Pending a physical, the Cubs have agreed to a 2 year 32 million dollar deal with John Lackey. It adds a quality arm to the rotation, while doing so at minimal financial risk, as the contract is a short one. Lackey was 13-10 last year with a 2.77 ERA over 33 starts. He finished 9th in the voting for the 2015 Cy Young award which went to Jake Arrieta. While I doubt Lackey will be able to replicate the 2.77 ERA in 2016 (which was about a full run lower than his career ERA) I think it's very likely he will have more wins and be a solid addition to the rotation. This move makes a lot of sense and leaves them with enough money to acquire a quality center fielder (Denard Span) and perhaps a couple other minor additions.

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I don't doubt his Era stays below 3... Dude was in the A.L. his whole career and in the PED era.. That 3.77 translates to 2.77 in comparison.. I love the signing ,he's playoff proven.

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That's crazy. There isn't a run difference between the leagues.

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The Court will accord substantial deference to the government's immigration policies, particularly those that implicate matters of national security.

i'll be very surprised if this works out well...i don't see it happening.

Looks smart to me.

Gotta pay all the Babe Ruths down the road.

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It's only 2 years but I hate the signing.

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Why?

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

I like this deal a little. I'll love this deal alot if they trade for a young arm that can be there number 3 guy and Lackey moves back to 4. I feel completely comfortable having Hendricks as my number 5 guy and he's probably alot better then most number 5 guys.

But Im not fan of Lackey and his bullshit.

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He's going to be bad IMO.

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My understanding is he's a a looney toon on the mound and he's an asswipe off of it. Plus he's 37.

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All true. He also knows how to pitch. Barring injury, he'll win 14.

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It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

And he is a proven post season performer.

Good signing.

Love this signing.

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Hopefully he is the 4 and not the 3. As a 4, I like the deal, he is an upgrade over Hammel. Now Theo needs to get a younger guy to be a #3, like Ross or Carrasco or Miller, and give Hammel to anyone who will take his contract.

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I don't want to give a #4 $17M a year. Especially a 90 year old #4. I fear the Cubs signed him to be their #3.

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He's going to give up a ton of home runs and he's going to have an ERA above 4.50. He gave everything he had last season.

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Anyone bother to see how he did in Wrigley this year?

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They didn't overpay in my mind.....yes it is short term, but at least it is a try.....

A try? This is a team that is close to being WS ready. Trying is so 4 years ago.

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I still like it ...

Theo could literally take a creamy hot shit on 90% of Cubs fans and they would "like the move".

Pretty much.

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This is the year.

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From a pure financial perspective, it's a great alternative to the massive deals being dished out. He SHOULD be a quality starter for at least one season, but would anyone be shocked if he pitches like a 37 year old and age starts to catch up with him? If he has a 3.50 ERA and throws about 200IP, it's a good move.

Obviously, the Cubs need more pitching depth, and this should help.

Are the Cubs now set in their rotation with Hammel and Hendricks in the rotation or do they trade for a younger pitcher elsewhere?

I'm not oppose to it for next season, but the last year, he could be Dan Haren like (or not). Hard to say how he will hold up, but, on paper, coming off a strong season, even with some regression, he should be solid for next season.

I think the bigger question is on Arrieta - will he be elite again, or will there be regresssion? Some has to be expected, but will the Cubs have a true ace again next season? Lester is a year older, and will be fine, but he's not an elite pitcher.

Guy threw 215 innings at a 3.57 FIP. Even with a 10% regression, that is a 3.90 ERA, that plays as a #3 or #4.

I called for this move rather than spending far more money and more years on Shark, so I stand behind it. Lackey not only topped 200 innings last year and had a great ERA, he has pitched exceptionally well in the post-season, throwing series clinchers for both the Angels and Red Sox in the World Series and he was the one Cardinal that beat the Cubs in the NLDS this past year. Getting guys who pitch well in big games is huge, as that is what we will be hoping for in 2016.

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I don't think he'll be good next year either. He pitched about 230 innings last year. He was clearly playing for a contract. I expect him to have a 4+ ERA and give up 30 home runs.

Arrieta has to take a few steps back. He may suck next year because of the miles he put on last year. I was hoping they could find someone to take the pressure off of him but it hasn't happened. The offense will really have to carry this team next season.

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I do expect Arrieta to have a regression, if only because 2015 has a historic season that will be almost impossible to match. However, I am confident he will not SUCK as you suggest. More likely, he will regress to 2014 form and have an ERA around 2.50 and win more like 17-18 games. Lackey was outstanding last year and should have probably won 15-16 games, rather than the 13 he did win. Even if his ERA is more like 3.50 than the 2.77 he had in 2015, he should win more games and most importantly be someone capable of winning big games in the playoffs and World Series.

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I was comparing Steroid era A.L. to current N.L.

I'm not sure what the exact number would be for current A.L. to current N.L. ... There's a significant difference. See the Guppy or Cueto. Watch Cole Hamells this year.

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