other Cubs who could matter on the lower fantasy value tiers: Mike Montgomery is now a virtual lock for the bullpen and might remain in that role all season, making him NL-only end-game material, and Eddie Butler, who is out of options, will probably have to settle for the same, scratching him from draft lists even in that format. In addition, prospect Adbert Alzolay is now much less likely to breeze his way from Kevin Klein Youth jersey Double-A to the majors at any point in the season, as the Cubs can be more patient with him in the minors.
Darvish's gain is also the other big-name free-agent starters' loss, as the Cubs were also linked to Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb, both of whom are now significantly less likely -- and I'd argue long shots at best -- to also sign with them. Both pitchers, as well as fellow free agent Lance Lynn, have skill sets that are more dependent upon their circumstances than an average pitcher's would, so scratching a neutral-to-slightly-pitching-friendly landing spot off their lists is a negative (especially this late in the game). The Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays have all been connected to at least one of the three in recent Kevin Pillar Youth jersey weeks, and all of them play in much less pitching-friendly ballparks. With the increasing likelihood that Arrieta, Cobb and Lynn will either end up in one of those cites and/or have difficulty finding a team at all before March, all of them are in danger of slipping gradually down the rankings as the days pass. The agreement and details of the deal were first reported Saturday by The Athletic. Darvish had been one of the most coveted pitchers in this year's free-agent market and also reportedly received a substantial offer last month from Chicago's division rival, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Japanese right-hander also had been linked to the Rangers, Dodgers, Yankees, Twins and Astros this offseason. According to ESPN Stats & Information, it is the fourth free agent contract in excess of $100 million to be given by the Cubs, which ranks second all-time behind the Yankees (6). The Cubs have reached the NL Championship Series in each of the last three years. In 2016, they won their first World Series crown since 1908. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Darvish has a 2.42 ERA in eight career starts against the National League Central, including the postseason. He has never allowed more than three earned runs against an NL Central opponent. Darvish was acquired by the Dodgers from Texas for three prospects just before last year's trade deadline, supposedly the final piece needed to return a championship to baseball's biggest-spending team. But the 6-foot-5 Darvish only managed four outs in losing Game 7 to the Astros, becoming the second pitcher in World Series history with less than two innings pitched in two starts. In 31 combined starts last season, he was 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA. Darvish signed with Texas before the 2012 season and missed all of 2015 after elbow surgery. He has a career record of 56-42 with a 3.42 ERA and 1,021 strikeouts. CHICAGO -- After a winter makeover on the mound -- which still might see more changes -- the Chicago Cubs enter spring training with a very familiar group at the plate. In fact, when it comes to position players, there is not one new face outside of a backup catcher (Chris Gimenez) who might or might not make the team. The Cubs lost Jon Jay to free agency but will go to battle this season with every other hitter who helped them to a third consecutive playoff berth last year. That might come as a surprise, as the team expected a potential trade for a pitcher this offseason, but phone calls with opposing front James Hurst Womens Jersey offices never led to anything. Kyle Schwarber's missionGo inside a workout with Kyle Schwarber as the Cubs slugger looks to transform his body and put a rough 2017 behind him. Jesse Rogers » That part should not come as a surprise, considering what other teams are looking for and how they value certain Cubs hitters. Multiple executives indicated throughout the offseason that if they were calling Chicago, they weren’t looking to "buy high" on Kyle Schwarber or Ian Happ, for example. Meanwhile, the Cubs undoubtedly view both those players in higher regard. They know them. They know their drive. Even Schwarber’s obvious body transformation wasn’t enough to sway a rival executive to give up an elite pitcher. Shortstop Addison Russell was dangled as well, according to league sources, but the match never fit there, either. So the core group gets another chance to do something special. “I think 2018 is the year where our guys are going to take a big step forward,” general manager Jed Hoyer said last week on his way to Mesa, Arizona, for spring training. “Most of our guys are in their mid-20s, entering their prime years. I think this group is really going to come together.” More than ever, the Cubs will need to rely on their offense, as their lack of pitching http://www.billsfootballofficialprostore.com/Authentic-Ej-Gaines-Jersey depth is starting to catch up with them. They drafted hitters high, which means at some point those players need to be the strength of the team as the front office figures http://www.sanjosesharksofficialonline.com/Adidas-Joe-Thornton-Jersey out how to revamp the staff. Six free-agent pitchers should help, but they also bring question marks. On the other hand, there should be no questions about Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo & Co. But there are once you get to the "& Co." Sure, a healthy Willson Contreras has become someone to count on, but what about three other core guys who have shown inconsistent tendencies? This trio will decide if the Cubs' offense becomes a dangerous beast or continues to show its warts.