Cubs News: Latest news and rumors from the Hot Corner |
Here’s the latest from the Hot Corner:
Cubs’ Opening Day 2019: 133 days away (sounds a lot better than the 175 days from the day the season ended; doesn’t it?) Manager of the Year Awards: Nope, Joe Maddon didn’t get the nod, in fact, he didn’t even make the final three (he finished 5th in the NL with one first-place vote, which was cast by Bruce Levine). Brian Snitker from Atlanta took home the NL title, while the AL’s honors went to Bob Melvin (OAK). The runners-up included Craig Counsell (MIL) and Bud Black (COL) from the National League, and Alex Cora (BOS) and Kevin Cash (TBR) from the American League. IBWAA Cy Young Awards: NL- Jacob deGrom (NYM), AL- Blake Snell (TBR). Addison Russell: I’ll give MLB Trade Rumors a lot of credit, as they usually nail it, but I think they’re dead wrong on this one. MLBTR just released their list of non-tendered player predictions, and Russell’s name is on it. While I’m pretty confident that the Cubs won’t be keeping Russell, there is NO WAY the Cubs are going to part with him without getting something in return. (For those who are new, basically, non-tendering a player means that a controllable player immediately becomes a free agent because a club didn’t want to offer a contract before arbitration.) Daniel Murphy: Rumors are swirling about Murphy’s future, and there is some speculation that he might wind up playing in the Bronx. According to an article by MLB.com, the Yanks are suffering from a “left-handed, power-pull void,” which they believe Murphy would help to fill. The report cited that over his last 70 games, Murphy slashed .328/.365/.506 for a 132 wRC+, which was the same as Machado’s numbers over the same period. Trade and related news: Indians have traded INF Erik Gonzalez, RHP Tahnaj Thomas, and RHP Dante Mendoza to the Pirates for OF Jordan Luplow and INF Max Moroff. White Sox place (OF) Avigail Garcia on the trade table. Phillies place (1B) Justin Bour on waivers. White Sox/Harper/Machado: The White Sox are reportedly “serious” about signing both Machado and Harper, but I don’t see them getting either one. It was nice that they used a marquis at The United Center to show Harper his name and number wrapped around a Sox logo last week, but it’ll take a lot more than a sign to land him. Harper may not wind up a Cub, but I seriously doubt he’ll go to the Sox. Machado was fortunate enough to depart one disastrous AL team last season, and I’d doubt that he’s willing to sign up for another one. If the Dodgers couldn’t bring him glory and a ring, I doubt the White Sox will quench his thirst. Arizona Fall League: Now in the last week of the season, two of the Cubs’ prospects are shining offensively. Nico Hoerner (SS) has carried a .321 batting average, and Trent Giambrone (SS, 2B, 3B) has managed a .366 batting average. Play in the AFL ends later this week. Rick Kranitz: The Phillies have promoted Chris Young to pitching coach, replacing Kranitz, and will allow him to interview elsewhere. The Cubs still haven’t officially released Hickey, but this may be due in part to wanting to find his replacement first. MLB in Japan: The Japanese did it again, beating the MLB All-Stars by a final score of 6-5. Japan has now won the best of six series 4-1. Possible Trouble for the Mariners: Statement from MLB- “MLB is aware of the allegations made by a former employee of the Seattle Mariners regarding the conduct of Club employees. Consistent with our policies, we are investigating the allegations.” Apparently, the Mariners terminated the contract of Dr. Lorena Martin (former high-performance director). Dr. Martin then went on to her Instagram and posted the following: “The Mariners organization has serious issues. The things I’ve witnessed and heard first-hand have left me shocked. How can their GM Jerry Dipoto, Manager Scott Servais and Director of Player development Andy McKay speak about their players like this…Calling Latinos lazy, dumb and stupid, especially the Dominicans.” Martin further alleged that “innocent trainers were being fired for trying to do the right thing and because of their race.” Join us nightly between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM (eastern) for the day’s bullets and visit CubsHQ frequently throughout the day for other news and commentary.
