FanPost

Draft Prep 5.0


As recommended, this version is all about the three top HS pitching options.  As usual, you are encouraged to discuss anybody you want in the responses area.  This gives me an excuse to read up on three of the potential options with the Cubs Ninth Pick in the 2011 Draft.

 

Archie Bradley, 6-4 RHP from (HS in) Oklahoma.  He has a mid-90's fastball and a curve that will embarrass people.  Change still needs some work.  Oklahoma is his college of choice.

Dylan Bundy, 6-1 RHP from (HS in) Oklahoma.  He is a Texas commit with a mid-90's fastball and a good curve already.  His change-up projects to be a solid pitch as well.  He was worked hard in HS as a Junior. 

Daniel Norris, 6-2 LHP from (HS in) Tennessee.  Low 90's fastball that can jump to 94 or so.  Easy motion.  Supposedly has a dangerous changeup.  Clemson commitment.

 

If you are interested in any of these guys, and you should be, there is info aplenty on each.  I think I'm to the point where I would be happy with either Norris or Bradley in the First Round.  Bundy would be a great pick as well, but I prefer the other two. 

 

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I know the history has been that high school pitchers are risky.  While that isn't inaccurate, all pitchers (or hitters) are a gamble.  The Cubs have a nice batch of third and fourth starters.  The best way to create a TOR pitching situation is to draft and develop one.  If the Cubs reel in one of the above three and get them meaningful innings in 2011 in Peoria or Boise, they should be well on their way for 2012.  

 

If there were question marks/red flags about either Norris or Bradley (there are about Bundy regarding pitch counts as a Junior), I would have mentioned them.  They have nice deliveries, more than one very good pitch, and would be Friday Night Aces in college in 2012.  I think both of them would appreciate Maddux as a resource.

 

Simply, by the time they would next be Draft-Eligible, they would possibly already be in Tennessee.

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