Pierce Johnson is a 6-3, 170 pound right-handed starting pitcher. He was born May 10, 1991 and was drafted out of Missouri State in the 1st round (43) of the 2012 Draft. After Picking Albert Almora the Cubs picked pitcher after pitcher in the first 10 rounds because the organization lacked impact starting pitchers. Johnson entered the season as arguably …
2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler is a 21 year-old right-handed outfielder standing 6'3-225. Born in Cuba, Soler defected in 2011, establishing residency in Haiti. On June 2, 2012, Soler was cleared by OFAC to become a free agent, and began negotiations with clubs to sign a contract. Soler was notable in that he was the last major international prospect to become available before …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Jake Arrieta
With 409 professional innings under his belt, Jake Arrieta isn't a prospect. As one of the major acquisitions over the past 12 months, however, and as someone who remains more potential than performance at this point, we felt it was worth it to take a look at his 2013 and try to get a sense of what he may or …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Kyle Hendricks
Kyle Hendricks is a 6-3, 190 pound right-handed starting pitcher. He turns 24 on December 7th and was drafted 8th round of the 2011 Draft out of Dartmouth College. Here's what Baseball America wrote at the time of the draft. An economics major at Dartmouth, Hendricks brings a heady presence to the mound. He does more than just outsmart hitters, …
Cubs Dominate Northwest League Top Prospect List
The first "wave of talent" is almost here, and by that, I mean Baez/Alcantara. The next wave may not be that far afterwards. Baseball America placed 6 Cubs on the list of the Top 20 Prospects of the Northwest League. #1 Kris Bryant #7 Paul Blackburn #9 Yasiel Balaguert #10 Dillon Maples #12 Shawon Dunston, Jr. #17 Kevin Encarnacion I won't …
2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Gioskar Amaya
Gioskar Amaya came to the Cubs as a 2009 J2 signing. His signing bonus isn't listed anywhere, so we'll assume the Cubs didn't exactly break the bank on him. Amaya entered 2013 as a hot pick to have a breakout season in the Cubs organization. Some of the notable reports: Sickels: 11) Gioskar Amaya, 2B, Grade B-: I think he will …
2013 Cubs Prospects in Review: Mike Olt
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: 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 …
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 …