The Tribune’s Mark Gonzales answers readers’ questions about Kris Bryant’s WAR after two seasons, the Cubs’ needs and Albert Almora Jr.’s perceived low prospect ranking.
Kris Bryant’s father might be intrigued that his son had a higher WAR than Ted Williams after two seasons, but he was three years older than he was when he started in the majors. Williams hit .406 as a 22-year-old and had a 10.9 WAR that season and only struck out 27 times. Bryant has a ways to go before he reaches that territory, but it will be fun to watch him attempt to get there. — Brian C., Orland Park
San Diego State University didn’t start its baseball program until 1936 – the same year Williams (who grew up in San Diego) was signed out of high school by the Boston Red Sox. There were no showcase events for high school players back then, so Williams’ options were limited at that time.
Bryant would have been drafted much higher than the 19th round (by Toronto) in 2010 had he not firmly committed to attending the University of San Diego out of Bonanza High School in Las Vegas.
I’m not saying Bryant would have hit .406 five years out of high school, but the comparisons are interesting and fuels the “bar-room conversation” that Cubs manager Joe Maddon often refers to.
I admit to being pleasantly surprised with the first title in 108 years – and would love to see a repeat this year – but feel that NOT enough has been done. Adding Wade Davis and getting Kyle Schwarber back are real plusses. The jury is out right now on the former Dodger starter (Brett Anderson). Losing Dexter Fowler and even (Chris) Coghlan offset signing all these fliers in the bullpen, I am not impressed.
Why not bring Travis Wood back – and I would aggressively go after a starter from the Rays. I love Ian Happ, but a younger starting pitcher is more in need – like Alex Cobb, Jake Odorizzi, or of course (Chris) Archer – especially since the Rays are in need of a second baseman. — Jon F., Fairfield, CT
The signings of Anderson and Eddie Butler buy some time while the Cubs hope some of their top pitching prospects (all of them haven’t pitched above Double-A) accelerate their development sooner.
I think the Cubs are well-equipped to challenge for another league and World Series title in 2017. It’s the future where some concern should be raised because of their shallow starting pitching options. Theo Epstein and Co. built a surplus of middle infielders, in part, because they’re valuable. Happ probably needs at least four months at Triple-A, but he presents an interesting situation if he can play well defensively at second base.
The Cubs and Rays have talked a lot dating back to the 2015 season, so there are no secrets about a possible match. But I wouldn’t be surprised by a high asking price by the thrifty Rays, who adore talent that’s not arbitration eligible yet.
Travis Wood would like to get a chance to pitch. It didn’t work out in 2014 and 2015, and maybe he’ll get a shot elsewhere. I think the Cubs will miss his bullpen versatility.
Cubs and White Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training next week. In case you missed it, here are each team’s most significant additions and subtractions from the offseason.
(Chris Sosa)
Several years ago I read an article detailing many of the unique conditions and covenants of the sale of the Cubs from Sam Zell to the Ricketts’ organization. My memory may be faulty, but I seem to recall a restriction on the amount of money that the Cubs can allocate to player personnel through 2018 or 2019. Does such a covenant exist and if so, will you please explain it and its consequences. — Tom K., Roanoke, Va.
Two agents hinted toward the end of the 2014 season that the bulk of those restrictions would be reduced, and that’s reflected in the Jon Lester contract prior to 2015 and the signings of Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and John Lackey before the 2016 season.
The Cubs’ two consecutive playoff runs have enhanced their financial resources that range from merchandise to ticket sales to the national television contract to concerts. Their hope is that a new television contract can fund their next local television contract with plenty of money left over.
Albert Almora Jr. is better than No. 75 (in MLB.com’s prospect rankings). I’m glad to see the others get recognized, but Almora is going to prove that No. 75 is wrong. — Jim K.
With apologies to the late Freddie Mercury, there’s a tendency on the part of some fans who root for a prospect-laden organization to fall into a belldonic haze with their prospects. It’s understandable, especially when that organization hasn’t won over an extended period but is casting its future heavily on prospects.
I’m aware of the time that many prospect forecasters, including Baseball America, Keith Law of ESPN.com and MLB.com, invest in their evaluations and rankings. So I tend not to get overly fazed when I see a gap in evaluation, as is the case with Ian Happ (28th by MLB.com, 63rd by ESPN.com).
I usually pay closer attention to the comments by the evaluators rather than the actual rankings, as it gives me a better idea of what to look for as they get closer to the majors. I saw Eloy Jimenez play in the Arizona League in 2014, so that experience helped me when I saw him play a few times last spring. I’m curious to see Happ this spring, based on what I saw on video with his switch-hitting ability and questions about his defense at second base.
In the case of Almora, I think everyone has to be pleased that he has addressed the major issue of hitting strikes with authority rather than chase pitchers’ pitches and becoming overmatched. He’s got a great opportunity to become a dependable player, and I’ve seen his confidence rise in the past 12 months without getting content.
The Cubs have enough young power hitters, so Almora merely needs to get on base at a respectable rate and play solid defense, which he’s displayed already.
Photos of Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Jr.
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