Which of the Cubs' offseason moves will pay off the most this season? (Hour 2)
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
I want to say thank you to the Ricketts family, Tom, Jed, Carter, everyone in the Cubs organization for showing me how much they valued what matters to me the most, my family and winning baseball games.
That was Alex Bregman, who spoke in his introductory press conference and in the Players' Tribune about how he wants to be a Chicago Cub and showed pictures of him growing up wearing a Cubs uniform. This is Rahimi Harrison-Grody on 104.3 The Score. We are live from Slugger's Bar. Thanks to our friends at Circus Sports. Sports betting the way it should be today. And I asked this question when we saw what happened with the extension with PCA. Peter Armstrong with a reported six years, $115 million. It was one of many front office moves that the Cubs made during the offseason. So I ask you two and our listeners as well, 312-644-6767, if you would like to text in. Which Cubs front office move do you think will pay off the most or have the biggest effect that was made this season?
I think for me, I know this is a little avant-garde given that they added Alex Bregman. I was very happy about it. I was happy about the PCA extension for what it means long-term for the team given the price of center fielding and offense. I think it's still the Edward Cabrera deal for me. Trading for Edward Cabrera, a guy who throws a plus fastball, something that they badly needed in the starting rotation. It was a high price to give up Owen Casey, Christian Hernandez, and Aguero de Leon, but I feel like in this case... They knew that they wanted more starting pitching. You heard Jed Hoyer talk about it earlier with Mully and Haw. So for me, just diversifying your starting lineup as far as your starting pitching rotation, being able to have that extra gas from Edward Cabrera and a guy who was the Marlins ace last season, I feel like is going to pay off for them, especially when we talk about the stretch where they won't be worn out, you know, come October.
That's the hope.
No, I think you're onto something with the Cabrera, and I love that there are multiple moves that we can choose from when this question is posed, especially with that defense behind him, because he's getting a major upgrade with the Cubs defense behind him as opposed to the Marlins defense that was behind him a year ago. But I think overall... As far as having an impact this season, I think Alex Bregman is the answer, and it's not just because they gave him the bag. It's not just because he potentially replaces the offense missing with Kyle Tucker no longer being here and now being a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers. I think for Bregman, his mentality, his wisdom, his experience on this team is going to pay off through different people in that lineup.
I think what he means to that lineup, you see where he's hitting, right? The two-hole? Mm-hmm. Him hitting... in front of Ian Happ, him hitting behind Michael Bush to start the game. That's a guy you have to reckon with, and I love what he brings as far as his mentality to the clubhouse. He is a natural-born leader. I'm not saying Kyle Tucker's not a leader. I just think the Cubs need this type of leadership in this moment with all those young players, those up-and-comers, such as a Pete Crow Armstrong in the lineup.
I love the Edward Cabrera answer, Layla, because to me it's a slowly but surely an identity change in the Cubs starters, as in adding velocity, and they've come a long way in that regard. You've got Cade Horton who could throw 95, and now you have a guy... who can hit 100 at Edward Cabrera. Obviously, you've got the slow thrower in Shota Imanaga. I don't know where Jamison Tyone is right now as far as velocity is concerned. So I like the change in mentality. You need those guys as nice as it was to have guys who were pitchers and hit pinpoint. Think Kyle Hendricks. So I like the evolution of velocity. But, guys... I'm going with PCA, Pete Crow Armstrong, and the big deal that they just did with him because, like so many things with the Cubs this year, there's no in-between.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–5:09
2
Which Cubs offseason move is expected to have the biggest impact?
5:09–6:49
3
What role will Edward Cabrera play in the Cubs' pitching rotation?
6:49–17:13
4
How does the PCA extension affect the Cubs' future?
17:13–26:24
5
How has the Cubs' spending changed this offseason?
26:24–27:31
6
What are the implications of the Cubs re-establishing as a big-market team?
27:31–36:19
Speakers
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