2 interesting notes from Phil Rogers column

…Vogelbach probably would have been a lower pick if teams had thought they would have a decent chance at signing him and not bolting for college. It’s not unusual for these types of signing bonuses, especially for someone with Vogelbach’s upside. The kid has an almost identical swing to Fielders and at his age is already displaying Fielder type power.

These contracts and signing bonuses are not and haven’t been rare for even not so worthwhile players such as the Shark . He received a 5 year contract worth 10million dollars which included a 2.5million signing bonus before he ever stepped on a professional baseball field.

DeVoss was a no brainer for a signing bonus, the year prior he was drafted in the 38th round by the RedSox and while hitting .251 during his freshman year with the canes. 2011 he hit .340 while stealing 30 bases and walking 50 times(something the cubs desperately need). Don’t be surprised to see him get consideration with the big club in 2012.

Very interesting about Gillick, and I think Ricketts will change his mind if he hasn’t already about needing a baseball man.

If Gillick doesn’t want to run the whole organization, I think he would be great for the type of consigliere role that Roland Hemond had in Arizona and in his second term with the White Sox.

but he fell in love with the 5-foot-11, 240-pounder’s big-time power and was impressed that he dropped about 40 pounds from his junior to senior year.

This kid was 5’11 280?

Does Hendry report to Ricketts or Kenney?

but there is no way you don’t go after a FA first baseman this off-season because of him. He might be four years away from the majors if he even does pan out.

These decisions will all be made by the next GM anyway. Having Pat Gillick advising Ricketts is a great idea.

Andy Hargrove, son of then Mariners’ manager Mike Hargrove. Same build, same rep as Vogelbach -

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hargro001and

But not a good baseball player.

if Phil Rogers is writing about it, how much credence can their be to it?

They’ve been hoping they can develop their own Cy Young too. How’s that working out so far?

If true, that line just sums up everything that’s wrong with the Cubs. Why buy Prince Fielder this winter when you can go cheap, cross your fingers, hope for the best and sell the spin to all the sheep who will guarantee you over 2 million in ticket sales by the first week of January?

So fed up with this team.

I love the idea of Pat Gillick. Then hire a fresh young go get em GM whos lack of experience can be helped by having Gillick with him. Make Gillick team President and have him in charge of the baseball decisions leaving Ricketts to make the off field decisions. Having one person in charge of one part the other person in charge of the other would let both men concentrate on their own area and allow them to do the best they can.

I suggested a few months ago the Cubs do the hire a veteran baseball man for the President job and a fresh faced person with new ideas and a go getter for the GM job. PAt Gillick would be sep 1.

When he puts the other foot on the scale? I’m serious, there is no way he is 240 even if he dropped 40 pounds. I’d put him at at least 300 in the videos I’ve seen of him. Most scouts I’ve heard describe him also estimate over 300 lbs. before the weight loss. He needs to keep up the weight loss effort or there is no way he is going to stick around. Hopefully the Cubs can get him in for a few rounds at Camp Colvin.

are mutually incompatible terms.