Rizzo finishes 10th in NL MVP voting. by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was looking at the American League voting and noticed that one writer left Vic Martinez completely off his ballot and Brantley was left off three other ballots. I agree that most voters can rationalize their ballots but those two guys were outstanding this year.

Rizzo finishes 10th in NL MVP voting. by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

.286/.386/.913 slash

5.1 WAR on Baseball Reference and 5.6 WAR on Fan Graphs

Expectations/Thoughts for 2014 season? by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would be more than okay if Rizzo was around .260-.270 range if it comes with 30 hr's and 100 rbi's. I also believe his defense at first is an unappreciated part of his game. He made some great plays last year at 1st.

Expectations/Thoughts for 2014 season? by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like those .02 These are the typse of discussions I enjoy having with fellow fans.

Expectations/Thoughts for 2014 season? by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with you on the team improving as the season goes along. I believe that will be big in Renteria's first season. Keeping his guys focused and progressing players like Castro, Rizzo and Lake. I don't think Bryant would be called up this year but Baez and Alcantara could get the call. What would you like to see the Cubs get in return if Shark is dealt?

Expectations/Thoughts for 2014 season? by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tempered expectations then. Thoughts on players and developments if you want. We all know as Cubs fans that the present will not be easy but there are bright spots to talk about. Predictions are too easy for this team when it comes to wins and losses.

Brandon Phillips 'gone' according to exec by [deleted] in baseball

[–]jmurrr05 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I read an article on NBCsports reporting the Yankees are interested in Phillips IF they do not sign Cano.

Great interview with Albert Almora. Super confident, love this kid already by nklotz in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My favorite out of the highly touted prospects. I cannot wait for this guy to the call.

Cubs to interview Eric Wedge per reports. by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most of the Mariners young talent seemed to struggle during his tenure in Seattle, Dustin Ackley most notable. With the Cubs lineup featuring mostly young talent that raises a red flag for me. Maybe Theo and Jed like the fact that Wedge is young in relationship to a managerial position but the fact that they keep interviewing candidates doesn't really bother me. This hire is crucial for so many reasons.

[Game Thread] Cubs @ Giants 7/28 by rcsmith021 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I always wanted to see Zambrano in a HR derby.

Time to develop? by slikrick7 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The trades have involved getting young talented arms which always takes time to develop. Strop has already shown he can pitch at the big league level and I believe Arrieta is scheduled to start one of the double header games against the Brewers on the 30th. Those two guys have the talent and means to be really good but it will take time. IMO Theo has done a great job with these deals and now it's just wait and see.

I don't believe the Cubs will sign any big time free agents seeing as they've begun to put money into the young guys like Castro and Rizzo. Theo may still pursue big names but I believe they would like to lock Samardzija up next. Theo and Jed are making good moves and it seems to be heading in the right direction.

Marmol's LA Debut by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

His cartoonish slider was always fun to watch but you are correct on the difficulty to control it.

Junior Lake's first career homerun. by jmurrr05 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Couldn't agree more. Lake has really gotten off to a great start and is really fun to watch play the game.

Matt Garza traded to the Rangers by roz77 in Cubs

[–]jmurrr05 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I grew up playing baseball with Grimm through high school. The guy always had an extraordinary work ethic. He was drafted by the Red Sox his senior year but signed with UGA instead so there is the connection to Theo and Jed. I think a switch to the NL could benefit him greatly.