Vitters in the AFL

by cubsfan1 on Nov 3, 2010 6:04 AM CDT

Just a quick post here before I head off to work. Josh Vitters made the "AFL Rising Stars" roster this year and will play in the Saturday All-Star game this year. While he didn't lite the world on fire he had a pretty solid showing considering he had been laid off since July. .255/.311/.436 triple slash line isn't wowing anyone but like I said considering the layoff and rust not bad. He did hit 2 HR and 4 2B with 11 RBI.

Also very encouraging was his 5 BB (9%) in 55 ABs. Also K'd just 6 times (10.9%). To be noted the AFL is usually weak on top pitching prospects as opposed to the elite hitting that is usually sent. Maybe the most encouraging thing I kept reading was how good he looked defensively. I seen numerous scouts say that he looked pretty solid and comfortable at 3B.

* Also to be noted Chris Carpenter also made the "AFL Rising Stars" 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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FWIW

The Rising Stars game will be televised by MLB Network on Saturday at 8 pm CDT.

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

by Al Yellon on Nov 3, 2010 7:39 AM CDT reply actions

Well lets see what Vitters does

this coming year. By his own admission his goal is to be on the big league roster next year. Glad to see he has set his goals high.

by Grockcubs on Nov 3, 2010 8:45 AM CDT reply actions

Don't worry, he'll do it

He’s going to stay in Arizona this winter and get “COLVINIZED”!!!

(/TJ)

No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.

by cubzfan on Nov 3, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Well

With all due respect, if Vitters doesn’t absolutely rake at the plate, his defense is of no concern. He either makes the majors because of his bat or he flounders around from organization to organization in the minors.

"When the day comes with that last winning run and I'm crying and covered in beer. I'll look to the sky and know I was right to think someday we'll go all the way." - Vedder

by krummy12 on Nov 3, 2010 8:51 AM CDT reply actions

3B vs OF/1B

I don’t entirely disagree, but, his value as a 3B would be much higher than if he was putting up the same offensive numbers as a 1B/LF.

Eamus Ursuli!

by WGNstatic on Nov 3, 2010 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

if he's a bad 3b

he loses a lot of value. The positive reports on his D are actually very encouraging, as were the walks (SSS aside.) Those were actually the two best takeaways…

by PrincetonCubs on Nov 3, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

kinda scary to think this soon in his career

they are trying him at other positions, when he was the next big cannot miss stud

Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot

by Cubbie-Tim on Nov 7, 2010 8:07 PM CST up reply actions

I think that has as much to do with wanting to see how versatile he can be

as it does with giving up on him. 1B isn’t exactly the position you wedge guys into if they’re unable to hit well enough to play at third. Whether at 1B or 3B, he’ll only make the majors if he greatly improves his hitting.

And if it cheers you up, remember that Jeff Bagwell was a 3B in the minors. He turned out ok at 1B.

by Orval Overall on Nov 8, 2010 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

He will get super buff with Colvin and punch all the nonbelievers

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese, from the blue box." Geovany Soto
"They played like son of a guns......lord have mercy." Mike Quade

by Cubbiegoon on Nov 3, 2010 4:24 PM CDT reply actions

I wonder who picks the rising stars?

by ol Pete on Nov 3, 2010 7:37 PM CDT reply actions

not jim hendry?

by circuitclout on Nov 4, 2010 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm afraid Vitters

is the second coming of Ty Griffin.

by Clark Addison on Nov 6, 2010 7:23 PM CDT reply actions

Well, except...

… Griffin was older when he played his first professional game than Vitters is now.

No question, Vitters has work to do. But it is far too early to give up on him.

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

by Al Yellon on Nov 7, 2010 8:58 AM CST up reply actions

would Kevin Orie be a better comparison?

that is who I fear many on BCB were proclaiming the untouchable next big thing might be becoming

Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot

by Cubbie-Tim on Nov 7, 2010 8:06 PM CST up reply actions

Not really.

Because Orie was never considered a top-level prospect and he wasn’t a #1 pick.

The closest comp I can think of might be Luis Montanez, the #1 pick in 2000.

Complete list of Cubs #1 picks

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

by Al Yellon on Nov 8, 2010 7:23 AM CST up reply actions

He was still a first round pick (at #29 in 1993).

Yet he was older at each level and his stats were largely mediocre.

by CA Cub Fan on Nov 8, 2010 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

splitting hairs, but...

it was the supplemental part of the first round, not the first round proper. And anyway, Al’s point is that he was not considered an elite talent, which is completely supported by that draft position. Many good players were drafted after that point (e.g., Scott Rolen was taken about 18 picks later – that would’ve been a much better 3B investment in hindsight) but its nothing like picking Luis Montanez or Josh Vitters in the top 3.

by Orval Overall on Nov 8, 2010 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

I just pray for the day

when everyone around here doesn’t immediately compare every Cubs prospect to Ty Griffin.

Occasionally Earl Cunningham gets mentioned.

It’s not like the Cubs (and every other franchise in baseball) doesn’t have a failed prospect more recently than 20 years ago. Doesn’t anyone remember what a bust Ryan Harvey was? Harvey is a far, far better comp for Vitters if you’re convinced he’s going to suck.

by Josh Timmers on Nov 8, 2010 10:15 PM CST up reply actions

Ben Christiensen!

Grant Johnson!

Our prospects are amazing!! (copyright: TJ11)

Shut up Joe Morgan.

by fsuapollo on Nov 9, 2010 11:18 AM CST up reply actions

Wouldn't Vitters just be draft eligible

this past year if he went to college?

I’m not worried about this guy. I expect the farm system to have a really strong 2011, particularly him and Lee.

by SenorGato on Nov 8, 2010 10:19 PM CST reply actions

Yes

by Josh Timmers on Nov 9, 2010 12:44 AM CST up reply actions

Vitters

Couple things here that I’ve mentioned repeatly on this site and others but let’s review them again.

1st. He has never been allowed to play a full year at any level. Yes he’s struggled initially at each level but has always come back and hit.

2nd. At 20 this past year he was very young for AA. Also over his last 33 ABs in AA before the injury he really seemed to be turning a corner hitting .306 and drawing walks.

3rd. Huge PD issues coming into this year and while he has work to do still he did make strides showing that he understands he needs to fix this area.

4th. The defense is coming around. He has the tools to be a solid 3B. His arm and hands will allow him to potentially stay at 3B. He’s improved his agility and range each year.

5th. He improved his power from ’08 to ’09 turning all those doubles into some HR.

Your talking about a kid who has been rushed rushed rushed. For what reason the Cubs have been so aggresive I don’t know, but through the struggles his confidence has never wavered and has shown the ability to make adjustments in his game. This is what the minors are for to work on short comings. He wants to be a good player and works hard. What more do you want from a 20 year old kid? Look at his career minor league numbers they are not bad. This guy has just 1100 career ABs in the minors.

Now I understand he has work still yet to do but to start comping him to Ty Griffin or any other Cub bust is just ridiculous.

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/

by cubsfan1 on Nov 9, 2010 5:55 AM CST reply actions

Will Vitters ever be a great player?

i don’t know. Maybe not but I’ll take a guy w/ 70 hit/power tools and a tireless worker who understands that he needs to keep making improvements and adjustments to his game. You don’t always find that in a guy who was as highly touted ’spec.

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/

by cubsfan1 on Nov 9, 2010 5:59 AM CST up reply actions

to be fair on one point

if Vitters had the same work ethic defensively as he does offensively, there’d be far less concerns about his ability to stick at 3rd. He’s improved, and as I’ve said before, probably will stick as a decent glove at 3rd through his cost-controlled years (making his offense the most important thing), but he does have the tools to be better.

by toonsterwu on Nov 9, 2010 9:43 AM CST up reply actions