Sam Fuld Awarded for Character: A Little Ronny?

by zambranofan on Nov 15, 2007 8:24 AM CST

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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A little Doug Dascenso (SP?)

"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields

by KedzieKid on Nov 15, 2007 8:51 AM CST 0 recs

thats a great story about a great individual

its impossible not to root for guys like Fuld, he will make a great 5th outfielder or we can use him as a callup during the year in case of injuries.

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!!!!

I propose a toast to the great 100th anniversy gift known to mankind - A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 9:01 AM CST 0 recs

Fuld...

... is a great success story... but he's in no way talented enough to be a major league starting outfielder.

Bench player? Sure. Great attitude? Sure. But Felix Pie will be starting in CF next year.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 15, 2007 9:20 AM CST up 0 recs

Remember...

Towards the end of the season - his catch where he slammed into the wall? The crowd went crazy - that was really cool to witness. If i remember correctly he got a standing ovation when he came up to bat.

"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"

by HIGGY on Nov 15, 2007 9:37 AM CST up 0 recs

re: Remember...

Yep, I was just about to say that, no matter what the future holds for Sam Fuld, he'll always have that throw.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 15, 2007 9:43 AM CST up 0 recs

No question about it...

... he will hold a place in Cub lore, even if he never plays another game with the team -- and I think he will.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 15, 2007 9:58 AM CST up 0 recs

Sam Fuld

Sam was a little nicked up this season in AA and AAA, suffering from a nagging oblique issue among other things. What you get with him is charachter, leadership, strong OBP with outstanding strike zone discipline. He is also a good defensive outfielder with + speed. I am rooting for him and if given the opportunity i hope he contributes.

by dwm on Nov 15, 2007 2:22 PM CST up 0 recs

Does anyone have historical AFL stats?

While the AFL is known as a hitters' league, Fuld's numbers there this year are ridiculous:

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

Here is 2006.

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 up 0 recs

Thanks

Thanks for posting the link. That's interesting.

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 up 0 recs

I'd say the take-home...

is that LOTS of people put up great numbers in the AFL. Some are really good, some are not so good. So the numbers themselves probably don't mean all that much.

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 up 0 recs

He's also older than they were

I know people want to see more in Fuld but he's a 5th OF'er at best.

by rlpete on Nov 15, 2007 12:44 PM CST up 0 recs

No one is expecting Fuld to hit .400 in the MLB

He is already an above average runner & fielder with a good arm
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.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Nov 15, 2007 12:41 PM CST 0 recs

Last season

he hit .287 with a .385 SLG. This was in AA and AAA as a 25 y.o. His one good stat is a .376 OBP. I think this is a better indicator than 100 AB's in a notorious hitters league.

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 up 0 recs

Sam Fuld projects...

...to be a worse hitter than Theriot in the majors next season, actually, according to CHONE. Bill James doesn't even bother to project him.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 15, 2007 1:18 PM CST up 0 recs

Exactly...

There is a substantial sample of evidence on Fuld that suggests he's not much of a hitter. Unless there's some reason to think he suddenly had a "light-switch" moment heading into the AFL, I'd be much more inclined to believe his career numbers than his 100 AB in the AFL.

by SouthernCub on Nov 15, 2007 1:40 PM CST up 0 recs

Slight edit...

not much of a hitter means not much power. He's got great plate discipline and always has had that.

by SouthernCub on Nov 15, 2007 1:41 PM CST up 0 recs

Fuld could easily be the starting CF

Some of you guys are blowing off the fact he's hitting 400 in the Arizona Fall League(and his quality minor leauge numbers).

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...

...are absolutely meaningless, 60 at-bats in the Dominican Winter Leagues should have some predictive value, right?

And I seriously don't see a whole lot of quality in Fuld's minor league numbers.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 15, 2007 1:59 PM CST up 0 recs

The only one he will prove wrong is you

His minor league numbers are very mediocre at best. They are far from quality.

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 up 0 recs

Something I'd like explained to me...

I don't think anyone here is going to argue that the Pacific Coast League isn't a tougher league for hitters than the Arizona Fall League.

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?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 15, 2007 2:08 PM CST 0 recs

Fuld

"...are absolutely meaningless, 60 at-bats in the Dominican Winter Leagues should have some predictive value, right?"

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...

you've summarized Fuld's stats nicely. Now compare them to Pie's stats at the same levels, and consider that Pie was 3-4 years younger at those levels. Pie has put up as good or better numbers every step of the way, in spite of the fact that he was among the absolute youngest players at each level.

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 up 0 recs

Exactly!!! Agree and I second that

Barry Bonds and Roger Clemons are 'old' for their leagure too:)

I propose a toast to the great 100th anniversy gift known to mankind - A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 2:39 PM CST up 0 recs

What is so exciting about a 25 y.o.

putting up a .760 OPS in AA that leads you to think he can be an everyday player? That is very mediocre and that's being nice.

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 up 0 recs

good thing you are NOT GMing this

club, you would never call anybody up from AAA if they didnt dominate in the minors.

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

I propose a toast to the great 100th anniversy gift known to mankind - A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 2:50 PM CST up 0 recs

You miss the point...

the point is that plenty of players have had MUCH better minor league careers than Fuld and not come close to being good enough to be regular starters. So why do you assume that Fuld, who hasn't matched those guys' numbers, is more likely to succeed?

by SouthernCub on Nov 15, 2007 2:55 PM CST up 0 recs

All I am saying is

give the guy a shot in ST and let him compete with Pie and the best man wins the CF job, thats all Im saying.

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!

I propose a toast to the great 100th anniversy gift known to mankind - A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 3:00 PM CST up 0 recs

You can't be serious

Major league teams don't have enough spots to give every player a chance. The players that perform get a chance, the ones that don't.... well maybe they will get a shot at a reserve role. Fuld has not shown anything worthy of a chance. Jorges Cortes had a .770 OPS last year in AA. Should he be given a shot at RF since Fuld will be manning CF?

by rlpete on Nov 15, 2007 2:57 PM CST up 0 recs

Not worthy of a chance.....

.....He hit over 400 in AFL, thats what that league is for, to give clubs a chance to see their players perform and to see if they deserve a look in ST and Fuld passed that test with flying colors

I propose a toast to the great 100th anniversy gift known to mankind - A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 3:06 PM CST up 0 recs

And he earned his chance

for a shot at a reserve role.

by rlpete on Nov 15, 2007 3:11 PM CST up 0 recs

Y cant he get a shot at CF every day????????

If your going to say because his minor league numbers arent up to par thats not even a arguement.

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!

I propose a toast to the great 100th anniversy gift known to mankind - A CUBS WORLD SERIES VICTORY!

by BigZ 4 Cy on Nov 15, 2007 3:14 PM CST up 0 recs

HE WILL GET THE CHANCE

Hendry said so himself. What are you arguing? That he doesnt believe he will get a shot? Everyone invited to camp is getting a shot or a look....if you overwhelm you get the job.....

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Nov 15, 2007 3:17 PM CST up 0 recs

By further comparison...

Pie, at age 20, had a .903 OPS in AA. That's a LOT better than what Fuld did this year, at 25. Pie's age 21 season was .792 OPS in AAA. Again, better than what Fuld did this year. And you've already noted what Pie did this year in AAA, at only 22.

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 up 0 recs

This is halirious

The kids comes up to the majors, makes a great catch, looks terrible at the plate then goes down to the AFL and is having a great month against pitchers who have been throwing all year and are probably ready for a rest. NEXT THING YOU KNOW there is a month long arguement about this stuff. I love it, I love Cub fans (us)

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

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Nov 15, 2007 3:13 PM CST up 0 recs

Short of being traded or injured

I think Fuld is on the team. It is clearly his spot to LOSE. Now
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.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Nov 15, 2007 3:36 PM CST up 0 recs

one guy comes to mind

though i dont really like him at all, he still became a major leaguer, and many white sox fans would argue that he was a key in 2005.

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.

Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Nov 15, 2007 3:01 PM CST up 0 recs

That's not a bad comp.

And Podsednik would have been far better as a backup than as a starter.

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.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 15, 2007 3:37 PM CST up 0 recs

My point exactly

O-6 is not 6-6 with 3 homers.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Nov 15, 2007 3:49 PM CST up 0 recs

Yes

He deserves a shot but he wont win it. God bless the kid if he does.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Nov 15, 2007 2:32 PM CST 0 recs

Fuld deserves a chance

"Fuld is a 5th outfielder at best. Believe it or not. "

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

to be so high on this kid, that NOT ONE PERSON WOULD BE TALKING ABOUT if it were not for the catch and throw.

Are you Fulds brother...? better yet, Sam is this you? Dont you have a game tomorrow against mediocre pitching, go to bed

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Nov 15, 2007 3:54 PM CST up 0 recs

Just give Fuld a chance

I'm just saying he deserves a shot, and shouldn't be known as crap already. His minor league numbers are good and he's still has a chance at being good major league player.

by cubsfan25 on Nov 15, 2007 3:44 PM CST 0 recs

Article on Fuld from late October

More Fuld

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...

... like it was copied & pasted from another site.

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.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Nov 15, 2007 6:40 PM CST up 0 recs

Fuld vs Pods

"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"

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