Chicago Cubs News: Beltran says goodbye, Arrieta to the Cardinals?

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates in the clubhouse with teammates after defeating the Washington Nationals 9-8 in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates in the clubhouse with teammates after defeating the Washington Nationals 9-8 in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Could it be possible that Chicago Cubs’ free agent Jake Arrieta could head to the Cardinals? And as Carlos Beltran calls it quits, the Cubs will respect his game–but won’t miss the damage he did.

The Chicago Cubs could very well lose Jake Arrieta to another teak via free agency. He loves Chicago, and what he’s accomplished in his time here. But there won’t be any hometown discounts. But what if Arrieta followed suit with what we’ve seen over the last couple of season, heading to our rivals in St. Louis? What then? I think most wish Arrieta well, but know the Cubs aren’t in a position to spend the amount of money that he (Scott Boras) will ask for. But seeing Jake on the other side of the rivalry? Eh, anywhere but there.

Carlos Beltran terrorized the Cubs for much of his 20-year career. While a member of the Astros, Mets and Cardinals. Beltran hit .311 against the Cubs–fourth best in his career. And with a .950 mark in OPS (his third best), Beltran simply did what he did best–took what you gave him. It was a stellar career for Beltran, topped off with a World Series victory this season. Not a bad way to go out.

The managers of the year tend to go to a skipper who takes his team to the World Series–or close to it. But this season, neither manager did that. But what they did do was help to turn around teams that have struggled in recent years. Tony Lovullo of the Diamondbacks and Paul Molitor of the Twins claimed the BBWAA Manager of the Year awards for each league. Both men were first-time winners of the award.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘What if Arrieta becomes a Cardinal?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs fell victim to Beltran with the rest of baseball’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Lovullo, Molitor win BBWAA honors‘ – MLB.com

‘Reed a good fit for Cubs’ pen’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Who can become baseball’s next superace?’ – ESPN

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