If you could get any prospect from any team...
by Trey111 on Oct 29, 2009 6:43 PM CDT
87 comments
who would it be?
For me, it would have to be Matt LaPorta of the Indians. Technically, he's no longer a prospect and has performed very well in his call-up bid. He'd be a good addition to the Cubs outfield, and an even better option to replace Lee at first base in 2011. A future core of him, ARam, Soto, and Vitters would be awesome. The Indians are going to want some serious value in return; I would see them wanting a proven player, plus a package of prospects. I would almost certainly deal any prospect outside of Vitters and Cashner (I would also hold out on dealing Hak-Ju Lee). I could see them accepting Soriano + a package, given some of the salery is eaten. It would be a challenge trying to get Soriano to accept however.
But, reguardless of plausibility, who is the one prospect you'd love to add to the Cubs roster.
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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Definitely.
I know his defense is somewhat questionable. He makes up for that with a great bat and, again, my long-term plan for him would be to succeed Lee at first. I absolutely wouldn’t acquire him, to keep him in the outfield. The only red flag I see with him, is the inflammed hip he’s recently had surgery for—and I’m not too worried about him having a long history of injuries through his career. I see LaPorta having a really good career as a first basemen.
by Trey111 on Oct 29, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a good player
But he’s already 24 and will most likely need to be a DH or will be a liability in the OF. Basically, his peak, and that’s if he hits in the majors like he has in the minors, is Carlos Lee, and he really isn’t that good of a player.
I think you might be getting too seduced by LaPorta’s bat. Positional and defensive value are equally, if not more important.
by vivaelpujols on Oct 29, 2009 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First base.
You are suggesting LaPorta take over for Lee once he is gone but you also talked about having a good core including A-Ram and Vitters. How do you plan on having these 3 players all play at once when they can only really play 1B or 3B?
by bikemonkey on Nov 2, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
easy
have vitters or rammy play 5th base
"hey
by jesus christos on Nov 2, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be a certain #1 Pick
That the Nats got last year!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Oct 29, 2009 7:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that's a pretty obvious choice
If you were free to take any minor leaguer from another franchise, you’d be a fool not to take Strasburg.
The diarist would take Matt LaPorta over Strasburg? Crazy.
by Josh77 on Oct 30, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you mean to say
he hasn’t done well in his call-up? Because he hasn’t.
My choice would be either Cameron Maybin or Desmond Jennings. I think either could be a true centerfielder and great hitter for years to come.
I’m not counting Strasburg as a prospect, with that contract. But he’s great.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Oct 29, 2009 7:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybin is crazy fast
I wouldn’t mind him patrolling CF at wrigley or racking up SB’s on the basepaths
"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 Nov 2, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Or
You can enjoy watching him walk back to the dugout after his 150th strikeout.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Nov 2, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do what I do in videogames
Bunt hits every time
Videogames and life are the same….right?
"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 Nov 4, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bryce Harper
Don’t know if he counts since I don’t think he is technically a prospect yet, but he’s a player that hasn’t reached the major leagues so maybe he is?
"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko
by DTJchris on Oct 29, 2009 7:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Harper
Played summer ball here in Oklahoma. All I can say is wowwwwwwww!! What an amazing and very humble youngster!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Oct 29, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the guy that I would LOVE
to see in the Cubs system too. No chance, though.
"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray
by Archie on Oct 30, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may drop in the draft
due to contract demands. At his age, he could hold out for a year and still be the #1 pick the next year. I doubt he’d drop all the way to the Cubs, but it’s not totally impossible.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Oct 30, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs will have the 16th pick.
So who knows?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 30, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should be the #1 pick
even if he wants a ton of money I doubt he would fall as low as 16. As a side note the one thing I’ve never heard anybody rave about his defense. I know his offense is great and he’s got a solid arm but I’ve never heard any word on his receiving/blocking skills although with all the hype he’s received I assume there is no question he can stick behind the plate.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Oct 30, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw this with my own eyes...
He was playing CF and got a 1 hopper and literally threw the a rocket no higher than 2 feet off the ground and could have threaded a needle at the plate with the ball!!
Also I heard this story from a buddy of mine, he was staying with a friend of his dad’s so that he could play summer ball here. His parents didn’t go to many games. After one of the weekend tournaments his mom called and asked him how he did. He say’s to his mom something to the effect of “aww we did ok, we won the tour” Later that evening his coach called his mom and says, “Have you talked to Bryce?” “yeah, he said you guys won and that’s about it” the coach tells his mom " Bryce went 12 for 13 with 11 homers"
The kid is as advertised and seems to have a heart of gold! He always signed autographs and seemed to be a great boy when I watched him in person.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Oct 30, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so by your account
i’ve deduced that this kid is about 4 inches tall and plays in a league using a ball whose diameter is measured in millimeters.
either that, or you are using the wrong end of the binoculars when scouting.
but impressive in any event
by circuitclout on Oct 30, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The story about his mom was here
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1156215/index.htm
It was actually 12 for 12. 11 home runs and a double.
by madcow256 on Oct 31, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
most reports suggest
that his potential behind the plate is just fine. May not be an elite defensive catcher, but should be solid. That said … we’re talking about way down the line, so you never know, particularly because he’s not done physically maturing.
by toonsterwu on Oct 30, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't he another large-framed catcher?
I want to say he’s in the Mauer/Wieters mold as in around 6’5" obviously he has some size to put on still but it’s always a question if somebody that big can stay behind the dish.
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Oct 31, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harper is overrated
I mean, he’s an easy #1 pick in the draft next season, but that SI article made it seem like he was going to be a combination of Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Bench. He’s likely to be a star, but he’s not a sure thing.
I’d take Strasburg over Harper, easily.
by Josh77 on Oct 30, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we can take rookies and not just prospects
I’d nab Colby Rasmus because he fits us and hurts the Cardinals.
Otherwise you have to take Buster Posey and trade Soto.
Inspector #23 certifies that the above post is sarcasm free, most certainly not what she said, and chock full of intangibles, although regressing to the intangible mean, as you'd expect.
by DGU on Oct 29, 2009 8:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
love the Buster.
He’ll be a good one.
But as much as I love Buster, I’d take Heyward or Jennings as a position player or Strasburg as a pitcher.
by fsuapollo on Oct 29, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
um
positionally, i’d go with Jason Heyward. Awesome RF potential. Potential left handed middle of the lineup bat for the next decade.
pitching, leaving aside Strasburg (since someone else did above), I’d go with um … well, there isn’t a huge separation at the top after Strasburg. Jarrod Parker’s hurt, so … hmm… considering the lack of lefty pitching depth in the system, I’d go with Brian Matusz, who has multiple quality pitches and could likely be a solid arm in a rotation.
by toonsterwu on Oct 29, 2009 8:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jason Heyward
is the obvious choice. I’m not sure how you could pick anyone else given team need, talent, etc.
TINSTAAPP
by DartmouthCubsFan on Oct 30, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
heck
if we could get heyward, i would feel fine with fukudome in CF for next year, with Fuld coming on late game.
That said, tis a dream …
by toonsterwu on Oct 30, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Heyward hands down.
Draft guru in training.
by tj.hendricks on Nov 5, 2009 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd go with Heyward as well.
Strasburg reminds me of Kerry Wood. Eventually the rigors of an MLB season will wear him down unless he makes changes to his mechanics. This is true of many pitching prospects, and is why position prospects are the safer bet. Not to mention Jason Heyward is simply incredible.
"Clogging up the bases isn't that great to me." -Dusty Baker on OBP
by vtcub on Nov 4, 2009 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Michael Brenly
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Oct 29, 2009 9:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Buster Posey
"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)
by BLou on Oct 29, 2009 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Does Wieters count?
If not, I’d take Chapman, if he costed no money. Or stratsburg.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Oct 29, 2009 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kyle Farnsworth threw 100 MPH too
I think the hype machine is way carried away on Chapman. He might one day become a quality major league pitcher, but at this stage he is far from a certainty to be effective at this level. Especially when you factor in the multi-millions bidding war he is going to command.
"Cubs will win 79 to 83 games." BLou (7/21/09)
by BLou on Oct 29, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does the Cubs need with Wieters?
They have Geovany Soto.
I hope were not writing him off already. Granted, I thought he was a bit overrated back in 2008. I still think, however, that he has major potential.
by Trey111 on Oct 30, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't excpet Wieters to catch his whole major league career
From what I’ve heard, he’s to amazing of a hitter. Although, Joe Mauer is still mashing at the catcher position.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Oct 31, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hear this corey patterson guy is really good....
"hey
by jesus christos on Oct 29, 2009 10:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
toss up between him and that Felix Pie guy.
Draft guru in training.
by tj.hendricks on Nov 5, 2009 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'd prefer a hitter to a pitcher
so i’d take jason heyward, buster posey or travis snider in that order.
by circuitclout on Oct 29, 2009 11:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hard to disagree with Posey/Montero
but Desmond Jennings from the Rays is going to be a monster, if you believe projections, DJ will be another Carl Crawford (with a better BB%) he is definitely a guy to be considered. Also it’s hard to not say Strausburg, who i’ve seen pitch a couple of times, but the Cubs have a decent enough staff to where we can focus on our OF defense and give our COF’s some help in the form of a very rangey CF’er.
the ghost of stokes, camp, lugo strikes TB-sept 2009
by CubFanRaysaddict on Oct 30, 2009 12:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pie
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Oct 30, 2009 7:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Madison Bumgarner.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 30, 2009 7:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
right now
I’d avoid Madison. I’ll still rank him fairly high on top 100 lists, but the drop in velocity is somewhat troubling.
by toonsterwu on Oct 30, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a moment, I thought I'd accidentally posted something to the site when I saw the username
Anyways, I’d go with Strasburg.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Oct 30, 2009 8:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If LaPorta replaces Lee at first, and they keep Ramirez and Vitters
Where do Ramirez and Vitters play?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 30, 2009 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the NL will have the DH by then?
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Trey2317 on Oct 30, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope not!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 30, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could happen.
I expect it to be a bargaining chip in the next labor negotiation.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 30, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Given the owners' propensity to cave, I suppose . . .
Just wondering – you’ve mentioned this a few times – what is making you think that it would be on the table now, after all these years?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Oct 30, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rumors I've heard.
Plus, the fact that several high-profile pitchers (Zambrano & Peavy come to mind) have been injured running the bases. GM’s really hate that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 30, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would not want to see the DH in the NL...
Not having it is the main thing that makes me appreciate the NL better than AL.
I don’t know which I’d move, but I’d have Vitters or ARam playing LF. Vitters is a prospect the Cubs need to hold on to, and I do not want to see ARam gone anytime soon. He’s gonna be the team captain when Lee leaves.
by Trey111 on Oct 30, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez in LF?
No way. He’s getting older; the only defensive move he makes is to 1B.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 30, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Desmond Jennings in Tampa for me
A centerfielder who can steal bases and get on-base at a high rate is very rare.
Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.
by nji232 on Oct 30, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Travis Snider and Neftali Feliz
We Got This!
by cubbiebear316 on Oct 30, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I haven't seen him play but based on reports
Jason Heyward. He’ll likely be the #1 prospect on many draft lists next year. I would love to see the Cubs develop an outfield power prospect and not always have to rely on free agency.
by rlpete on Oct 30, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Strasburg
but if I had to take a position player, I’d take Heyward. Good choice.
by Josh77 on Oct 30, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Justin Smoak
Bryce Harper
Stephen Strasburg
Aroldis Chapman
by zam on Oct 30, 2009 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No more DHs
The Cubs don’t know what to do with Fox and Hoffpauir. They have a DH playing left field and under contract until about the 22nd century. And the NL is making no move to allow designated hitters. The Cubs don’t need more of those types.
by bringbackbanks on Oct 30, 2009 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jason Heyward
In my mind, he’s the only prospect in baseball better than Strasburg. His combination of speed, power, and patience is almost surreal.
by Outshined_One on Oct 30, 2009 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
I could see them accepting Soriano + a package, given some of the salery is eaten. It would be a challenge trying to get Soriano to accept however.
Um… you might want to check with your optometrist. Why would Cleveland possibly want Soriano on their team?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Oct 30, 2009 11:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I think most people just answered the prospect portion. I don’t really think that trade proposal is realistic either. They are in a youth mode – not necessarily rebuilding, but in a youth mode. They also can’t really handle that amount of money unless an insane chunk of it is eaten.
What the Indians need this offseason is to maybe find one starter and shore up the pen. I don’t think they’ll deal any of their top youngsters unless it’s for a quality player in their prime.
by toonsterwu on Oct 31, 2009 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because the Cubs want it?
I love proposed deals that only make sense for the Cubs. No way would Cleveland have any interest in Soriano.
by rlpete on Oct 31, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MADISON BAUMGARDNER SF GIANTS !!
"We gotta circle the bandwagons." - Devin Hester
by Jose's Eyelid on Nov 1, 2009 8:24 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Henry Rowengartner!
"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 Nov 2, 2009 10:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
How does anyone/everyone feel about Yankees prospect Austin Jackson?
I happened to see him (on TV) hit a grand slam in a spring training game. Would look good in centerfield, no? Or too toolsy?
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 3, 2009 9:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Starlin Castro
I mean we REALLY need a great hitting, great hitting SS.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Nov 3, 2009 11:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
We'd have to give up the farm to get him.
Oh wait.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 3, 2009 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Justin Jackson
Blue Jays shortstop prospect, killer defense but still working on the bat
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Nov 3, 2009 3:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
that would be the
one prospect you would take in all of baseball? Really?
Out of all the players you could pick you take one who you admittedly state is “working on the bat”?
Yo Bartender, Jobu needs a refill!
by socalbob on Nov 3, 2009 5:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The criteria was not the best prospect out there
I’ve watched Justin grow up and he’s a great kid, I didn’t pick him because he’s the best prospect out there I picked him because I’d love to see him in a Cubs uniform.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Nov 5, 2009 7:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ok, then you missed the entire premise
so if you had the chance to nab one prospect for the Cubs, you would chose a guy you watched grow up and would like to see in a Cubs uniform? Not the player who could be a potential HOF player for the Cubs? We have different expectations of the Cubs if they had the fantasy choice of 1 player from any organization.
by socalbob on Nov 5, 2009 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't ask who we thought could be a future HOF for the Cubs
He asked who we wanted to see in a Cub uniform. My criteria for wanting to see someone in our uniform is different from his and from yours. In my case I’m a big fan of Justin and a big fan of the Cubs and I’d like to see them together. Now if you ask me who among all the prospects out there would I like to see become a Cub strictly because of thier skills and potential then my answer is probably Justin Heyward.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Nov 5, 2009 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah
I’m really not trying to be a smart ass. But sometimes we take this stuff too seriously. When I brought up Justin it was an honest statement that was based more on a fantasy that I have shared with Justin and his dad over the years than on strict baseball stats and expectations.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
by carolinacub on Nov 5, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you are being a smart ass
at all. Your choice was mind-boggling to say the least.
His post was based on LaPorta because he would make the Cubs better and then ended it with the obligatory … “if you could have 1 player form any organization…..” sentence.
His point was grab one guy which will make the Cubs better. Your post was not on that same track.
And had you included Heyward in your original post as you just did, I would have never replied. I thought you were lost in space and now it is clear you are not. Thanks for clarifying—BTW I agree it would be Heyward for me too.
by socalbob on Nov 5, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On the rocks, please.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Nov 4, 2009 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Now batting for Pedro Borbon
Manny Mota
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Nov 4, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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