BA Free Podcast on NL Central Systems

Not sure if there's a better way to post this, but anyhow, JJ Cooper and Ben Badler did a free podcast on NL Central systems. Most of the Cubs stuff is early.

Cubs related stuff from what I recall -

1) For the most part, they both think the Cubs have the top NL Central system. Both of them made a case for the Reds, with Cooper noting that it's a high floor system. Cooper thinks that Cubs have the most upside.

2) Badler is really high on Jay Jackson. He suggested that you could rank Jay Jackson ahead of Shelby Miller (Cardinals top prospect).

3) Talked quite a bit about Starlin Castro. Quite impressed with him. Nice swing, bat speed, 10-15 HR's down the line.

4) Were impressed with Brett Jackson's debut.

5) Cooper likes Chris Carpenter, if he can stay healthy.

6) While they both agreed that Pedro Alvarez was the top prospect in the NL Central, they said you could make a case for Castro, Alcides Escobar.

Anyhow, nothing really new, but an interesting listen. The most interesting note to me was non-Cubs related - they suggested Alcides Escobar next year could be better than Elvis Andrus this year, and Andrus was pretty good. I buy it ... just it was interesting.

about 2 years ago toonsterwu 6 comments 1 recs |

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Agreed on Escobar.

He looked pretty good in the short time the Brewers had him in the majors.

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

by Al Yellon on Nov 27, 2009 9:07 AM CST reply actions

Jeez

Toons I thought this would takeoff. Well maybe everyone is still stuffed? Personally I think its going to be a little tough egg for the boys of BA for ranking the Cubs 27th last year and having to move them up at least 10 clubs or more and having to explain other than B.Jackson and Lemahieu what has changed so much in one year?

by Slamdog on Nov 27, 2009 5:08 PM CST reply actions

Listened to it a little bit earlier today

Pretty good podcast. Like toons said, nothing new, but nice to hear them praise the Cubs, Castro, and even mention Donald Veal. They bring up a good point, even if the Pirates have no long term plans for a guy like Veal (or any similar Rule 5 guy), rebuilding teams should look to utilize roster spots with guys like that. You never know if you’ll find a useful mid-reliever or bench guy that can be swapped at a future deadline and bring in some more prospects for a rebuilding team.

by Dayton Cubbie on Nov 27, 2009 5:38 PM CST reply actions

another interesting point they brought up

i mean, not earth shattering stuff, but that you should keep a player at a tougher defensive position as long as possible to try and force them to be in shape. Once they move to an easier spot, they’ll bulk up a bit (they were talking about Pedro Alvarez. Also referenced Jim Thome.)

by toonsterwu on Nov 27, 2009 5:45 PM CST up reply actions