Rounds 2-30 of the MLB Amateur Draft was today and the Cubs picked another 29 players. Clearly most of these kids will never reach the majors, but it's good to get to know them anyway. It takes your mind off the major league team.
I'll try to do a draft wrap-up on Thursday, but I suggest you read my profile of Javier Baez if you haven't already done so. You'll probably also hear about the kids with the famous names: OF Shawon Dunston Jr. and 1B Trevor Gretzky, son of Wayne and Janet Gretzky. Neither one is guaranteed to sign, but keep #99 in reserve for Gretzky and if you've got an old Shawon-O-Meter hanging around, don't throw it out yet.
Another guy to watch is 1B Dan Vogelbach, who is a huge left-handed hitter with massive power as well as a massive waist line. Right-hander Tony Zych is a local kid who went to St. Rita and could have the fastest path to the majors as a fireballing reliever.
Right-hander Dillon Maples was a top 50 talent who fell to the 14th round because of a strong commitment to North Carolina. If we can sign him, that would be a major coup. Tayler Scott is a South African with a fascinating story about coming to America to pursue his baseball dreams that you can read about here.
Finally for now, 25th round pick Rock Shoulders has the greatest name in the draft. He's a slugging first baseman who really looks like he should be named Rock Shoulders.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs were rained on by the Omaha Storm Chasers, 8-6.
Starter Austin Bibens-Dirkx was solid over six innings, allowing three runs on five hits. Bibens-Dirkx walked three and struck out one.
The Cubs led 6-5 going into the top of the ninth, but Marcos Mateo took the loss by allowing two runs on two hits and a walk over an inning of work. Mateo had some help from Scott Maine, who allowed both of Mateo's runs and one of his own after relieving Mateo in the ninth.
Second baseman Bobby Scales has been scorching hot lately and tonight he was 4 for 4 with a double his sixth home run of the year. The home run was a solo home run in the second inning. Scales also walked and scored twice.
First baseman Bryan LaHair and third baseman Marquez Smith both homered in the first inning. LaHair hit his with two men on for his 16th home run this year. LaHair went 2 for 4 with a walk.
Smith's solo home run was his sixth this season. Smith was 5 for 5 tonight.
Catcher Welington Castillo hit a solo home run in the third inning, which was the last time the I-Cubs scored tonight. Castillo was 1 for 4 and now has five home runs for Iowa.
Left fielder Ty Wright went 2 for 5.
Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies shut out the Jackson Generals, 6-0.
Dallas Beeler's Southern League debut was a successful one as he got the win with six shutout innings. Beeler was touched for seven hits. He walked no one and struck out four.
DH Brett Jackson went 1 for 3 with a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Jackson now has six home runs this season.
Right fielder Nelson Perez hit a two-run homer in the second inning. Perez has two home runs for Tennessee and six overall. Perez went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk tonight. He scored twice.
Second baseman Ryan Flaherty went 2 for 4 with a triple. Third baseman Josh Vitters was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. Vitters scored once and had two RBI. He also stole his first base of the season.
Daytona Cubs
Did whatever young men in Daytona Beach, Florida do when they have a day off. Play Yahtzee, I guess.
Peoria Chiefs
The Chiefs were swept away by the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers), 4-1.
Starting pitcher Austin Kirk has been excellent lately. Tonight was no exception as he went seven innings and allowed only one run on four hits. Kirk walked one and struck out five.
Robinson Lopez gave up a three-run home run in the top of the ninth to take the loss. Lopez gave up three runs on three hits and three walks over 1.2 innings. He did not have a strikeout.
Third baseman Greg Rohan went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.