Cubs Minor League Wrap -- May 24
by Josh Timmers on May 24, 2009 5:34 PM CDT
in Minor Leagues
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PrintI guess I've got some good news with strong outings today from top prospects like Josh Vitters and Jay Jackson. Doubt it will really make anyone feel any better.
Iowa Cubs
The I-Cubs fell to the Fresno Grizzlies, 3-2.
J. R. Mathes pitched well today, allowing only two runs in a seven-inning start. Only one of the runs was earned. Mathes allowed only three hits and two walks. One of the hits was a home run. Mathes struck out one.
Jeff Stevens took the loss in relief, but he only allowed one unearned run in two innings. Stevens gave up two hits, walked two and fanned two.
First baseman Jake Fox was 2 for 4. Shortstop Andres Blanco scored twice and stole a base in a 2 for 4 effort. Second baseman Nate Spears went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies defenestrated the Birmingham Barons, 5-3.
Jay Jackson evened his record on the season to 3-3 with a strong start. Jackson allowed one run on three hits over six innings. Jackson walked three and struck out eight.
John Gaub picked up his first save of the year. Gaub walked one and struck out one in an inning of hitless work.
Catcher Steve Clevenger went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Clevenger is now hitting .365 with a .447 OBP. Even though he doesn't have a lot of power, his status as a prospect is rising.
DH Blake Lalli was 2 for 4.
Daytona Cubs
With tonight's double-header called already, the D-Cubs have now had seven straight games called for weather, They haven't played a game since Tuesday. Does anyone else think a High-A franchise in Modesto sounds pretty good right about now?
Peoria Chiefs
The Chiefs clipped the feathers of the South Bend Silver Hawks, 4-3.
Starter Justin Bristow did his Houdini act today, as he allowed only one run on seven hits over only 3.1 innings. Bristow walked two and struck out five.
Kevin Kreier allowed one run on three hits over 3.2 innings. Kreier allowed two hits, walked one and fanned one.
Erik Hamren blew the save in the ninth inning, but got the win when the Chiefs scored in the bottom of the ninth. Hamren allowed one run on two hits over two innings. Hamren walked two and struck out one.
You may have heard that catcher Michael Brenly had the game-winning double in the ninth. Brenly was 2 for 4 with that RBI double.
Once again: Josh Vitters is good. Today Vitters hit his tenth home run and ninth in the month of May. Vitters went 2 for 4 with two RBI. I think we can say his power has arrived.
Shortstop Junior Lake scored twice in a 2 for 4 game.
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It's so nice to see Vitters crushing the ball consistently
There seemed to be no question when he was drafted that he could make great contact but the question was his power as is the case with most high school players. Granted he’s only in A ball I think the fact that he has hit 9 HR this month at only 19 is a very positive sign. Now if only he would answer all those questions about his defense at 3B.
Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on May 24, 2009 10:07 PM CDT reply actions
I hear
his defense is fine. Not good, but good enough. We’re not talking about Jake Fox out there.
When I saw him play, he was fine although he wasn’t tested much.
by Josh Timmers on May 24, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Improving
Vitters has made solid strides since the day he signed defensive wise, he’s still got away to go, but he should be able to play over there. The worse case would have him going to 1b and someone else ends being the 3rd baseman when Aramis is gone.
Boy
Jay Jackson is looking like he’s living up to the hype. He and Vitters might end up #1 and #2 in the system.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
Vitters...
I haven’t heard much national hype about Vitters (probably because he’s so young still), but does anyone know what the general consensus on his future is? Are we talking Evan Longoria/David Wright prospect, or just a solid guy who may pan out to be a “good” player. Because he was drafted high, but I haven’t heard much about his skills since. Thanks.
i guess my comp question would be
how is he projected in comparison to a ‘robin ventura-like’ career?
Vitters
the hype of Vitters kind of died last season because he spent most of last season in Boise. But the hype is returning. There was a big front page story on him in MiLB.com last week, and Keith Law at ESPN.com and Kevin Goldstein over at Baseball Prospectus have been raving about him over the past few weeks.
I used to say the worst thing I can say about him is that he’ll never be as good as David Wright. He still lacks Wright’s speed, defense and ability to draw a walk, so I’m sticking to that. But his ceiling is definitely not “good” player. His ceiling as a guy who could win multiple batting titles along with 25-30 HRs a year (although maybe that’s low with his recent power surge, but I’m not ready to say that yet.) People have compared him to Vlad Guerrero recently and maybe that’s right—if you can imagine the young Vlad Guerrero playing third base and not stealing bases, then you’ve got his ceiling.
by Josh Timmers on May 25, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Personally,
I’ve watched video on Vitters….
My best comparison is Evan Longoria minus his defense.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
I'd buy that
except a lot more of Vitters OBP is going to come from batting average rather than walks, so that’s a difference.
by Josh Timmers on May 25, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
At his age...
…. do you think Vitters could develop a little plate discipline over time?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sure
But I don’t think it’s likely, at least until he gets into his late-20s, early 30s. He’s going to draw more walks than he’s drawing this season though—that’s just a fluke. I’d expect more like 40 walks in full season. He’s not Cristian Guzman.
But most hitters develop more discipline as they get older. Sammy Sosa is the most famous example—going from 30-40 walks a year to over 100 in his prime. That’s an extreme example, but I’d imagine he’d develop more discipline as he gets more experience.
And his youth is something that people forget. He’s still only 19 years old. He could be in the majors before his 21st birthday.
by Josh Timmers on May 25, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
BA also ranked him #1 on their weekly hot sheet
last week- no big surprise as he was on fire. So he is definitely getting noticed nationally.
And many great hitters do make it that young.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
OK, thanks...
those sound like some great comparisons, and I can’t wait to watch this kid progress through the system.
i'm going to the memorial day
game at O’Brien park in peoria tomorrow. Anything I should be looking out for?
It's not about money. It's about winning and getting over the hump. We've had the appetizer now, but we left the main course on the table.
-rod beck
Yes
Vitters defense (been getting a lot of questions on that one.)
Kyler Burke’s swing. Can you describe it? Anything else on Burke is good too.
General impressions of Josh Harrison. People seem to like him.
Chris Carpenter appears to be starting. Whatever you can get on stuff, repetoire and delivery on Carpenter.
by Josh Timmers on May 25, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
If you're still planning to go
Don’t. The game is rained out.
by Josh Timmers on May 25, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions
was there at the time it got called
funny thing is, not ten minutes after the game was called off, the sun came out and didn’t go away. A bit disappointing, but it was half price ticket day, and my ticket is good for any game the rest of the season.
It's not about money. It's about winning and getting over the hump. We've had the appetizer now, but we left the main course on the table.
-rod beck
by laidbackliam on May 25, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
When you do go
we really do want to know about Kyler Burke’s swing.
by Josh Timmers on May 25, 2009 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
i'll do my best
i’ll even bring a video camera if i can. or my canon powershot and take a video of it.
It's not about money. It's about winning and getting over the hump. We've had the appetizer now, but we left the main course on the table.
-rod beck
by laidbackliam on May 25, 2009 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
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