The Rundown: Cubs finally joins free agent frenzy with hot additions, Frazier allegedly carrying some serious baggage, work hiatus for tonight

Cubs fans have historically had higher levels of gullibility than followers of other franchises, but perhaps we need some intervention. We believed Jed Hoyer when he said he would Attack the market intelligently to build a competitive squad for next season. Unfortunately, some of us may have believed Tom Ricketts when he said that Hoyer would have the funds needed to build the organization’s next championship team.

If you read that passage again, you must be ashamed to admit that you have committed the sin of loyalty beyond common sense. But even if you’re still a doubtful Thomas through all the season propaganda put out by Hoyer and Ricketts, you may already be confident in a future where waves of prospects will begin to roll in.

First, let’s recap Phase I of Hoyer’s smart spending platform.

1. Claimed compensation Wade Miley waive the exemption from the Reds and immediately exercise his ’22 option, making the rotation a back-end push and veteran presence. Little did we know that before the league’s first shutdown in nearly three decades, Miley would be included as the team’s No. 2 goalkeeper.
2. Trade for the 4th midfielder Harold Ramírez, who profile as a platoon option the best.
3. Signed Locke St. John to one minor league contract, though the Southpaw release gear was fitted by one of the more famous names in major league baseball history. He looks like he could have an off-season career Baywatch.
4. The catcher signed Yan Gomes to one two-year contract, worth $13 million get a very confusing tweet are from Willson Contreras. Maybe the person behind the veteran thinks he’s being traded, or maybe he’s planning to go Christmas shopping in Manhattan.
5. Buying a lottery ticket in midfield Clint Frazier, who could spend the whole season in Iowa or put Ramírez on the drop-out list. In a very strange coincidence, both foreign players were born on the same day in the last game of the baseball game (September 6, 1994).

It almost makes you yearn for brainy days Cameron Maybin and Steven Souza, Jr.

None of those changes scream NL Central’s championship, though interestingly three of the players mentioned above have previous ties to the Cleveland organization. The Cardinals improved their team even more just by adding Steven Matz, cut Matt Carpenter and Carlos Martinezand shoot Mike Shildt.

At least we still have a future to dream of, at least until Kyle Glaser makes a massive devaluation of Chicago’s ranch system in the past. Talking about the prospects of American Baseball other day. The following quotes come from that hour-long discussion.

• “I wouldn’t say that the Cubs are ‘very’ insightful with the prospects expected to contribute. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Only one of their top 20 prospects played even a day in Triple-A [Brennen Davis]. This is a system filled with people who have a long way to go. The 40 person issue is not really considered here. “
• “At this exact time, the Cubs will probably be between 20-25 [in organizational rankings]. Again, that could change over the next few months based on what they do and what other teams around them do this season.”

Glaser keeps moving to trash Anderson Espinoza, Christopher Morel, and Ed Howard, among others. In addition to calling Davis the team’s No. 1 prospect, the minor league analyst has interesting things to say about just a handful of players: Cristian Hernandez, Owen Caissie, James Triantos, DJ Herz, Jordan Wicks, and Caleb Kilian, though they all come with ceiling limitations and caveats of cons.

The Cubs only had one blue-chip lead and that was Davis. Basically, Hoyer and Hawkins worked in freelance and did nothing to improve rotation, which was their stated goal this winter. David Ross have to steam a bit at this point, otherwise feel completely disappointed by its bosses. Shields aside, it stands to reason that the Cubs are a lot further away from competitive baseball than most of us would hope.

Cubs . News & Notes

From the Reception Office

“Really for us right now, it’s business as usual. Obviously, we are optimistic [new CBA] agreement will be made. But that’s beyond our control and it really doesn’t affect things in the discussions. Of course, you must have a backup plan and be prepared for what might happen in the future. But the preparations and talks so far have not changed much.” – Hawkins

Odds & Odds

Blocks ripped apart at Wrigley Field. The Friendly event will be an unsightly pile of dirt as well as a stark reminder of a financially barren winter until spring arrives.

Labor talks

Welcome to the end of baseball…for a while, at least.

MLB players and owners understand that any downtime is part and parcel of the baseball business.

Major League Baseball officials and several team owners met with players and player union officials Monday and Tuesday at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas. The economic structure of the game remains the main focus of the negotiations.

lock up may outlast both sides will admit and fans should circle February 1 on their calendars. Any work disruptions that occur in February could lead to the start of spring training and Opening Day.

Fourth kitchen

Red Sox and starters James Paxton Yes agree on a one-year deal that guarantees the injured pitcher $10 million.

National players and midfielders Cesar Hernandez Yes come to an agreement on a one-year contract.

The Dodgers and Daniel Hudson are agreeing on a one-year deal 7 million dollar reliever guarantee. Hudon could be the team closer to 2022.

Alex Cobb sign a two-year contract, worth $20 million to salute the Giants.

Raisel Iglesias will stay with the angels after signing a four-year, $58 million contract.

Boston is expected to be very active in Free agency market no bidding before the scheduled lockdown tonight.

The Rockies There were discussions with Kris Bryant according to many sources.

Bryce Harper actually push Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski to sign Bryant, and the Cubs and Mets are said to still be in the mix, according to MLB Radio’s Jim Bowden.

The tigers have officially announced that they signed Javier Báez for a six-year, $140 million contract.

Light ray transaction midfielder Joey Wendle Go to Marlins to find potential customers Kameron Misner.

Yankees and Dodgers are two of several teams compete to sign Carlos Correa.

The brewers have decided do not offer a contract come Daniel Vogelbach.

As expected, the tigers cut ties with starters Matthew Boyd.

Take us out to the ball game

Savannah Bananas Hired Former Major League Midfielder Eric Byrnes come manage their 2022 six-city shooting tour. Bananas will tour with the Kansas City Monarchs before concluding with a three-game world championship held in Kansas City.

Savannah’s Page “about us” would make the late great Bill Veeck jealous.

Extra time

You have to admit that last week was as enjoyable as this year’s season despite the fact that the Cubs did little to improve their team.

Hot stoves are an interesting thing. Should baseball always have a shorter window for free agency?

https://t.co/T7CCPlDWYk

They said it

• “Fortunately for [Frazier], his story is incomplete from a baseball point of view. The bottom line for Clint is that he’s a lad with a lot of ability and the point is, he’s been dealing with a number of injuries and different things that keep him off the field at times. But I feel if he gets the right opportunity and [stays healthy], he still has a really good chance of writing a really good career story. ” – Boone

Wednesday Walking Song

Four free by Pink Floyd – I’m skeptical, but those are what I call Hoyer’s major phase I additions, a far cry from core 4.