Part one dealt with the pitchers. This part will focus on the position players, primarily the Mets, though I'll come back around to look at some splits and stuff for the Cubs batters at the end. I'll rank the likely position players in decreasing wOBA: OF Yoenis Cespedes (.287/.337/.604, .394): The Mets picked up Cespedes at the trade deadline, and …
How Far Have the Cubs Come?
It has been almost three years, nearly three hundred losses, and three drafts since the Cubs hired Theo Epstein to save the Cubs from their sins and rescue them from eternal damnation in their permanent subterranean dwelling in the Central Division’s fiery core. And if you think that metaphor is overblown and ridiculous, it was meant to match the expectations …
The Struggle
Baez debuted at A in May 28, 2012. In his first month, he “struggled,” hitting .298/.330/.500. Sure, his career line at A was .333/.383/.596, but you have to stretch pretty hard to get struggling out of that. His strikeout rate was 21.7% and his walk rate was 6.6%. He was eventually promoted to A+, and he absolutely struggled when promoted. …
Journeymen of Tomorrow: The Story So Far (AAA and AA)
It’s been awhile since we’ve touched on the minor leagues this season. dmick has been busy. Seeing as I held the post of “minor league wonk” fairly recently, I thought I’d give a short synopsis of each team so far. Iowa Arismendy Alcantara has not been so great this year. His walk rate is down precipitously, so even though he …
OV Daily Facepalm
Lots of HRs, lots of walks Baez and Olt both hit bombs off of Randy Wolf (video here and here), a not uncommon occurance for Randy Wolf. Olt later hit another bomb against against a Mariners reliever. Likely fifth starter James McDonald issued five walks in 2 2/3 innings in his start last night. First round of cuts The first round of …
OV Daily Facepalm
BA Review of Cubs international signings Ben Badler put up a recap of the Cubs international signings over at BA ($). Most of it is just a collection of scouting stuff we saw back at signing time, but still a good read since I don't remember any of it. Most of what seems new to me is where the signings are …
OV “Daily” Facepalm
Ted Lilly Added to Cubs front office Ted Lilly signed on with the Cubs FO as a special assistant, and should be around as an instructor in spring training as well as doing some scouting and stuff during the season. Even though he struggled with injuries last year and retired this offseason, he might still have been good enough to …
BP’s top 10 Cubs prospects + consensus Top 14 prospects
The BP list came out, and it's a great read. Here it is, but a sub is required. I recommend getting a subscription; it really is great work. I won't share any of the bits besides the Top 10 list: 1. Baez 2. Bryant 3. Almora 4. Soler 5. Edwards 6. Alcantara 7. Johnson 8. Vogelbach 9. Villanueva 10. Candelario …
Stars of Tomorrow: 10/24/13
Scottsdale 4 v Mesa 7 Jorge Soler: 3-4, R, 2 RBI, SO Jorge Soler singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robby Hefflinger. Brian Goodwin scores. Devon Travis scores. C. Cron to 2nd. Jorge Soler singles on a line drive to left fielder Robby Hefflinger. Tyler Collins to 2nd. Jorge Soler singles on a ground ball to left fielder …
Stars of Tomorrow: Cubs Minor League Recap 10/22/13
Kris Bryant now leads the league in avg, HR, and RBI. Triple Crown! Kris Bryant: 2-4, RBI, 2 SO Kris Bryant singles on a sharp line drive to center fielder Tyler Naquin. Brian Goodwin scores. Tyler Collins to 2nd. Kris Bryant called out on strikes. Kris Bryant singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Jason Rogers. Albert Almora …