Chicago Cubs staying ‘ahead’ of the game with early moves

I know. It’s hard to say the Chicago Cubs are staying ‘ahead’ after they did nearly nothing in the offseason. But they’ve gotten the jump on most of the league before the trade deadline with a couple of moves.

In an offseason that saw the Chicago Cubs make very few moves–and no impact moves–the consensus was they would have to ‘make it up’ at the deadline. So far, they’ve added Carlos Gonzalez to a minor-league deal and signed closer Craig Kimbrel to a three-year deal, close to $45 million. While early on, the Cubs were doing all they could in-house, it was time to invite in some guests.

They started with Gonzalez. After being released by the Cleveland Indians, the Cubs signed him to a minor-league pact. He quickly was called up and has played in all three games. He has just two hits in nine at-bats with two RBI. But a sparkling play in right field may have saved the game for Jon Lester, and his veteran presence is welcome in the clubhouse. Nothing against Mark Zagunis, but Gonzalez has already proved to be an upgrade just in the field, alone.

The three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner is trying to break the stigma of his numbers being aided by Coors Field. In 10 years with the Rockies, Gonzalez batted .290, averaging 23 home runs and 75 RBI in that span. After a slow start in Cleveland, he was released.

"Gonzalez admitted that he’s been a slow starter and “everything seemed like it was rushing” after he signed in mid-March. h/t Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune"

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Just like Cole Hamels last season, the Cubs hope being in the thick of things reinvigorates him and gets him back to his previous form. He got off to a good start.

"“Unbelievable man,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of games here over the years. I got 11 years in the National League and every time I come here there’s always this special energy."

Now, the Cubs have signed Kimbrel to help solidify the backend of the bullpen. The Cubs may have had interest in the offseason, but his agent David Meter was looking for too much money–and it appears all teams agreed as he went unsigned. He didn’t come cheap, but well less than the five-year, $100+ million he was initially looking for.

The Cubs didn’t have a ‘lockdown’ closer. Brandon Morrow never fit that role and has had issues staying healthy. Pedro Strop is one of the greatest relievers in Cubs history, but not a closer. Steve Cishek filled in since he had the experience. But having this group cover the sixth through the eighth, leaving Kimbrel the ninth? The Cubs pen just moved up when talking about a robust backend of the pen.

I don’t anticipate the Cubs being done. There is still some improvement that could be done, some of it still in the bullpen. The offense has proven what it is capable of. They just need to avoid these streaks where they suddenly stop hitting with runners in scoring position. Outside of that, they can hit with the best of them. The rotation has been good, and the bullpen was the most suspect. By adding Kimbrel, they’ve improved not only the closer role but middle-relief and set-up man.

The work of a GM is never done. But this year there’s a firm trade deadline of July 31. No more waiver deals. So there will be no ‘maybe we’re in it.’ It’s a yes or no come the deadline. The Chicago Cubs are in. The deal now is who will be a seller. Could a Sean Doolittle be on their radar? So many things to consider.