First, a confession. I did not like the David Ross signing when it happened in December 2014. For this reason, and maybe this reason alone, I am grateful that BP Wrigleyville did not exist at this time. I am fairly certain that I would have written a piece lauding the potential of a Welington Castillo/Miguel […]
Category: Articles
Aroldis Chapman: Potential Offseason Target
Aroldis Chapman’s time as a member of the New York Yankees will likely not be what’s remembered about his 2016 season. His chief highlight from his tenure in the Bronx was the 105.1 mph fastball he chucked in July, just a few weeks before coming to the Friendly Confines. But for as remarkable as that is, […]
Dexter Fowler: Potential Offseason Target
Every time you’re near, every time I see your smile, Hear your hello, saying you can only stay a while. Hey, I know that it’s hard for you to say the things We both know are true. But tell me how come… I keep forgetting we’re not in love anymore. – Michael McDonald, “I Keep […]
Kris Bryant Named NL MVP
For the first time in 18 years, the Cubs have a National League Most Valuable Player. Kris Bryant, who learned of his victory while on camera from his batting cage festooned with memorabilia and (somewhat hilariously) a cardboard cutout of himself, takes home the award just one season after winning Rookie of the Year unanimously, […]
Brad Ziegler: Potential Offseason Target
Position: Right-Handed Reliever 2016 Stats: 68 IP, 20.1 K%, 9.0 BB%, 2.25 ERA, 2.99 DRA, 1.5 WARP Why He Fits: Ziegler has been one of the more underrated relievers in baseball for quite some time. The side-winding right-hander made his debut in 2008 with the Oakland A’s, and ever since he’s posted more than 1 WARP in […]
Kenley Jansen: Potential Offseason Target
Position: Closer 2016 Stats: 1.83 ERA, 1.48 FIP, 1.95 DRA, 104/11 K/BB, 2.4 WARP How He Fits: Highlight 2016 Stats. CNTL-C. CNTL-V. Done. Big news, guys. I’ve crunched the numbers, run the simulations, and it turns out that the Cubs can probably find a place for the best relief pitcher in baseball. Kenley Jansen’s statistics […]
It’s Time to Move on From Dexter Fowler
Cubs fans have already said goodbye to Dexter Fowler once, and they undoubtedly did not anticipate not only finding themselves in a position where they would be preparing to do it again but also that it would somehow be even harder than the first time. His surprise and well-chronicled return to the Cubs in late February sparked a […]
Emotional Moments: The World Series Edition
It hasn’t been a fortnight since the Cubs won the World Series, and it still feels surreal. I thought it might sink in—I’ve even claimed that it has, but don’t take me to court—but I’m still figuring out how to live in this world created by a Cubs World Series victory. I rewatched some bits […]
BP Wrigleycast: Replacing the Departed and Subverting the Narrative
BP Wrigleycast is BP Wrigleyville’s in-house podcast, hosted by Isaac Bennett, Ryan Davis, Carlos Portocarrero, and Joel Reese. The latest episode, “Replacing the Departed and Subverting the Narrative”, can be found here.
Rule 5 Draft Preview: Who will the Cubs protect?
With the off-season in full swing, one of the first deadlines is coming up next Friday, November the 18th. That deadline is the last day that MLB teams can protect rule 5 draft eligible players by adding them to the 40-man roster. The Cubs 40-man currently stands at 34, so they have quite a bit […]