Flash

I've been banging the Darvish drum for over a month but Cubs will want pitching, most likely beginning with return of Cease. Plus...there will be strong competition for Darvish.

Don't Cubs have Nico Hoerner?

Why would the Cubs want Madrigal?

I think its Springer or bust. The problem is JR will have to push his chips in without the benefit of economic visibility.

There was a piece in FG a few weeks ago about how Smileys fast ball velocity ticked up and accordingly, he was mentioned as potentially undervalued. Not anymore.

What does that mean for Quintana?

Lynns value is down considerably since last trade deadline and I'm guessing Texas/Daniels is a bit more humble. I think if he wanted much more that that, I'd pass.

Guessing Lynn can be had for far less than Vaughn or Madrigal but we would still have to part with someone of value. Possibly Stiever plus Matt Thompson (who I think is from Texas)?

I doubt there is much of a market for Madrigal, especially coming off shoulder surgery. The notion that he could headline a deal for Marquez is silly. I'm not even entirely sure there would be a ton of demand for Vaughn (other than Milwaukee and 1 or 2 others). I keep coming back to Tauchman on Yankees. A bit older but under control, LH hitting, some pop, can play all 3 OF positions and is completely redundant on Yankees (plus he's from Chgo). I'd try to trade someone like Lopez for him and let him platoon with Engel. Then, go hard after FA pitchers.

Incidentally, Marquez is scheduled to make $7.8M next year.

If $35M added (bringing PR to @$140M), how do you allocate it? Springer plus Quintana plus maybe Hand or Colome? OR...do we add Springer and hope to trade for less expensive pitching help? OR...blow the wad on Bauer w/maybe a little left over for a flier on someone like Archer?

FanGraphs pegs WS 2021 payroll at @$104M w/o Rodon and Mazara. Not sure whats going to happen w/revenue in this environment but adding $30M/yr. seems reasonable, assuming no disaster scenarios. You can contemplate several interesting combinations of targets for $30-35M.

When it stops being the key data point in trades. If you have another/better way to weigh trade values other than the mental masturbation of offering hypotheticals from among lesser valued players because you aren't interested in parting with players of similar value, enjoy.

At time of trade, Clevinger had surplus value of @$38M and the package from Padres was a bit light of that. Marquuez has surplus value of $98M now. Its not a relevant comp.

That would be my wish list as well but they would combine for over $40M for the next 3 yrs and beyond (Springer). I also think Cubs would insist on Cease or Kopech in exchange AND, if an auction occurs, we might have to take on another contract, i.e. Kimbrel. All of which is do-able but unlikely at least until greater visibility into gate revenue for '21 and beyond.

Not advocating it but TX will want someone interesting. This board has already shot down the possibility of trading anyone, even for a quality starter.

Madrigal will not be traded...especially following offseason shoulder surgery. The tea leaves suggest Lynn as a target with a possible return to TX for recently drafted Jarrod Kelley in exchange. Doubt Cease or Kopech get moved (unless Cubs dangle Darvish in which case we should lead with Cease).

Hard for me to imagine breaking the bank for a RH CF leadoff man who won't play CF nor leadoff for the WS. He is a terrific player who would bring winning energy to our young nucleus but feels a bit like a luxury. Lets hope the plan calls for acquiring (most likely via trade) a difference making pitcher (i.e Darvish, Lynn) in addition to Springer if thats the direction we take. Personally, I'd exhaust all options/resources to acquire pitching help before committing $20M plus on a RF'r but maybe they're not mutually exclusive.

As much as I'd like to believe some random unsponsored source purporting to have specific details on the bid/ask/terms for what will be the largest contract in WS history, at a time when even traditionally aggressive teams are waiting for the revenue picture to become clearer, I just don't. Sorry...hope I'm wrong.

no way

I've commented here in the past that the Brewers line up as a potential trade partner for WS. They are great at developing pitchers, both starting and relief. They have a number of pitchers worth pursuing and my favorite target is Burnes (less costly and better stuff than Woodruff). The Brewers probably believe they can compete in 21 and beyond so are unlikely to trade key pieces unless they are blown away by an offer. The caveat is the financial reality of COVID and the very real possibility of no gate revenue again in 21. I don't know Brewers financial situation or ability to endure another $75-$100M operating loss but if I'm Hahn, I'm talking to Stearns every week. The Brewers need help at just about every position EXCEPT PITCHING and especially IF'ers (except 2B/Hiura). If we are serious about adding a difference making pitcher, Burnes is a perfect target. The flip side is parting with equivalent or even greater value and its not a package headlined by Cease, Kopech or Vaughn. Who knows...maybe they'd even consider moving Yelich' huge contract, especially after down year in 2020.

All nice moves but not even close on what it would take for Woodruff and Brewers aren't likely to trade him for a kings ransom. Think about what WS would ask for Giolito then add another $50+M in surplus value.

Sox aren't trading Madrigal. Besides, he might not be back until late string from shoulder surgery.

Guys - doubt we'll see WS announce trades or FA pursuits until deep into hot stove season. Too much financial uncertainty. If/when they do, my guess is they will focus on pitching. They might have a shot at Bauer but I'm skeptical. My #1 target is Darvish (assuming the Cubs shed payroll). He's locked up for 3 yrs at -$20M/AAV and on a given day, is as good as there is. If Cubs create an auction for him, I would consider taking on Kimbrels remaining year (hell, he might still have something left in the tank). Under a Darvish/Kimbrel scenario, we might have to send Cease back but not much else. Gio, Dallas and Darvish compare favorably to any AL team and you can fill in 4/5 with Dunning, Koepech or FA like a Quintana, Smiley or Paxton. Again...this is all subject to economic visibility.

other than Bauer, which FA pitchers should we pursue?