JotCast | Cubs Offseason Chat With Tim Dierkes

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Tim Dierkes

1:19

That's an interesting one, but they were already happy to push Belli to 1B for Mike Tauchman. So I think they'd just do that if PCA was hitting acceptably.

Dale

1:19

That is kind of sad. Guess it is good for business though.

Tim Dierkes

1:20

This is an interesting book about fandom: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Fandom-Beat-Sports-Industrial-Comple...

1:20

What have the Ricketts said recently that concerns you about spending. I understand that the last two years are a decent example. But what has ricketts said lately that gives you the feeling? I’m a pretty big Ricketts critic, but I thought his last couple of comments have been pretty positive in terms of spending

Tim Dierkes

1:21

“We were aggressive this year,” Ricketts said of their spending. “I think we’ll stay at those levels. I’ll let Jed decide where the dollars go — that’s his job. The nice part is we do have a fair number of people coming through the system right now that could be real producers for us over the next few years. And on top of that, we have a core, something we couldn’t say two years ago.”

When asked whether he’s ready to go over the luxury tax, Ricketts responded with a non-commital, “We’ll see where that shakes out.”

https://theathletic.com/4919474/2023/10/01/cubs-chairman-tom-ricketts-...

1:22

These are not the words of a man planning to spend $260MM, as I attempt to read the tea leaves. Could be wrong and as a person who roots for interesting stuff, the Cubs being active is more interesting than not

Cubs questioner

1:22

Is it fair to be concerned about having Happ, Suzuki, Swanson in the middle of the order when they've consistently showed they are league-average to slightly above league average hitters with way too high of a K-rate

Tim Dierkes

1:24

Swanson and Morel strike out a lot. Happ and Suzuki, basically league average. To your point, if you subtract Belli, who was really good at making contact, whoever you get is going to strike out more

Spaghetti

1:24

I don't feel that throwing me at the wall the beginning of every season is a great approach to building a bullpen. How many games does it cost us? Is it really that hard to acquire some dependable bullpen arms without spending a fortune in salary or prospect capital?

Tim Dierkes

1:25

I think after Jed had a couple winters of finding some gems with that plan, he tried it this winter and it was a bust with Fulmer and Boxberger. Fair to say that if the Cubs had signed the "right" guys instead of them they would have made the playoffs, but knowing which RP will boom or bust is really hard year to year.

Ivy

1:25

Ross seems to have done a poor job of showing faith in young position players. Mervis had a short lease. Velazquez and Canario barely received any ABs and sat forever on the bench. PCA got the bunt signal endlessly. When Velasquez finally got to KC, he was hitting HRs on average, 1 in 10 ABs.

Tim Dierkes

1:26

There's also the matter of not giving much run to Miguel Amaya, which I fear could continue into 2024. He's definitely the cliche manager who prefers vets

Bret

1:26

Cubs should trade for Dylan Cease. Had a disappointing year last year so I don’t think his value will be significantly high. Cubs have a strong farm to pull it off. Does it sound like a stretch?

Tim Dierkes

1:26

I think he'll be one of the better arms available if the White Sox decide to trade him. They'd have to go back on Jerry'

Jerry's "quick turnaround" thing

Illini

1:27

There doesn't seem to be a lot of money coming off the team's books at the end of 2024. Maybe a guy like Stroman or Hendricks, if they're back on one-year deals. So, even if the team improves next year, and wants to add a big piece for a 2025 run, they'd still be up aginst the luxury tax level. With that in mind, any way to clear salary now for some flexibility? Like trading Taillon or non-tendering all the arb guys without a clear role (Madrigal, Wisdom, Heuer, maybe others)?

Tim Dierkes

1:28

I haven't seen much written about it but I can see the Cubs non-tendering Wisdom. Heuer, depends on the nature of his elbow injury but there's not much savings there. Nicky Two Strikes, you might as well trade for some decent RP or something.

1:29

I suppose Gomes and Smyly could present ways to further trim payroll. Gomes you just decline the option, sign a cheap backup, and hope Amaya succeeds. Risky but cheaper. Smyly, maybe you pay down half and someone will take him?

Stroman Optimist

1:29

Whats the likelihood in your opinion that Stroman picks up his option and pitches better than a $21mm pitcher next year (like he pitched the first half of the year)

Tim Dierkes

1:29

I feel like the opt-out itself is 50/50, which is why I find it fascinating. I even have a bet going with my guy Brad W on that one

1:30

Hopefully Brian W is in here too...

Anyway, Stro being 33 next year, I think he probably has some solid mid-rotation innings left in him.

Know Nothing

1:30

Does this carefully and thoughtfully describe Tim Dierkes???

Tim Dierkes

1:31

Maybe, but what does that say about someone hanging around in his chat??

Adrian sampson

1:31

Smyly is heavily underrated and I'd like to see someone prove me wrong

Tim Dierkes

1:31

You would like to be proven wrong that Smyly is underrated? Does this help https://www.fangraphs.com/players/drew-smyly/11760/stats?position=P

Matt

1:32

Bader seems like an under whelming yet realistic target for a CF bridge? Bader/Tauchman does not inspire much confidence. Also Cubs should give Morel a legit opportunity at 3b.

Tim Dierkes

1:32

I don't see why you'd bring in Bader when you have PCA. They both have top shelf defense and PCA at least is young enough to figure out how to hit

Stroman Optimist

1:32

I hate how y'all expect pitchers to fall off of a cliff once they reach a certain age. Stro doesnt deserve this

Tim Dierkes

1:33

I thought I was being fairly positive in saying he's got some mid-rotation innings left

Brian W

1:33

Yes, I'm here!

Dale

1:33

Why on earth we would keep Smyly with the depth of young pitchers we have is beyond me.

Tim Dierkes

1:33

It's mostly that his contract is guaranteed

My Name

1:33

In your opinion, is David Ross the right man for the job of taking this team to the next level?

Tim Dierkes

1:34

No. Good time to go get Craig Counsell!

Guest

1:34

With the Padres looking to cut payroll do you think its worth going after Machado for 3B? What kind of package would it take given his high price contract?

Tim Dierkes

1:35

I'd need a little time on that one to analyze the contract. Taking that on doesn't seem like the Cubs' style but it's an interesting idea.

GingaNation

1:35

Realistically, are they trading Stroman?

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