A few days ago we looked at Sickel’s Cubs prospects ranked 11-20 entering the season and how they’ve done so far. This time we’ll look at the top 10.
10) Alberto Cabrera, RHP, Grade C+: Another live arm that needs polish.
Cabrera made 9 starts for AA Tennessee and then was promoted to Iowa. I’m pretty sure the only reason he was promoted was because of all the injuries the Cubs have suffered and the I-Cubs needed a starting pitcher. At AA he threw 48.2 innings and allowed 60 hits. He struckout only 34 and walked 21.
In AAA he’s made 7 starts and thrown 34.1 innings. He hasn’t had any better luck either. Batters hit .308 against him in AA and they’re approaching .400 in AAA (.372). He’s allowed 54 hits, struckout 26 and walked 23.
He doens’t turn 23 until October, but I’m having trouble understanding why he’s ranked so high. He strikeout 90 and walk 26 in 93 innings in High A last year, but overall (A+/AA) he threw 136 innings, allowed 149 hits, struckout 125 and walked 50. These aren’t exactly numbers that jump out at you. He’s not difficult to hit. In 2009 he allowed 94 hits in 96.1 innings in Low A Peoria. In 2008, at Peoria, he allowed 55 hits in 52 innings. He doesn’t miss bats either. Between those two seasons in Low A, Cabrera threw nearly 150 innings and struckout 110. He walked 84. His command improved last seaosn, but it appears to have been a fluke.
His tRA+ was 97 at AAA and below 75 so far in AAA.
9) Austin Reed, RHP, Grade C+: Huge sleeper for 2011.
Drafted out of high school in California in 2010 (12th round) Baseball America didn’t have much on Reed, but they did say this:
Younger brother of San Diego State ace Addison Reed, Reed is a tall and physical righty who has battled mechanical and command issues all spring. Reed’s fastball sits in the high 80s and can peak at 90-91. He’s also committed to the Aztecs.
Reed threw 33.2 very good innings in Rookie League after signing for $150,000. Reed stayed behind at Extended Spring Training and then was sent to Boise when their season began a few weeks ago. So far he’s only thrown 16 innings, allowed 19 hits, struckout 9 and walked 9. Not a very good start, but he did quite well last season and doesn’t turn 20 until the last day of October.
8) Robinson Lopez, RHP, Grade C+: High-ceiling arm, needs refinement.
The Braves signed the then 17 year old Dominican in 2008 and then traded him to the Cubs last August along with Tyrelle Harris and Jeffrey Lorick. Harris and Lorick were mostly throw-ins while Lopez was a high ceiling pitcher. Unfortunately he has not yet put it all together. He walks too many, strikes out fewer than you’d like and has given up plenty of home runs. This is another ranking I have trouble understanding. Baseball America ranked him 19th, which is probably where he belongs.
In 201 professional innings between just Rookie League and Low A, he’s struckout only 6.4 batters per 9 while walking 3.8. This season at Peoria his K/9 is down below 5. Lopez just turned 20 and apparently has pretty decent stuff, but he’s not a top 10 prospect.
7) Josh Vitters, 3B, Grade B-. I expect this will be controversial but he really needs to get things going, and age-relative-to-league is just one factor among many.
Vitters kind of reminds me of Geovany Soto, but not the good way. Here’s Josh Vitters triple slash sttats over the years.
Good/OK/Good
Bad/Bad/Bad
Good/OK/Good
Bad/Bad/Bad
Good/OK/Good
Bad/Bad/Bad
Seriously. if you go to his stats pages, that’s what it says. It’s kind of like Geovany Soto’s page. The biggest difference is that when Soto is good, he’s extremely valuable and when Vitters is good, he’s worse than average for the league he’s playing in because he plays a much less valuable position. He’s played about half his games at 1st this season, which was always the likely move anyway, but he went from a guy who had some potential because he was so young to a guy who literally has no value whatsoever. At 1st base, he just doesn’t have the bat to justify playing him at the big league level. Not to mention he’s not been that good this season anyway. He has a .345 wOBA, which is a 102 wOBA+ (like OPS+, ERA+). He’s basically been an average hitter in AA in his second time through and has played half his games at a position that has the least value other than DH.
There are three guys so far in the top 10 that I don’t think had any business being ranked that high. For years it’s been all about the potential with Vitters, but he’s just not shown any ability to get on base. For a few years now we’ve known he has less patience than any player you’ve ever seen any freaking level you’ve watched yet people continued to rank him in the top 10. Name 5 players who had horrible walk rates relative to the league who have had successful careers. I’m not talking a bad walk rate. I’m talking easily the worst among all MLB players and it’s not even close. He’d make Neifi Perez, Corey Patterson and Jeff Francouer look like Barry Bonds at the plate.
6) Reggie Golden, OF, Grade B-: Enormous potential but very raw.
If I had a dollar for every Cubs prospect the last 10 years who supposedly had enormal potential, but was very raw, I’d have at least $50. I could probably buy three Obstructed View shirts. When I see that type of description I expect to see a player who doesn’t recognize a strike from a ball and swings at everything. That’s not been so with Golden in his first year of professional baseball (this season at Boise). He’s posted a batting line of .286/.403/.446. The season just started so that’s less than 70 plate appearances, but it’s good to see he has some patience. He’s struckout 16 times, which is not a good sign, but I’d much rather have a prospect his age who strikes out a lot and walks a lot than one who strikes out little and never walks (see Vitters, Josh).
The Cubs took Golden in the 2nd round in 2010 and he signed for $720,000. Here’s what BA said about him at the time.
The top player in Alabama’s high school ranks for the last two seasons, Golden is an Alabama recruit whose build and tools remind some evaluators of another Southeastern Conference player of recent vintage, current Brewers farmhand Kentrail Davis. He’s a five-tool athlete with present strength who profiles as a right fielder, even though he stands less than 6 feet tall. Golden impressed scouts by grinding through the spring despite a hamstring pull that slowed him all season. He still ran average to above-average times despite his injury, but as he matures, speed won’t be a major part of his game. Power will, as Golden has impressive strength and raw bat speed. His approach at the plate is raw, and he lacks the plate discipline that allowed Davis to star from the start of his SEC career. His best present tool is his above-average arm, which fits well in right field. He plays with energy and is coachable, and he’ll have to adjust to better pitching with his raw hitting skills.
Can’t complain so far.
5) Hayden Simpson, RHP, Grade B-: Could rank at the top next year if he does anything in the pros like he did in NCAA Division II.
I could rank near the top next year if I do anything in the pros like I did in Pee Wee. I’m not kidding. That .700+ batting average would be an all-time record. Not to mention I threw a wicked 12-6 curve and tossed 3 no-hitters when I was 9. 3 no-hitters in about 6 starts. Not bad. I’d be like Nolan Ryan, Roy Halladay, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols and Johnny Bench (I also played catcher) all in one. My season WAR would be about 123.8. I’d pass Babe Ruth for the all-time lead in WAR in my second season. No sophomore jinx me. I’d be the superstar, yo.
What kind of statement is that? Every single player drafted in the top 20 rounds would rank at the top next year if they did anything like they did in high school or Division 2. If they could do anything in the pros like they did at those lower levels, who the hell would watch professional baseball when they can watch amateurs do it better?
In 16 starts for Peoria, Simpson threw 61.1 innings and allowed 76 hits. He struckoug only 46 and walked 27. The Cubs just recently moved him back to Rookie League. Here’s what BA said last year about Simpson.
Southern Arkansas coach Allen Gum found the most successful pitcher in school history literally right next door. Simpson, his next-door neighbor in Magnolia, Ark., has gone 35-2, 2.39 with 323 strikeouts in 271 innings in three seasons with the NCAA Division II Muleriders. Though he’s just 6 feet and 175 pounds, he has a strong lower half and a quick arm that delivers 91-93 mph fastballs that peak at 96. His fastball is fairly straight and he tends to pitch up in the zone, which could lead to difficulty with tougher competition. He has a pair of hard breaking pitches, an 82-83 mph slider and an 78-80 mph curve. He also has a changeup that he uses sparingly, and he commands his entire repertoire well. His velocity decreased a little toward the end of the season, and some scouts are wary of his size and the fact that he’s never ventured far from Magnolia. Nevertheless, his fastball could get him drafted as high as the fourth or fifth round.
I bolded the last sentence because it was just plain wrong. It should have said, his fastball could get him drafted by the Cubs in the first round, but otherwise would fall to the 4th or 5th. The Cubs drafted him in the top half of the first round, but they did so in order to go under slot. Slot signing bonus was about $1.5 million and the Cubs signed him for $1 million.
I should point out that he didn’t pitch last year because he had mono and lost a lot of weight because of it. That could have impacted his performanced this season as he wasn’t full strength yet. His fastball was in the mid 80s most of the time.
4) Jay Jackson, RHP, Grade B: I still like him more than the numbers say I should.
Rated as the 98th prospect in baseball by Baseball America prior to 2010, Jackson struggled last season in his first full season at AAA. He was drafted in the 9th round in 2008 and moved very quickly through the organization. By the end of his first full professional season he was in AAA. After signing in 2008 he managed to pitch 50 innings between Boise, Peoria and Daytona and struckout 72 and walked only 13. He struckout 36.6% of the batters he faced and walked just 7.6%. In 2009 he threw 127 innings between High A, AA and AAA. He struckout 127 (24.1%) and walked 46 (8.9%). There was a good reason he was ranked in the top 100.
Then 2010 happened. In 157.1 innings, he struckout just 119 (17.6%) and walked 48 (9.0%). Back at AAA this year, he’s thrown 75.2 innings, allowed 98 hits, walked 24 (7.5%) and struckout 44 (12.7%). His K% in AAA is 15.9% while his BB is a solid 8.6%. The K-BB% is a little worse than league average. He also gives up a fair amount of home runs.
Jay Jackson’s potential began to fall the moment he stopped striking out a lot of hitters. He’s been horrible this season and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him dropped to AA at some point in the near future. He has a 6.54 ERA this year and his ERA wasn’t all that impressive last year (4.63). I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him moved to the bullpen as he likely has no future in a rotation.
3) Christopher Carpenter, RHP, Grade B: May end up in the pen, but he’s got plus stuff and I wouldn’t give up on him as a starter yet.
Since Carpenter was promoted to Iowa at the end of last season, he’s been remarkably consistent. In his 14.2 innings he posted a 7.69 tRA. He began the year in Iowa this season and posted a 7.03 tRA. He was moved back down to AA Tennessee where he posted a 7.05 tRA. Out of necessity, he was promoted to Chicago and posted an 8.18 tRA. 2011 has not been a good season for Carpenter.
Carpenter is already 25 years old and turns 26 in December. He was drafted in the 3rd round in 2008, but would have been drafted even higher had he not had a number of arm injuries in college. It’s likely he was a 1st round pick if he managed to stay healthy, but teams knew the damage was already done and weren’t going to draft him in the first couple rounds. The Cubs got a guy who could end up being a steal.
He was unimpressive in his 33 innings in 2008 after signing. He threw 130+ innings in his first full professional season and allowed only 100 hits. He pitched in Low A, High A and AA. He struckout 118 and walked 52. Most importantly, he was healthy. He was throwing in the upper 90s and even touching triple on occasion.
He was more hittable in AA/AAA the following season giving up more hits than innings pitched. He was still healthy and throwing in the upper 90s, which was kind of a miracle. He probably wasn’t going to make it as a starter as he didn’t have the command so the Cubs moved him into the bullpen this season hoping that another power righty would help the Cubs in the future. Well, Carpenter has definitely been consistent, but not the kind of consistent the organization is looking for.
After his cup of coffee (6.2 IP, 11 H, 5 BB, 6 K) he was sent back to Iowa. He’s yet to make an appearance since his demotion.
2) Trey McNutt, RHP, Grade B+: Hard to believe this guy was a 32nd round pick. . .he’s got great stuff.
DJ and I talked a bit about McNutt last night. Before I go over that, let’s back up and take a look at what BA had to say about McNutt prior to this season.
Background: When their Alabama area scout quit early in 2009, the Cubs decided not to replace him. So while other teams saw McNutt work in the high 80s at the start of Shelton State (Ala.) CC’s season and backed off, Chicago didn’t catch him until the Junior College World Series in June, when he showed a 90-93 mph fastball. After he turned down an eighth-round offer from the Twins, he slid all the way to 32nd round, where the Cubs signed him for $115,000. His stuff has continued to improve, propelling him to Double-A in his first full pro season.
Scouting Report: When he’s going good, McNutt has two plus-plus pitches. Though his fastball comes in on a bit of a flat plane, he blows it by hitters at 92-98 mph. He can neutralize lefthanders by pitching to their back foot with his power breaking ball, which is more of curveball than a slider. Once McNutt uses his changeup more, it should become an average third pitch. He’s stingy with walks but sometimes lapses into overthrowing, costing him command.
The Future: Ticketed for a return trip to Double-A, McNutt has a profile similar to that of Andrew Cashner and Chris Archer. All three have the stuff to pitch at the front of a rotation or close games.
He was the 2nd ranked prospect in the Cubs organization behind Brett Jackson. McNutt has missed time this year a few times due to a blister and once due to a collision. As a result, he’s only thrown 44 innings. They haven’t been any good either. He’s allowed 11 hits per 9 and his ERA is 4.5. This is after a late promotion to AA last season when he gave up over 12 hits per 9. AA has not been kind to him.
Prior to AA, McNutt struckoutbatters at a rate of 28.8% and 29.7% while walking them at a rate of 10.7% and then 6.7% in High A last season. In AA, he’s struckout 14.4% of the batters and walked 8.0%. His K-BB% is .065, which is well under the Southern League average. The K-BB% average for Southern League pitchers who started at least 60% of their appearances is .09. Much like we saw with Jay Jackson when he got to AAA, McNutt’s strikeout rate has gone down to the point we have to reconsider his potential. With no way of knowing how much, if at all, the blisters and collision have affected him, all we can do is hope they’ve had a big impact.
Last season at AA McNutt had a 1.6 WHIP though it was a very small sample. This year it’s just slightly higher. There’s still a lot we don’t know about McNutt and that was true entering the season. Even with these 44 innings, he’s get to pitch his 200th professional inning. We probably got a little too optimistic with regards to McNutt, but he’s still young.
1) Brett Jackson, OF, Grade B+: Love the broad base of skills.
After batting .317/.424/.537 in April, Jackson hasn’t hit so well since. In May he batted .189/.362/.378 and followed that up in June by hitting .217/.313/.349. His OBP has stayed at least 100 points higher than his batting average each month, which is a good sign. He’s going to strike out a lot, but that’s partly because of all the deep counts and walks he’s going to take.
Jackson turns 23 on August 2nd. All he’s done since being drafted by the Cubs in the 1st round in 2009 is hit. He has a career .294/.397/.481 line in nearly 1100 plate appearances. He has some power, gets on base, is about average or better in CF, runs well and has hit for average. That’s probably not going to continue at the higher levels, though. He posted a .415 park-adjusted wOBA in 2009 at Peoria. It was .411 at Daytona in 2010 and then also in 2010 at Tennessee it was .380. It’s .379 this season despite struggling for 2 months. He’s hit very well in July and could see a call-up in September or sooner if the Cubs trade outfielders at the deadline.
Comments
I haven’t been around in awhile, so I hope everyone had a good 4th.
I’m also loving the 2012 draft race standings at the bottom (dying laughing)
Like last year I’m actually hoping for a better pick than for a shitty team to win a few more games.
LukasQuote Reply
The Hayden Simpson pick still bugs me and made me think that either the Cubs were insane, or Wilken was, or both.
Conspiracy theory moment…what if Wilken drafted with the understanding that the Cubs would pay up, but now that the draft is done, the Cubs suddenly don’t want to spend, and that’s why none of the high-round guys have signed yet?
They still have a bit more than a month to get things done though, so it’s most likely much ado about nothing.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Lukas]I haven’t been around in awhile, so I hope everyone had a good 4th.
I’m also loving the 2012 draft race standings at the bottom (dying laughing)
Like last year I’m actually hoping for a better pick than for a shitty team to win a few more games.[/quote]Those will get updated tomorrow. We moved servers and we didn’t want to change anything since it may not have made the switch.
mb21Quote Reply
I wouldn’t worry too much, RC. It is early, but it’s also odd they have signed so few of their top picks. I don’t really care what Bruce Miles says. It’s not like the Cubs are the only team to draft a few players overslot. I think they’re just content to wait and it’s nothing more than that.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Those will get updated tomorrow. We moved servers and we didn’t want to change anything since it may not have made the switch.[/quote]
I like the idea of it. When the team is this bad, I’m always curious as to their draft position. Just too lazy to look myself (dying laughing)
LukasQuote Reply
[quote name=Lukas]I like the idea of it. When the team is this bad, I’m always curious as to their draft position. Just too lazy to look myself (dying laughing)[/quote]It was something 424 did on his old site last year.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It was something 424 did on his old site last year.[/quote]
A stroke of genius. I was upset when the Cubs dropped out of the “top” 6 (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Oh crap. Baker got messed up there.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Moany is off to a good start.
mb21Quote Reply
Baker —> back spasms
DeWitt —> new 2B
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Ramon Ortiz is pretty excited about only being down 3-0.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Aramis Ramirez —-> higher trade value (maybe)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Aramis Ramirez —-> higher trade value (maybe)[/quote]
If he keeps this up he’s going to look much much more tradeable. His value was basically zero a month ago.
BerseliusQuote Reply
BJax —> game-tying homer
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]If he keeps this up he’s going to look much much more tradeable. His value was basically zero a month ago.[/quote]Baseball is a weird sport. It’s hard for me to believe his value has changed that much in a month.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]BJax —> game-tying homer[/quote]He tied the game in Washington with a home run in AA? Dude’s got skillz.
mb21Quote Reply
Just told grabkw to finish year strong and we syill had faith in him.. He looked puzzeled.. Got some solid stories for later tonight after hanging around the cubs pen all game
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He tied the game in Washington with a home run in AA? Dude’s got skillz.[/quote]
You would like that, wouldn’t you…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]If he keeps this up he’s going to look much much more tradeable. His value was basically zero a month ago.[/quote]I don’t see how they trade him. If anything, it may give him enough to let a team take a chance on signing him as a free agent. But no contender will want him and why wouldn’t he just veto any other trade and save himself having to move for nothing?
binkyQuote Reply
Campana learned how to bunt…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Campana learned how to bunt…[/quote]
Blind squirrel ——–> nut
Aisle424Quote Reply
Grabow was wild. Again.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Baseball is a weird sport. It’s hard for me to believe his value has changed that much in a month.[/quote]
It’s not so much a projection thing so much as a Ramirez looks done at the plate thing. He’s looking like he has upside for one more year again.
I don’t see why a contender wouldn’t want him, it’s not like there are a kabillion 3b
BerseliusQuote Reply
I wonder if the Phillies would want a 3B since Polanco is broken and sucking. They probably don’t have a lot of $$ though.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I wonder if the Phillies would want a 3B since Polanco is broken and sucking. They probably don’t have a lot of $$ though.[/quote]
The thing to remember is that playoffs = $$$
BerseliusQuote Reply
starling peralta made his debut in Peoria tonight. K’d 6 in 5 innings and gave up a solo HR
dylanjQuote Reply
Polanco isn’t bad. His offense hasn’t been good, but his defensive numbers are great.
ACTQuote Reply
It’s too bad the Giants already have Panda at 3b. They could really use a bat (Pena?)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]It’s too bad the Giants already have Panda at 3b. They could really use a bat (Pena?)[/quote]
I think a Soto–>Giants trade makes sense.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Aramis should probably move to 1B anyway.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I think a Soto–>Giants trade makes sense.[/quote]
Yeah, but then they’ll have to trade Geo again once Posey gets back.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]It’s not so much a projection thing so much as a Ramirez looks done at the plate thing. He’s looking like he has upside for one more year again.
I don’t see why a contender wouldn’t want him, it’s not like there are a kabillion 3b[/quote]What I’m saying is that if teams thought he was done a month ago, I’m guessing teams still think he’s done. Most organizations aren’t prone to the overreaction that fans are. The Cubs unfortunately aren’t one of those organizations. They’ll probably throw that $16 million option away and sign him for $65 million over 4 years next week. I’m just saying he entered this season as a slightly better than average hitter and through 2 months had been even worse. I don’t think too many teams are lining up to give up too much to get a guy who has had one good month over the last 2 seasons.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Yeah, but then they’ll have to trade Geo again once Posey gets back.[/quote]
I guess SF doesn’t have plans to move Posey to 1B, but I think they could use a good stopgap.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What I’m saying is that if teams thought he was done a month ago, I’m guessing teams still think he’s done. Most organizations aren’t prone to the overreaction that fans are. The Cubs unfortunately aren’t one of those organizations. They’ll probably throw that $16 million option away and sign him for $65 million over 4 years next week. I’m just saying he entered this season as a slightly better than average hitter and through 2 months had been even worse. I don’t think too many teams are lining up to give up too much to get a guy who has had one good month over the last 2 seasons.[/quote]
Teams in playoff chases do stupid things. A slightly better than average hitter at 3b has some value, if he manages to reestablish the perception of that baseline. I’m not saying the Cubs will get a lot for him, but I think that with a good July he moves from untradeable to tradeable for salary relief. That’s something.
BerseliusQuote Reply
It’s up to Darwin Barney…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
He’s tradeable. I just don’t think you’re going to get anything of value for him.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s up to Darwin Barney…[/quote]
False.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]It’s up to Darwin Barney…[/quote]That’s never a good sign.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Teams in playoff chases do stupid things. A slightly better than average hitter at 3b has some value, if he manages to reestablish the perception of that baseline. I’m not saying the Cubs will get a lot for him, but I think that with a good July he moves from untradeable to tradeable for salary relief. That’s something.[/quote]If he’s hot in the second half, he might be a good rental for a team with that kind of a need. He’s a traditional slow starter and usually has decent numbers July on.
binkyQuote Reply
I’m very impressed with the Cubs renewed interest in losing. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Pittsburgh is 45-41.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Pittsburgh is 45-41.[/quote]
Milwaukee is getting shelled…which means Pittsburgh will probably end tonight in second place in the NL Central.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14030720
mb21Quote Reply
Corey Patterson’s OBP=SLG=.293. Yet the Jays see him as a #2 hitter. Remember that when you hear people complain about Barney hitting in the 2-hole.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Corey Patterson’s OBP=SLG=.293. Yet the Jays see him as a #2 hitter. Remember that when you hear people complain about Barney hitting in the 2-hole.[/quote]I actually haven’t complained about him hitting 2nd. I have a bigger issue with Castro hitting 3rd, but it’s only a minor issue. I don’t care about lineups.
mb21Quote Reply
The Royals are winning!!!!
*rejoice*
Rice CubeQuote Reply
That said, Barney’s hitting line is starting to look a lot more like his projection, and a lot less like the ROY candidate that people were talking about after his hot start.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I actually haven’t complained about him hitting 2nd. I have a bigger issue with Castro hitting 3rd, but it’s only a minor issue. I don’t care about lineups.[/quote]I don’t see why. Castro’s a much better hitter, and the 3-hole is less important than the 2-hole.
ACTQuote Reply
I suppose Castro’s a bigger mismatch for his lineup slot (he’s not a power hitter), but batting Barney second is probably costing more runs.
ACTQuote Reply
Derek Jeter —> 2996 hits
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Even worse in person than on tv
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Even worse in person than on tv[/quote]Jeter or Barney?
binkyQuote Reply
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=16631783
Golf swing.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
BJax —> go-ahead HR in extras
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]BJax —> go-ahead HR in extras[/quote]
Make that the game-winning homer, Jeff Stevens (?!) with the save. Forgot he was sent way down.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
KC > White Sox
Cubs —> #2 pick
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/5318/quade-not-sure-what-went-wrong-for-mateo
Sounds almost like Quade pulled a quasi-Dusty with Mateo from the way this article is framed.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Ted Lilly hit a double somehow.
ACTQuote Reply
http://screenrant.com/dexter-season-6-details-showtime-yman-114189/
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I suppose Castro’s a bigger mismatch for his lineup slot (he’s not a power hitter), but batting Barney second is probably costing more runs.[/quote]It’s costing more runs because he’s a worse hitter and any lineup slot isn’t going to cost too many runs anyway unless you bat the pitcher high in the order. Like I said, I really don’t care who bats where.
mb21Quote Reply
Brett Jackson: 2-3, 2 BB, 2 HR
Marwin Gonzalez since his AAA call up (8 games): .538/.533/.808
jtsunamiQuote Reply
If Marwin Gonzalez plays like that he’s going to be at the top of the rankings next season. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I find it difficult to have a batting average lower than your OBP. Is it from a TOOTBLAN?
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Angel Guzman still looking good. 2 IP last night 0 BB, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Golden: 1-4, 2B, BB (still hitting 6th behind some pretty bad hitters)
Hoilman: 3-5, 2B
Willengton Cruz: 4 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 0 R (looks like he was playing with fire)
Szczur: 3-4, BB (1 SB in last 10 games)
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]I find it difficult to have a batting average lower than your OBP. Is it from a TOOTBLAN?[/quote]
Sacrifices.
MishQuote Reply
Courtesy of Bolivia:
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If Marwin Gonzalez plays like that he’s going to be at the top of the rankings next season. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Don’t you mean…
.
MishQuote Reply
Beliveau and Rhoderick have been amazing in the ‘pen this year. Could possibly help the Cubs should Marshall or Marmol be shipped off.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Courtesy of Bolivia:
MishQuote Reply
Shakes? You don’t know what you’re getting.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Shakes? You don’t know what you’re getting.[/quote]
My buddy literally posted this on my FB wall at the same time you did.
MishQuote Reply
Jackson has raised his OPS just under 100 pts in about 6 games.
Im happy about Peralta’s debut.
dylanjQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Sacrifice Flies.[/quote].
mb21Quote Reply
Rangers writer Evan Grant seems to be straying from his beat with this Twitter topic: #bullpenishuge
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21].[/quote]Right – I always forget bunts don’t count against it.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Rangers writer Evan Grant seems to be straying from his beat with this Twitter topic: #bullpenishuge[/quote](dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/06/redoing-the-2001-mlb-draft
MishQuote Reply
Nick Struck —–> AAA
jtsunamiQuote Reply
I tried inviting some of you guys to Google+ through a round about way (shared a comment with you), so let me know if you get an invite.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If Marwin Gonzalez plays like that he’s going to be at the top of the rankings next season. (dying laughing)[/quote]
He’s on pace to be a first ballot HOF
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/magazine/the-dark-art-of-breaking-bad.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
BerseliusQuote Reply
Cubs sign two Venezuelan prospects, C Mark Malave and 3B Ricardo Marcano
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/07/cubs-agree-to-terms-with-mark-malave-ricardo-marcano/
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/magazine/the-dark-art-of-breaking-bad.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all[/quote]
For whatever reason, I was under the impression that Breaking Bad and Mad Men were available for Netflix streaming…I nearly cried when I checked a few days ago.
MishQuote Reply
FanGraphs chat:
11:12 [Comment From Cubs Fan: ]
Is there any hope for the Cubs in the near future? Our top prospects seem to be performing as well as our major league club.
11:12 Dave Cameron: You’re getting a new GM next year, so you have that going for you.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/magazine/the-dark-art-of-breaking-bad.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all[/quote]
tl;dr
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
8. Malave
9. Acosta
30. Marcano
I’m guessing those 3 get bonuses totalling around $3.2m-$3.5m
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I tried inviting some of you guys to Google+ through a round about way (shared a comment with you), so let me know if you get an invite.[/quote]No dice. Not that much of a biggy. I don’t even know what it’s exactly supposed to do (dying laughing)
jtsunamiQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]No dice. Not that much of a biggy. I don’t even know what it’s exactly supposed to do (dying laughing)[/quote]
Ah well, was worth a shot. The reason that I couldn’t do it last week is that Google allowed people to invite others for like 3 hours before getting overloaded or putting a lockdown.
MishQuote Reply
The Cardinals are 41-42 against teams not named the Houston Astros
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]8. Malave
9. Acosta
30. Marcano
I’m guessing those 3 get bonuses totalling around $3.2m-$3.5m[/quote]Haven’t they already signed 2 players in the last week for a total around $3 million?
mb21Quote Reply
Malave was the one who was rumored to be signed for $1.5m, but there was nothing from a trusted source until today with BA. Malave and Acosta were the ones who totaled around $3m.
BA hasn’t confirmed Malave’s signing bonus.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
well gotta give Tom credit. These guys with some of our draft picks would make a nice infusion of talent
dylanjQuote Reply
plus i imagine we will sign a few kids from Korea just to piss MD off
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]plus i imagine we will sign a few kids from Korea just to piss MD off[/quote]I don’t care if they sign guys from Korea. I hope they do, but I’m sick of it coming at the expense of signing players form regions that have more talent. If they’re signing their draft picks and players from Latin America then by all means sign some Asians, Russians, and Israelis.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Malave was the one who was rumored to be signed for $1.5m, but there was nothing from a trusted source until today with BA. Malave and Acosta were the ones who totaled around $3m.
BA hasn’t confirmed Malave’s signing bonus.[/quote]Thanks. I thought that name sounded familiar.
mb21Quote Reply
so with our preseason prospect list taking a hit i wonder who our top 10 mideason list would be.
Mine would go
1. B Jackson
2. R Flaherty
3. A Kirk
4. T McNutt
5. M Szzrzrzr
6. N Struck
7. R Golden
8. K Rhoderick
9. DJ LeSpellcheck
10. R Whitenack
dylanjQuote Reply
I have no idea if Bour is a real prospect or not
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]plus i imagine we will sign a few kids from Korea just to piss MD off[/quote]
They’re too busy scouting Mongolia to bother with Korea
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]They’re too busy scouting Mongolia to bother with Korea[/quote]
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]so with our preseason prospect list taking a hit i wonder who our top 10 mideason list would be.
Mine would go
1. B Jackson
2. R Flaherty
3. A Kirk
4. T McNutt
5. M Szzrzrzr
6. N Struck
7. R Golden
8. K Rhoderick
9. DJ LeSpellcheck
10. R Whitenack[/quote]I’m going to put together a survey for people here to enter their top 10 midseason prospects and will post the results after that. Figure that’s the best way. I’ve got part 3 coming up later tonight or tomorrow, which will focus on draft picks and others who have taken a step forward this season. Part 4 will be the survey.
mb21Quote Reply
the FSL is a pitcher league right MD?
dylanjQuote Reply
In addition to dj’s list, I’d include Jae-Hoon Ha, Jeffrey Belliveau, Ben Wells, Y. Wang, Marwin Gonzalez, P.C. Chen, Evan Crawford, Matt(?) Spencer, Josh Vitters, Aaron Kurcz.
That’s all I can think of ATM.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Yeah, it’s usually an extreme pitcher’s league, dj.
mb21Quote Reply
If you guys would, email me some names to include in the survey. I’d like to include about 20 to 25.
mb21Quote Reply
It’s going to be almost impossible to catch the Astros. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s going to be almost impossible to catch the Astros. (dying laughing)[/quote] How many more head-to-head matchups do we have? We may need to make up the difference there.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s going to be almost impossible to catch the Astros. (dying laughing)[/quote]
O ye of little faith.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Email sent, mb.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
I’m just amazed the Cubs could be so bad with a league-average offense, 3 starters with a FIP under 4 (1 with a FIP under 3), and one of the better setup-closer combos in the game.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s going to be almost impossible to catch the Astros. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I told you that they were going to be putrid this year
/pats self on back
BerseliusQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I’m just amazed the Cubs could be so bad with a league-average offense, 3 starters with a FIP under 4 (1 with a FIP under 3), and one of the better setup-closer combos in the game.[/quote]
UZR: -11.1 (12th)
Baserunning: -9 (16th)
The Cubs have jumped several spots in UZR somehow (they’ve been 15th for a while) thanks to some sudden sucking from the Braves, Nationals, and Cardinals. I guess fangraphs only complies UZR month to month
BerseliusQuote Reply
Cubs are also at a whopping -51 runs in DRS, by far the worst in all of MLB
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]UZR: -11.1 (12th)
Baserunning: -9 (16th)
The Cubs have jumped several spots in UZR somehow (they’ve been 15th for a while) thanks to some sudden sucking from the Braves, Nationals, and Cardinals. I guess fangraphs only complies UZR month to month[/quote]
So they’re bad at defense and baserunning?
I expect TheHawk to come out of hiding to (dying laughing) at you guys any day now.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Joe Mauer —-> 1B
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Silly blog post:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Not-interested-Burglar-elects-to-leave-Cubs-tic?urn=mlb-wp11689
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]UZR: -11.1 (12th)
Baserunning: -9 (16th)
The Cubs have jumped several spots in UZR somehow (they’ve been 15th for a while) thanks to some sudden sucking from the Braves, Nationals, and Cardinals. I guess fangraphs only complies UZR month to month[/quote]
I think it’s updated weekly, but not sure.
MishQuote Reply
Rays got screwed out of a run on this play:
MishQuote Reply
mb, it is this type of shit right here that has this whole damn blog in danger of losing its discreditation you jackhole.
Otherwise, nice series, looking forward to the rest.
Bubba BiscuitQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I think it’s updated weekly, but not sure.[/quote]As of last year they were updated every Sunday night. Don’t know if policy was changed in 2011.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Rays got screwed out of a run on this play:
Pfft. He was obviously out. Human element > technology
Rice CubeQuote Reply
KG
Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs (Double-A Tennessee): 2-for-3, 2 HR (10), 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB. Hot April, cold May/June and now hot again; 10-for-20 with three home runs in last six games and .269/.389/.479 overall.
MishQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=jtsunami]Email sent, mb.[/quote]I didn’t know your name was Nipple Tassles. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
Bitch didn’t do her job right if Upton was still able to get a hit the next inning.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Good to see that the Royals remembered how to win.
Wonder what will happen tonight…the Twitterverse will either be filled with:
A) “We should never have traded Gorzelanny!”
B) “Tom Gorzelanny was who we thought he was!”
(dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.csnchicago.com/07/06/11/Kaplan-Cubs-agree-to-deals-with-intl-pro/kapman_article.html?blockID=539516&feedID=619
draft pick updates
dylanjQuote Reply
i guess md was wrong about vogelbach signing near slot. thats the 2nd place ive read that he wants a truck of cash
dylanjQuote Reply
and IF Ricketts does start to spend big bucks on the draft then I will be very happy. One main reason I have bashed the guy is up to this point he talks about building from within and yet drafts Hayden Simpson.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i guess md was wrong about vogelbach signing near slot. thats the 2nd place ive read that he wants a truck of cash[/quote]
One wonders if the Ricketts have enough cash to throw at some of the other college-bound guys (Dunston, Maples) as well as Fat Bastard.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
well this article from kaplan jives with what Miles emailed me the other day- expect most if not all the top talent picks we made to get signed this year.
dylanjQuote Reply
I wouldn’t give Vogelbach more than slot. I actually don’t care if they sign him. As much as I’d like to see a legit slugger, I’d also like to see one who doesn’t weight half a ton, which is what he’s going to weight by the time he gets to the big leagues.
mb21Quote Reply
Maples told teams not to draft him.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I wouldn’t give Vogelbach more than slot. I actually don’t care if they sign him. As much as I’d like to see a legit slugger, I’d also like to see one who doesn’t weight half a ton, which is what he’s going to weight by the time he gets to the big leagues.[/quote]
The Cubs get a comp pick if they don’t sign him, right? Probably not the end of the world.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/VOGELBACH-daniel.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cowboyspridenews.net/%3Fcat%3D24967&usg=__nwb1ImRY55G-0akctgi-rOPCHQ8=&h=288&w=432&sz=26&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=HrgjlFBWwhGuaM:&tbnh=140&tbnw=176&ei=JsQUTsubI5LUgQeAtqj-BA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DDaniel%2BVogelbach%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D909%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=576&vpy=100&dur=977&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=182&ty=132&page=1&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0&biw=1280&bih=909
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Maples told teams not to draft him.[/quote]
14th round pick if I remember correctly, so they might as well take a chance. I was cool with that. Maybe they’ll get lucky.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]One wonders if the Ricketts have enough cash to throw at some of the other college-bound guys (Dunston, Maples) as well as Hamilton “Ham” Porter.[/quote].
jtsunamiQuote Reply
New complaining up: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/doh-cubs-doh.html
Aisle424Quote Reply