December 7, 2016: Turn Up The Flame

First Sale, then Soler, then Eaton, then Chapman…  Turn up the flame… the hot stove is a burning, and Chicago is right in the middle of it.

I think overall, Sox fans were satisfied with the Sale deal.  Giving up a pitcher that good cannot be easy, but it was obvious he would net the most in return.  Anybody traded after that wouldn’t get anything near that… unless you’re dealing with the Washington Nationals.

That was highway robbery; nice move RH.  The Nationals gave up their best pitching prospect AND another 2 players for Eaton.  I couldn’t believe what I was reading.  Eaton is a nice player, don’t get me wrong.  But if the Sox were to have got Giolito for Eaton straight up, I think that would have been a solid deal.  But for the Nats to throw in 2 more players, including another top pitching prospect, the Sox duped their ass.

The numbers are a part of it… no doubt.  Eaton’s fielding last year was tremendous, which led to his WAR being so good.  By putting him in CF, the Nationals can move Trea Turner, a guy they did not want to give up, into the infield at SS.  That all makes sense, but let’s look at more than just last year.  Let’s remember how Eaton played in CF the year before; he was horrific.  And that’s where Washington wants to play him?  And then there’s the whole fact that he’s constantly banged up.  If not on the shelf, he’s constantly hobbled; throwing his body around like crazy out there doesn’t help.  It’s great to see the hustle, don’t get me wrong.  But this guy should be wearing a helmet out there.  He’s been defined as scrappy at times, and yes, you need those players on your team, but for the cost that the Nats paid… geez.

The Sox should be ecstatic about this one.  They followed up the Sale move with this one; they are headed down the right path.  Don’t stop now boys a la Hawk.  The Sox may be good in a couple years…

The Cubs are good.  About 5 years ahead of the Sox in the rebuilding plan, the Cubs and their fans have seen the fruits of their labor.  It all came together with a World Series title.  Yes, the Cubs actually won the World Series.  And now, it’s time to repeat.
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One of the keys to the Cubs postseason success was signed by the Yankees yesterday.  Aroldis Chapman was signed to a 5 year 86 million dollar deal late last night.  Will the Cubs miss him?  Probably.  Would the Cubs have won without him?  Probably not.  Well, we’re about to find out how true both of those statements are.  Of course, the Cubs were already a step ahead.  Knowing that they weren’t going to pay the man his money, right or wrong, they executed their plan.  They traded Jorge Soler for Wade Davis from KC.  That contract?  1 year, 10 million.

Yes, it’s a true bargain… if he is healthy; the Royals actually allowed the Cubs to check him out before the deal was finalized.  I hope what they saw stays true.  But back to that bargain:  check the numbers.  Although he won’t be throwing 100 mph, and we won’t be ooohing and ahhhing after every pitch, his numbers are actually better than Chapman’s.  And oh yeah, check his postseason numbers.  He holds a 0.84 ERA in 32 1/3 innings pitched.  Yeah, so there’s that too.  And one more thing… per Patrick Mooney, the Cubs were interesting in acquiring Wade Davis before.  KC’s asking price?  Kyle Schwarber.  So we still have Schwarbs, and we have Davis.  The price?  Jorge Soler.

Just like any Cub on this 2016 team, you will always be remembered Jorge.  We will remember you for your postseason success the year before, helping us beat the Cardinals for the first time ever in the playoffs.  We really never got a chance to see how good you could be.  Whether it was injuries, or too many guys ahead of you, at least you’ll finally get your chance in KC.  It’s because of all those guys, that we knew this was coming; I’m happy with the return.  Good luck to you.

It’s December and we’re still talking baseball.  You got to love it.  We’re talking Sox baseball for the first time since they named Renteria their new manager.  Could the Sox actually be back in the conversation in Chicago baseball?  They are definitely making a case.  Trying to follow and execute the same plan that the Cubs followed will not be easy, but you have to give them credit for trying.  It’s definitely refreshing; way better than the alternative of signing another veteran way past his prime.  Much more to come.  Can’t wait for baseball season to begin.