Gary Sanchez for the Yankees and see another version of Kyle. Scharb would actually be a better hitter than Sanchez and maybe the same defensively. Some team out there would go for that I think.

That's why I think it's very smart for Theo Hoyer to be developing pitching in the minors as phase 2 of this rebuild. That way with (hypothetically) young, homegrown, and cheap pitching performing well enough you can pay the core hitters on the team while still being able to compete every year.

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thats risky. the window is right now. don't know if you can pin your hopes on minor prospects (or mount prospects).

Can't just worry your way to another championship. You have to have a plan. It appears, considering the bulk of draft prospects have been pitchers the past 2 years, Cubs management is keen on developing homegrown arms. If you can look at this from a GM perspective, it is a great idea to be able to save $$$ you would otherwise use to sign pitching depth then in turn use it on Bryant, Russell, and Baez.

Why is the window so small for you? Those 3 I just named haven't even hit their primes yet. The window for the hitters is much longer. It's retooling the pitching staff which will determine the team's success going forward. The Arrieta, Lester, Lackey window is closed IMO.

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i think the window is just 2-3 years for the current core of this team that's already proven.

The problem with the young arms is Tseng is the only one close. If you look 3 years out, they may have a bunch but that's 3 years out.

And who is that you speak of?

Rizzo is 28
Bryant is 25
Contreras is 25
Baez is 24
Russell is 23

thata at least 5 or 6 more healthy years of a window open for these guys. Take out Rizzo, and it's even longer.

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you didnt list any pitchers on that list.

I can almost 100% guarantee you one or two of them will be in the bullpen next year, and more than a few in 2019.

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I'm not as optimistic as jb11s since I've heard the same argument back in the day about the 85 bears. And you never really know in sports.

Also, let's not dismiss the high probability one or more of Happ, Schwarber, Caratini, and possibly Baez being moved this offseason. That will surely bring a young pitching prospect in return.

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and the 05 Sox.

Maples for sure and Tseng should see some innings as a spot starter if any injuries.

I think they'll get better than a prospect this offseason if you package a few of those guys. Schwarber alone you'll get at least a #2 or #3.

With the expansion talk, I wonder about the DH in the NL if not more inter league play. You know Theo won't be giving away Schwarber.

Who's in the bullpen next year from this year ?

CJ - I think Joe likes him and he's in.

Monty - this guy went to shit so fast it's unreal. Lights out last year in the playoffs but exact opposite this year. I guess they still want to make him a #5 starter?

Strop - staying I think


Grimm - gone
Rondon - gone
Wilson - should be gone
Duensing - I guess keep him.
Davis - got to sign him you'd think

What other bums am I missing here?

When's the next CBA up? Remember last time MLB agreed to get rid of the DH and everyone was in agreement except Donald Fehr of the players association? Real SOB. Anyway, they even offered another roster spot for every team in exchanged of getting rid of the DH. But that fucker had to screw it up.

Of course not. Who is there really outside of Q and maybe Hendricks? Strop seems to have figured some things out. Edwards is not who I thought he was. Davis could really be hurt, and that's why we haven't seen him. Wilson must not want to play in Chicago. Lester is old.

Keep in mind, the Hendricks deception pitching style could go to shit real fast.

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Duensing and Davis will be all based on dollars that they are offered as FAs. If someone offers Davis 4 years, he's gone. But what about 3?? He is older so there is risk going beyond 2 years so it's a major decision because you have to have a lock down closer. That's why we should have paid Jensen whatever it would have taken. Wilson is worth keeping as a reclamation project. Agree with the others listed.

Yeah, I wish the love affair with Schwarber would end. Tho, I have to admit with him on the team we can compete with any AL roster.

Don't think the DH will be discussed until the next CBA is up. I'd be a fan of more interleague tho.

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I'm really concerned Davis is hurt. Pedro kept saying that after game 2, and it wouldn't surprise me. Joe really burnt him in that game 5.

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Maybe that's why the team is so dead, knowing their closer is toast.

i guess we will know once this season is over.

Cubs will go starter relieved by starter tomorrow.

Hopefully we get ..

Quintana
Duensing
Strop

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Wilson will be in the bullpen next year.

Well it was fun while it lasted...

Schwarber for Zach Britton was suggested by one of my baseball guys as a possibility.

Matt Snyder on CBS site writes that Schwarber goes nowhere. Theo won't do it. Far more possible the Cubs eat major money and trade Heyward.

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Elections have consequences.