Lots of the Cubs top prospects getting game action on this Halloween. Kris Bryant: 1-4, BB, 2K, 2 R Kris Bryant strikes out swinging. Kris Bryant grounds out, shortstop Alen Hanson to first baseman Angel Villalona. Kris Bryant walks. Kris Bryant singles on a soft ground ball to catcher Peter O’Brien. David Freitas to 3rd. Addison Russell to 2nd. Kris …
Guessing at the possible posting fee changes between MLB and NPB
Earlier today, we talked about the real possibility that there could soon be changes to the posting fee system. I had read this summer that the leagues, or at least one of them anyway, was trying to get the Japanese teams to take less money in the fee while the player gets more. Let's start there. The only way to …
Changes coming to the posting system as early as November 1st
When a Japanese team decides he’s willing to let a player negotiate with US teams, there’s a process that I’m sure you’re all familiar with. It’s called the posting system. Currently, the highest bid wins the right to negotiate exclusively with the player. I mentioned yesterday that changes could be coming, but changes could be coming within days. The MLB …
Gordo claims Jeff Samardzija extension is unlikely
Gordon Whittenmeyer has an article up that claims the Cubs and Jeff Samardzija are quite far apart on a possible contract extension. He says that getting one done this offseason, or ever with the Cubs, seems unlikely at this point. He also claims the Cubs would trade him by the deadline or even this offseason without an extension. That would …
Masahiro Tanaka Stats and Scouting Report, Why the Cubs are Interested
Masahiro Tanaka is among the leaders in who the OV crowd predicts the Cubs will sign and not too surprisingly, we've already learned they are interested. According to Phil Rogers, Tanaka will be the Cubs top priority this offseason. There's good reason for that, but I wanted to compare him to some other Japanese pitchers, as well as taking a …
Stars of Tomorrow: Cubs Minor League Recaps 10-26-13
No Cub did much of importance, but here they are anyway. Surprise 6 @ Mesa 1 Albert Almora: 0-4 Albert Almora flies out to right fielder Dariel Alvarez. Albert Almora grounds out, second baseman Mookie Betts to first baseman Brett Nicholas. Albert Almora strikes out swinging Albert Almora grounds out to first baseman Brett Nicholas. Jorge Soler: 1-4, K Jorge …
Kris Bryant is good at sports: Cubs minor league recap 10-25-13
Big days for Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler. Mesa 7 @ Peoria 5 Albert Almora: 0-4, BB Albert Almora flies out to left fielder Stefen Romero. Albert Almora grounds into a force out, shortstop Nolan Fontana to second baseman Cory Spangenberg. Max Muncy out at 2nd. Albert Almora walks. Max Muncy to 2nd. Albert Almora grounds out, second baseman Cory …
Crowdsourcing free agent contracts
Fangraphs spent several days asking their readers what they thought the better free agents would end up signing for. They released the results and there are a couple things that may surprise some people. I was going to include only the top 10, but since the 11th player on the list is someone who was recently attached to the Cubs, …
Stars of Tomorrow: Cubs Minor League Recap 10/19/13
Despite a huge night in the previous game, Kris Bryant was not in the lineup last night. Jorge Soler and Wes Darvill were. Jorge Soler, 1-4, R, K, 0/1/2 FB/GB/LD Jorge Soler lines out to right fielder Stephen Piscotty. Jorge Soler called out on strikes. Jorge Soler singles on a line drive to right fielder Stephen Piscotty. Jorge Soler grounds …
Mike Olt wants to win the 3rd base job
Mike Olt was acquired in July, along with CJ Edwards, Justin Grimm and a player to be named later (Neil Ramirez), for Matt Garza. Olt was having a horrible season and there were vision concerns at the time of the trade. I seem to recall it being better or even all fixed at the time of the trade, but then …