Do YOU trade Castro?

Starlin Castro. This name spurs lots of different emotions amongst Cub fans. Some think of his amazing debut in Cincinnati (http://youtu.be/goeN5G7G6S4 ). Others remember his frustrating mental lapses... http://youtu.be/DEYHRKVJTiU

Ultimately, it is hard to deny the talent he has at the plate. Additionally, this season has been much improved on the field as well. With a month left in the season, Starlin is on pace to be well below his 25 error per season career average.

But the hitting talent....

It is pretty good. Pretty damn good. Even with the hiccup season, Starlin is averaging 184 hits in his first 3 full major league seasons. If he maintains that pace and plays the same number of seasons as Jeter, he would finish his career at 3,318, could for top 10 of all time.

So why the hell would we trade him? 

Let us look at the current situation with our lovely North Side friends. With a clear turn for the better coming sooner than skeptics believed (CoughNOTMECough), there is valor in shopping a bit. The Cubs picked up future stud Addison Russell from the A's, who looks like a natural at Short. Starlin is playing way above his contract value, since he signed a very friendly deal not to long in the past. With this deal and additional team control on the table, the Cubs can get good return. Additionally, with teams like the Mets loaded with young pitching AND hungry for a shortstop. Seems like a natural fit. 

For the right return, the Cubs should keep there ears open, but maybe the projection of the Hall ringing will be enough music to calm the front office. For now.

The Beginning

The day most Cub fans have been waiting for is finally here: Javier Baez is coming to the MLB!

My immediate reaction is similar to this child here: http://youtu.be/pFlcqWQVVuU 

After a horrendous start, Baez has really turn it on, bringing his average up to .260  with 23 bombs. His upside is known. He is the prospect every fan has come to know. The worry is balancing realistic expectation and hype. 

Baez is a true talent, but there are some trends that need to be addressed in order to temper the excitement:

- Baez has a career MiLB K ratio of 28%, which is still 3% higher than being consider 'awful' (http://www.fangraphs.com/library/offense/rate-stats/). Baez has a quick and powerful swing, but this comes with some consequences. It would be fair to say he could struggle after the initial call up. For this reason, it is good to call him up now to get the test drive out of the way. He has shown the resilience to make adjustments and work hard. 

- Career MiLB fielding percentage of .944. For a comparison, Starlin Castro has a career percentage of .963. The glove leaves something to be desired, but Second base may be a great place to stick him. 

- Javy is 21 YEARS OLD. If he doesn't not look like Dereck Jeter in his first month, give him a break. Players are not considered in their prime until their late 20's. Mike Trout is the exception, not the rule.

Now that the ground rules are set, it is time for is to enjoy the clear start of the next stage of Cubs Baseball. Welcome, and enjoy. Oh, let's also start watching the #BAEZBOMBS 

#VoteRizzo

Today. Today is the last day to vote for our hometown hero. Today is the day we will know if Anthony Rizzo will be going to the All Star Game.

And he belongs there.

And here is why...

92 hits, 45th best total in MLB, 8th amongst First Basemen.

20 HR, 6th in MLB, 2nd in the NL.

8th most walks in the MLB, with 2nd lowest K total amounts the top 20 BB getters.

.899 OPS, 17th in MLB.

.993 Fielding percentage at 1B.

Rizzo is on pace to set Career highs in every category. He is a silent leader on the field, and a vocal one off through his work with his charity and local hospitals.

So Vote Rizzo. Early and often. He has earned the respect of the fan base, and has earned a part of all Cun fans' hearts. It is time to return the favor.

Hope...a forgotten 4 letter word

Let's be honest. A realistic minded person did not see the Cubs competing for anything more than moving out of the cellar of the division. The team at times has been frustrating, the culmination of the frustration resolving in the outright release of Jose Veras.

With all the negative feelings towards this Chicago team, let's focus on positives. 

1.) Castro/Rizzo: Rick Renteria was brought in to change tha atmosphere and attitude of the Major League club. Additionally, it can be argued he has been brought in to help Castro. Up to this point in the season, he is doing the Job. Castro looks more and more comfortable at Short as the year goes on. His batting average isn't turning heads, but it is a HUGE improvement over last year. Letting Starlin do his thing seems to be the answer, for the hits and some flashes of that power have returned. Rizzo is in the conversation for the All-Stat game. After struggling against Lefties last year, Rizzo is putting up video game numbers this year. Things are looking up for the core.

2.) Minor League Development - Kris Bryant. Just reading his name brings chills to ever pitcher in AA. Bryant is enjoying a monster season this year, leading ever Triple Crown Category by a decent margin. Javier Baez is also turning his season around at AAA. His batting average is up to .234 after a very rough start to the season.

I understand Cub fans eagerness to see these guys at the big league level, but there is no need to rush them in order to bring in fans. Baez needs to work on the 30% K rate. Bryant may be a hitting machine, but a decision needs to be made what position he wants to play. With Renteria playing match ups and rotating a long bench at the MLB, Bryant and Baez can continue to benefit with everyday play. 

3.) Rennovations- Even with new obstacles and delays, this project is happening and it WILL have a great effect on the team. After touring the Wrigley facilities my self this past fall, saying upgraded player facilities is needed is the understatement of the Millenium. Let's get this going.

162 games. That's how many these guys get to play. With recent improved play and offensive execution (7-3 in their last 10), this team is better to watch then in years past. The change is coming. And it will likely be everything we hoped for.

Til next time Vine Lovers,

CC

http://mlb.mlb.com/r/video?content_id=33608083

http://mlb.mlb.com/r/video?content_id=33579895

Cooler by the Lake

Very close to a sweep last night. Very close. Last night's loss is frustrating only because by the box score it seems like the same team we have had the last few seasons. Lost late due to the closer.

PAUSE. Something is different. This team battles through at bats. Rizzo and Castro are maturing and leading. Starting pitching has been top notch. Are the winds of change finally here?

The record may not show it, but there has been better baseball of late up on the North side. It may not be immediately obvious, but this team does the little things well. Unfortunately, these team is lacking the true offensive talent to take a step in the division.

That brings me to my point. I love Bonifacio, Valbuenca 1-2 in the lineup. Castro in the 4 is working, just look at the numbers since the change. The thing I am challenged to understand is this: Why not Olt and Lake everyday?

Renteria has preached fundamentals and teaching opportunities, but I am BEYOND confused on why Lake and Olt do not get regular at bats at this level. Mike Olt is coming off a season in which he was plagued with vision issues. Junior Lake was a surprise after he was called up mid last year. Both of these guys have some holes in the swing, but bring the promise of upside. With a team that is not built to win now, it is worth playing them to find out how they fit into "the plan." Junior Lake had a solid day at the plate Saturday, only to ride pine last night. Mike Olt has struggled of late, but it is hard to work through issues without regular playing time. If Olt was not to play regularly, the Cubs did him a disservice by calling him up. He would have benefited from regular at bats in Triple A. 

This team has been promising of late. There is a really solid staff and an emerging power bullpen. The question remains: why do the best players not play? 

CC

Game 2

0-2. Not a start a starved fan base wants. Thank god for the fact that this team has 160 games left this season. And now the pros and cons list of game 2:

Pros:

*Rizzo - Even with a 1-9 start to the season, last night was some progress. He is taking better at bats. That late inning sequence in which he battled to 3-2, to take an inside pitch yard was a look of a more mature Rizzo. I am liking the set hand position in his swing's pre-load, more opportunity to square up the ball with less dancing around.

*Bonifacio - Beyond the pickoffs (so frustrating), he has been a nice early surprise. Two 4 hit games already this season with a .750 BA. I like what he brings to the top of the lineup. 

*Jackson - It wasn't the prettiest start, but there were some bright spots. He battled for 5.1 innings for 5Ks, 4B, and scattered 2 hits with 1 ER. He worked his way into trouble a few times, but made good pitches to get out of some bad situations. 

Cons:

*The Lineup - I do NOT like Castro in the 3 hole. Castro was out a few weeks with the Hamstring injury and his timing may be a little off. That is not the description of a player that I want in the 3 spot of the lineup. Additionally, I do not like having Olt on the squad just to bench him game 2. There may be some resting strategies at play due to that shoulder soreness he was dealing with this spring. That being said, the Cubs lineup is better with Olt protecting Rizzo in the lineup. I think the best options for 1-2 in the lineup are Bonifacio and Castro. Castro is a contact hitter with some legs. The hit and run potential with those two makes me excited. 

*RISP - 1 for 27 after two games. This team is starved for a big hit. I am looking to Rizzo, Olt and Castro to step up as leaders for these situations. The silver lining is that this is a series Vs. a team that won over 90 games last year due to there solid staff and bullpen. 

Coming up next!

Jason Hammel in his Cub debut vs. Wandy Rodriguez at 11:35 Ct. 

-CC

Opening Day

It's here. After a long few weeks of training camps, the games begin to count!! 

I don't know about you Cub fans, but I am excited for 2014. Yes, EXCITED. I think we can chalk that up to about a 50/50 split between brainwashed optimism and nostalgia. 

I'll calm down just a second to address my point: the 2014 Cubs are something to be excited about. Here's why:

1.) New Management: 

I don't have anything personal against Dale Svuem, but I am glad to see him gone. He was handed a tough situation and did not contribute anything to at least keep the ship afloat. So now we turn to Rick Renteria, ex-Padres bench coach, to man the helm. He brings a new attitude and a fresh look that focuses on developing talent at the Major League level. Many players have commented on his great attitude and the change in the overall atmosphere, but that is all talk. Time to take Ricky to the park and see what he can do.

2.) Rizzo and Castro:

There are not two Cubs happier that there is a new season. After what was noticeable regression in '13, these players are starved for a opportunity to prove they are better than last year. Castro came into camp healthier (until the injury) and with a new attitude. Rizzo has worked with new hitting coach Bill Mueller on taking the movement out of his approach. Can these guys get back to form? 

3.) The kids are coming...

If you have been living under a rock, let's bring you up to speed: Javier Baez had a great spring. Even though he is starting the year at Triple-A, he is knocking on the door of a call up. Kyle Hendricks is waiting in the wings as well. He had what Rick Sutcliffe described as the "it" factor. That future that Theo and Jed tell is about. It is almost here.

4.) "Happy birthday to...

Wrigley! On April 23, Wrigley Field turns 100 years old and the marketing team has a bunch of decade themed promotions at the park all season. That alone is worth the price of admission.

So sit back. Relax. Turn on that familiar WGN broadcast (potentially for the last year) and enjoy the thing we love through and through: The Cubs. It's a new year, and baseball is beautifully unpredictable. For that alone, it is good to be back home.

-CC

The "Olt" of Lightening They Need

7 days. 7 days from today I return to a magical world that is second to none: Baseball season. With the sounds of post-fantasy draft discussions and the stress of final spring cuts upon us, I need to get something off of my chest that has been weighing on me all spring: Mike Olt should be the Cubs' Opening Day third baseman.

If you have read my tweets during the spring, this is not a shocking revelation. My love fest for Olt started this offseason. I have drooled over the metrics of a 2012 untouchable from the Rangers. I have day dreamed about the protection he can provide to a maturing Rizzo. Mumblings of being a "competitive" team have creeped into my conversations. But all Roses have thorns. And all fans have Rose-colored glasses.

Olt is 25 years old and in a different conversation than "The Core." He has seen success in Triple A. He has seen (or not seen...because of last year's eye issues) struggles in Triple A. He has experienced all that needs to be experienced on the internal Theo/Hoyer Report Card. 

Back in July 2012, when the Cubs were in the middle of a losing season, Theo was taking calls about the price for Ryan Dempster. When the Rangers came calling, Olt was UNTOUCHABLE. Olt hit 28Hrs in 354 ABs with a solid .579 Slugging. The Cubs have seen a glimpse of that potential this Spring. Olt has been Solid with a .273 average with 5Hrs in 44 ABs. 

Let's be honest here. The Cubs will struggle to compete this season. As I have stated in many blogs, the future is bright. But the time is now for Olt. I see the argument to use Valbuena given his spring performance (.294, 6Hrs), but Olt is a whole different level. Olt is a .280, 25-30HR guy that solidifies a lineup that is starving for a solid 4. He looks rusty at 3B, but countless scouts believe he will be an above average fielder. Bring the kid up, have him solidify an order that is begging for production. Let's lock up the revolving door 3B has become Post-Aramis. Given the Cubs immediate situaton, what is the worst that can happen? He may be just the "Olt" this team needs...

-CC

Love is in the Javier

CRACK. The sound of sweet lumber as another now dubbed 'Baez Bomb' leaves the yard. 

It's hard not to get excited this spring. To us Cub fans, we are experiencing what I call the Christmas Eve phenomenon. We all remember Christmas Eve as a child. It was a day of wonderous anticipation, of impossible dreams, of excitement. We spent so much time building up the joys of Christmas and fantasizing about what 'Santa' could have under the tree. Sometimes our expectations would even trump the festivities of the actual day.

Flash forward from your youth  to March 2014. It is Spring Training, the 'Christmas Eve' of baseball season. No matter how many seasons you have followed or glimpses of success you have seen ('69, '84, '89, '98, '03, '07, '08), we all are watching one thing: the "Core."

You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard the countless sitings of Soler, Bryant, Almora, and Baez. This year at spring camp, we are getting a glimpse of most this group. That concept itself pays for the price of admission. These four players have become the coatracks for my dreams of a post-rebuild team. But let me get to the point.

Javier Baez should not break camp with the major league club. I'm sorry Cub fans, I know we are hungry. I know we have seen in a small sample so far what this kid can do (.417, 2 HRs this spring, .282, 37 HRs combined in A/AA). The fact of the matter regardless of service time issues, spring training performance, etc; the kid should see some Triple A. 

With some promising progress from Olt, an interesting option in Bonifacio, and a chance at redemption for Barney, there just is not any room right now. Let Barney prove his worth as a caliber second baseman. Let's see what Olt can do at third. If Barney shows a turnaround at the plate and Baez is scorching AAA, Barney has become a chip to get more arms for the rebuild. If Olt doesn't develop at third, then Baez is an option to take those duties. The Cubs still need to see what kind of things they have on the major league roster. This approach will only be beneficial for the team as a whole.

Unfortunately, the addition of Baez to this lineup right now does not make the Cubs a playoff team. Let the team execute the plan they have for the team they have on the field. If Baez produces at Triple A, then bring him up as an early call up to potentially invigorate an offense in May/June. Let him get everyday at bats to work on his opposite field driving (which has looked better) and his plate discipline(147 SO in 514 ABs in '13). Put him in a place where he will see regular at-bats and everyday playing time to work on his glove(44 errors, .932 fielding % in '13).

 It's almost 'Christmas' Cub fans, and Santa has Bryant, Baez, and maybe a few other surprises as gifts. It stinks sitting here on Christmas Eve dreaming of what coming. But sometimes, even though it kills us, these things are still worth the wait.

-CC

http://youtu.be/o91s0broyZ4

February 27th - A Historic Day of sorts

Today the Cubs marked another date on there ever growing history. Today was the first official game at the beautiful new Cubs Park in Mesa, AZ. Though what can be interpreted as a small event, this day was a celebration of the work to ring this state-of-the-art facility to Mesa.

The game was your standard Spring Training game. When I look at a box score for a Spring Training game (ST), I always look at a few specific things. First, I look to see the performance of potential opening day roster players and the work of the starting pitcher.

Today we saw the return of Jeff Samardzija to the mound. After a rocky start, he turned in a pretty solid spring debut. Additionally, it was nice to see Starlin Castro hitting the ball well.

I want to take a moment to address a fun trend I noticed on twitter. Baseball is a beautiful game that is driven by an amazing concept: failure. This is a sport in which it is celebrated when a player fails to reach base around 70% of the time. This being said, its time for the talk. Just because certain players didn't have a great day 1, does NOT mean they are going to have a bad spring.

The Cubs have the Halos tomorrow with our first look at Chris Rusin on the mound. I am interested to see how he looks early in the spring. I think he has a great shot at the rotation after putting together a solid base of work at the tail end of 2013. Additionally, Mr. Baez is seeing his first start of the spring. I would like to see him against MLB pitching, and no better example than Jared Weaver.

-CC

Questions are my questions

Spring training is finally here. While I look out the window and see a considerable amount of snow, it is comforting to know that in Arizona baseball activities have resumed. 

That being said, it is hard to really dig up excitement on a team that is coming off a few 90+ Loss seasons with minimal change to the roster. In reality, it is likely that this Cub team will win around 70-75 games. So what are the keys to being better than that? That is a great question. I would like to point out the following:

1.) Protection in the Lineup - It is fair to say that Anthony Rizzo did not have the flashiest season Batting average wise (nor did most the team). That being said, there are plenty of positives one can look too. The man had 63 extra base hits last year, which is near tops in the national league. Last year was his first full year in the Majors. It is natural to assume that fatigue set in and some adjustments needed to be made after he became the sole offensive threat in the Cubs lineup. Anthony needs protection in this lineup. I look to a few candidates to fill these spots. Junior Lake was a nice surprise last year. This year he needs to build on last years successes and help this Cubs offense that is starved for production. As I have tweeted quite regularly, I look to Mike Olt to be a steal at 3B. This guy was UNTOUCHABLE when we traded Garza. My hope is the vision problems and injuries are behind him and he can really get back to form.

2.) Bullpen - Twenty-six. TWENTY-SIX!!! Per ESPN.com, the Cubs had 26 blown saves last year, 4th worst in baseball. If this offseason hasn't been enough proof, Theo and Co. have addressed this issue. The Cub are loading up on arms; the key piece being Jose Veras at closer. On paper, this bullpen is already night and day better than last year's bullpen. There are even arms in the minors to help if there is an injury. If the Cubs convert just 7 more saves next year, this is a different team. 

3.) Starting Pitching - I cannot say enough good things about Travis Wood last year. Travis had a career year on which he was rewarded (rightfully so) with a trip to the All-Star game. I wish I could say great things about the rest of the staff. This is a very intriguing group. Jake Arrietta had electric stuff, but has yet to put it all together. Chris Bosio has worked wonders with some, so I look to Arrieta taking the next step now that he has left the atmosphere of Baltimore. Edwin Jackson became the face for angry Cub fans to point blame on Theo. I do agree it was a bit odd to be aggressive in a pitcher like Edwin, but I also do not believe he is as bad as he was last year. 

This list could go on for the questions for this years team. The answers are only a short few weeks away. My question for you is: What are your answers?

Until next time. 

CC

Excitement is building...

Yesterday was a National holiday for all of us baseball fans: Pitchers and Catchers reported. I have always felt that this time of year was the true beginning of spring. My mind begins to fill with the many hopes and dreams for the season, while trying hard to balance dreams with reality. 

After a LONNNNNNGGGGGG winter in Chicago, I am ready to fix my mind on anything that is not snow. With my mind focused on baseball season, what am I thinking about?

1.) Starlin Castro - Last year was not ideal for one of the cornerstones. Statistically, there was a significant drop in what we had come to expect from our All-Star shortstop. My take always from the end of the year last year was his defense was improving (compared to a horrendous start) and he was beginning to look more comfortable at the plate. This season for me is make or break for Castro. I would like to believe that he will be motivated with the new Regime and will perform significantly better than last year...I hope.

2.) The Four - When I look at this year's lineup, my biggest concern is the 4th spot in the lineup. I have full confidence in Rizzo in the 3, but who will protect him in the 4th spot. I see this part of the lineup going a few ways. I am looking for Mike Olt to be a surprise pick-up. As many Cub fans know, Mike Olt was the bell of the Ranger's ball when the Cubs came knocking with Dempster. After a season of some vision issues, the Rangers were humming a different tube when the Cubs had Garza to offer. Olt has plus power and could be the bat we need in the lineup to solidify the lineup. That is, if he wins the starting job. The other person I see in this spot would be Baez. If the kid has a torrid spring, I think there is a fair argument that he should get a shot at the big club.

As the pitchers stretch their arms out, I'm stretching my heart out for the pain expected of watching this team struggle for 70 wins. Their are exciting things coming, they just are not here yet. That being said, I look forward for the return of my North side heroes.

Line em Up!

Spring training is almost upon us. Pitchers and catchers will be reporting in a few days, whole squads together by the 18th. On the hangover of the largest sports spectacle of the year, it is time for us to look to what matters: Baseball Season.

That being said, I wanted to weigh my two cents worth on my projected Cubs lineup. This is how I would stack them up:

1. Castro SS

2. Barney 2B

3. Rizzo 1B

4. Lake LF

5. Schierholz RF

6. Olt 3B

7. Sweeney/Ruggiano CF

8. Castillo C

Now my hope by posting this is to spur a healthy debate on my take. Castro has been working this offseason on strength and getting into better shape. He has the best BA. in the lead off spot. Additionally, Rebteria has already mentioned he would like to put Starlin there.

The rest of the lineup is not much of a surprise except for Olt. I have high hopes for a rebound performance from this kid. As mentioned in many articles, he has sorted out his Wiley troubles and says he feels good. Olt was an "untouchable" when we dealt Dempster, so I hope to see some of this "untouchable" talent this spring.

Here are the questions I am looking to answer in the coming weeks with spring training:

1. Is Olt the answer at 3B?

2. Will Lake solidify this lineup with power to protect Rizzo I'm the 3?

Let me know your thoughts...

Venting about a famous Roof

Cub fans,

After last night, it would seem most logical to discuss the 7 prospects on the top 100 prospect list. 

But that is not why I am here today.

Will on the baseball operations side, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Kool-aid known as "the rebuild," I am very frustrated with side 2 of the plan: the renovations. 

As it broke on Wednesday, the rooftop owners are not happy on how negotiations have been represented. This would include a defamation lawsuit for a statement made over a year ago. 

Really?

The rooftops have benefited from being 200 feet from the ballpark their entire existence, and continue to benefit from a inexplicable contract signed in 2003.

On one hand, if the roof top owners are the "Cub fans" I have dreamed they are, don't they see the benefits of the updates to the stadium? A video board would improve the enjoyment for the folks (like myself) who are inside the ballpark. For years, it has been frustrating that you cannot see a replay on an amazing play because there is no where to look for that type of image. With expanded replay officially coming this year, it has been approved for the replays to be put on the video boards on the stadium. Well, that is if you have one.

I get that there is a contract. I get that they are thinking about the business side of things. BUT knowing the type of crowd that uses the rooftops (casual fans), will rooftop goers really be that mad to lose a corner of sight? If with the additional revenue stream, new ballpark facilities, and the young kids playing on the field, the Cubs are contending: wouldn't people pay anything to be in the area of the park at that point? (Ex. 2003,2007,2008)

Maybe it is time to threaten to leave. I love Wrigley field. It is my favorite place on Earth, but if this is the dragged out mess that hinders part 2 of the plan...

You can't hinder a view of a team that isn't there. 

Masahiro what I have to say, I'm Tanaka going to say it twice

Cub fans,

It is an understatement to say that there has been a lot of Tanaka information flying around today. To show our undying devotion, some fans have even tried turning to Google Translate to Tanaka's tweets. 

The point I am trying to make is this: Cub fans care about this deal. I know that this is a very obvious statement, but it needs to be said. I support what Theo and Co. are doing; and I have stated as much before. The problem is, a lot of the behind the scenes action has gone unnoticed. 

To an obsessed fan, the Cubs are making strategy-centered moves that will improve the chances of a self sustainable team that can constantly replace talent in-house. The progress of this statement is easily seen and admittedly impressive in such a short time. 

To a casual fan, the Cubs are not doing everything they can to win. The team hasn't signed a worthy big name player in a few years. These fans still grumble on the silence of the Cubs for Pujols, Cano, and Hamilton. 

Tanaka is the marriage of the two fans. He is the sexy name that some desire, and a young piece that enhances the rebuild. This has generated the hype through out.  It is hard not to drool over that sub 1.50 ERA and that undefeated record at JUST 24 years old!! He has been the subject of every baseball report since the beginning of the offseason. Pitchers like Ubaldo, Garza and others have had to wait for the mania to end to get a serious look. You have everyone's attention.

Now that we are up to speed, what can we take away from this? 

1.) Theo and company WILL spend what is necessary for a piece in the plan. 

2.) The Cubs plan on being the large market team that they are capable of being when the pieces begin to pay off. 

Being mentioned in this discussion has been a reward enough to me as a fan and reinstates my confidence in the ownership and into Theo's plan. Being in the conversation as being a team that will pay for a cog in the plan translates well with a hungry fan base. Even Google would translate it as such.

The wait continues, and I am eager, but content. 

MLK Day

Most Cub fans (including myself) are using today sit at home and anxiously await any additional news on Masahiro Tanaka. All signs from the internet show that we will not have an update until tomorrow.

Here are some additional points and references in Cubs' news...

• In a continuing series by MLBPipeline.com, Cubs' 2B Arismendy Alcantara was named the No. 4 prospect at second base. Head to MLB.com for additional information on the other top prospects at the position. Additionally, I would recommend checking out all the top 10 lists they have on the different position players. Other notable Cubs include Dan Vogelbach (1B, No. 4)  and Javier Baez (SS, No. 2). The lists for 3B and OFs will be out Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. I find this information invaluable for those who have fantasy baseball leagues, for it is good to know and track this list for a midseason lineup boost. Examples of game changers in the past from these lists include Buster Posey, Mike Trout, Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Matt Harvey, and on and on and on. Great way to try to get a leg up on the competition
• Cubs avoided arbitrating with Nate Schierholtz, Luis Valbuena, James Russell, and Pedro Strop. Remaining on the list to finish up are Travis Wood, Darwin Barney and newly acquired Justin Ruggiano.

Remember to Check Candid Cubs for Cubs ramblings and updates!

Go Cubs Go!

Come Tanaka my door...

Looks like we will have a formal answer in regards to where Tanaka lands on Tuesday or Wednesday. At the beginning of the weekend, reports were surfacing from other owners in the MLB that the Cubs would shock with their offer. 

David Kaplan tweeted yesterday that he had heard per an AL Scout that the Cubs offer is strong, but the current state of the team will make it hard to convince Tanaka. 

Theo stated on the Kaplan show yesterday in a message directly to Tanaka: "We have a lot of exciting talent on the way and you can be part of the greatest chase for a title in sports."

The clock is ticking as teams have until 5pm Friday to finish a deal. All news at this point is speculative. 

Where do you think the Cubs stand?

Check out this article and video on MLB.com

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/hot-stove-roundup-formal-offers-made-for-masahiro-tanaka?ymd=20140119&content_id=66849696&vkey=news_mlb

Opening Day! (Well opening post!)

Good afternoon North Siders,

As promised, here is the official blog for Candid Cubs. This will be home to opinion based articles and ramblings I have about my favorite north side team on a weekly basis. All opinions expressed on this blog will be my own, and I hope for you to comment to spark debates.

Additionally, I will begin to do some low-grade sabremetrics on players as the season starts. Look for a post tomorrow on updates and opinions on Masahiro Tanaka and my opinions on Clark the Cub.

Go Cubs Go

-CC