Cub Tracks turns on the gas

Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™. Here we have material from current beat writers, bloggers, and the occasional in-house habitué, moonlighting. These pieces center around #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball.

The free agency list has some enticing prospects. I wouldn’t mind if Jed Hoyer went shopping. I’d kind of like to re-sign Matt Duffy but he might get a little rich for the Cubs as a backup. Otherwise the Cubs’ FAs can keep stepping. I would really like some Carlos Rodon action (barring a QO). José Álvarez is on my list also, and Thor if no QO. I also like Archie Bradley in relief. Michael Conforto is also a top ten for me though Spotrac has Schwarber worth less per annum and I really like his bat. I don’t think those people will be too too expensive. Spotrac has player costs that might or might not pan out. Some of those seem high; others low. See below for more.

It’ll be interesting to see how much movement takes place given the parameters. Center field still looks iffy but I’d be willing to deal with something like Rafael Ortega and Michael Hermosillo if I had to. YMMV. More importantly, Hoyer’s MMV. Cubs’ current depth chart.

As always, * means autoplay on, or annoying ads, or both (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. (In the comments section, use @ before and after your remarks @ to produce sarcasm font. In the text body. It doesn’t work in the headlines).

• Lamond Pope (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Time is ticking for MLB and the players union to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement. A look back at the history — and what could be in store this offseason. “... fans can be in for a frustrating winter.”
• Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic {$}): MLB Players Association makes second economics proposal to MLB, likely leaving next move to the owners. “It’s hard to characterize progress,” commissioner Rob Manfred said.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Cubs offseason FAQ: What follows sell-off? “Hoyer wants to field a “competitive” club in 2022 and has flexibility for the coming months.”
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Now what? 7 questions facing Cubs as MLB offseason starts. “... a freeze until, say, mid-January or February could have a disproportionate impact.”
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Two Sets of MLB Free Agent Rankings give us plenty to discuss.
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): An intriguing but risky look at pitcher Carlos Martinez. “... Martinez is a guy who should not be a primary solution but as depth to see if he can fit in.”
• Jerry Edwards (Inside the Royals*): Can a trade with the Cubs reunite the Royals with an old friend? “Chicago Cubs Receive: SS Jeison Guzman, SS Lucius Fox, RHP John McMillon...”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Kyle Schwarber declines his mutual option and is a Free Agent – Says he didn’t get “screwed” by the Cubs. “Now we find out what kind of market there is for Schwarber’s services.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib*): Nick Castellanos opts out and could be a big-time target. “He’s definitely a bat-first guy...”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): No surprises among Cubs roster moves as postseason officially opens.
• NBC Sports Chicago: Cubs Talk podcast.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading!