We've heard his name attached to us enough and since we don't seem attached to anyone else and everything else sucks, let's give him his own thread and hopefully get some positive news.
Shogo
Re: Shogo
I imagine this is the only thing moving because it's a move they're going to make regardless of how their trades go. Like even if they bring in a Margot or a Pache you'd still probably like to have an Akiyama if the price is not prohibitive.
You could say the same thing about a bench 2B bat as well, but since there's a dozen of them out there that's likely being back-burnered.
You could say the same thing about a bench 2B bat as well, but since there's a dozen of them out there that's likely being back-burnered.
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Re: Shogo
Bertz wrote:I imagine this is the only thing moving because it's a move they're going to make regardless of how their trades go. Like even if they bring in a Margot or a Pache you'd still probably like to have an Akiyama if the price is not prohibitive.
You could say the same thing about a bench 2B bat as well, but since there's a dozen of them out there that's likely being back-burnered.
Yeah that makes sense to me. Shogo seems like part of the plan no matter what. I have some hope if he’s brought in it’s an indicator they keep KB. Would be weird to trade your superstar then bring in a 32 year old OF’er, imo. As many have laid out, adding Shogo in an offseason Willy and other lesser parts are moved can still give us a plenty competitive team though.
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Transmogrified Tiger
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Re: Shogo
I love Japanese imports, and Shogo seems like a real good fit as long as the defense is there. The age is suboptimal, and it also closes off a fair amount of opportunity for Happ, who finished so strong and represents a good chance at unexpected improvement. Especially since the options for 2B and C are likely to be older than Happ too, it’d be a bit of a bummer for the effort at extending the window.
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Re: Shogo
Good news! Looks like we can afford him without a required move to clear money!
The Cubs have payroll constraints that are making additions difficult for them this offseason, but it appears Akiyama will fit into their price range. Akiyama would be content with a deal of two years and around $10 million, a second source said. There's no posting fee involved with Akiyama, who turns 32 in April.
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TomtheBombadil
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Re: Shogo
I think Akiyama's more of a flexibility killer than gets painted. Price tag was never the issue so much as CF defense at 32 and now coming off a broken ankle (possible owner hit?) and power. If he's not a CF the OF is 3 LHH COFs deep and his offense needs to be on the high end of hopes to be a better everyday option than Heyward or Schwarber. Happ threw up a .932 OPS against RHPs last year including a .341 OBP which isn't far from the OBP you might hope for out of Akiyama
I'm pretty sold on a Happ and trade for one of the young post-hype RHH CFs floundering around the league (Margot but there's a couple others) being the best route. Schwarber - Happ - Heyward is probably the best offensive OF they can put together this offseason without some luck. The post-hype guy can work in similar to early Baez - alot of rest and defense based starts, pinch running, defensive subbing - and hopefully things work out. Worst case roll with Happ and Almora, Akiyama also leaves too much room for Almora on the roster anyway, and play Bryant in CF more often
OTOH if Akiyama's CF defense is legit they should sign him
I'm pretty sold on a Happ and trade for one of the young post-hype RHH CFs floundering around the league (Margot but there's a couple others) being the best route. Schwarber - Happ - Heyward is probably the best offensive OF they can put together this offseason without some luck. The post-hype guy can work in similar to early Baez - alot of rest and defense based starts, pinch running, defensive subbing - and hopefully things work out. Worst case roll with Happ and Almora, Akiyama also leaves too much room for Almora on the roster anyway, and play Bryant in CF more often
OTOH if Akiyama's CF defense is legit they should sign him
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Re: Shogo
Cubswin11 wrote:There’s no reason to lose out to those teams, at those dollars if they project him favorably.
I will be livid if we miss out on what appears to be a very solid option at CF over $2m
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