2023 Team

[MrSheps]

I wonder why the terms of the Fulmer signing have yet to be released. Maybe there’s something in the medicals holding things up?

I read somewhere it likely won't be announced officially until the end of this week, because that's then the Cubs can transfer players officially to the 60-day IL. So I think it's just about the roster spot.

Would like to see another lefty come in, if anyone is left(y).

[funkster]

One year, four million.

[1060Ivy]

Have a feeling that Cubs will be dumpster diving for lefty relievers toward the end of spring training. Checking the waiver wires for any lefty options that teams can’t stash. They may attempt a trade as minor leagues have depth but no longer expecting any additional relievers of note.

[Butcher]

I’m having a hard time giving a shit about this team at all. Normally I’m pretty excited when spring training rolls around but this team looks like it’s going to be thoroughly mediocre. Someone want to convince me otherwise?

[1060Ivy]

The roster has significantly more talent than last year’s team. If a number of factors go the Cubs way, the team could make the NL Central interesting for portions of the season.

What do I know as I picked up Opening Day and Friday bleacher tickets for the season - had an outstanding credit from previous seasons.

[Butcher]

More talent? Sure. Significantly more? Not so sure. They have one player in the top 100 (Swanson at #39).

[funkster]

I think they have a chance to compete in the central depending on how the Cardinals and Brewers play.

[1060Ivy]

More talent? Sure. Significantly more? Not so sure. They have one player in the top 100 (Swanson at #39).

Other than Cards and Brewers, the Cubs have as many or more players on the top 100 list than Reds and Pirates.  If memory serves, Cards have about 4 and Brewers with 2.  The NL Central just doesn’t have many Top 100 players on the list.  

Cubs seem to be a team built to play around 500 ball if they remain healthy and retreads rebound.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-network-top...w-for-2023

[rok]

They should be more entertaining and have a higher floor, but unless some of the youngsters (Mervis, Davis, Canario, Killian, Wicks, Brown ??) graduate to the MLB team mid-season and make an impact and in the unlikely scenario that Bellinger rebounds to MVP-level production and Suzuki becomes an all-star, we’re probably looking at a .500 team at best. I’m interested in seeing where this all goes though.


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[1060Ivy]

Overreaction of the week

Bote is 4 of 6 with 4 RBIs in 3 games. Clearly, this is the Bote’s year. He likely ride a hot couple games into the season to take MVP honors and lead the offensive juggernaut of a roster into the playoffs.

Nice that Bote is off to a hot start. No clue where or if the only extended position player fits into roster.

[rok]

Season. Over.

https://twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/status/163...0846413824


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[funkster]

Sucks. Those things tend to linger.

[1060Ivy]

When’s the last time an injury lingered for a Cubs player? It just never happens so just pencil in Suzuki for Opening Day and the handful of MVP votes that Bote doesn’t get this season.

Hell, Suzuki fractured his finger last year and … oh just forget about that example

On a more serious note, Ross hasn’t ruled out Opening Day or 5 days to 2 weeks into the start of the season so I’ll risk losing my medical certification over this guess and say Suzuki is in lineup for early May.

[MrSheps]

The experience of sitting down to watch the first spring game with some optimism and being greeted with the news that Suzuki was scratched felt about right. Day 2, Steele scratched. It's not like they put the starting lineups out days before. Did they just like finally decide to see if these guys were good to go an hour before the game??

[1060Ivy]

Provides overview of Cubs and points out that Cubs had little choice but to spend in offseason - rating were down 56% and attendance was also taking a hit.

Cubs spent $310 MM in offseason trying to plug significant holes in roster - oh yeah, it’s about sustainability and long term success. Yeah, right. Long term, the Cubs probably would be better off tanking another season or two and learn if changes to MiLB staff can better develop prospects and allow outfield and other key prospects in pipeline to develop/mature.

Ricketts response on why the Astros have strived and Cubs have fallen since their initial rebuilds as absolute BS.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/26/sport...-cubs.html