Josh Vitters Goes 3-for-4 In AFL Debut

A double and two singles.

over 2 years ago Al Yellon 14 comments 0 recs |

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Way to go KID!

"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)

Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...

by Zeke on Oct 15, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions

Clicking shows

Starlin Castro went 1-for-5 with a double.
The two lefties, James Russell and John Gaub, got shelled.
Blake Parker did OK, 2 H and 2K in one inning.

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by cubzfan on Oct 15, 2009 11:44 AM CDT reply actions

The good news on Russell and Gaub...

…is that neither walked a batter. Not sure about Russell, but I could see Gaub making the Cubs bullpen out of spring training next year.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Oct 15, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Your first clue...

… will be if he goes on the 40-man roster before spring training.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Oct 15, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I think Gaub is Rule 5 eligible

If true, if not on the 40 man in November, he’ll be grabbed by someone.

by tim815 on Oct 16, 2009 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions

he is eligible

With AzPhil’s positive reports on Rafael Dolis, I agree with the 4 that AzPhil says must be protected – Castillo, Dolis, Gaub, Parker (not necessarily in that order).

by toonsterwu on Oct 16, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm more concerned with the hitting

Vitters struggled after the wrist injury, much like DLee did after his. I assume he’ll turn it around but hitting for some power would be nice.

"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher

by Musicdude10 on Oct 15, 2009 11:46 AM CDT reply actions

The #1 concern on Vitters

has to be his health. He’s had trouble with his wrists for two seasons.

He’ll hit in the majors one day—if his wrists stay healthy.

by Josh Timmers on Oct 16, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

the number 1 concern?

Much as I’ve defended Vitters, if he continues at his current “discipline rates”, the chances of him succeeding are very little. He has to find the balance that Colvin never found, otherwise teams are simply going to paint the corners on him. Watching him this year, you see the natural instincts, but he has to find a mesh. Even if he’s healthy, if he doesn’t improve that discipline a tiny bit, there is next to no chance of success. Now, I wouldn’t say completely, because there are exceptions to the rule, but to bet on Vitters being an exception to the rule is a risky proposition at best.

by toonsterwu on Oct 16, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Vitters is only 19 years old.

He’s still got time to develop that discipline. If he were 23, you’d worry. But he’s 19.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Oct 16, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

AFL's going to be real interesting there

Welington Castillo had a strong 2nd half and a lot of bad luck in the first half offensively. His defense, according to some reports, has progressed, and if Soto struggles in 2010, Castillo could be ready to take over for him in 2011, or at least, challenge. I still compare him more to Bengie Molina than the Yadier Molina comparisons that a lot of folks hav emade.

After some positive reports at the end of 2008, James Russell never developed as a starter, but the son of Jeff still has enough of a potential pro arsenal, if looking at stuff, to ponder out of the pen. Has to be more consistent, and some breaking ball development would be nice.

Gaub’s a real intriguing guy, particularly with Lambert ending up being operated on, and Papelbon more in a Marshall-jack-of-all-trades lefty mode (Ruhlman/Russell being a slight notch behind), who burned his way through and has quality LOOGY stuff that has a borderline shot to be utilized as an occasional setup man if he is consistent. Still gets occasionally exposed against righties.

Parker could fit into the pen mix for next year as well, but has to improve the control a tad. Potential 7th/8th inning man, with a good fastball/slider combination.

Of course, there’s Cashner, Castro, and Vitters. With Vitters, I’m not looking for much other than to play. He missed too much time, and to expect some rapid development in discipline in AFL might be assuming too much, considering it is a hitter’s league. If he does improve on that, great. With Castro, I think it’s a matter of consistency. He’s had a long year and change, starting with instructs last fall and burning his way up. Cleaning up defense would be nice, but it’ll be hard for us to hear about that, and expecting power development might be expecting too much. It should come, but let it come naturally. As for Cashner, I’m hoping he tidies up his slider (which we should be able to tell from his K rates down there with the more advanced players) and can go deeper into games.

Samardzija’s over in winter league in Mexico, IIRC. Will be interesting to follow, as I think he could fit in our pen for next year, but will likely start at Iowa.

by toonsterwu on Oct 15, 2009 1:18 PM CDT reply actions

Vitters got another hit today

and in true Cubs minor league fashion has been thrown out on base twice in as many games. Have to love all that baserunning instruction we give our minor league guys.

Anyway this is good for Vitters and hopefully he tears up the AFL. I think that his love affair with swinging will be his downfall, but I do want to see him develop. After a terrible debut in High-A hopefully the AFL gets him back on track.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Oct 15, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

Gets his second hit of the game as I typed that comment

2-4 today as the DH

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Oct 15, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Only 20

I think we all need to remind ourselves of just how young this kid is. I know I keep assuming he will be able to step in in 2011 if we let Derrek Lee walk. Realistically, it could take him until 2013 to really be ready. I’d hate to see him rushed. The good thing is, he should have plenty of time to learn plate discipline. Maybe he’s never going to be patient per se, but if he can do the Vlad Guererro, Pablo Sandoval thing, I think we’d all be happy.

by Bradsbeard on Oct 15, 2009 7:05 PM CDT reply actions