Cubs & Guardians & Mariners
Submitted by: acketyl
Cubs
| Name | Age | Level | P1 | P2 | Availability | Years | AFV | Salary | Surplus | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Bieber | 29 | Majors | SP | Medium | 1 | 18.7 | 13.1 | 5.6 | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.8 | |
| Justin Topa | 33 | Majors | RP | High | 3 | 14.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 5.6 | 7 | 8.3 | |
| Michael Arroyo | 0 | Minors | SS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6.4 | 8 | 9.6 |
Total Value:
20.6
Guardians
| Name | Age | Level | P1 | P2 | Availability | Years | AFV | Salary | Surplus | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Morel | 25 | Majors | UTIL | OF | Medium | 5 | 45.2 | 22 | 23.2 | 18.6 | 23.2 | 27.9 |
| Bryce Miller | 25 | Majors | SP | 6 | 56.5 | 30.5 | 25.9 | 20.7 | 25.9 | 31.1 |
Total Value:
49.10
Mariners
| Name | Age | Level | P1 | P2 | Availability | Years | AFV | Salary | Surplus | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Kwan | 26 | Majors | OF | Low | 4 | 86.7 | 43.2 | 43.5 | 34.8 | 43.5 | 52.3 |
Total Value:
43.5
Comments
10
Sincerely I don't think Cleveland will take this deal if offered since they want to add to Kwan not trade him...
I like the idea of adding Miller to the Guardians. It is much harder for me to see Kwan go with how weak the Guardian outfield is. Cleveland would truly have to believe the Morel can be at least an average outfielder because DH is already spoken for in Cleveland.
TA, we shouldn't kid ourselves. Morel can likely play LF(he's played CF mostly) at an acceptable level, but he will not play it as well as Kwan. Morel's .508 SLG is exactly what Cleveland needs though. The addition of Miller and Morel is just too much IMO to pass up for Kwan and Bieber. Just my $.02.
Cubs say no to this deal. Not trading Morel for 1 season of Bieber, plus a couple guys whose names don't ring bells. With regard to Morel's ability to play OF, he recorded one of the strongest throws from the OF in MLB last season. So, he certainly has the arm. However, even as a Cubbie, I don't know things have gotten to the stage that the team is not sure where to play him. Usually players who come up as middle infielders, like Miles Straw, who also caught I believe, make good outfielders. Not to continue to go ad nauseam on Ross, but he refused to stick young players in the lineup so they could get experience. Like Velaquez, whom they traded to KC for nothing, Canario, Mervis, etc.
I actually don't disagree with you Benjo. Bieber would likely be a substantial help to the Cubs rotation, but 1 yr of him along with a RP and a SS prospect isn't worth Morel. I would be more than happy to send Freeman to the Cubs as well. He's a helluva nice ballplayer Benjo and he has some versatility too.
BB I am a Freeman fan, but Freeman and Bieber don't equal Morel. Jed says he's not looking to add another starter, anyway. Guardians don't seem inclined to move Clase. Cubs added Neris, 34 going on 35, who lost zip on his fastball last year, instead of getting a bonafide closer. I don't get any of it. Cleveland can compete in a weak division, but doesn't. Just stands pat. Cubs can spend but don't. They replace Stroman with Imanaga. The next Kikuchi. I think Cody is gonna wind up with LAA. But even if Cubs resign him. That's not adding to the team. They should have gone hard after Hader, Moore, Stephenson, Hicks, Lopez. Too depressing to think about.
I understand your dismay with your Cubs lack of action. I do however believe that Bieber would be a very good addition for you guys and his value here is too low for what he'll give you on the mound. He spent the winter with the Driveline crew and his velocity is said to be topping out around 95 and I even herd whispers of 96. They were able to correct a couple of mechanical issues that cropped up with his injury. He's healthy and strong again and I look for him to have another very good season if he can remain healthy. There will be questions about his health and rightfully so, but very few SP's health is not in question. As far as Cleveland goes, you're seeing them in the end of a transition. The rotation is extremely good and they still have yet to debut Cantillo and Espino. The BP is well above average. They're always at least solid defensively. The problem has been the offense, but you're starting to see the influx of talented prospects like Bo Naylor. You'll likely see all of Manzardo, DeLauter, Rodriguez and Brito at different points this season and when those kids get their footing is when you'll see Cleveland dominate the AL Central again(starting in 2025). Watch out for Florial too. He has the potential to break out in a big way. Arias' struggle against LHP won't be as severe and he can mash along with playing GG caliber defense. Cleveland is in a good spot, but I think they should capitalize on a couple of valuable players/prospects to fill a couple of gaps or improve an area.
BB There's a first time for everything. I agree with pretty much everything you say above, except it feels like the days of baseball dynasties may be over. I also think the AL Central is up for grabs this year especially since Minnie traded Polanco. What's Espino's health status? I think he had a pretty significant injury, if I remember correctly. I also agree that Bieber's value seems low, provided he's throwing 95-6, as you say.
NEWSLETTER? SURE, SIGN ME UP!
You need to layoff the pipe. Cleveland would take this deal so quick it would make your head spin. I'm going to guess that you must be about 5'6" and 140 lbs judging by your infatuation with little guys that can't hit the ball hard. Cleveland is moving away from that type if you haven't noticed and while they won't give Kwan away because he is a good contact hitter and excellent LFer, replacing him with Morel and adding Miller to the rotation easily, without doubt makes them better.
First off, I was bigger than that in middle school, secondly... I really do feel like Cleveland is wanting to build around Kwan not move him and you cannot change my mind on that one...