Thursday was my first day back at work; yeah, the dreaded 2 day work week this week. I had to peek out from my email trench to visit a client for a meeting; that meeting was scheduled at 10:30 am. The second the meeting got started, my phone started blowing up. I was like really? THIS had to happen right now. Damn. I can’t wait until this meeting ends.
And it did… eventually, about 2 hours later. As I got on the elevators, I started reading the details. It was true… shockingly. The Cubs and Sox had made a blockbuster deal. Quintana was going to the Cubs, and Jimenez, Cease, and 2 other prospects were going to the Sox. Yes, that happened.
I was happy with the trade. Actually, I think I would be happy with the trade as a fan of either team. At first glance, this definitely appears to be one of those “win-win” type deals. Only time will truly tell, but initial reaction should be positive from both sides of town. We know that these 2 teams are at very different points in the process. This is what both teams needed.
It made too much sense NOT to make this deal. Not only does Quintana give the Cubs that much needed starting pitching help THIS year, it locks up a rotation spot for the next 3 years… at a reasonable price. Quintana has made a living making quality starts and not getting run support. Now I know the Cubs haven’t been scoring runs consistently this year, but the quality starts have definitely been missing. Jose has had 95 quality starts since 2013; that’s good for 6th best in the majors. To get a guy like this, a left handed starter, seemingly in his prime, and under control without having to part with major league talent… that’s the Cubs side of the win.
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Now certainly we can look at the downsides of the trade for both teams, like Quintana hasn’t been great this year, or the Cubs gave up too much for him, or Jimenez will turn into the next Aaron Judge; those are some of the fears on the Cubs side. On the Sox side, it all goes back to “prospects”. They’ve dealt one of the best pitchers in the majors, now another top notch pitcher, and did not receive one major league ready talent; no guarantee on those prospects. We know what Sale and Quintana bring to the table. Yeah, you can dwell on the dark side of these deals, and worry about that if you’d like. I’d like to think that this trade will benefit both teams, and will eventually lead them to meet in the 2020 World Series.
But for the right now, the Cubs start the second half with another quality starter; don’t stop now boys. Keep dealing. Don’t think we have enough for Archer or Darvish, but certainly think we can swing Gray or Gausman. Same goes for the Sox. Next up, Robertson. Get another haul for him, and you just keep brightening that future. Frazier? Abreu? Don’t stop now boys.
It’s win now vs patience. That’s where we’re at. Will this move help the Cubs get in the postseason for the 3rd straight year? Will this move help improve the rebuilding timeline for the Sox? I’d like to think yes yes. The next chapter starts Friday.
Mo
I would not call this a blockbuster trade, more like a much needed trade for both sides. CUBS and Soxs got what they both needed. Giving up prospects can be tricky, b/c you really know what you have got until some development is seen. For the CUBS you have seen what Quintana can do and that is a big plus. It could turn into a big trade for the Soxs if 2 out the 4 player turn out to be major league talent. Cubbies are in a tougher position, stay in it this year and plan for next year. They still need one more pitcher this year and one pitcher next year.
My question is what about the pitchers in the minors? Only 3 left handed pitchers are in AAA team, I was hoping for more diversity. Why isn’t there more pressure to develop this players? Maybe give a few a shot in the majors b4 shipping off any pitcher into a trade! September is still far off and the roster expansion is a mile away.
Give them a chance, it works out the best for the front office. Their he pitches like a stud which equals being part of the future, or he needs more work. Still a long second half with plenty of spot starts for players that need it.
Go Cubs!
MK
The Cubs did not waste any time trying to jumpstart their 2nd half. Theo pulled the trigger on sending 4 prospects to the sox for lefty stud Quintana. There goes your proverbial shot in the arm right before the 2nd half starts for the Cubs. Q is exactly what the Cubs needed…another stud starter who happens to be lefty and a quality start machine. Montgomery gets to head back to the pen as another lefty when needed. The Cubs get a guy who is locked in for a few years and should be a great fit for the Cubs. Yes, the Cubs gave away 4 prospects who may or may not make it in the bigs. As you said, I think this is a win/win for both clubs. The sox are stockpiling young talent and should not be done. Frazier sounds like he is definitely going somewhere and Robertson should follow him out the door. The sox farm system is now top 5. Will all that talent pan out in the bigs? Too early to tell but why not bring some guys up now to see?
Are the Cubs done now? Do they need anything else? Maybe another arm out of the pen? Britton from the Os makes sense to me. Few weeks left before the deadline. Trust in Theo and thanks for the 2nd half boost!
GO CUBS GO!!!