Signing Deadline Approaching - Any News?

by toonsterwu on Aug 13, 2008 4:06 AM CDT

With the top guys in, I'm sure most people probably lost interest in our signings. That said, two final names are out there - Sonny Gray and Alex Wilson. Gray, our 27th round pick, was always a pipedream, a guy compred to guys like Oswalt and Wagner at the same time, a kid with two plus pitches right now supposedly. There were different reports as to why he was definitive about going to school - part of it suggested that he simply wanted the experience, the other part because he got injured before the draft and knew his stock would drop. Some reports suggested that he wanted first round money and knew he wouldn't get it post surgery. Either way, our chances on that seem slim.

William "Alex" Wilson, our 10th rounder, though, was always a possibility. He had TJ a year or so ago. Prior to TJ, he was highly touted, a potential top of the first type guy with mid-90's stuff, and IIRC, a good slider, with a developing change? (not certain on that). Post-TJ, he was in the low 90's for the year BUT prior to the draft, he supposedly was tossing back in the mid-90's again and we were going to "draft and follow" during the summer months before the deadline. I believe I read somewhere that 2nd round money might get it done, but I'm not certain. We spent on some later guys this year, for example, Watkins (thought to be a strong Witchita State committ).

Anyone have any news? Signing either one of these guys would be a tremendous boost to the system. Wilson is the one I'm hoping for, but Wilson could become a top of the first type guy if he goes back to school and has a big year. Strasburg is the man for 2009, and there's a nice bunch close (like White), but Wilson could be up there. I think adding Wilson, if he is running it up in the mid-90's (and take all velo reports with a grain of salt ... Pawelek was rumored to be in the low-mid 90's at XST but was only running high 80's/low 90's in Boise these days, last I read.

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wow

i was under the impression we had already signed all of our picks. guess not.

from the mouth of Uecker:

"Am I the only one who’s glad it’s only a 4-game series? If was a 9-game series, I think the Cubs would win them all."

by cubsluver22 on Aug 13, 2008 8:43 AM CDT reply actions

what gave you that impression?

by sackings108 on Aug 13, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Because I believe

Hendry said something along the lines of “we’ve signed everyone we’re going to sign.”

Nobody ever signs all their picks. But I think the Cubs are done signing players. Unless Sonny Gray has a miraculous change of heart, which he’s not going to.

Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?

by Josh Timmers on Aug 13, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

I just signed last week...

I’ll be reporting to rookie league next week. I wanted first round money, but pickers can’t be choosers, you know?

Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.

by IowaCubs- on Aug 13, 2008 11:05 AM CDT reply actions

Alex Wilson

Well, BA is indicating that he will go back to Texas A&M. A shame for us, but good for the kid. People kept on talking about how advanced and nasty Chris Carpenter’s 2 pitches were. Alex Wilson, from all accounts, wasn’t that far behind in development, but just had to get his velo back. I’d keep an eye on him if he goes back, though, as Wilken has a tendency, like many scouts, to “track” guys so Wilson could be on our radar next year. Still hoping out for a last second miracle, but more than likely, it isn’t happening. I’ll be curious what it would’ve cost to get him – I’d rather spend 2nd round money on Alex Wilson, than, for example, Watkins (although I was very glad the athletic Watkins signed).

Just realized that my initial post didn’t finish – must’ve cut it off by accident. What I meant to say was that adding Wilson would likely be adding a top 20 prospect to our system, assuming the velo reports are right. Watch him, though. I wouldn’t be surprised if we took him next year, assuming he has a strong year, in an earlier round.

by toonsterwu on Aug 14, 2008 4:01 AM CDT reply actions