Chicago Cubs: Starting to question the Cubs’ Way this offseason

The offseason for the Chicago Cubs has been quiet. Too quiet. With the lack of activity comes questions about what the team is really doing.

Let me preface what I am about to say with this: I am a Chicago Cubs fan. Have been for 30 years. I grew up watching games after school at my Mamaw’s house, listening to the antics of Harry Caray and sitting amazed by the play of Ryne Sandberg. The laser-arm of Shawon Dunston. Watching fans bow in amazement to Andre Dawson.

And, I am passing this tradition and passion onto my oldest daughter.  We were even lucky enough to walk the warning track of Wrigley Field in 2014, then watch Anthony Rizzo in the batting cage under the right-field bleachers. Of course, this was before the renovations. But, I submit all of this to establish that I am no “bandwagon” or “front-runner” fan.

Now, on to business.

What in the heck are the Chicago Cubs doing this offseason? Before you start throwing shade on Twitter about this question, believe me when I say I understand we have yet to reach the Winter Meetings. There is plenty of time. However, the silence is deafening and what noise we do here is head-scratching.

This is leading to serious questions. At least, I do. Many of you may share these as well, so let’s talk it through.

Do we really need Ohtani?

I get it. Shohei Ohtani is THE free agent on the market this year. His potential to hit and pitch is not in doubt. Maybe he is the next “Babe Ruth,” whom he is equated to in Japan. Does his style of play fit the Chicago Cubs?

How do the Cubs intend to use the offensive-outfielder and power-pitching Ohtani? Should they expect to keep him in the outfield, who leaves? The outfield is loaded with talent, and with players the team would like to keep in the Utopian world they are creating. Platooning with Jason Heyward in right-field due to pitching matching is an option. Still, signing Ohtani means parting ways with a beloved Cub.

Or, do they relegate him to the rotation and hope to make him a number-two starter? Ohtani is capable of 100+ innings, having pitched to late level over the last few years. The fact he holds three plus-pitches is attractive to the Cubs, who need help in the rotation and bullpen. Some pundits say there are command and mechanical concerns.

As for batting, he is vulnerable to the inside pitch due to his long swing. Additionally, his health is a concern as he has been injured each season. Sure, there is plus speed and promise to hit, but he has never been a full-time hitter. Can he make the adjustments at the plate in limited appearances?

How do the Cubs juggle his talents with those on the team already? There is no doubt Ohtani is a special player, but I am not sure he will pan out in the Majors. Pitchers from Japanese teams have a history of performing well, but not necessarily batters.

Plus, comments suggest he wants to be on the West Coast. I guess the west coast of Lake Michigan fits?

For now, talks with Ohtani is holding up conversations with other players.

Somebody has to go, right?

After the fire sale in the Chicago Cubs coaching staff, the next major statement was Theo Epstein saying young talent would be on the block. The question is who is really being dangled in front of teams.

Kyle Schwarber? Maybe, but a very down year tanked his trade value this offseason. Buy low, sale high. Right now, Schwarber’s value is not as high as last offseason, or as it will be next.

Ian Happ? He is the one piece all teams will want. Switch-hitting with power? Who would not want that? Can play multiple positions at an above-average level. However, Joe Maddon loves versatility, and Happ is the fits this mold perfectly.

Javier Baez? The flashes of brilliance on defense and the ability to power a ball over the fence are enticing. On the Cubs, he is not an everyday player, though he could be. His depth is vital to the team, however, and fans love him. Would there be a revolt if he’s traded?

That leaves Addison Russell. Fans love him as well. And his defense is excellent. But, his inconsistent bat and limitations on positions in the field may allow the Cubs to part ways with him soon.

We need a pitcher, not a…

Jake Arrieta? Likely gone. I would say 90% chance of him leaving.

John Lackey? Is he coming back, or did we see the last of Lackey in a Cubs uniform? My money is on the latter.

So, the rotation as it stands right now is Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, and Jose Quintana. Three terrific players. And the team has room to sign another quality starter.

There was some talk of Yu Darvish earlier this offseason, but unless the Cubs sign Ohtani, I doubt Darvish comes to the Cubs.

Alex Cobb remains the name on the mind of Cubs’ fans. Adding Jim Hickey as pitching coach helps. Lance Lynn is out there. However, both are linked to the Rangers as well.

The next tier includes Tyler Chatwood and Jaime Garcia. If the Chicago Cubs want something better than those options, a trade is a must.

Poker face

Maybe that is all it is. Poker. The silence does not mean there is no action behind the scenes. Certainly, Theo & Company are actively speaking with potential targets. The previous seasons were laced with rumors and information about what the Chicago Cubs were doing.

This year, hushed.

With the focus on Ohtani, whatever is going on with other players is not gaining attention. Fair enough. Winter meetings begin in earnest this weekend. Once Ohtani and Giancarlo Stanton make decisions, other deals will fly.

The fact there are several major needs and silence coming from the Cubs’ offices is disturbing to me.

Maybe it is just me.

Next: Ohtani or Harper? Or Bust?

Still, it all means one of two things. Either the Cubs will only land a few solid players, thinking to add to what they have in the dugout already. Or they make a major splash (or two) and electrify their fans.

I prefer option number two.