Down on the Farm

by socalbob on Aug 30, 2005 4:52 PM CDT

BA reported that Eric Patterson was promoted to AA West Tenn. Not sure why this late as it seems strange. I can only think it's to help with a playoff run. At this rate he should pass Corey on the organziation depth chart by March '06.

1st rounder Marc Pawalek finished a strong campaign despite an 0-3 record. He threw 43 innings with only 25 hits against 21 BB's with 56 K's. Very solid peripheral numbers.

And 2nd rounder Donald Veal finished up in fine fashion thorwing 4 scoreless innings with 7 K's. His fastball sat at 92-94 and topped out at 97 in this game. For the short-season in Boise, Veal threw 19 innings with 15 hits. He walked 10 and struck out 20.

That's 2 nice arms and a top of the order guy to keep our eyes on in the next few years.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Pie

forgot to mention that Pie has still not played in a game.

by socalbob on Aug 30, 2005 5:03 PM CDT reply actions

All The More Reason...

...to not even THINK about bringing him to the majors until at least 2007.

by BeerCub on Aug 30, 2005 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Iowa Cubs

I was going to see the Iowa Cubs play in Omaha tonight, but right now I'm too busy moving, plus gas prices leaped today. So tonight I'll be watching WGN instead of enjoying AAA Cubs baseball at Rosenblatt. I think Rich Hill is starting tonight too :(

by Zachary on Aug 30, 2005 6:07 PM CDT reply actions

Pie's done.

Pie has been shut down I believe and will be on the AFL roster.

This move to bring E. Patterson is a good sign that the Cubs are seriously considering him for the club in the near future and want to see how he adjusts with the jump. Congrats Eric.

by SoBlueCal on Aug 30, 2005 6:10 PM CDT reply actions

Pie won't be on the AFL roster...

he can't because of 2 reasons:

1.) he was on the DL too late in the season, and
2.) he's from a country (Dominican Republic) that has its own winter league.

However, he'll play in the Dominican winter league, so we'll be able to follow him there.

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Aug 30, 2005 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions

According to KFFL

Pie, along with Guzman,Aardsma,Coates,Sing,Murton and E. Patterson WILL be on the AFL roster.

http://www.kffl.com/player/8335/mlb

by SoBlueCal on Aug 30, 2005 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually

The more I think about it, the more I think you're right. That must be a typo.

by SoBlueCal on Aug 30, 2005 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Yup

I like Eric Patterson and as of now seems to be a good player. He is kind of like Corey in a way that he has a similar talent. We have to wait and see how he uses it.

I worry about Pie though, a big part of his game is speed and he injured his ankle. That might affect his speed, but I'm not sure.

Cubbie blue always sPaRkLeS in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2005 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions

He and Korey

seem to be the same type of player (build and talent wise), but Eric seems to want to be a leadoff hitter whereas Korey would rather swing for the fence. Thus having him on the bench or in the minors for a very long time.

by zjb600 on Aug 31, 2005 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions

bob, i can only speak for myself...

but the future is too far away. it would be one thing if the cubs were able to target these players to plug into holes that would be appearing in the parent club over the next season or two. (following the models of the twins, or the braves, or the cardinals.)
but the cubs themselves have so many needs that must be addressed, and with virtually zero ready-made help in their iowa club (help which we would have already seen if it were available), that looking any further into the future than the winter meetings and f.a. period gives me gas. i admire your vision; and i hope these guys are around to help out, maybe even at the tail end of 2006, or surely for spring 2007.

by dc60123 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Aug 30, 2005 7:02 PM CDT reply actions

With the Cubs....

you never know.

I wish EP was ready though. I think he could be a way better leadoff guy than Pie. If we could have them both ready to put at the top of the lineup it would be very good. But we don't. Neither is ready.

Cubbie blue always sPaRkLeS in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Aug 30, 2005 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I was

showing some talent that is far far away. EP may only be a season away, but Veal and Pawalek are at least 3 years. Just showing some promise way down the road.

Our "best" prospects haven't done squat this season. Dopirak will fall out of the Cubs Top 10 and Harvey makes Dave Kingman look like a contact hitter.

I would think Pie and Pinto would be the Top 2 now.

by socalbob on Aug 30, 2005 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Nolasco

Has to be right up there as well as Sing. Dope, had a dreadful year in my opinion. Fuld has been a pleasant surprise as well. Gallagher had a very encouraging season too.

by SoBlueCal on Aug 30, 2005 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Baker

You don't know how to project a young player because you don't know when they'll get it together for an extended period of time,'' manager Dusty Baker said. "The problem with youth is inconsistency. You don't know what you're going to get. It's there, and then it isn't there."

by chroniccub on Aug 31, 2005 7:15 AM CDT reply actions

Inconsistency

That's right Baker, the young guys may be inconsistent. That's part of learning. I guess he prefers his players to be consistent, even if that means consistently awful (ie Patterson, Holly).

by BringBackRyno on Aug 31, 2005 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions