Rick Porcello to Cubs
Everyone needs pitching and those that don’t soon will when an arm goes dead. The Cubs have had a taste of a World Series championship and I doubt management or fans wish to wait until the next century for a repeat. Porcello will have another year under contract, but the Cubs have money. What do I want?
A bat and that means Kyle Schwarber who may take his hitting to the next level. Schwarber has power and could reach 30+ home runs this season, but his average may need a serious jolt to reach .250. Schwarber – a 25-year-old lefty – reminds me of Matt Stairs, but with more long-range potential.
I would expect pitching in return and the Cubs for having six of their top ten prospects as hurlers. You can ask for Adbert Alzolay but expect to be rejected. After all, Porcello has a lot of innings on his arm and will be on the bump in homer-happy Wrigley Field. Lower the expectations, but not by much.
That not by much centers around a 19-year-old $1.5 MM prospect – righty Jose Albertos has not won a game in the minors. Again – this is the great hope of anticipation all targeted to projections.
"Albertos possesses easily the best changeup in the system, earning plus-plus grades at times because he sells it so well and it seems to disappear at the plate. He sets it up with a 93-95 mph fastball that he can push to 97 and spot on either side of the plate when he’s going well. He’ll also flash a plus curveball at times, though it’s less consistent than his other two pitches because he uses it less often. – MLB Prospect Watch"
With his youth and experience you expect Albertos fill out physically and lean both the mechanics and mental approach to pitching. The Cubs have been patient with Albertos and that could be rewarded in a few seasons.