Sam Fuld Awarded for Character: A Little Ronny?
Sam Fuld was awarded the Dernell Stenson Award by the Arizona Fall League. Story is here.
Fuld has juvenile diabetes and the award recognizes his work with children's programs related to the disease, as well as his work ethic as a baseball player. The article is the most extensive write-up I have seen on Fuld's life.
I hadn't realized that he was unable to play the summer he was drafted because of a shoulder injury. After playing four years in college, then missing that summer, he has been old for his leagues, but seems to still be improving.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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by KedzieKid on Nov 15, 2007 8:51 AM CST 0 recs
thats a great story about a great individual
If he progresses....maybe he starts in CF???
I dont know if he will, but every one will be rooting for him to succeed thats for sure.
CONGRATS to Fuld!!!!
by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 9:01 AM CST 0 recs
Fuld...
Bench player? Sure. Great attitude? Sure. But Felix Pie will be starting in CF next year.
by Al on
Nov 15, 2007 9:20 AM CST
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Remember...
by HIGGY on
Nov 15, 2007 9:37 AM CST
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re: Remember...
by dat cubfan daver on
Nov 15, 2007 9:43 AM CST
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No question about it...
by Al on
Nov 15, 2007 9:58 AM CST
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Sam Fuld
by dwm on
Nov 15, 2007 2:22 PM CST
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Does anyone have historical AFL stats?
42/105, 11 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 17 BB, 15 K, 9/11 SB: .400/.492/.629
I'm wondering how these compare with past AFL leaders.
by John Q Freejazz on Nov 15, 2007 9:55 AM CST 0 recs
Yes
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_bat&lid=119&sid=l119&y=2006
Ben Zobrist who is struggling to make Tampa Bay's team hit .366/.469/.515 last year.
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 10:07 AM CST
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Thanks
On the other hand, Fuld has a higher OPS than Yunel Escobar, Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Braun, and Hunter Pence did in 2006.
by John Q Freejazz on
Nov 15, 2007 12:11 PM CST
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I'd say the take-home...
Fuld has a few years' worth of minor league numbers to rely on. I'd take those over 100 AB in a hitters' league.
by SouthernCub on
Nov 15, 2007 12:14 PM CST
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He's also older than they were
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 12:44 PM CST
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No one is expecting Fuld to hit .400 in the MLB
Hitting has been his weakness. I don't know what will happen but I would not dismiss him as an AFL freak who will go no higher than a 5th outfielder.
by jessica on Nov 15, 2007 12:41 PM CST 0 recs
Last season
He's basically Ryan Theriot in the OF. However, Theriot has better value since he plays SS.
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 1:12 PM CST
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Sam Fuld projects...
by cwyers on
Nov 15, 2007 1:18 PM CST
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Exactly...
by SouthernCub on
Nov 15, 2007 1:40 PM CST
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Slight edit...
by SouthernCub on
Nov 15, 2007 1:41 PM CST
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Fuld could easily be the starting CF
Nobody talks about that Pie is only hitting 200 for his Winter League team. Sure Pie is more talented then Fuld, but I think it's pretty obvious that Fuld is closer to being major league ready right now. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Fuld is the starting CF and hits in the 270s, around 8-10 HR with 15-20 SB with a 340-350 OBP.
I think Fuld possible be a Shane Victorino type player in the major leagues. It's very possible that Fuld could prove alot of people wrong.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 1:53 PM CST 0 recs
Yes, clearly if 100 at-bats in the AFL...
And I seriously don't see a whole lot of quality in Fuld's minor league numbers.
by cwyers on
Nov 15, 2007 1:59 PM CST
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The only one he will prove wrong is you
You compared him to Victorino. Let's see...
At age 24 in his final minor league season, Victorino hit .310/.377/.534 in AAA. He had 16 3B's and 18 HR's.
Last season at age 25, Fuld hit .287/.376/.395 with most of that in AA. There were 3 3B's and 3 HR's.
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 2:28 PM CST
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Something I'd like explained to me...
Ronny Cedeno hit .353/.407/.534 in 325 at-bats down there. Felix Pie hit .367/.413/.571 in 226 at-bats. Eric Patterson, .297/.359/.457 in 512 ABs. Matt Murton, .318/.396/.554 in 148 ABs. Fuld? .269/.397/.442, 52 ABs - and those are wildly better than his AA numbers.
So why is Fuld the guy getting the Ryan O'Malley treatment?
by cwyers on Nov 15, 2007 2:08 PM CST 0 recs
Fuld
One guys is showing he can hit good, and another guy is struggling bad. Why should these numbers not count? If Pie can't hit these guys, what makes you think he will be able to handle MLB pitching everyday? Fuld might not be going against the greatest pitchers either, but at least he's hitting them.
"And I seriously don't see a whole lot of quality in Fuld's minor league numbers."
Umm really?
05-300/377 OBP/810 OPS- A
06-299/378 OBP/799 OPS-A+
07-287/376 OBP/771 OPS- AA and AAA
Those are quality numbers for a CF, please don't use the excuse saying. "oh well he's old for his league" Yes he was hitting at those levels at ages 23-25, so he's probably a year or two old for his level, but that doesn't mean he can't be a good major leaguer.
How old was Rich Hill when he was pitching in A-AAA? Enough Said. Fuld should not be seen as junk, until he shows that he's junk, the guy has done nothing but hit. So to say he's another Ryan Theriot is unfair, because Theriot struggled most of his minor league career, Fuld hasn't.
Fuld deserves a fair shot at being a everyday player, and has the talent to be one.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 2:26 PM CST 0 recs
Several issues...
While Fuld's numbers don't preclude him from being a good MLB player, they don't jump out and scream MLB player, especially when considering his age and experience at those levels.
Furthermore, I'm not sure what you're trying to prove with the reference to Rich Hill. Rich Hill DOMINATED AAA for two straight years. His minor league stats were absurdly good. Aside from around 100 AB in a hitters' league this fall, there's been nothing absurdly good about Fuld's stats.
by SouthernCub on
Nov 15, 2007 2:34 PM CST
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Exactly!!! Agree and I second that
by BigZ 4 Cy on
Nov 15, 2007 2:39 PM CST
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What is so exciting about a 25 y.o.
For the record, Cedeno's was .958 in AAA, Pie's was .973 in AAA, Fontenot's was .925 in AAA and Soto's was 1.076 in AAA. Colvin, 4 years younger, hit .774 in AA even Josh Kroeger who is not a prospect at all hit 1.058 in AA.
Fuld is a 5th outfielder at best. Believe it or not.
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 2:43 PM CST
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good thing you are NOT GMing this
HOW can you say he will nothing but a 5th outfielder he has never been given a chance tplay everyday in the bigs. Give the guy a chance already.
I am not saying he will be a starting big league outfileder, but to right him off already is 'slightly strange' in my opinion
by BigZ 4 Cy on
Nov 15, 2007 2:50 PM CST
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You miss the point...
by SouthernCub on
Nov 15, 2007 2:55 PM CST
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All I am saying is
I agree Pie has more 'upside' all your numbers prove that, but to just assume he is not likely to succeed based off his minor league numbers and not even give him a shot is another bad assumption.
I am not convinced he will be a starting big league outfielder either, but lets see what hes got before writing him off!
by BigZ 4 Cy on
Nov 15, 2007 3:00 PM CST
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You can't be serious
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 2:57 PM CST
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Not worthy of a chance.....
by BigZ 4 Cy on
Nov 15, 2007 3:06 PM CST
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And he earned his chance
by rlpete on
Nov 15, 2007 3:11 PM CST
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Y cant he get a shot at CF every day????????
If you say because we already have a CF, just who is it?? Pie?? if Pie what has he proven in the bigs that Fuld hasn't??
I know Pie has a bigger upside and think he will win the job in ST, but Fuld should be given the chance as well!
by BigZ 4 Cy on
Nov 15, 2007 3:14 PM CST
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HE WILL GET THE CHANCE
by Hammer on
Nov 15, 2007 3:17 PM CST
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By further comparison...
I'm sorry if this comes across as bashing Fuld. That's definitely not the intent. But looking at what the guy has done in his career, compared to the performances of other prospects, I just don't see how someone could realistically get excited about him. He's certainly useful - he's good defensively, fairly fast, and has great plate discipline, which could make him a nice backup OF, pinch runner, and occasional spot starter. But the guy has no power and has never been a high average guy, which makes it VERY unlikely that he'll translate to major league starter.
by SouthernCub on
Nov 15, 2007 2:53 PM CST
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This is halirious
I really hope that the kid makes it for the sake of an argument. But as I stated my opinion a couple days ago Fuld will probably not make the team and will be a call up once maybe twice during the year.
Again, I hope the kid makes it. I havent seen so much love for someone since Murton than Theriot. BUT at least Theriot had a solid 150 at bats or so in the majors. Fuld is 0-6. Try that sample size on for size
by Hammer on
Nov 15, 2007 3:13 PM CST
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Short of being traded or injured
he may be on the team mainly as a defensive replacement. pinch runner, pinch hitter AKA 5th outfielder, or he might platoon or
he might actually win a starting job.
by jessica on
Nov 15, 2007 3:36 PM CST
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one guy comes to mind
here are scott podsednik's minor league numbers:
Age 24 - Double A: .249 .361 .349 .710
Age 25 - Triple A: .290 .327 .409 .736
Age 26 - Triple A: .279 .347 .425 .772
Pretty similar to Fuld. Im not saying Fuld will become a major league starter, but im saying there is precedent for these quick little guys to figure it out a bit later and end up being somewhat productive major leaguers.
by kylejo on
Nov 15, 2007 3:01 PM CST
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That's not a bad comp.
I can't believe we've spilled this many cyberbytes discussing a guy who MIGHT be the last guy off the bench in 2007. Man, do we need a big signing or trade.
by Al on
Nov 15, 2007 3:37 PM CST
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My point exactly
by Hammer on
Nov 15, 2007 3:49 PM CST
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Yes
by Hammer on Nov 15, 2007 2:32 PM CST 0 recs
Fuld deserves a chance
I believe when he starts playing like a 5th outfielder. He has done nothing in his minor league career or Arizona fall league that would say that. Plus who says Fuld couldn't have figured something out? What did Soto figure out at age 24? Is it hard to believe Fuld finally figured something out at age 25?
"for a shot at a reserve role."
Fulds either going to be the everyday CF in the majors or Triple A next year. He isn't going to be sitting on the bench. Jim Hendry sais already its between him and Pie fighting for the everyday job in spring training as of right now. So what are the Cubs gonna do if Pie hits 260s in spring, but Fuld hits 360? I'm pretty sure that would mean Fuld will be starting in center on opening day batting 7th or 8th.
"The kids comes up to the majors, makes a great catch, looks terrible at the plate"
Yes he looked so terrible in 6 AB's, and your forget about his 3 walks. How many AB's did Pie look his first 6 AB's in the majors, and how many walks did he have?
This is really silly how people can be so down on Fuld for no reason. The guy isn't going to be a star but there's no reason to believe he can't be a solid major league CF in the major leagues. Why can't Fuld hit 270-340, with 15 SB and 5-8 HR in 2008 for the Cubs? I'm sorry anyone writting this guy off as crap, isn't very smart.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 3:43 PM CST 0 recs
It is actually a little more silly
Are you Fulds brother...? better yet, Sam is this you? Dont you have a game tomorrow against mediocre pitching, go to bed
by Hammer on
Nov 15, 2007 3:54 PM CST
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Just give Fuld a chance
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 3:44 PM CST 0 recs
Article on Fuld from late October
Not to get all Peter Gammons on everyone, but Cubs outfielder Sam Fuld-a Gammons favorite seemingly forever-is tearing up the AFL as the season closes in on the end of the first half.
Tuesday marked the first time the 2004 10th-rounder failed to reach base in 13 AFL games after he went 0-for-3 in Mesa's 9-3 loss to the Peoria Saguaros.
But other than that, Fuld has more than opened the eyes of every scout and front-office executive he's played in front of.
In 53 at-bats, Fuld is hitting .353/.435/.604 with a pair of home runs, a pair of triples and four doubles. He can play any outfield spot and serves as the Solar Sox' leadoff man to set the tone in the lineup for the big bats-like Brewers' outfielder Matt LaPorta.
"The guy's unbelievable," LaPorta said. "Just the way he goes about it every day I think everyone learns something from his mental approach. He's a guy you want on your team."
After reaching the big leagues in September for the first time in his pro career, Clark said it was only a matter of time before he sticks in Chicago . . . or anywhere else.
"There's no doubt about how valuable he is," the Solar Sox manager said. "He can hit, he can run, he can throw, he can steal a base, he plays great defense. You talk about a five-tool guy-there he is. He's a leadoff lefthanded hitter. He's a catalyst. He does so many things well. Everything I've seen is above average and he can help any major league ballclub right now.
"And there a lot of them watching right now.
Fuld finshed with a 400 average in Arizona Fall League today.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 3:52 PM CST 0 recs
This reads...
You're new here. That's a bigtime no-no at BCB. It's a copyright violation.
If you want to post an article like this, post a link and maybe a few sentences.
Thanks.
by Al on
Nov 15, 2007 6:40 PM CST
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Fuld vs Pods
Age 25 - Triple A: .290 .327 .409 .736
Age 26 - Triple A: .279 .347 .425 .772
Pretty similar to Fuld. Im not saying Fuld will become a major league starter"
Fulds numbers are a little better then those, I think Fuld will be a better OBP guy, but will probably be a 20-30 SB guy, not a 50-60 SB guy like Pods.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 4:35 PM CST 0 recs
Fuld's final day in the AFL
I look forward to seeing him in Mesa in March when I go
there.
by jessica on Nov 15, 2007 5:51 PM CST 0 recs
Will we...
;)
by Al on
Nov 15, 2007 8:31 PM CST
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Sorry about that
You're new here. That's a bigtime no-no at BCB. It's a copyright violation.
If you want to post an article like this, post a link and maybe a few sentences.
Thanks."
It was posted on another message board so I just copied, I won't do that next time.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 7:07 PM CST 0 recs
Thanks.
by Al on
Nov 15, 2007 8:30 PM CST
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