Draft Day Two Thread Rounds 2-30
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 11:01 AM CDT
in Minor Leagues
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I stole this picture of Hayden Simpson from the Southern Arkansas Athletics Website http://muleriderathletics.com/
I apologize, but I figured they're so giddy right now they won't mind. Just my opinion, but I think "Muleriders" is a really cool nickname for a school.
I swear, if anything like what went on yesterday goes on today, I'll delete the whole post, comments and all.
Agree with the choice or not, let's all give a big Chicago welcome to Hayden Simpson. A right-hander with a fastball that sits around 92-94 mph and has been known to hit 96, he's also got a nasty slider that he considers his best pitch and an above-average curve. His changeup needs work, but he does have one. For his three-year career at Southern Arkansas, Simpson went 35-2 with a 2.39 ERA. He struck out 323 batters in 271 innings. He walked 113 in his career, but he showed better command each season. So far, he's drawn a lot of comparisons to Roy Oswalt, who I might add was a 23rd round pick in 1996.
Oh, and he's short. So's Roy Oswalt and Tim Lincecum, as well as a certain #31 who pitched for the Cubs.
Agree or disagree with today's picks. But turn down the rhetoric. No one in the Cubs front office is trying to intentionally make the team worse. Nor are any of them above criticism. But respect other points of view and admit that you don't have all the answers either. (I know I don't).
And remember. None of the guys chosen have done anything to disappoint the team yet. We hope that each and everyone of them do make the Show, even if we know that's not possible. We should all support them unconditionally today on what should be one of the biggest days of their lives.
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Could be an interesting day
Lot of high upside players still out there. Hopefully the Cubs make a splash
www.twentytoeighty.com
Well, it beats "Goatriders", which is his NEW team's nickname...
I think “Muleriders” is a really cool nickname
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
You would of thought
the Cubs drafted someone off the street yesterday the way everyone acted… do I agree with the pick? Of course not. But I’ve wrong many, many times in my life and I’m hoping that Hayden proves me wrong again. But some of you acted as if you scouted all these players yourself.
Maybe next year is finally our year.
by Unique on Jun 8, 2010 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Just add that mistake to the long list, eh?
I agree with everything you’ve said though.
Congratulations Hayden!
Welcome to the organization. If we seemed upset and disappointed yesterday, it was not aimed at you, but at Cubs management. You have an impressive record, and we can’t wait to see how your abilities play at the next level. Brett Jackson quickly dispelled doubts about Wilkins first round selection last year, turning into a steal at his slot. We look forward to you doing the same!
Go Muleriders!
1 minute of clock time?
Do a lot of teams just pick guys in the later rounds without really knowing who they are?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
no
by most indications, most war rooms are churning along and they have their area scouts either there are with their reports ready.
So you're saying that my plan...
to smuggle my name into the Cubs war room and on to the draft board—predicated on confusion and the warm blanket of anonymity—are all in vain? :-O
KAAAAHHHHHNNNNN!!!
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 8, 2010 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Eibner gone
to the Royals. Listed as a pitcher. Would have liked to see him fall to the Cubs. Ton of upside at the plate, but pretty polished on the mound.
www.twentytoeighty.com
Speakin of Tim Lincecum...
Who knew the Cubs drafted him in the 48th round in 2002, but he opted out to go to college?
I did
Wilken claims he wanted him in 2006 too, but he was long gone before we picked. Still lasted longer than he should have because of the scout’s hatred for short right-handers.
Remember that in comments about Simpson.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
beefing up
I like the offseason program he has been on…now if only I could get to 155 pounds
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
You can have the 15 lb I'm trying to shed
I'll go to my grave believing Armando Galarraga tossed the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Being the kind-hearted generous fellow that I am...
I’m more than willing to match that 20. Heck, I’d love to match the original 15 too.
Wow… 35 lbs lighter… the mind just reels at the possibilities…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Dont forget
we also drafted Ricky Nolasco and Dontrelle Willis….although i wonder how his anxiety disorder would’ve held up in Chicago
we also nabbed Josh Hamilton in the rule 5 draft for the reds
~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will
by unretrofied93 on Jun 8, 2010 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
What, we drafted Josh Hamilton!?!?!
Why did we trade him to the Reds!!!!!!?!!!!
Fire Jim Hendry, NOW!!!!!!!!!
I kid
Eamus Ursuli!
Very nice
I loathe Hendry and even I won’t attack him for that draft and trade.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 8, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
How do I watch this online?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
draft tracker
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2010/draftcaster.jsp
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Draft picks are crap shoots.
There are, I’m sure, some can’t miss guys like Bryce Harper, but for every “can’t miss” guy there are 10 “never were” guys working at gas stations.
Draft number means absolutely nothing after draft day. It’s an anecdote for your baseball card. Just ask Mike Piazza.
What matters from this point forward for all these young men is how they respond to life in the minors, better competition, the sound of wood bats instead of that horrible metal sound, and the ability and willingness to learn.
I wish Hayden and the other Cub draft picks the best, and hopefully we’ll see them in Cubbie blue down the road.
Scott Bora$ is satan.
by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jun 8, 2010 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
He "Can't miss"
if you’re expecting a major league starter. He certainly can miss if you’re expecting a Hall of Famer.
The last guy I remember who “couldn’t miss” and didn’t even make the majors was Brien Taylor, but he got injured in a bar fight.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Those days are long gone
The days of finding a Mike Piazza in the 62nd round are long gone, with the new super scouts and spread of information no one goes unnoticed.
~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will
by unretrofied93 on Jun 8, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Thing with Piazza was
No one “found” him in the 62nd round. The Dodgers just drafted him as a favor to Tommy Lasorda. Even the Dodgers scouts didn’t want him.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Lasorda's Nephew I think
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Or God-Son
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that's right
I think he was Lasorda’s godson
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think they're related
I think Piazza was the son of a long-time friend of his
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Albert Pujols went in the 13th.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Word,
amazing.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Why?
Were his skills and physical size so apparent in HS? Or was he another local MO product that only the Cards scouted in their backyard? I have heard rumors that people did not like his attitude before he signed.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
He’s from the KC area and went to JC there. (Taken one pick after Alfredo Amezaga.) I think he just flew under the radar. He didn’t move to the States until he was 16, so there wasn’t much of a track record on him..
Being from the St. Louis area, I'm glad you added that last sentence.
He was 16 when he moved here (to Independence, MO which is in Missouri but not near St. Louis by any stretch ), but only recently have I heard he wants to actually live here in the offseason. He certainly wasn’t after becoming a Cardinal.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
He didn't like their initial offer and rejected it to play for Maple Woods Community College.
They signed him for 60,000. Pretty stunning with how he turned out for sure.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions
My best friends dad is a "10"
He worked on Bush’s campaign though, take it or leave it
Get that degree kids
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
WOOO
GO CUBBIES - GO HAYDEN - GO WHOEVER ELSE WE PICK TODAY!!!
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Simpson
I have more faith in the Cubs farm system than what I have had in a long time. The system is starting to produce. The issue is that the GM is gummed up the works at the MLB level that many of these players will be stuck in farm system way too long.
Cabrera to the A's
Another guy that I would have liked. Good pick for the A’s
www.twentytoeighty.com
Cubs are next!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Reggie Golden!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Who is he?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
I am wondering
the same thing
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
HOLY SMOKES HIT A HUGE HOMERUN AT WRIGLEY!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
toolsy young OF
Really raw, but loads of tools and talent. I like the gamble.
LOVE that pick
Great, great tools, plus he apparently is supposed to be a hard sign. If the Cubs spend for him, it’s worth it.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
wOOO
GOOD JOB CUBS MANAGEMENT
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Big time upside
disappointed a bit this season. Was getting first round consideration
www.twentytoeighty.com
At least MLB.com has a scouting report ready for this pick
It’s kind of hilarious to see their Draft Tracker with a paragraph ready to go about every other player chosen… except #16….
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
He is a college pick right?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
A big welcome to H.S. and all other new Cubs!!!
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
by eths on Jun 8, 2010 11:31 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
MLB scout video
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=8080130&content_id=7200773
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Reggie Golden
Plus-plus power, good speed. Corner outfielder.
Bad news is that he has trouble making contact. Strikes out a lot.
Yes
They are very different players though. Jackson wasn’t a power guy, Golden is. Jackson is still striking out quite a bit
www.twentytoeighty.com
But he walks a lot too
so we don’t care.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Golden's power potential
is better. He’s also really raw.
Makes sense
College vs HS is a huge difference for sure.
Different kind of player
Jackson strikes out a lot, but he doesn’t have that kind of power. He also walks and runs well.
Jackson came out of college too.
Some similarities.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Hmm... wonder if his nickname is "Molson"? ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
An honest plug
One of the reasons I look so smart on these guys is not that I’m out there scouting, but that I have Andy Seiler’s draft guide pdf.
You can also purchase it at MLB Bonus Baby a fine SB Nation site.
A girl never reveals her secrets.
I just learned about these stick-on bra things…blew my mind.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I know, right?!?
"You’re playing a baseball game. You’re not playing Tiddlywinks. There is competition, for God’s sake."— Lou Piniella
Who says you can't learn something new here every day?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The mlb.com video shows it
But I remember seeing Golden’s home run at the Under Armour game. It was mashed and I love that bat speed.
www.twentytoeighty.com
He's already hit more home runs at Wrigley
than some of the guys on the team this year.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Is there anyway
That they also had Maddux give approval on Simpson?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
by blueballs on Jun 8, 2010 11:41 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I actually wondered about that
I’d like to see if Maddux can get him a changeup. If so, he could be a respectable starter.
www.twentytoeighty.com
if he did
then Simpson is going to be the single greatest pitcher ever…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
The lengths to which we will go to convince ourselves that this pick was awesome....
In the last 12 hours, he’s been compared favorably to Stephen Strasburg, Roy Oswalt, and Tim Lincecum, and given the presumed imprimatur of Greg Maddux Himself.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
And these have all been done by media outlets...
your point?
You'll have to show me that "Greg Maddux Approved" media article.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
Okay, sorry, 3 of 4.
I didn’t figure that the last one was included in that, as you even stated “presumed.”
Wow
You’re like a dog gnawing on a bone. You just refuse to let it go.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm willing to give Wilken the benefit of the doubt.
Simpson’s height no doubt cooled a lot of interest. If you’ve ever sat with a scout you know it’s quite the homo-erotic experience. As they was poetic about tall pitchers with long legs and strong thighs things quickly go from interesting to creepy.
Creepy or exciting...
depends on the audience!
by ASpecialGuestAppearance on Jun 8, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL. Right.
And I certainly didn’t make the comment to dis gay people. But the three scouts I’ve sat with are old school homophobes spitting tobacco into cups from one side of their mouths while drooling over the physical attributes of men from the other side.
would LOVE
Cole or Wilson. I really think Wilson will be going to college though
www.twentytoeighty.com
I wonder if the White Sox may not try one of them
They have two college guys so far. I guess it depends whether anyone thinks they really can sign them.
Awesome name.
Reggie Golden.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
am somewhat thinking that the 3rd rounder might be micah gibbs
lsu, system could use a catcher … am somewhat hoping for aj cole
don’t really want to gamble on Austin Wilson here
Right with ya
Cole should be signable and Gibbs is one of the best guys left.
www.twentytoeighty.com
Not a fan of Gibbs' bat
But he’ll be a very good defender.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
just realized cecchini is still on the board
would hendry swipe one of maineri’s recruits?
Gibbs would be a solid pickoff, IMO.
Though I like Bryan Holaday, out of TCU, behind the plate a ton, too.
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
I hope this guy learned baserunning....
from a different crew than the ones that taught Fontenot and Theriot.
"You teach me baseball and I'll teach you relativity...No, we must not. You will learn about relativity faster than I learn baseball." - Albert Einstein
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Jun 8, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Different coaching staff down there now.
(For the most part, I believe.) So hopefully that has been rectified. Though I would maintain that the Cubs’ minor league coordinators should be preaching a consistent baserunning style/approach throughout the Cubs’ system.
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
Maybe he learned baserunning for Samardzija?
Just a joke. But it’s the staff from Notre Dame when the Shark was there.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh no doubt...
I just like to joke about “LSU fundamentals” every time one of the cajuns get thrown out on the bases like a nincompoop.
"You teach me baseball and I'll teach you relativity...No, we must not. You will learn about relativity faster than I learn baseball." - Albert Einstein
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Jun 8, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Just thinking about their baserunning gives me chills.
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
Why is Cole still on the board?
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
probably
just a guess, but probably priced himself too high and teams just don’t want to pay him that much.
Micah Gibbs in the 3rd round
Obviously you can’t argue with anyone named Micah on the Cubs, this was meant to be!
You know
if Hendry has a chance to take a player from his buddy Paul Mainieri at LSU, he’s going to.
It doesn’t hurt that LSU won the CWS last year.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
We gotta keep the farm loaded with
LSU Tigers
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
the goal is
to have the entire team to be made up of LSU, ND and Carloses
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Hope it works out better than that Aaron thing we had going for a while there...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Cubs just beat the run on catchers
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 12:02 PM CDT reply actions
"Run on catchers"?
What is this, a fantasy league draft?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I don't think we have to worry about Soto or Hill running anywhere at least.
This has been an interesting post…first stick on bras, now catchers stuck moving forward…hmmm.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Micah Gibbs MLB draft video...
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=8080130&content_id=7733651
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Looks like the Cubs might have had a plan after all
Doubters (such as myself) could be eating a lot of crow.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 12:05 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Plenty of crow to go around
You can all grab seconds!
I'm fairly pleased with the draft right now
Not in love with it, but fairly pleased. With Golden, they not only added an athlete, but they added some power. The pick, as O_O has noted, shows that the Cubs are willing to spend (I doubt they make this pick unless they think they can sign him … granted, pick is protected, so you never know). System badly needed a catcher in the lower levels. Gibbs might be the best catching prospect in the system right away.
There is no program Hendry knows better
than LSU. I’m betting they are 99% sure that they can sign him.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not worried about Gibbs signing
I was referencing Golden on whether or not he would sign. Granted, pick is protected.
Seems like taking Golden makes up for passing on Sale?
Similar types of players right? If this is based on Wilken’ preferences, tough to argue.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 12:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
golden definitely is more of a wilken type pick
with his athleticism and tools. I don’t think he necessarily makes up for Josh Sale, but then again, I wasn’t exactly on the we must have Josh Sale boat.
Fair enough
It seems to me as though our farm system is lacking somewhat in high upside power hitters, so I was hoping to get one early, I liked Sale, but although I don’t know much about him, Golden’s profile is appealing.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 12:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Gibbs
was projected as a supplemental first round or second round pick, so great value in round three.
Solid defensive catcher. Hits for good average, but not a lot of power.
Cubs draft rankings, by round:
Round 1: 191
Round 2: 96
Round 3: 60
In round 8, they’re going to try to take Bryce Harper.
"You teach me baseball and I'll teach you relativity...No, we must not. You will learn about relativity faster than I learn baseball." - Albert Einstein
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Jun 8, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
he had slipped a bit in the final stages
due to questions on the bat. I’d say 3rd round was about value for him, maybe late 2nd. There’s a chance he turns into the NC state catcher we had a few years ago (Tony Richie?), but there’s also a chance that he’s an Ausmus-y type, as O_O noted.
Simpson pitching to Gibbs with Golden hitting bombs in Wrigley?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
4 years time?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Could be sooner...
these guys are all college players.
"You teach me baseball and I'll teach you relativity...No, we must not. You will learn about relativity faster than I learn baseball." - Albert Einstein
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Jun 8, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
except golden.
"You teach me baseball and I'll teach you relativity...No, we must not. You will learn about relativity faster than I learn baseball." - Albert Einstein
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Jun 8, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
4 years might be a tad optimistic for golden
i’m hoping he can, but considering how raw he is, it might take some time.
Ideal timelines for Simpson/Gibbs should be around that 3-4 year mark.
Keith Law tweet...
Micah Gibbs at 97 is a STEAL for the Cubs
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
At the plate
Gibbs bat speed concerns me, but I like that he is a switch hitter and it sounds like he has made some solid adjustments to his swing.
www.twentytoeighty.com
We could soon have a bayou trio
~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will
by unretrofied93 on Jun 8, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
We've got LeMahieu from last year
who also went to LSU. Of course, unlike Theriot and Fonteot, neither LeMaheiu or Gibbs are from LA. Gibbs is from Texas and I think LeMahieu is from Michigan.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
The Cubs would have to really shell out for him, and if they aren’t willing to do that, then he might end up going to college and be a wasted pick. With the 4th rounder, I want someone that will sign.
just went to the Nats
if they sign him that would be nuts
by PrincetonCubs on Jun 8, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
They have money to spend
Since pretty much no free agents are interested in signing with them, even for additonal money.
I missed all the hub-bub while I was fishing....
so lemme weigh in on my take on the Simpson pick and then I shall speak of it no more.
On the face of it, this pick is both puzzling and laughable. From my perspective it only makes sense in the context of the Cubs long term view of the current organizational status. The major league team isn’t very good right now, and has been declining for the past two years. There are several large contracts about to expire in the near future. Ricketts is nothing if not a smart businessman. IMHO this pick falls in line with a business plan which says that given the state of the current team, coupled with the down economy, the best strategy is to conserve every single expenditure possible and tread water until you can get out from under the larger contracts (by trade or expiration) and then begin the rebuilding process.
Yes they could have gotten Simpson later, or maybe another team was in on him and they didn’t want to lose him. My gut feeling is that they simply realize that legitimate 1st round pick compensation falls outside of the “master plan” (lol)
of holding back on $ outlays for the foreseeable future. I expect the next 2 years to be a waiting game of getting rid of contracts and letting Castro and Colvin develop and I’m going to try and enjoy the meh baseball team that is going to result from it.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
in all likelihood
Simpson will likely get close to slot, so I don’t know if that part holds true (about 1st round pick compensation falling outside of master plan).
it will still most likely be below the average and they won't have to give him an obscene signing bonus....
that’s my point.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm commending you on your restraint here. I think Hayden was selected because
He will be paid less but I don’t follow drafts well so I don’t really have much to say about it. that being said there are a lot of potential obvious jokes in here you’ve avoided…nothing like what I imagine was said last night (I can only imagine since they were deleted). BTW, Al said you were from Cali yesterday, I didn’t know that…is that southern Cal?
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
The Whale's Vagina
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm...don't know what that means, and not touching it here lol.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
San Diego
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
And I'm Ron Burgundy.
Stay classy.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Jun 8, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
He'll sign for slot
and there were other guys who would have signed for slot. This was a guy that Wilken just fell in love with and he thought another team (the Angels, probably) were going to grab him.
I wonder if over on the Yankees board, they’re thinking they went cheap because they took a guy ranked in the fifth round?
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
ok what is slot?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Slot is the soft "suggestion" posted by MLB for each player drafted.
The higher they are drafted, the higher the suggested payout. MLB cannot yet force teams to pay only their suggested slot, which is why you see some guys sign for rediculous amounts.
Great I was awaiting your opinion.
It’s so valuable to my day-to-day doings.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Have you used that sugar scrub I gave you to get rid of your hard cracked heel problem?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Whew. Glad you still have it.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Doesn't make sense
to go cheap in the draft if that’s the case. If they sign a guy for decent cash he’d be ready around the time the bad contracts are expiring. If we’re cheap now, we’ll be paying for it when we have money to spend, and will have even more holes to fill.
DEJESUS!!!
I didn't say they were "going cheap"....I said they were going to try and conserve $.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
That's an interesting distinction lol.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
What's the difference between being cheap and trying to conserve money
When I am trying to conserve money I take my girlfriend to McDonalds. She claims I am being cheap.
If you are trying to rebuild while unwinding a $140 million dollar payroll, it seems like spending an extra million here or there would be wise. The Cubs other picks indicate that “going cheap” might not have been the reason behind drafting Simpson, but if it was with the intention of being cheap that is the wrong move when you believe your team is a non-contender for the foreseeable future.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 12:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
OK, perhaps I should have simply said....
stop overspending? There is a difference between being “cheap” and being “frugal”. Simply basing every decision on saving money regardless of the options or value is CHEAP, I’m not saying this is what the Cubs are going to do.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 8, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Sure
I think conserving money at the MLB-level makes sense right now, but being frugal in the draft seems like a mistake at just about any time for a franchise unless you are strapped for cash and are a player or two away from World Series contention. The Cubs farm system is starting to improve, but I want the Cubs to be like the Rays, Red Sox or Twins who have a constant stream of young talent flowing through the system.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 1:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's exactly what we have missed this last decade...a great farm system.
In my mind it’s why we got pressured into overspending, and really if you look long term and don’t have a good minors system, chances are you will continue to make hasty decisions. I don’t think saving money on the minors is a good strategy.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely
I think most of the biggest mistakes at the MLB level have been a result of failure to draft and develop elite players. The one thing I will add is that even when the Cubs system has produced players, their MLB approach to developing those players has been terrible (Pie etc.). Hoepfully we will see both of these change under Ricketts. If the last 5 years have taught us anything, hopefully it is that you can’t simply spend yourself to a championship.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 1:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Even the Yankmes have learned that to an extent.
It’s time we did. I hate getting players signed on the end of the curve continuously.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Why is everyone always talking about what a smart businessman
Tom Ricketts is? With a billionaire dad, it would take a total goofball not to be successful. Not that there aren’t some out there…
Josh, I've only read some of this from last night, and I thought it was said Hayden was 6'0"
What is his height? You said in the post he was short.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:17 PM CDT reply actions
some folks feel that he is shorter than 6'0"
and perhaps closer to 5’10"
He's listed at 6'0"
but no one believes that is accurate. Tim Lincecum is listed at 5’11", for example, but he’s actually closer to 5’8"
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm. Interesting. probably something to fluff his appeal I would suppose...but 5'10" isn't
all that short. 5’8"…yeah that’s shorter than average. Guess it depends on what it really is. We’ve certainly seen that Lincecum’s height isn’t an issue.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Baseball scouts
tend to discount any right-handed pitcher below 6’2" and REALLY discount any right-hander below 6’0". So there’s some incentive to lie.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounded like it. Pretty stupid to me unless you're something like 5'8".
I mean, at some point a scout will see what your height is and know it’s bull. And by stupid I meant stupid of the scouts to expect that and stupid to deceive them.
"Everything has an end, except a sausage, which has two."
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
For what its worth, Josh Sale is listed at 6'0...
so does that mean he’s only 5’10?
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Jesse Hahn's still available too, right?
more signable than Cole, could be good value in the 4th
yeah
and it was just a forearm injury, right? (for now, of course, could be precursor of things to come)
by PrincetonCubs on Jun 8, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
He's had forearm troubles all year, which is a bad sign for future health
Plus I think he had some shoulder soreness, although he had an MRI on his shoulder earlier in the year that came back clean.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
There's a Nat King Cole joke in there somewhere...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
That's "Unforgettable"...
…“that’s what you are…”
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
They have money to spend
although they wisely balanced things with the signable Solis and Rick Hague.
Is Hague really going to be that signable, though?
He could be a first round pick next year if he comes back and plays well enough.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought I read somewhere
that he would sign. Maybe I’m mistaken right now.
OT
Anyone else as excited as me about Strasburg and Stanton tonight? I think Stanton is going to struggle some at first, but that power is just silly.
www.twentytoeighty.com
I am
Stanton is going to be a star—and he’ll never be as good as Jason Heyward.
The kinds of talent coming into the majors this season is just sick. It’s wonderful to see.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm looking forward to seeing what 80 power looks like
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
He hit something
like 21 homers in 50 games. That’s crazy.
DEJESUS!!!
Wouldn't it be something...
…. after all the Strasburg hype, if the Pirates just beat up on him tonight?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
One bad line drive equals
Mark Prior. Or was it the collision between 1B and 2B?
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Both.
And the magical, destructive Inverted W.
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
Right
And he could get gored by a unicorn.
Both are myths.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions
That probably would only happen if he pitched for the Cubs.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 8, 2010 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
That and towel drills.
"Juuuuuuussst a bit outside. He tried for the corner and missed..."
- Harry Doyle
by Rusty in Peoria on Jun 8, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL ....man, there it goes.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I took Heyward and Strasburg
in my keeper league. I’m in 9th place right now and I probably can’t get above fifth this season. But no one else is going to win again for six years.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
god I want to
get into a keeper league
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I Had Both Too
Then traded Stanton for 3 starting pitchers about a month ago. I’m in 2nd.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions
I think we should take Kenny Powers.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I thought there was supposed to be a second season?
"I wouldn't know a steroid from a reefer." -Lou Piniella
Thing is
he’s a similar type of player. But those guys tend to be Home Runs or strikeouts, in more ways than one.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
MLB doesn't have any info on him.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
I'm not sure if any pick should be supported unconditionally
Certainly, we have a chance to voice an opinion on a draft pick, regardless of "family members’ reading this blog. This is now a part of the career of a major league prospect.
Like it or not, you are now a public figure and — given this team’s plight, will have a friggin ‘microscope on you. A possible multi-million dollar career is ahead. That’s just the way it’s going to be. If a player cannot take the scrutiny, he better find another career — quickly.
This individual wasn’t drafted by the Rays, with their fanbase of 700 diehards.
However, the conversation/comments need not be personal.
I have no information about the #1 pick, so I have no reason to comment one way or another. I don’t have time to follow this aspect of the game.
But unlike other blogs, we should attempt to be civil. That was some pretty nasty stuff I just read through.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 8, 2010 12:33 PM CDT reply actions
Math
Anybody who makes $75,000 a year has a multi-million dollar career too.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Never heard of him
BA said he was likely a double digit round pick. Fastball 88-90, solid changeup
www.twentytoeighty.com
lukewarm on this pick
but lefties do get plucked earlier than their stuff
Not a huge fan
Why not go after Paxton? There is no way he wouldn’t sign and has first round stuff. Would have preferred that pick
www.twentytoeighty.com
I'm sure you follow more than I do
so correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought there were bad reports on Paxton out of Indy League.
What I heard on Paxton
was that he really hurt himself in Indy ball. Don’t quite remember why, but scouts were unimpressed.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
You are right
He struggled some, but has a really strong fb and curve. Also had an impressive k/bb at Kentucky last year. Stuff was down a little in Indy ball, but that arm is really electric
www.twentytoeighty.com
Hunter Ackerman
Late helium, was unheard of because he’s a junior college guy. 88-90 with the fb, good change, decidedly below average breaking pitch.
some control problems
iirc, i remember reading some reports about control issues. feels like … james russell-lite?
Wow. What are the odds of TWO players named "Hunter" being drafted one after the other?
Wonder if any of them go by the nickname of “Catfish”…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
hey here is a fun fact
Ackerman has the same birthday as me (my Jim Callis impression)
"Chicago Cubs fans are ninety percent scar tissue." - George F. Will
Can someone tell me
what is slot?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
it's the recommended signing amount
from mlb. It’s a soft number, though. They are discussing a possible hard slotting system.
The exact $ amount?
No, I don’t think MLB releases that information. But it’s the amount of bonus money that is recommended by MLB for each draft pick. For Simpson, I’d guesstimate that the #16 pick in the draft is somewhere around 1.5 million.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Hunter Ackeman
Short Lefty, JC pitcher who might be a tough sign. Throws 88-89, gets lots of groundballs. Good changeup that can get right handers out. Probably a bullpen arm, but more than a LOOGY.
The Rays draft is just ticking me off. Constantly picking the players I prefer, immediately after the Cubs selections.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
I don't expect Wilson to get plucked
until later. Who knows. But it’s awful risky plucking a guy who might not sign at this early stage.
Cole Green
Love that pick and just what the Tigers have been doing in general over the last few years. Getting Castellanos at 44 was awesome for them
www.twentytoeighty.com
Austin Wilson, Jesse Hahn, Burch Smith, a number of other guys
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Wilson's going to Stanford
at this point. PRobably the best thing for him.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
sure
off the top, two arms that I follow quite a bit, Rob Morey and Tyler Wilson. Morey sits low-mid 90’s right now, has a tiny chance of a bit, and decent secondary pitches. Was fairly strong 2nd half of year for UVA. Wilson sits in the low-mid 90’s as well. Was used as a fireman for the Cubs. There’s others.
btw, both guys are more 5th-15th round type picks
so it’s not like they are falling.
Wilson still on the board
Would not mind a strong move to sign him out of the fifth round
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 12:41 PM CDT reply actions
who is this Wilson?
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
by lexmarklover on Jun 8, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
One of the best athletes in the draft
Profiles as a right-fielder. Strong arm, raw power, great bat speed, decent runner.
www.twentytoeighty.com
thanks everybody
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
by lexmarklover on Jun 8, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Austin Wilson
Toolsy kid who was discussed as a possible 1st rounder, but has a strong commitment to Stanford and has been rumored to be wanting a huge contract to skip college.
Big, raw HS player
who was projected for the first round but had insane bonus demands. He’s fallen out of the first round for that and is probably going to Stanford now.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope not
because I don’t like the kid. I’d have rather drafted Simpson than Wilson.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I love the Cubs' second and third picks.
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
Interesting point from Mayo
Don’t know if it’s accurate, but his theory is that this is a weak draft because so many HS players signed three years ago. Few big names went on to college.
it's largely accurate
a lot of the top HS class was plucked off in 2007. Obviously, not all, but some guys didn’t develop as expected as well.
Keith Law has said the same thing as well.
There may be something to that
I think just about every HS guy drafted in the top 3 rounds of that year signed.
www.twentytoeighty.com
what positions are the Cubs lacking in right now?
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
Catcher and Corner OF
Although, it’s not smart to draft for need in MLB.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, let's see here:
Third, second, first, right field, ace, few relievers, and a coach.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
In the minors?
We could use another catcher. Not so much a position as we could really use power in the minors.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
lacking?
I don’t think that’s the right way to draft, but certainly, in the system, C was an issue (Gibbs), corner IF was an issue (no one really at 1st, 3rd is Vitters, who is scuffling a bit). Lefty starting arms.
Another way to look at it is, we need power, arms and bats.
Should we be worried about Vitters yet?
I know that it has taken some time for him to adjust at each level, but that along with his plate approach make me worry that he may not be the impact bat we drafted him to be.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 12:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
So, the period of adjustment is normal?
Even for a prospect that is supposed to have .300/30 hr potential?
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 1:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Normal? Yeah
When you have a prospect as young as Vitters is. The guy taken before him, Moustakas, has struggled at various levels as well.
I’m more worried about his defense and his health. For now.
sorry
had to step away for a meeting and missed this.
Here’s the thing – he’s the type of guy who, at this stage in his development, when he’s on, he’ll be hot and look great, but he’ll also go through some bad slumps. His approach has, by most accounts, improved this year. He’s had, reportedly, some problems squaring up balls in the early stages of his AA tenure, which may be a sign of concern … or just may be a rough patch.
The SS is too small to get insanely worried, but he’s a streaky player right now. Look back at his Peoria and Daytona stops. He’s never been consistently dominant at any level. Unless he significantly improves his approach, he’s going to be a streaky guy.
I think the reason for that is the Cubs figure they can move guys off of higher value positions to 1B as needed. They rarely draft guys who profile as 1Bs in early rounds.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
How many bats do we have that profile as 1B quality bats?
I don’t see many guys with the potential to hit well enough to profile as a MLB-caliber 1B.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 1:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
none right now
but 1st base is also a position you can buy. I mean, the top 1st base bat is also our top 3rd base bat (Vitters). After that, it’s fringy or “hope for development”.
But nobody cares
You can always move someone to first base.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Besides
Rebel Ridling is enough for everyone!
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Fun guy to watch in person
I think he could end up having a Micah Hoffpauir-like career.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, but what fun
is Justin Bour? Which guy do you want when desperados are holding up the train?
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember the Fleita quote on him
Wishing that he would be more aggressive.
Cubs focus more on draft up the middle philosophy
C-SS-2B-CF.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
SS = typically best athlete on the field
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't tell daver that.
He tried to tell me quality CFs are as “rare” as quality SS.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I think it depends on what you guys were discussing
A top CF could be more athletic, but a quality SS is far more valuable.
MLB live draft tracker
Paragraph on Sale at 17. Paragraph on Skole at 15. Nothing on Simpson at 16…
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
This is a good philosophy.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
There's a risk to it
Drafting Brendan Harris ahead of Ryan Howard. But the overall philosophy is sound.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Never knew that occurred.
What did Brendan Harris come up as? Or should I say what was he drafted as? I thought he was a 3B.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
For those who don't know
the 2011 draft is absolutely STACKED. That is going to be a lot of fun. It will probably be the best since 05
www.twentytoeighty.com
I'm personally hoping Rendon goes to the Cubs a year from now
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
one other note
there are many that feel that, had rendon been available, he might’ve gone 1st in this draft, over the ballyhooed bryce. That’s how loved Rendon is.
I'm sort of not hoping for it
I’d hate to be the worst team in the league, which is pretty much what it would take to get him.
I Don't
Because the Cubs would have to be the worst team in the league to get him. He’s better than Bryce Harper and will be the #1 pick next year barring injury. I drafted him in my NL only league this year.
Oh, and that would make BLou a freaking prophet too.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:40 AM CDT up reply actions
which is why
it would be nice to offer arb to lee and maybe lilly and see them sign elsewhere
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions
it has a chance to be better than 05 imo
the hs class is shaping up great, and the college class is awesome ….
and a lot of those guys will likely sign with the threat of hard slotting coming in the future.
OK this explains why Lou is playing Ramirez etc.
Hendry TOLD him to lose.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 8, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions
what is Hak-Ju Lee's upside?
I’m assuming that he’ll be moved to 2B.
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
And I think
he’ll be better defensively than Castro if he makes it.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 8, 2010 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
so is Castro moving or Lee?
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
by lexmarklover on Jun 8, 2010 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Probably Castro
Although, Lee is at least another two years away from the majors, assuming he even makes it.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Absolute upside?
At the plate, a leadoff hitter type who can hit over .300 with 8-10 HRs and a very good OBP. At SS, elite defense.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, he will be a better defender
than Castro. Has 40+ sb speed and could be a .300 hitter with gap power
www.twentytoeighty.com
upside
is that of a high contact (.300 batter) SS that plays gold glove defense, steals a ton of bases, and has some gap power. The biggest questionb is the gap power, although he has work to do at the plate and in the field (more consistency than anything).
If Rendon were draft-eligible this year, there would have been a ton of discussion over whether he would go #1 over Harper. So, he’s a good bet to go #1 next year.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Hush
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Randy Hundley?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Is he still on the draft board? ;)
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
"Amazing ESPN promoting something they don't televise"
They don’t…NHL highlights were basically non-existant all postseason til the Cup Finals.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 8, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Cubs almost up in the 5th
Go go Wilson, Kevin Gausman, or Kris Bryant
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:04 PM CDT reply actions
I'm steeling myself for another weird pick
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
don't know much about Hahn
what were his injury concerns?
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
I’m pretty sure it was his elbow…have to look it up.
Forearm strain
But he was still rated 33 on Law’s top 100.
Matthew Szczur is the pick
OF from Villanova
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Matthew Szczur
I know he’s a WR for Villanova. Let me dig up more info on him; he’s a good pick here.
Szczur
Knew the name, but forgot why. Legit NFL player and speed rates as an 80. Decent at the plate with a good approach
www.twentytoeighty.com
he's a catcher
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
Fantastic person, too
From BA:
He also has special makeup off the field; days after hitting for the cycle on April 27, Szczur donated bone marrow to a 1-year-old girl with leukemia, sidelining him for the next three weeks.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
yup
As a side note, give credit to his coach for being active with the program and encouraging his kids to get involved.
Bet he loves his mamma too :D
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
I have to do it on NSBB, too
It’s going to suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Speedy CF
not a lot of power, weak arm. But makes good contact and can wreck havok on the basepaths. Sophomore-eligible player with a football career, so he’ll be a tough sign.
everything i'm reading says hes a catcher.
MLB says he’s a OF though.
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
yup just saw it
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
I like it
What kind of plate approach does he demonstrate? These speedy types seem so much more valuable if they can get on base regularly.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 1:18 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
From that sentence alone I don't really like it.
No power
No arm
Maybe NFL
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
80 speed
if he can get on base regularly that’s the kind of guy who we’ve been lacking at lead-off
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Jog my memory again...
…what’s the rating system? Like 30 – 80?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Nothing like a real great abstract rating system.
So, just to play dumb here, 80 is the best? Who else would be a 80? Reyes? Crawford?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Vince Coleman or Deion Sanders.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Where can I find a video of this person with an 80 running?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Sounds like a patient Juan Pierre
Not a bad thing in my opinion.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 1:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Well keep in mind he plays at Nova, which no-offense to anyone
is not 1-A College Football, so the NFL may be a stretch for him, plus it would be unlikely he’d be a high draft choice anyways, most likely no earlier than 3rd. Depending on what the Cubs offer him money-wise, it is possible he signs.
Anyone actually know how good this kid is at football? Is he Jeff Samardzija?
80 speed sounds good to me though.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
like Campana?
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
googling szczur
I find a wikipedia page that is in a foreign language for Rat. Could lead to an excellent nickname.
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
he'll sign
if he wants a career in baseball, i think. or at least, i think he should if his goal is to be a pro sports player. he’s not really a top football prospect. more of a slot receiver late round, work hard and hope he gets opportunities type.
it's his mo
he likes athletes. there’s positives and negatives, but compared to the old stockstill approach, i’m happy.
Stockstill had an approach?
Based on his track record I thought I was basically draft guys who aren’t very good.
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 8, 2010 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions
My god these players were born in the 90s.
I’m old, and I’m not even that old.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I was born in 1991!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Fun fact, Starlin Castro was the first guy to play in the majors who was born in the 1990s
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Z was the first Cub to be born in the 1980s!
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Yeah but he's got the head and maturity level of somebody born in the late 90s.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Well played.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Jeebus
I hear you on that.
"You’re playing a baseball game. You’re not playing Tiddlywinks. There is competition, for God’s sake."— Lou Piniella
HA!
I’M OLDER THAN YOU! :P
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Ouch.
My daughter’s older than him, too. And no, you can’t date her.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'm 21....
Nice Jewish boy from the ’burbs
"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck
Al, just so you know
I interpreted this as a message to Ryno G. I think you know I’m a little old for your daughter. And my son has had a steady girlfriend for two years.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
Wow that's a really interesting point on mlb.com
Teams like the dodgers might have been targeting unsignable guys this year, so they get an extra pick in next year’s awesome draft.
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:32 PM CDT reply actions
Problem is...
The Dodgers will be over a barrel with those picks. Compensation picks are unprotected.
It’s a huge, huge risk.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
it somewhat makes sense for them, though
with the divorce. hope for steady waters next year type of thinking.
That, or they are in the middle of a divorce and it is bringing the entire organization down.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Moving directly to the conference call now
This should move a lot faster.
Kenny Powers first.
Then Crash Davis.
Finally, Ricky Vaughn. You shouldn’t draft relief.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
my guys have been sitting around since the 3rd round
Teams must know something about them that I don’t >.<
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
This Strasburg thing is just ridiculous. He’s never thrown a pitch yet he’s the cover of every damn website known to man at the moment.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
But, the Nationals are my second favorite team.
And it’s been a rough couple of years, so I like the exposure.
by mic on Jun 8, 2010 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I hear Strasburg is predicted to win Wimbledon this year
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
and he has
figured out a warp-drive, brokered lasting peace in the Middle East, figured out a replacement to crude oil and landed on Mars…is it just me or has his scheduled debut been gettin pushed back>
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Reggie Golden
better go by Reginald Golden. Much cooler.
Ivan De Jesus?!?!?!?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Ivan
Moving pictures with audio here.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Ivan DeJesus
Not much info out there on him. Sounds like he’s a projectable guy with average to slightly above average tools across the board and plus makeup. Could be a decent CF with some pop down the road.
WHERE IS TOONS AND JOSH
TELL ME ABOUT THIS PERSON
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Ivan DeJesus
Not related to our first base coach. Very raw, very thin OF for Puerto Rico HS. Good speed, good glove. Might struggle with the bat. Average tools right now across the board. Has a scholarship offer to Alabama-Birmingham.
BA thinks he could translate his gap power into some HR power
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I wonder if when I was a wee little college student applying to PhD programs if my review read:
Raw intelligence
Needs work
Lays on the beer too much
Late rounds 5-7
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
this is more like
you being a wee little hs senior applying for college admission…where your raw intelligence gets molded into intellegence by highly paid professionals…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
You mean
We haven’t stolen Ozney Guillen from the sox yet? {sarcasm}
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
there were a few taken in the first round by other teams, no?
Bedrosian was one.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
DeShields could be a solid player down the road.
Didn’t notice Thon earlier, wonder if he rocks the same mustache as his father?
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Thon is going to be a tough sign
His dad wants him to go to Rice and apparently he wants mucho dinero to not go to Rice. I bet he ends up at Rice.
Ben Wells
Top HS prospect in Arkansas according to BA. More info coming in a bit…
6’3, 200 pounds, throws 90-94 with a slider and splitter. Hasn’t been scouted much, has a JC commitment.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
looks like we were scouting Arkansas pretty heavy this year
Must be part of the Cubs philosophy. Far East, Deep South, Areas where most. How many games did he pitch against HS kids signed by LSU?
Benjamin Wells
RHP
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Short stop
my good
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
RHP
JEEBUS
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
you mean Jim Crawford
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jun 8, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Can we draft anybody west of the Mississippi?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
There's a joke about drafting WRs here...hold on a minute...
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Ben Wells
recently started hitting 90-94 on the gun—previously threw 84-87. Hard slider and a splitter. BA said he could go in the fifth round, but scouts only recently discovered him and might not feel comfortable with limited scouting to take him that high.
Wells also has a JC commit
with a possible SEC scholarship coming after a year in JC. Still, 7th round shouldn’t be too tough a sign
Wells threw a five inning Perfect game
in the State 7-A championship game. So he’s just like Dallas Braden. :-)
I've given up on Wilson
still holding out hope for kris bryant
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
RHP/OF Cameron Greathouse
Plus curve, high 80s fastball, could improve if he becomes a full-time pitcher. Delivery needs work.
Don’t know anything about him as an OF.
Cameron Greyhouse
LHP
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
GREATHOUSE
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Cameron Greatouse
LHP with strong curveball and goofy delivery that scares off scouts. Some feel his high 80s FB would improve if he gave up playing OF and concentrated on pitching.
Seiler thinks he has upside as a LHP and as an OF
So, we’ll see what the Cubs do with him.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
More on Greathouse
Slow delivery to the plate, but a very nasty curve. Would be a prospect as an OF, but is a better one as a pitcher. Needs to work on his changup.
Has a commitment to South Carolina, but expected to sign unless a team tries to lowball him.
whats with
the cubs drafting all OF or Pitchers? Is this normal?
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Planning for life without:
Soriano, Byrd, Fukudome, Dempster, Lilly, and Zambrano. Or at least trying to do so. Could suggest they’re looking to future FAs to take over at first base after Lee.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
alot of
future fa 1b out there…or a potential move of Rami to 1st and Vitters to the bigs
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
The Cubs rarely
draft corner players high. Almost all pitchers, middle infielders, catchers and CF. This year, our MI is stacked, so they’re kind of skipping that.
Ryan Harvey was high pick.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
different regime
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions
good point, also got burned on that pick.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Scouting Report
Relief pitcher for Oregon State. Works high 80s/low 90s, good slider, workable change. Very talented, but stubborn. Needs to work on his delivery and pay attention to runners.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey everybody
I guess I missed all the fun last night. Just read the posts by Al and Josh.
Did somebody really go edit the kid’s Wikipedia page?
same here
I read Al’s article, went and reread the post and didnt see anything too crazy – re-read Al’s post and realized he (smartly) deleted all of the offending posts…part of me wants to know what these cowards said and part of me is glad Al got rid of them…
Sipping the Kool-Aid since 1982 - Kinda
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
I'm with you.
I’m fine with fans being upset with the Cubs. But attacking the player? Wow.
And attacking a player
that they most likely have never seen play.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
I don't think the posts were really attacking the player
More the team for picking him. I can see why Al deleted the posts, but they were not exactly x-rated or anything.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
The deleted posts....
… were celebrating someone defacing Simpson’s Wikipedia page. Laughing at someone doing that isn’t funny.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Same Here
I tossed in a couple of posts defending the pick right afterwards then saw the mob mentality start ramping up and took the rest of the night off.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Kevin Rhoderick
Closer at Oregon State. HS teammate of Tim Alderson. Fastball in low 90s, some control issues. Plus movement on the slider, but again, issues throwing it over the plate. Very good changeup.
Once again, a short RHP pitcher. Wilken is telling the traditional wisdom to stuff it.
A closer?
Really?
People draft those?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Andrew Cashner.
Also, Chad Cordero by the Nats like 6 years ago.
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
Kurcz
another diminutive righty.
Diminutive righties = new moneyball?
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 2:26 PM CDT reply actions
Actually that does make sense
If everyone undervalues them (like undervaluing fat 1B w/ ridiculous OBP in the ’90s) why not grab them.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Aaron Kurcz
Bryce Harper’s teammate. 6’, 175 pounds, works 92-94, needs work on his breaking ball. That’s all I can find.
With that, I’m out.
ESPN Chat
Interesting that a couple Cubs fans went after Keith Law for dogging the Simpson and Golden picks. Nothing like having the panned pick even if it works out in the long run like Sanchez for the Pirates last year.
Terrible to be pulling something Dirty on the Sanchez.
"We were young, good looking* and stupid. Now we're just stupid." - Mick Jagger. * good looking = rich, hugely successful rock star
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 8, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Here's the post:
Tim Wilken (Chicago)
What about my Reggie Golden and Micah Gibbs picks?
klaw:
Not on Golden at all – super raw athlete, although not quite as raw as Angels pick Ryan Bolden – but Gibbs is a steal.
Then further down
George (Chicago)
Which pick is more risky for the Cubs: Simpson or Golden?
Klaw:
Risky? Golden. I got a bad Wendell Fairley vibe from watching him hit.
Question about Law
Does he do his own analysis of players, or does he primarily gather what the scouting community believes about a player? Either way, it seems Wilken marches to the beat of a different drummer, so it isn’t surprising Law would pan his picks.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Not positive
But I’m pretty sure he does his own analysis and I agree with you, they probably just have a different analysis.
Baseball scouting is even more idiosyncratic than other sports....
So I really don’t care that Keith Law, an ESPN entertainment personality, doesn’t like Wilken’s picks. I would care a little bit more if he was basing his rankings on what he has gathered is the consensus of the scouting community.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
i wouldn't call keith law
an entertainment personality, that gives the wrong impression of him
he’s a baseball guy, former scout, former front-office executive with the blue jays. He does ALL of his own scouting, will talk to other scouts and cross checkers but won’t give an opinion on a guy unless he’s seen him
IMO, he’s one of the best in the business to follow in terms of baseball information
he also LOVES Starlin Castro
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I am aware of his background
At this point in his life he is in the entertainment business, not the scouting business, just like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. Saying that he is one of the best to follow for baseball information isn’t the same thing as saying that you take his word on a player over Tim Wilken’s. I also usually listen to what he has to say and find him to be one of the most informative, but I am not going to hate a pick just because he does.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Kiper and McShay
I dont believe they worked professionally in front offices (correct me if i’m wrong). For me there’s a bit of a distinction there.
I understand what you’re saying but I don’t think he’s an “entertainment personality” in the way I typically think of network guys that are either former players or journalists who have contacts they rely on for information to generate their opinions. Law’s opinions are all his.
That said, I’ve learned when assessing drafts (in all sports) not to love/hate a guy just because someone else does or does not. I happen to like Keith Law and value his opinion a lot, but Tim Wilken has a great track record too. I know nothing about the player, so I wait and see what we get once he gets on the field.
After being very wrong on a number of players over the years in all the sports I follow intently I’ve learned that the people evaluating the talent are far better than I am from my couch. That goes for both people in the front office and people on the networks. As with all jobs forecasting the future they’ll get some right and get some wrong. In general draft evaluation feels kind of silly to me after realizing how poor I am at it
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
McShay yes, Kiper no
Law is so far ahead on statistics and minor league players than almost anyone else that is featured on a major media outlet. That being said, he also makes regular appearances on the Cowherd show and is paid to have strong opinions, so I take everything he says with a grain of salt. For what it’s worth, the guy who I trust most on minor league and amateur baseball (recent major conference DI ballplayer) thinks that Law is much worse than Baseball America’s guys, so that is why I dogged Law here.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions
interesting
you trust a player’s perspective over a guy with a broader outlook?
I have a number of friends in the minor leagues and while I trust their takes, I find a lot of it is biased to how style and approach fits to them.
For instance had a friend who faced Latos in the minors and didn’t think much of him, but has faced other guys who have been considered non-prospects and thought they were a lot tougher
Just seems like its tough to have a broad perspective as a player
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Not his perspective on individual players necessarily
My friend isn’t giving me takes on individual ballplayers, but rather his take as a consumer of minor league and amateur analysts. He has more experience and reads more than I do, so yes I trust him as to which analysts are better than others.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I will point out
that Law was a colleague of Tim Wilken with the Blue Jays and has spoken highly of him in the past. It’s not personal.
he does his own
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 8, 2010 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Law
He does both. He scouts as many players as he can, but of course he can’t see everyone, so he relies on scouts to fill in the blanks.
How many players does Wilken scout personally?
Because I’m even a little more queasy about the pick than I previously was after seeing Crawford’s record. I’m assuming that Wilken had some sort of in-person observation or interaction with Simpson at some point?
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jun 8, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions
The usual MO
is that the scouts find the players they recommend and then they call Wilken and/or Hendry to come out and take a look at them later.
I’m sure either Wilken or Hendry (probably both) saw him pitch. Simpson said he knew the Cubs were interested in him, albeit not in the first round.
doubt it
people use witty names to get their questions answered
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Kurcz
short RHP 92-94. Slurve. Has a scholarship to Oral Roberts.Can hit 97 on the gun sometimes. Went to Air Force for a year before leaving for Southern Nevada. Possible setup guy
OK I've got work to do
MLB is taking a break and so am I. I’ll check back in later, but I’m not going to be here commenting on all the picks in real time.
Szczur
I’ve followed Szczur for a while now and I really like this pick.
First, he led the Villanova football team to the FCS National Championship Game. He was by far the best player on the field, largely due to being such a great athelete. We don’t really care about the football here, so…
Szczur led Villanova in most offensive categories, despite missing ten games of the season due his donating bone marrow to a 1-year-old girl. Scouts claim that his power is developing (.667 slugging this past year) and that he is above average at catcher, 3b and corner outfield. He has plus speed and a good arm.
The x-factor is the football. He was all-everything for the Villanova football team, yet, he has realized that his future is probably in baseball. He has never focused full-time on baseball, and the consensus seems to be that given more time, he will develop his raw skills into very solid player.
The bottomline is that this a pick that has some pretty good upside. No one really knows how good he can be if he focuses solely on baseball. If the guy develops, he could be a leader both on and off the field.
Thanks!
"You've got to get your damn shirts rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass. That's what you've got to do. Period." -- Lou Piniella
i thought it was 2-12 today
not sure anymore
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
last is 31 i think
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
The Chicago Blackhawks: The only Chicago team worth caring about.
ONE.MORE.WIN
by jesus christos on Jun 8, 2010 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
yep i got excited by Austin too
i think he must’ve told everyone he was going to Stanford
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Ha
time to send him post cards of the cali girls. That’s it for me, hopefully the Cubs find some diamonds.
by Castro Por Presidente on Jun 8, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
What is the conventional wisdom on how much he would cost?
And I am curious why you don’t like Wilson, but seem to like Golden.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't really have an opinion on Golden
just repeating what I read elsewhere. But I’m going to assume Golden isn’t going to ask for 4- 6 million. I might like Wilson if he’d sign for 300K.
I think he’s got an attitude and after one comp to Anthony Hewitt, I swore off of him.
attitude?
I haven’t heard of serious character issues with Wilson, although I wasn’t really paying attention to him. If he simply wants to place a high number due to the fact that he is in a great situation with a Stanford scholarship, I don’t blame him.
I’d guess Golden, at max, may need low 7 figures (basically late first value). It’s possible a high 6 figure number could do it.
Once the StL fans
let Wilson know that they are, without a doubt, the greatest fans in the history of competitive sports, how can he say no?
This draft continues to frustrate me more and more by the hour.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jun 8, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
in his pre-draft comments
wilken did indicate that he really liked the righties in this class, so we should’ve seen it coming, i guess.
i like the soto pick
as a side note, this draft is really important for a separate reason. Ideally, you don’t want any huge gaps in your system relative to talent at levels. It happens, as a result of development, but you try to fill in the gaps. Right now, based on AzPhil’s reports, this is one of the worst crop of XST guys that we’ve had in awhile, guys that will move into the shortseason ranks.
it was more average than anything
but keep in mind that brett jackson is in AA and DJ LeMahieu is in A+. Chris Rusin and Brooks Raley are both in A+. Whitenack is in Low A, as is Charles Thomas, Justin Bour, Greg Rohan and others. I was intrigued with the Wes Darvill pick, but it seems like he’ll take awhile to develop, if he does, and he won’t stick at short. Austin Kirk has sounded good so far, based on the reports.
not a ton of info on the hs guys
Eliot Soto is solid defensivley at short and has a shot of staying there, but his offense is a bit limited. Pierre LePAge is a good athelte, runs well, might have some gap power.
he was in daytona last night
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
The Chicago Blackhawks: The only Chicago team worth caring about.
ONE.MORE.WIN
by jesus christos on Jun 8, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait, what?
I am confused now. Didn’t he get promoted at the same time as Castro?
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
no
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by jesus christos on Jun 8, 2010 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess it was Flaherty that got promoted to AA
Not sure how I got them confused.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
At the beginning of the season
Then he got demoted back to Daytona after struggling. He is currently hitting really well at Daytona.
by JSB on Jun 8, 2010 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think he's in Tenn - still in Daytona.
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by D98 on Jun 8, 2010 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions
typo on my part
sorry about that, i was sitting somewhere and not paying attention
who u guys feel is the best pick so far by the Cubs?
"That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
- Big boy Frankie
I'd go Golden
Very raw, but big time upside. Really the only pick with any significant upside that the Cubs took
www.twentytoeighty.com
I'll throw Pinckard's name into the mix if he signs
Fantastic upside with a really good fastball as is, although he’s new to pitching. If he can develop his offspeed stuff, he could be fantastic.
by Outshined_One on Jun 8, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
i'll go safe and go gibbs
he might not have a great bat, but i think he’ll hit enough and the system really needed a jolt at catcher. There’s other, potentially higher impact talents, but gibbs is safe and should (you never know) move fast. He automatically becomes one of our top catching prospects, and it’s easy to see him possibly be in AA at some point in 2011.
which would fit nicely in team construction
the one young player we have now that might be towards the end of his peak when all the other young pieces is ready is Soto
if Gibbs can be that guy to come in alongside some of the other intriguing up-the-middle talent, that would be terrific
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by DartmouthCubsFan on Jun 9, 2010 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions
For my money:
1. If the Cubs want to pick a first rounder that isn’t specifically marketable that is fine. I’ll even give them the benefit of the doubt. But the Cubs DON’T get to ask me to get specifically excited about it and start going to more games based on a random pick.
2. Sure, a lot of the criticism of the pick has been personal, which isn’t cool, but this will happen to any MLB player at some point. Every player has to ignore the critics and play to their ability, and for that they are well paid.
I like 3 of the last 4 first rounders...
In hindsight, it would have been sweet to have Jason Heyward instead of Josh VItters, but the Cashner and Colvin Picks seem much better today than they did at the time.
It seems like Brett Jackson is developing nicely as well.
The more I think about the Simpson pick, the more I like it. If his upside is Oswalt, then I think we could accept that.
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"His upside is Roy Oswalt"
Why don’t we just say his upside is Sandy Koufax or Walter Johnson and get it over with?
I get it. He’s under six feet tall. That doesn’t make him Billy Wagner or Roy Oswalt.
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by D98 on Jun 8, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Play Dead
Roll over. Good boy.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by WayneCampbell08 on Jun 9, 2010 1:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I couldve sworn on MLBN last nite they said he was a lefty
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
They were scrambling because they didn't have much info on him.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Jun 8, 2010 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
They did
They were wrong. That’s how out of the blue this pick was—Jim Callis, who knows about as much about prospects as any journalist, got his handedness wrong.
I already consider this a great draft
We haven’t drafted any ND pitchers. A trivia note. Oswalt was drafted in the 23rd round, 5 ahead of Ted Lilly.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
I'm shocked
That the Nats didn’t take Harper’s brother, if only to keep him happy.
But Bryan Harper is a decent prospect on his own. I wonder what we’ll have to do to get him to sign.
is bryans agent boras as well?
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club
The Chicago Blackhawks: The only Chicago team worth caring about.
ONE.MORE.WIN
by jesus christos on Jun 8, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Doubt it
I don’t think that Boras would agree to represent a guy like Bryan. Maybe if Bryce insisted, but you don’t make demands on Boras.
The problem is that he was expected to go in rounds 5-7, so he won’t turn down a South Carolina scholarship and a chance at the draft next year if he doesn’t get that kind of money.
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