Carrie Muskat has an article up about a few of the players the Cubs drafted that’s worth reading. A couple of things caught my attention.
Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken said they did take more high school players than in the past and did so with Cubs chairman Tom Rickett’s endorsement. Ricketts was in Mesa, Ariz., at the team’s Draft headquarters Monday and Tuesday.
“Tom came out and told us we’ll be more active on the amateur side,” Wilken said Wednesday. “When you feel you have a shot to sign players, it changes the strategy in how you pick. It was like Christmas Day for scouts.”
What Ricketts’ message meant was that Wilken and his scouts were able to select high school players that might not have been signable in the past. In Wilken’s five years with the Cubs, they have ranked 24th among Major League teams in bonus spending on the amateur side.
It’s good to know they can spend more money in the draft than they have in the last 5 years, which is something I’ve regularly complained about. How a large market team like the Cubs can spend so little on the draft is unthinkable, but that’s exactly what the Cubs have done and it’s embarrassing. As for the high school players the Cubs may want to pry from committments to universities, 14th round pick Dillon Maples has to be at the top of that list. He was a top 50 prospect entering the draft, but fell because of a strong committment North Carolina. The Cubs selected just two top 65 players in the draft and Maples is one of them. They obviously can’t make him sign, but if Ricketts is sincere, the money available has to be spent right here.
11th round pick Shawon Dunston, Jr. is also likely to go to college and scouts don’t beleive teams should buy him out of that committment.
7th rounder and son of the Great One, Trevor Gretzky is also committed to play baseball in college and will likely to just that. He has a lot of holes in his swing and is primarily a 1st baseman so the Cubs probalby aren’t going to make signing him a priority.
39th rounder Ricky Jacquez is intriguing as well. The guy is just 5-9, 160, but sits at 92 to 94 with his fastball and touches 97 mph. He has a solid hammer curve for a second pitch, too. They say there’s effort in his delivery, but it’s not excessive. He’ll be very hard to sign away from his committment to Texas, but this is one the Cubs may look to pry away if they do have additional money to spend.
There are probably a few other high potential high schoolers to watch as well, but those are the few I thought I’d highlight. If the Cubs can sign Maples, along with Baez and Vogelbach of course, the Cubs had a pretty good draft. If Maples goes to NC as most expect he will, it’s OK at best. Outside of Maples, I really don’t know where this additional money is going to be spent. To be honest, whatever that amount is, the Cubs should use as much of it as they possibly can to lure Maples away from college. Here’s Maples scouting report if you’re interested.
Maples has had the benefit of professional insight. His father, Tim, was a second-round pick of the Orioles in 1979, and his pitching coach at Pinecrest is James Baldwin, the former White Sox all-star. Scouts got a good look at Maples during his junior season when they went to see Baldwin’s son, outfielder James Baldwin III, who signed with the Dodgers as a fourth-rounder. Maples’ best assets are athleticism and arm strength. Also a standout kicker on the football team, he stands at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds with a strong lower half. His fastball sits 91-94 mph and has touched the mid-90s throughout the season. His curveball is an above-average pitch that has left his competition in the state overmatched. He lacks command of his fastball and actually does a better job of spotting his curveball. He has shown a changeup in warm-ups but doesn’t need it in games, so the pitch will need development. Maples has a short arm action and questionable mechanics that lead to his below-average command. Scouts say his athleticism will allow him to make the necessary adjustments. He is committed to North Carolina, where he would play baseball and have a chance to walk on as a kicker for the football team.
This is a guy who was a potential sandwich pick or early 2nd rounder were it not for that committment.
Comments
Spot on
MishQuote Reply
Shoudlers is another guy we really should try to pry away. If we can get two of Maples, Shoulders and Dunston, along with Baez and Vogelbach, it’ll have to be considered a pretty damn good draft.
I’d love to get Jacquez as well.
If they somehow signed all those guys, it would probably the best draft the Cubs have had in my lifetime.
DoogolasQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I guess it happened to the poker sites recently too. I can only assume we’ll be next.[/quote]
Yep. Fucking DOJ, fucking with my freedom.
jherkyQuote Reply
24th in spending on the draft? THAT’s absurd. Cutting deals with some of these draftees, like Maples, may be what saves Hendry’s job. I think Rickett’s is looking at the whole picture of what he is responsible for and not just judging him on what happens at the major league level.
JManQuote Reply
[quote name=JMan]24th in spending on the draft? THAT’s absurd. Cutting deals with some of these draftees, like Maples, may be what saves Hendry’s job. I think Rickett’s is looking at the whole picture of what he is responsible for and not just judging him on what happens at the major league level.[/quote]It is absurd, but the draft budget is set by the owner. Granted, the Cubs have been in a transitional stage for a few of those years, but it’s still on ownership as far as how little the Cubs have spent with regards to the draft.
mb21Quote Reply
Did anyone know the following about Kaplan?
He is a former college basketball coach at Northern Illinois University (1982-86) and was a scout for both the Indiana Pacers and the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA.
JManQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It is absurd, but the draft budget is set by the owner. Granted, the Cubs have been in a transitional stage for a few of those years, but it’s still on ownership as far as how little the Cubs have spent with regards to the draft.[/quote]
True and they basically sat in limbo for 3 years? Before that the Trib wasn’t big on spending and if it was it wouldn’t be on something low-profile like amateurs.
JManQuote Reply
Mark Grace sent a picture of his weiner to Oney Guillen on twitter?
Sorry, I don’t have a lot of free time these days, I scan the headlines pretty quickly.
GBTSQuote Reply
I could not love that banner any more.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Mark Grace sent a picture of his weiner to Oney Guillen on twitter?
Sorry, I don’t have a lot of free time these days, I scan the headlines pretty quickly.[/quote]
That sounds like a Heckler article.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Do you think DIllon Maples would sign if the Cubs threw Samardzija money at him?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I could not love that banner any more.[/quote]
It really is perfect. Pat did a great job.
Aisle424Quote Reply
When did Junior Lake get promoted to Tennessee? I must have missed that.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Jeffey gave Junior his Smokies sweater about ten days ago.
Silky JohnsonQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Larry Wayne Fucking Jones calls out Heyward for not playing while injured, everyone jumps behind him for demonstrating “leadership.”
Carlos Zambrano calls out an entire team for terrible play, gets called a selfish, self-centered jerk who picks on his teammates.
You know, I use to not see the race dynamics so much in sports, but when you take a step back, it’s really pretty shocking the number of double-standards there are for minority athletes.
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=Silky Johnson]Jeffey gave Junior his Smokies sweater about ten days ago.[/quote]
I believe he was the beneficiary of the LeMahieu promotion. Lake finally had a multi-hit game last night. He has not gotten off to a hot start in AA.
Speaking of LeMahieu. He is rocking 7 ABs over 8 games since his call up. What a wonderful break in the action this promotion has been for DJ. He was probably tired of playing in games. This call up has been a great chance to live the good life without doing any work.
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
[quote name=JMan]Did anyone know the following about Kaplan?
He is a former college basketball coach at Northern Illinois University (1982-86) and was a scout for both the Indiana Pacers and the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA.[/quote]I didn’t know that. Why is he doing what he is now?
mb21Quote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Which of you is this?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Which of you is this?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I didn’t know that. Why is he doing what he is now?[/quote]I assume what he’s doing now is better pay, less stressful, more fun. I mean all he has to do is come up with some crazy nonsense for what moves each team should make and complain about the letter his neighbor left for not taking care of his lawn.
JManQuote Reply
.
Uh oh. I predict one of the lamest threats ever is coming…
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
“Stop being mean/profane or I’m going to be meaner/profaner than you!”
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
ALL CAPS MEANS AL’S SERIOUS
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think that’s berselius.[/quote]
I’d write a clever reply, but I’m too busy flexing.
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
No way did Alvin actually say that.
GBTSQuote Reply
I imagine Al flipping out like Will Ferrell in the Old School scene where they are in the locker room and he’s telling the frat they have to keep their composure.
/watches way too many movies
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
“Stop being mean/profane or I’m going to be meaner/profaner than you!”[/quote]
If I may inquire, what exactly are the plebes ranting about?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
And what exactly is profanity to Al? I’m guessing me and him take offense at different degrees of profanity.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]And what exactly is profanity to Al? I’m guessing me and him take offense at different degrees of profanity.[/quote]
Charizard. Poopypants.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]If I may inquire, what exactly are the plebes ranting about?[/quote]
If I could take a guess, I’d say Mark Grace
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’d write a clever reply, but I’m too busy flexing.[/quote]You could just get really mean and profane.
mb21Quote Reply
Pirates —-> .500
While I don’t expect it to last, they are definitely improving and have a nice future loooking forward. All this with their 3B of the future not doing much of anything, and I believe Lyle Overbay at first.
MishQuote Reply
AJ Burnett also used “retarded”, so expect that to be a thing today.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
No way did Alvin actually say that.[/quote]
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/6/8/2213990/cubs-win-eight-game-losing-streak-over#69207592
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]AJ Burnett also used “retarded”, so expect that to be a thing today.[/quote]That’s retarded.
mb21Quote Reply
I hate it when people ask stupid questions like that. Who cares if some internet poster doesn’t have an idea? It’s not his job and he’s almost certainly not qualified. I’m pretty damn sure any idea I’d have to improve Castro’s patience would be retarded.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I hate it when people ask stupid questions like that. Who cares if some internet poster doesn’t have an idea? It’s not his job and he’s almost certainly not qualified. I’m pretty damn sure any idea I’d have to improve Castro’s patience would be retarded.[/quote]
STOP SWINGING AT BAD PITCHES, ASSHOLE!!!!!!!
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]STOP SWINGING AT BAD PITCHES, ASSHOLE!!!!!!![/quote]
NAMECALLING ISN’T ALLOWED!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/6/8/2213990/cubs-win-eight-game-losing-streak-over#69207592[/quote]
That was comparatively mild. Is Al Mormon or something?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]That was comparatively mild. Is Al Mormon or something?[/quote]or something
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]or something[/quote]
Ah yes…my apologies for insulting the Latter Day Saints.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m confused about what this guy wants his mother to do.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/even-phil-rogers-is-sometimes-right.html
mb21Quote Reply
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