So the RF and most recent 3B signings have taken care of two specific holes, but how else are we looking to replace the run production lost due to FA this year? Also, with the new guys, how do they compare to Reed Johnson and Aramis Ramirez.
The Cubs don’t have anyone coming up in the next several seasons to provide a lot of power so I think Prince would address a hole the Cubs are desperate for and they will just have to try to find a way to capitalize on Fielder before he starts to regress as he gets older. The Brewers won the division with 2 Aces, 2 sluggers, and some terrible defense. If the Cubs could add another first division starting position player and acquire a future ace through a Garza trade, it could work. I really hope the Cubs could put some money toward Greinke if he becomes a free agent after next season.
I was thinking it might be smart to sign a shorter deal with Fielder
and or sign a 5 year deal and backload it. If you can assume that Epstein can take the team back to playoffs in a few years, Fielder will not be at an age where his declining would be that rapid, he is only 27.
“Two things immediately jump out from this graph: 1) Heavy players peak a few years earlier than average players and 2) Heavy players fall off the map once they are on the wrong side of 30.”
I’ll be continuing to post about the rest of the teams that are losing major position players in FA. This one is interesting particularly since the Cubs signing Fielder does two things, give them one large piece of the puzzle, and also prevents the Cards and Brewers from signing, even though the Cards weren’t rumored. Also interesting now that Pujols isn’t in the division anymore, the Cubs seem to have a better chance to climb the ladder in the division. Maybe that’s just my outsiders take?
Reed Johnson might return as a backup.
David DeJesus replaces Tyler Colvin, essentially.
Al Yellon - December 9, 2011
Good point.
We’ll see what happens to Reed Johnson, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like the A’s picks him up.
David Fung - December 9, 2011
The window for power hitters is closing
The Cubs don’t have anyone coming up in the next several seasons to provide a lot of power so I think Prince would address a hole the Cubs are desperate for and they will just have to try to find a way to capitalize on Fielder before he starts to regress as he gets older. The Brewers won the division with 2 Aces, 2 sluggers, and some terrible defense. If the Cubs could add another first division starting position player and acquire a future ace through a Garza trade, it could work. I really hope the Cubs could put some money toward Greinke if he becomes a free agent after next season.
subtle - December 9, 2011
I was thinking it might be smart to sign a shorter deal with Fielder
and or sign a 5 year deal and backload it. If you can assume that Epstein can take the team back to playoffs in a few years, Fielder will not be at an age where his declining would be that rapid, he is only 27.
David Fung - December 9, 2011
On average, heavier players don't age as well.
Source: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/how-will-prince-fielder-age/.
Naveen Nallappa - December 10, 2011
Thanks for the infographic.
I’m a big fan of your blog.
Naveen Nallappa - December 10, 2011
Dude, thanks so much man, that means alot.
I’ll be continuing to post about the rest of the teams that are losing major position players in FA. This one is interesting particularly since the Cubs signing Fielder does two things, give them one large piece of the puzzle, and also prevents the Cards and Brewers from signing, even though the Cards weren’t rumored. Also interesting now that Pujols isn’t in the division anymore, the Cubs seem to have a better chance to climb the ladder in the division. Maybe that’s just my outsiders take?
David Fung - December 10, 2011
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.