Cubs 2014 OF?

Didn't see this posted anywhere else... please delete if duplicate.

The Matt Szczur signing isn't new, but I thought the quote from Sully's article from Matt about the Cubs' 2014 OF was worth pulling out and looking at.

Szczur said Cubs general manager Jim Hendry told him he wanted to see him as the starting center fielder in 2014, with Brett Jackson in left and Tyler Colvin in right.

"For him to say that, I totally believed him," he said. "He wasn't beating around the bush. That helps out a lot."

At least three things stuck out to me about this quote.

First, I'm a little curious what Soriano thinks about this, since 2014 is the last year of his contract.

Second... why would Jackson go to left and Colvin to right when Brett is widely seen as the superior defender (and Colvin's defense has been questioned, in general)?

Third... Hendry seems to definitely believe Colvin has staying power. I think we all assumed this, but to (apparently) be that specific to Szczur reinforces this.

Lastly, the 2014 comment suggests they will start reasonably slowly with Szczur's development. Perhaps A/A+ ('11), A+/AA ('12), AA/AAA ('13) is the projected arc.

And, yes, for all of these points I fully realize that Hendry isn't absolutely banking on Szczur and a lot can happen between now and 2014. It also may be a bunch of lip service to get Szczur to sign. I dunno... but it is January, so I found it interesting and worth discussing.

(Apologies... I tried to put the quote from the article in a block quote and thought I was doing it right, but clearly am not. Same with the page break.)

over 1 year ago fsuapollo 62 comments 0 recs |

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Read More: matt szczur, chicago cubs, jim hendry

Comments

I think you're reading too much into an off-hand comment

Hendry just said he’d like to see that to a prospect. Is he supposed to say that he’d like to see him in CF with some new FA’s next to him? The Cubs don’t know what the 2011 OF is going to be much less 2014.

by jerry morales rules on Jan 21, 2011 12:42 PM CST reply actions

Entirely possible.

The specifics intrigued me.

Hendry could’ve simply said “we see you starting in CF in 2014” and left it at that, with no mention of the flanking positions.

Like I said… just fodder for discussion.

"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."

by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST

by fsuapollo on Jan 21, 2011 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

Occasionally there is a person

you know who will tell what you tell them. Often not wise to say much around them. However, if you want something spread, talk to them.

Szczur saying what Hendry said gives hope to the frozen masses. No harm, no foul.

by timh815 on Jan 21, 2011 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

Nice to have 3 OF options worth following

Fonzie can be a DH following next year’s strike.

by timh815 on Jan 21, 2011 12:46 PM CST reply actions

I mentioned it

in a comment on Szczur’s press conference, but it’s fine for it to have a separate fanshot.

It was a dumb thing for Hendry to tell Szczur, even in the context of trying to sell him on a baseball career. It was unlikely that it wouldn’t get back to Fonzie. Now Hendry can always tell him he expects him to play first base in 2014 and yes, no plan in baseball survives four seasons. (Other than the Dodgers’ plan in the early 70s to have Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey be their infield for eight years, I guess.)

But I still think it was a dumb move to get that specific with Szczur. Soriano is going to be on this team for four more years.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 21, 2011 1:10 PM CST reply actions

DH also?

or DFA too?

:>}

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Jan 21, 2011 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

I thought it was a bit odd that he mentioned an outfield without Soriano when he will still be under contract that season. I wanted to just pass it off as some kind of off hand statement, except for how seriously that article seems to indicate that Szczur seemed to take it. Weird.

by WiscCubsFan on Jan 21, 2011 1:16 PM CST reply actions

Soriano??

He’ll get a 2 year extension in 2013.

"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.

by RiskyBusiness on Jan 21, 2011 1:30 PM CST reply actions

Soriano is awesome!!!!

Beat that, TJ!

lol

"I lof to hit de home ron!"

by Tekboy on Jan 21, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

I'd prefer a 2 year contraction....

by bdlugz on Jan 21, 2011 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

I've read that Szczur has a better glove than BJax

is that true? and if so, then moving BJax to LF seems like a smart move, but BJax bat doesn’t project to be good enough (powerwise) for a corner OF spot.

I’m not certain that will be the 2014 Cubs OF because I’m not sure all of those guys will get better and produce enough to warrant a starting spot, but certainly, every MLB team hopes that every single player they draft will be good enough to 1) get to the majors and 2) be good in the majors, otherwise, why draft them? I think Hendry basically articulated the position of most GMs regarding their top OF prospects or young major leaguers, no harm, no foul, IMO.

Regarding Soriano, I don’t see him on the Cubs in 2014, I believe the Cubs are going to have to eat probably the last 2 years of Soriano’s contract. He’s brutal to watch and not very productive right now and that’s only going to get worse moving forward.

by magicblue on Jan 21, 2011 1:42 PM CST reply actions

Szczur

is fast and quick, and the assumption is that once he concentrates on baseball, he’ll be a superior CF. Right now he still just needs practice.

There is a lot of debate about Jackson’s power potential. Some think he could be a very good power hitter, although I’m skeptical.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 21, 2011 1:47 PM CST up reply actions

Josh,

how do I pronounce this guy’s name?

Also, why do we have two Jeffs with impossible last names?

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 21, 2011 7:46 PM CST up reply actions

Pronounced as "Caesar".

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2011 8:08 PM CST up reply actions

Hmph, didn't see that coming.

Szczur = Caesar?

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 22, 2011 4:32 AM CST up reply actions

well "sezuire"

sounds like “caesar”

Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!

by Chanman25 on Jan 22, 2011 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

so does "seizure" ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 22, 2011 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

BJax

is starting to sound like he might be the second coming of Johnny Damon.

"I'd rather hit home runs you don't have to run as hard." -- Dave Kingman

by BucknerKongCardenal on Jan 21, 2011 11:34 PM CST up reply actions

Steve Finley might be more like it.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 22, 2011 7:59 AM CST up reply actions

I'd be happy with 6

cost-controlled years of similar production to either one.

by timh815 on Jan 22, 2011 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

Sure.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 22, 2011 9:59 AM CST up reply actions

Soriano will be the Cubs DH by 2014...hopefully...

I’m not a DH advocate by any means, but, time to either do away with it in the AL or add it in the NL. Adding it fits right in with Soriano.

"I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die." - Anonymous

by Easy Ed on Jan 21, 2011 1:47 PM CST reply actions

Sorry, but I think getting the DH

just to accommodate one player is a ridiculous idea.

by katie casey on Jan 21, 2011 1:50 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe we could add it for a year and then switch back.

I’m sure the other NL teams wouldn’t mind.

Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!

by daver on Jan 21, 2011 2:00 PM CST up reply actions

Huh?

I’m not saying the NL should get the DH to accommodate Soriano. The NL and AL need to play by the same rules. AFC/NFC in football: same rules. Eastern Conference/Western Conference in the NBA: same rules…same with the NHL. I never liked the DH, but, it should be both or neither.

"I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die." - Anonymous

by Easy Ed on Jan 21, 2011 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry. I misunderstood you to mean

that you wanted it to fit Soriano. I think it was the “hopefully” that lead me to believe that even though you also say you are not a DH advocate.

by katie casey on Jan 21, 2011 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not a fan of the DH, as I have said many times.

But I think it is inevitable, possibly as soon as 2012.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2011 5:29 PM CST up reply actions

Why do you think its inevitable

National League fans and owners hate it, and they all believe that it drives up salaries, as it causes teams to spend big bucks on another starter. Bud Selig has said he’s not a fan of it.

As far as standardizing the leagues, they’ve gone 37 years now with unstandard rules. I don’t see the pressing need for 2012.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 21, 2011 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

I think it may be a negotiating point in the labor negotiations at the end of this year....

… and could be something the union would like (more jobs) if the owners are looking for givebacks in other areas.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2011 5:59 PM CST up reply actions

the MLBPA will demand it

in order to prolong careers of more players

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 21, 2011 6:44 PM CST up reply actions

+1

I’m not personally a fan of the DH. However, it’s used at most levels in baseball now. Pitchers simply don’t get much experience hitting at the college or even the pro level, when you consider that if an American League-affiliated team is involved in a AA or AAA game that the DH is used. There are a lot of games that involve the Tennessee Smokies at AA and Iowa Cubs at AAA in which the DH is used because those teams could be playing an American League affiliated team.

2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.

by memphiscub on Jan 23, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

Kind Of OT, But...

if the NL should get the DH, it might help Edgar Martinez’s Hall of Fame chances. The DH wouldn’t be viewed then as an American League only position for players who can’t play defense. If a DH is going to make it to the Hall, it’ll be Edgar. I realize that Molitor is already there and Frank Thomas is coming. Both Molitor and Thomas played a greater percentage of their careers in the field than Martinez did. It’s just a thought. I’m saying that the NL getting the DH would legitimize the position more.

2011 - The 103rd time is the charm.

by memphiscub on Jan 23, 2011 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

I never got why people get so up in arms about the DH

MLB doesn’t have uniform field dimensions, wall height or set of ground rules for each stadium (effectively making 30 different sets of field rules), but that never seems to bother anyone as much as the DH. The NFL, NBA & NHL are much stricter on field dimensions. Even saying that players should both hit and play defense doesn’t quite hold weight for me, as people are perfectly fine with having players not do so in football, for example. Personally, I prefer the NL rules, but I don’t care that the AL has a DH…

by MarchHare on Jan 21, 2011 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

It doesn't bother me

that the NL and AL are different in regards to the DH either. It would bother me if the NL got it. I truly hope Al is wrong in his theory that it is inevitable.

by katie casey on Jan 21, 2011 5:56 PM CST up reply actions

I certainly agree with that...

…although, sadly, I think Al’s theory might not be wrong.

by MarchHare on Jan 22, 2011 1:50 PM CST up reply actions

Sadly

I think there will be a strike. In the NFL, MLB, and NBA. All at about the same time, due to legitimate financial reasons. In baseball, it will be about giving the smaller market teams (KC and Cleveland, etc…) a chance to compete with the Yankees and Sawks.

In football, revenue sharing and safety issues will need to be straightened out.

In basketball, I don’t know what their beef is, but they’ll probably strike anyway.

by timh815 on Jan 22, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

NFL also will want to get the salary cap back

and possible start guaranteed contracts ala MLB

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 22, 2011 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think MLB will go out.

The MLBPA and owners have had a pretty amicable relationship since there was almost a stoppage in 2002. Now, there has been no labor stoppage in 17 years — a very long time. Players & owners in MLB have it pretty good and have no real reason to stop. There are issues, sure, but I think they can and will be negotiated.

The NFL and NBA seem hell-bent on lockouts and I think those will happen.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 22, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

I hope you're right,

but until the KC question is answered, I have very little faith.

by timh815 on Jan 22, 2011 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

Oh, no doubt...

… the issue of competitive balance must be addressed. But I think the two sides both have an interest in that, and in fixing it. It’s not like the NFL or NBA, where there are intractable issues.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 22, 2011 5:06 PM CST up reply actions

My guess is Hendry simply misspoke...

…and he’s probably regretting the remark right now. Unless…(puts on tinfoil hat)…a HUGE TRADE is about to announced!

Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!

by daver on Jan 21, 2011 2:05 PM CST reply actions

Sori

For Albert’s expiring contract.

by timh815 on Jan 21, 2011 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

OMGGITERDUNNJIMBOADAMLIND!!!

Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!

by daver on Jan 21, 2011 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

PV! Roberts!

Have I left anyone out?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2011 5:29 PM CST up reply actions

Neifi!!!!!!!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 21, 2011 11:56 PM CST up reply actions

Hamilton?

oh wait….

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 22, 2011 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

Or he's simply laying the groundwork to trade Soriano in 2013...

And yes, I realize that Soriano has a no-trade clause (and will also have 10/5 rights by then even if he didn’t have a no trade clause).

And yes, I also realize you were joking.

by SouthernCub on Jan 21, 2011 2:48 PM CST up reply actions

If so, that's some impressive groundwork he's laying -- two years ahead of time.

Then again, given Soriano’s contract, maybe that’s not so hard to believe.

Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!

by daver on Jan 21, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

meh

it was Hendry doing a sell job to a guy they wanted. Most likely just reassuring him after they traded away some big name prospects this offseason.

by hansman1982 on Jan 21, 2011 4:01 PM CST reply actions

The issue isn't whether Hendry believes it

but what Soriano thinks of what Hendry said.

by Josh Timmers on Jan 21, 2011 4:56 PM CST up reply actions

THIS IS AWESOME IF TRUE

WHY?

BECAUSE NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK OF THE ACTUAL POSITIONS/PLAYERS, IT MEANS HENDRY HAS SOME IDEA OF A PLAN! A PLAN! WHO WOULDA THUNK IT!

DAN

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 21, 2011 7:45 PM CST reply actions

A man, a plan, a canal - Panama!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 21, 2011 11:57 PM CST up reply actions

Damnit, Ken.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jan 22, 2011 4:31 AM CST up reply actions

is that where we are scouting now?

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka

by Cubbie-Tim on Jan 22, 2011 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

Julio Zuleta

by Shanghai Badger on Jan 23, 2011 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

And that Hendry also recognizes that by 2014 sending Soriano out to the field with a glove will be a true horror show....

by ClarkFan on Jan 24, 2011 10:46 AM CST up reply actions

Well, Vernon Wells just got traded so you never know.

If anyone should feel a little put off by those comments, you would think it would be B. Jackson, who as far as I can tell has done nothing to lose the CF of the future tag. You would think he would go to RF and Colvin to LF in that scenario anyway.

How many people here really think Colvin will be a starter (for the Cubs or anyone else) in 2014? I’ve gone back and forth on whether I believe in him, and at the moment I can’t get over the fact that he is basically Jeff Francoeur without the average. I’m afraid he’ll just get eaten up as pitchers catch on to him. I can see him playing a role until he hits arbitration, but after he starts to get expensive, I dunno.

by Bradsbeard on Jan 21, 2011 9:39 PM CST reply actions

I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude toward Colvin...

…and hoping for the best. I do agree that, in an ideal world, it would be Colvin in LF (he is, after all, in many ways, a left-handed Alfonso Soriano), Szczur in CF and Jackson in RF.

Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!

by daver on Jan 24, 2011 1:40 PM CST up reply actions