BlackjackMc
Gil McGregor
I like the idea of signing Gennett. He is one season removed from being an All-Star and his career numbers are good.
Ross needs to make decisions at 2B and CF and allow his choices enough time to prove themselves. Joe looked at those positions as opportunities to give multiple players plate appearances. The results were lousy. Players don't want to platoon, they want to start and play every day. That is the prize that supplies urgency, not playing every third day.
It might be time to trust some pitchers in the organization. If Chatwood can be moved to provide financial relief, do it. If not, he should compete with Mills for the 5th starter position. Mills stuff won't impress but he has delivered when given the opportunity. He might be a Hendricks clone and the time to find out may be now. Maples and Underwood are out of options. Neither has been given an extended chance in Chicago. Maybe the confidence shown by a manager who was a catcher and an extended audition can make the difference.
My take on Almora is that the Cubs asked for more power and he regressed trying to supply it. He tried to pull the ball too often. He is a line drive hitter to all fields capable of a .300+ average. Teams lose the skills a player can provide asking for a skill they don't have. This happens a lot. It is often the reason a change of scenery allows a player to reach their potential. Best example in Cubs history is Lou Brock. The Cubs could use a .300 hitter who makes contact and doesn't strike out much. Almora may be the answer.
Ross needs to make decisions at 2B and CF and allow his choices enough time to prove themselves. Joe looked at those positions as opportunities to give multiple players plate appearances. The results were lousy. Players don't want to platoon, they want to start and play every day. That is the prize that supplies urgency, not playing every third day.
It might be time to trust some pitchers in the organization. If Chatwood can be moved to provide financial relief, do it. If not, he should compete with Mills for the 5th starter position. Mills stuff won't impress but he has delivered when given the opportunity. He might be a Hendricks clone and the time to find out may be now. Maples and Underwood are out of options. Neither has been given an extended chance in Chicago. Maybe the confidence shown by a manager who was a catcher and an extended audition can make the difference.
My take on Almora is that the Cubs asked for more power and he regressed trying to supply it. He tried to pull the ball too often. He is a line drive hitter to all fields capable of a .300+ average. Teams lose the skills a player can provide asking for a skill they don't have. This happens a lot. It is often the reason a change of scenery allows a player to reach their potential. Best example in Cubs history is Lou Brock. The Cubs could use a .300 hitter who makes contact and doesn't strike out much. Almora may be the answer.