If you had your choice of one guy to NOT be on this Cubs team, who would it be?
Well, let’s back into this. Let’s take a look at the guys who we want to see retire as Cubs; let’s start in the infield. Bryzzo… both 44 & 17 should be flying from flag poles in Wrigley one day; no way, no how should these guys ever wear another team’s uniform. That’s an easy one… or two should I say. Baez is certainly making his case to be here forever. With all the trade talks, I’m sure Baez was a coveted piece; I’m glad we didn’t move him. Yes, he pisses me off too, swinging at stuff in the dirt and making some crazy throws, but the positives far outweigh the negatives here. Russell… yeah, remember him? How quickly we forgot him… He does go back to SS, right? If so, then Baez slides back to 2b, and we have our infield for the next decade. Agreed?
The “other” guys are Zobrist, Happ, and LaStella. So I guess if we had to get rid of one guy in the infield, it would be Tommy, right? Actually, I think he’s been a lot more important this year than last. I see him coming in and getting some big hits in some big moments; maybe it’s just me. But presented with the choice, I think he’s the guy. I think Happ should be here for the long haul, but he may have to play the outfield? Or maybe he’s a guy we trade at some point. I don’t know, I like Happ. Then there’s the World Series MVP. Besides his terrible walk up song, and the fact that he’s getting a little long in the tooth, he is an important piece… he provides some balance for our team. He’s only got a couple years left, so I think we ride it out with him. He’s nice to have because he HAS to be platooned to keep him healthy; perfect for Joe’s philosophy and the loaded talent on the Cubs.
Into the outfield we go… and there we find a big time contract with Heyward. He’s been better this year for sure, but worth all that dough and years? The rain delay speech will forever make him worth it, and his defense is great… like I said, he’s been better offensively, and I think we’re stuck with each other either way. I like Almora. I think he’s the CF of the future. Yes, he doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s a very good hitter and above average fielder. He may not be a lead off guy, but that’s OK. Jay has played an important role this year as well. Like Tommy and Ben, I have a feeling he’s that guy who will make a big contribution when it counts; he’s been doing so all year. That leaves us Schwarby… he’s finally above 200 for the year. His power is ridiculous. Everybody still want him forever regardless of his fielding? I do.
I’d like for him to be backup catcher too… which leads us to Willson’s world. After Bryzzo, is he the next most valuable? I’m nodding my head. Avila was such a huge move by Theo and company; how big is that move now? He won’t be here long term, but for this year… not sure we’re doing as well lately without him. Rivera was another insurance move, and then there’s Caratini… who may be the backup catcher come next year… along with Schwarby…
Man this is taking a while to get to my point… The starters… Lester, Arrieta, Quintana, Hendricks, Lackey, Montgomery. I think it’s safe to say Lester is here, as well as, Q and Kyle. Lackey will be gone; he’d be close to the top of this list, as far as guys I wouldn’t mind see go. Montgomery is such a great commodity to have. A left hander who can hold his own starting, and is even more valuable coming out of the pen for this team. That leaves Jake. I wish there was a chance to keep him; it’s going to be hard to look at him in another team’s jersey.
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And finally the bullpen… Wade has been perfect. That being said, he’s gone after this year, similar to Chapman. The next in line to close has to be Carl Jr. He has to be the top ranked guy in the bullpen after Wade, which has been more and more shaky as of late. I’d love to see Justin here long term, but he’s been bad so far; let’s hope he gets it together and is in the mix next year. Koji is gone after this year; he’s been OK. Duensing has been a nice surprise; like him. I’m getting there, I’m getting there. Pena is neither here nor there; I’d love for Grimm to be more consistent. That leaves us with two…
Rondon or Strop, who will it be? Who is that guy who should be on the streets right now? Well, if you watched Thursday night’s game against the Reds, you know the answer. I don’t know what the heck happened to Hector. He was doing pretty well as our closer before Chappy came. I thought he’d be the next in line there, but I think that’s a bit far fetched now. Still, I would keep him over Pedro.
Pedro Strop is your answer… well, he’s my answer… and not because he wears his hat crooked. That doesn’t bother me like it does some people. His ass getting rocked on the mound does. Yeah, he has good stuff; his gas is like 98mph!!! I was surprised to see that this year. Maybe you think Rondon should be the first guy to go. Over the whole year, I still get more worried with Strop coming in the game than anybody else; I could do without that stress… he has to be the guy.
Whew, that’s like a double blog. Did I miss something? Who has to go in your mind? To me, it’s relatively easy. Strop is that guy. Who would be next? Wait, we were only looking for one guy… Go Cubs!
MK
One guy huh? Not too hard I guess. There a few that could go. As you mentioned, the infield should be locked down with Rizzo, Baez, Russell, and Bryant. Throw in Willson behind the plate and the entire infield should yield many all-star game appearances to come. Zorilla is a key piece having a down year, but he is the World Series MVP and still a key locker room contributor, plus a guy that can pretty much play anywhere. Happer can play infield or outfield and seems like a keeper. Tommy left last year but came back and has played very well when given the opportunity this year…possibly looking for a playoff roster spot? Onto the outfield, Jay has been solid. Schwarby has struggled much of the year, but his power and bat cannot be taken off this team. Heyward has been better but not worth what he is being paid…a potential trade piece to come if the Cubs eat some salary? Almora has been good at the plate and great in the field…future starter? Avila has been a nice pickup with Caratini a future backup when Willson is healthy. Without going through each starter, we know Lackey is going to be gone. Montgomery should be kept if the price is right. The other 4 are locked and loaded depending on resigning Arrieta. As for the bullpen, in my opinion, Strop and Rondon can both go. I have had enough of both of them. I think Wilson will be better as he gets more comfortable, but strop and rondon are shaky at best. Not sure what happened with rondon as he was solid before chappy came last year. Strop has always been shaky. So looking for one guy, make strodon be gone! GO CUBS GO!!!