The Cubs acquired Mike Olt from the Rangers on July 22nd. Along with Olt, the Cubs acquired CJ Edwards, Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez (PTBNL). Olt is 6-2, weighs 210 lbs., bats and throws right-handed. The 3rd baseman was the 22nd ranked prospect in baseball entering 2013 by both mlb.com and Baseball America. He was drafted in the 1st supplemental …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Arismendy Alcantara
Before this season started, I was about as high on Arismendy Alcantara as anyone. In the Assume the Position on SS, I said that Alcantara would need to increase his walks to elevate his prospect status. I won't ruin the conclusion for you. Alcantara was signed at 17 in 2009. I don't know his signing bonus, so assume it's low. …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Juan Carlos Paniagua
I'm not sure any Cub of the past 10 years is more enigmatic than Juan Carlos Paniagua (JCP for short). He's been "signed" 3 times, and the first 2, questions about his age (questions being used rather euphemistically) resulted in suspensions and deals being rescinded. He was signed the first time by the Dbacks in May 2009 (as Juan Carlos …
Ken Rosenthal on Dale Sveum
MLBTR linked an article that was written by Ken Rosenthal that discussed the Cubs manager Dale Sveum. Rosenthal's article Sooner or Later, Sveum's a Goner offers some information I had not yet read. Essentially, the Cubs hired Sveum as a bridge to the a bigger name. But let’s get one thing straight: The Cubs did not hire Sveum to be …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Jeimer Candelario
In continuing with the theme of Cubs' 3rd basemen, I thought I'd take a look at the crazily young (for his history) Jeimer Candelario. Jeimer has an interesting story. He was originally born in NYC, but was raised in the Dominican Republic. As a 16-year old there, he was signed to a hefty $500,000 dollar contract. From there, he was …
2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Christian Villanueva
Christian Villanueva came to the Cubs in the Ryan Dempster deal at the 2012 trade deadline. A J2 signing by the rangers in 2008, Villanueva cuts a less than imposing figure, standing 5'11-160. His 2011 campaign hinted at the potential for surprising pop, however, as he ISO'd .186 for the Rangers' Low-A Hickory affiliate. Combined with his sterling glovework at third, Villanueva's …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Neil Ramirez
Neil Ramirez was drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2007 Draft (44th overall). He turned 24 at the end of May so he's not exactly young. He's 6-4 and weighs 190 pounds and is a right-handed starting pitcher. The Cubs acquired him, along with Mike Olt, Justin Grimm and CJ Edwards for Matt Garza on July 22nd of …
Chicago Bears @ Pittsburgh Steelers (8:30 ET, NBC, 9/22/2013)
Last Week The Bears played like dogshit in many aspects of the game, but ended up pulling a win out of their ass with a touchdown in the waning seconds of the game. Also of note, the opposing team made a critical blunder that sealed the win in the 2nd consecutive game (a squib kick fumble). The Steelers lost to …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Rob Zastryzny
I believe this rounds out the prospect reviews as far as 2013 draftees go. Rob Zastryzny, a 6'3, 193 lb, 21 year old lefty drafted 41st overall out of Mizzou, was something of a surprise pick in the early 2nd round, as he was ranked 76th on the BA 500, and Jonathan Mayo admitted on draft night that he didn't …
2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Josh Vitters
Josh Vitters came to the Cubs with the third overall pick in the 2007 draft as the reward for their dismal 2006 campaign, a highly touted high school third base prospect with an enviable right-handed swing, tremendous raw power, and almost no glove whatsoever. After a year of demolishing both the Northwest and Midwest Leagues (slashing .328/.365/.498 in 61 games at Boise …