Skip to main content

It's Official: Marcus Stroman and Michael Hermosillo Sign With the Cubs






Last night, before my very eyes, I saw the Cubs actually sign the pitcher that since the beginning of the offseason I wanted them to get. I was pumped, not only because they signed him, but because Stroman himself was really excited. Now, I just can't wait to see him pitching in a Cubs jersey.

The official deal: 3-years, $71M. A pretty good steal, and pitcher you'll have until the young ones really move up. Exciting!


That's right. It's actually real. So, what does that mean for the Cubs, now that they have Stroman?

  • It provides a much-needed ace that is athletic and detail-oriented. Sure, he's not the high-strikeout, upper-90s pitcher like what would be *ideal*, but who can deny the fact that Stroman is a good pitcher?
  • A groundball specialist. These kinds of pitchers are good; the type that makes you groundout or strikes you out. The only problem with that is that the Cubs don't have a gold glove infield. So, I think it's time the Cubs upped their defense to help Stroman out.
  • A leader who can help the younger pitchers. He is obsessed about pitching mechanics, grips, etc., and that can easily rub off and help the younger pitchers. I'm looking forward to some mentorship going on.
  • In short, a top-tier pitcher. Just a reminder of his 2021 stats: 3.02 ERA and a 3.4 WAR in 179 IP. Pretty good, eh? How about this: 50.8% GB rate and a 21.6% K rate. Threw seven different pitches in 2021. I'm excited to have him on the Cubs!
Ok. I got so excited that the Cubs actually signed Stroman that I almost forgot about their other signing: Michael Hermosillo.

 

For those of you unfamiliar with this situation, the Cubs non-tendered Hermosillo on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday agrees to a 1-year, $600K deal. I like it and am puzzled by it all at the same time. 

Here's a couple tidbits on it:

  • Despite only hitting .194/.237/.500(!), he publicly announced he knew he could do better and hoped he'd shown the Cubs enough of that potential. I saw his potential, but when I saw the Cubs non-tender him, I assumed that would be the end of that.
  • But there is so many upsides, it's hard to miss. The .500 slugging percentage is crazy, and really shows his power. He has great speed and defense to add to that power, which really makes him a great player when at his full potential.
  • The interesting part about this is that the Cubs now have 6 outfielders with 2 possibly moving up during the season. It is as follows: Happ, Ortega, Heyward, Ramirez, Frazier, and Hermosillo. Now, I see it fine to have 5 or so outfielders, which means one of them are probably not going to get in.
  • As to who that would be, I would say it must be Ortega. He did well in 2021, and with no guarantee that he will perform as well in 2022, their best option might be to trade him.
Anyway, now the Cubs are at least set for outfield and basically pitching. Infield such as shortstop and third are still in the air, so the Cubs will still have moves to make there after the lockout.

That's all for now!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Articles Coming Again to Cubbies Gazette?

It's been awhile Cubs fans. I've been pretty active on Twitter, so if you haven't yet, give me a follow there. There's plenty of Cubs blogs out there, with my personal favorite being Bleacher Nation. So I don't intend to just repeat or say the same things others are saying, but I want to provide my thoughts on certain things that might differ or be new to Cubs fans.  Basically, I want to write brief articles on different Cubs related topics that might be new or original. This is just a hobby for me, so don't expect articles every single day. I'll also be sharing some thoughts of others from Twitter that I found interesting. If you're interested in writing for Cubbies Gazette, DM me on Twitter or email me at cubbiesgazette@gmail.com. Thanks for all of your support on Twitter, and as always, GO CUBS GO!
1 comment
Read more

Cubs Make Carter Hawkins General Manager

  After a year of Hoyer handling some of the general manager responsibilities, as well as some of the staff, he has named Carter Hawkins the Cubs new GM. “I am thrilled to bring Carter into our organization,” Hoyer said in today’s press release. “He has earned a fantastic reputation as a leader through hard work, open-mindedness, humility and intelligence. I enjoyed getting to know him throughout the interview process, and it quickly became clear that we share the same passion for team building. I look forward to partnering with him to build the next great Cubs team.” Hawkins has served most recently as Cleveland's assistant general manager, having worked his way up from an internship to the front office. Though only 37, he has a total of 14 years experience working in MLB organization. Hawkins' main strong suits lie in farm system and player development, so that will certainly help upgrade the Cubs' farm system as well as help players fresh or soon to be fresh from the m...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Marcus Stroman Really Brings to the Cubs

  Give me all the hype. Because I'm seriously excited to see Stroman pitching for the CHICAGO CUBS this season. (Even though the lockout is happening, and the season will likely be delayed, etc, etc.) Anyway, I've already discussed his stats and what kind of pitcher and person he is, and all that good analytics stuff, but in order to be FULLY ready to see Stroman pitching this season you must watch this video. Yes, the very first clip of this video is Stroman having a nasty strikeout versus the 2021 NL MVP...Bryce Harper.  Pitchers are pitchers. They all have the same job: throw the ball to the catcher and try not to allow any runs. But the variety in pitchers is simply overwhelming...and I think Stroman is in his very own category. Why? Because I can't really think of any active MLB pitcher that has quite the same physique, style, and athleticism. He became the Cubs' shortest current player at 5'8, but that doesn't stop him from being an extremely explosive pi...
Post a Comment
Read more