A quick review of the Chicago Cubs off-season

As we turn over the calendar, we come to the realization that “next year” is here. So have the Chicago Cubs done enough this off-season to turn things around and bring a winner to Wrigley Field? Taking stock of what the Cubs have done this winter will be the first way to see what the chances are.

NEW LEADER

The signing of Joe Maddon was the start of something serious for the Cubs. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer were willing to fire Rick Renteria after only one season to bring Maddon to Chicago. Some thought the move was in poor taste, but the Cubs can’t operate in that fashion anymore. From the business side, they had an opportunity to get one of the best managers in baseball, and they seized it. Maddon’s quirky personality may be a change of pace for the Cubs, and how it all plays out in Chicago will be fun to watch. But having a manager with his success in the dugout greatly improved the Cubs.

CALL TO ARMS

Unless you’ve been under a rock all winter, you know how important the Jon Lester signing was for the Cubs. a last-place team was able to lure him away from the World Series Champion Giants, and his former team in Boston. The young core, along with the philosophy of Epstein and Hoyer, which Lester has been part of, intrigued him enough to choose Chicago. They also brought Jason Hammel back, who in his short time in Chicago had arguably the best results in his career. Hammel praised the Cubs system, and pitching coach Chris Bosio for his success, and knew that he wanted to return to Chicago if given the chance.

The Cubs, for the first time in several seasons, weren’t in need of a closer but found one anyway. Jason Motte, who had a career year in 2012 with the Cardinals, had Tommy John surgery and missed all of the 2013 season, and struggled with back issues last year. The Cubs have been known to gamble on pitchers like Motte, and have had great results. with Hector Rondon seemingly having a solid grasp as the closer, Motte will slide in towards the back of the bullpen, but gives the Cubs options should Rondon falter.

NEW BATTERYMATES

The catcher position for the Cubs proved to be a weak link last season, so they started by trading for Miguel Montero to have a veteran leader with a solid track record. Montero’s numbers have dipped, but he’s still a top line catcher, and appeared to be a nice compliment to Welington Castillo in he’s a left-handed bat. But upon the Lester signing, it became clear the Cubs would be interested in David Ross, his catcher in Boston. With two new backstops in town, the future for Castillo is cloudy. The chances of him donning Cubs pinstripes this season seem to be dwindling.

WAIVER CRAZY

The Cubs have continued to add players through waiver claims, and in some cases have moved the players right back out. Some players were only around for about a week before being placed right back on waivers. One interesting claim, should he stick around, is Mike Kickham. The former Giants hurler was once as high as their No. 3 prospect as recent as 2013. The Giants historically have made good decisions with pitchers, so the Cubs hope to maybe have snuck out a good one in Kickham.

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VETERANS, VETERANS, VETERANS

All the conversation this winter has been about bringing in veterans to help guide the young core of players the Cubs have. Montero and Motte will definitely help the pitchers, as well as Ross. Recently signed Chris Denorfia will help to compliment the outfield, especially after the trade of Justin Ruggiano. It’s not a headline making signing, but it’s all part of the big picture. It’s possible the Cubs are “done” making moves, aside from smaller deals, and possibly the trade of Castillo. But there’s still plenty of time for Epstein and Hoyer to deal some more before Opening Day.

PROGRESS OF THE KIDS

We’re all very aware of the talent within the Cubs organization, and we finally got to see some of the kids we had heard so much about. And the best part is there are reinforcements on the way. Kris Bryant will make his debut at some point this season. Addison Russel and Albert Almora aren’t far off. Kyle Schwarber impressed in his first season, but is still a few years away. But much of the success for his team will be about the young core meeting expectations. Jorge Soler and Kyle Hendricks impressed in their first season. Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara showed glimpses, but also had their struggles.

Baez and Alcantara must cut down on their strikeout totals. Having one guy in a lineup that is all or nothing can be fine, but two just won’t work. And with Alcantara’s speed, he needs to put the ball in play and take advantage if it. Soler looked like a complete player, and has locked in right-field for the time being. Junior Lake provided a similar performance in 2013, only to fizzle this season. Nothing is guaranteed with any of these prospects, and that includes Bryant. Growing pains will happen, and it’s why the Cubs have put an emphasis on signing veterans to help be extensions of the manager.

IN CLOSING

The Cubs had one of the more impressive off-seasons, and there’s reason to be excited. Wrigley Field is being renovated, the young core of players are making their way up, and we have a legitimate ace in Lester. But even with all that the team accomplished this winter, I still feel they’re a year away. That doesn’t mean they won’t compete this season, but I don’t believe that this is “the year”. But it’s getting closer. So much closer.

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