There are probably places on the Internet where one can freely complain about the Cubs without pushback; Obstructed View is not one of them. Being an astute bunch, any mindless grumbling here is likely to be met with some pointed questions: Do you really want an aging corner-outfielder like Shin-Soo Choo on the roster for the next seven years, especially …
Better Know a Cub: Jason Hammel
After the Cubs missed on Masahiro "We think he's a No. 3 Starter – Cashman" Tanaka, the Cubs went to a fall back plan. They signed Jason Hammel to a 1-year, $6 million dollar deal. Hammel, who has been good at times and bad most others, is a classic pump-and-dump candidate a la Feldman/Baker/numerous others. Do you remember the Scott Hairston …
2014 Assume the Position: 1B
It's the second installment of Assume the Position for 2014. Here are some relevant articles: 2014 Assume the Position: Catchers 2013 Assume the Position: First Base Last Year 2014 Career Name Age (2014 season) AVG OBP SLG wOBA Oliver wOBA AVG OBP SLG wOBA MLB Rizzo 23 .233 .323 .419 .325 .336 .238 .324 .412 .323 …
2014 IFA: Yankees, Cubs, and #FreeDSLCubs2
2014 International Free Agency I’m still catching up on the latest developments in the international free agent market, and it turns out there’s a few to cover, including a big one: The Yankees have decided to go all out on this year’s class. Kylie McDaniel had the story back on December 30th, and ESPN New York belatedly followed. The Yankees …
Theo Epstein On Building Under the Current CBA
Theo Epstein was interviewed on WEEI Thursday night (partial transcript). He shared thoughts on a variety of Cub-related topics alongside musings about the Red Sox. There was nothing really groundbreaking in his comments, but they were infused with an undercurrent of pessimism similar to that which you’ve been picking up around these parts since the current CBA was ratified in late 2011. We're two …
2014 MLB Draft: Jeff Hoffman and Pitching at the Top
It’s a little early for MLB draft talk, but given the lack of activity by the Cubs this offseason, it figures be a prominent discussion point again in 2014. The Cubs have the fourth overall pick, and the early buzz around the top of the draft is pitching. Last year, for example, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San …
2014 Assume the Position: C
It's the second annual (holy shit, I've been blogging over a year) installment of Assume the Position! I don't plan on making many changes since last year, though I imagine I'll have to edit these a bit as the last few signings or so trickle in. The one thing I will do is just remove the players that aren't on the …
Javier Baez to play some 2nd base this spring
I think most of thought that if Javier Baez had to be moved off shortstop, which seemed an almost certainty after he was drafted, that he would shift to 3rd base. He made himself into a decent enough shortstop to stick there through the minors and some even said he could stick. It still seems like he'll probably have to …
Are the Cubs 29th of 30?
The topic du jour in the Cubs Blogosphere is the Passan "hit" piece on the Cubs. To whit: Brett's take: Let’s be clear on some things: no one could, or should, argue that it isn’t deeply disappointing that the Cubs are where they are right now, in terms of big league competitiveness. We’re five years removed from the last relevant …
Javier Baez Not the Only Baez Cubs Fans Should Root For
Cubs fans have been rooting for Javier Baez since he was drafted with the Cubs' first pick in the 2011 draft, but Carrie Muskat posted a piece today that sheds light on another member of the Baez family that we should all root for, Javier's sister, Noely. "[Christmas] is very, very special," said Baez, the Cubs' top prospect. "When my …