Cubs: Jesse Rogers sits down with Jed Hoyer for a Q & A

Chicago Cubs: Is it not going to be what you expected?

Rogers asked if whatever happened, is it going to be less than you expected?

"I think it’s too early to say that. There is no way to know that yet. It’s fair to say there hasn’t been a lot of activity yet. We’ve been incredibly active making calls and exploring options. As we talk here [in late January], we haven’t been active as we usually are. Their ‘making calls’ but haven’t been effective, especially since they have high hopes for some of these players. From Contreras to Bryant, way too much. I haven’t heard the details, but I can tell you that the price was ‘high.’ I get it. You don’t want to be shorted. But you don’t want to skip on a solid deal, either."

So Jesse asked why they’ve never discussed a rebuild. Here’s his answer.

"It’s important to keep an eye on the future. There are times in your life cycle [as a team] you are really aggressive in trying to maximize your opportunity in that moment. We’ve done that over the last five years but there are other moments it’s important to keep your eye on your future. But when you have as much talent that we have on our roster, it is one eye on the future, but we’re not blind to how much talent we have. This roster can win with this talent."

And you know what? I believe it. They’ve got talent around the bases. The corner outfielders are great, and you fill in with the other pieces, and you’ll be fine. Now the pitching and bullpen? Suspect at best. Kyle Hendricks is headed into his prime. Jon Lester is not, but the Cubs knew that. Rowan Wick, Kyle Ryan? Solid year, but that’s just one.