My Brain Just Figured Out How The Cubs Can Still Sign Bryce Harper
At the very least we all know Theo Epstein is aggressively yet methodically counting down the minutes until Opening Day. I’m a big follow-the-leader kind of guy and Theo has set a pretty obvious course this offseason. He’s signed Daniel Descalso, two relievers for a whopping $5m in 2019 salary and a 38 year-old who hasn’t pitched professionally in 12 years. It’s Power Moves Only season on the northside of Chicago and Theo is in prime form.
On top of that we’ve got some compelling conspiracy theories I’ve been drumming up related to Bryce Harper. The news is stagnant and now we’ve got the Padres lurking. The Phillies apparently can’t take No for an answer and still want to be involved while the Nationals and White Sox still wait for more clarity.
For several weeks now the Cubs have been on the outside, allegedly. It’s been clear financial restrictions exist but also reported that Harper would be willing to give the Cubs a last look, whatever that is supposed to mean. After years of speculating around the Harper/Bryant friendship, a last look would certainly make sense for either side.
If it gets to that point, Theo could end up making one last call to Tom Ricketts to say Here’s what it would take to get Bryce Harper right now. Yes nor no.
Speaking of opportunities, the Cubs signed reliever Tony Barnette recently to a 1-year deal worth $750K which is a shade above league minimum. He pitched somewhat regularly in Texas the last 3 seasons after doing 6 years in Japan as a closer.
I like this a lot because as I’ve said since Yu Darvish showed up, he needs some friends in Chicago. Barnette has the chops to be that guy. His last 9 seasons of pro-ball in Japan and Texas are perfect for Yu. Relatable experiences, mutual friends mixed with new opportunities usually means a blossoming friendship. And naturally my instincts say a happy Yu Darvish = 2019 NL Cy Young Award Winner. I’m hoping he and Barnette really click.
Don’t believe me? Look at this instagram video of him throwing over the weekend.
I have to remind myself that’s a top 10 NL arm *when healthy. When unhealthy, it’s the equivalent of setting $21,000,000 on fire and then spending another $20,000,000 on Cole Hamels. It’s important to spend more time on the positive stuff though so let’s get back on the 2019 Hype Train and pretend Yu has no injury risk at all. That’s way more fun.
Finally and way less fun, Joe Ricketts is the talk of the town right now for the email sting operation. He made some racist remarks and generally came off as a rich old white guy unhappy with a world passing him by. Shocker. Turns out he really is just an old rich white guy unhappy with a changing world.
It’s notable to the Cubs though because Joe is very active within the family and had reportedly contributed/distributed $400m to a trust that purchased the Cubs. Reportedly. I don’t know because I’m not an investigative journalist. I’m just saying people are making this about the Cubs because he’s Tom’s dad and co-mingled assets 10 years ago so his kids could buy the Cubs.
Ultimately it’s up to you as a Cubs’ fan how you want to feel. If his comments personally offend you, then you should be offended. If they don’t, move on. It’s a free country.