Cubs sign Ben Howard

[Schwarber Fan]

Link

 

Former Jackson Central-Merry star Ben Howard has signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs.

Howard was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1997.

 

 

Who?

 

He's a pitcher, btw... here are his brief MLB stats

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Minor league filler. Every organization needs some.

[Omar]

Is he going to Iowa, Tennessee, or a single A club?

[Schwarber Fan]

Is he going to Iowa, Tennessee, or a single A club?

 

In the article, it mentioned Iowa, likely.

[rawaction]

If I remember correctly, Howard had an amazing arm. I believe he was with Jake Peavy as far as the Padres top prospects back in the day.

[Electron Blue]

was this the padres minor league pitcher who was once in a commercial (for what, I don't know), because he could throw so hard?

[rawaction]

Yep, everyone raved about the Padres future top 4, which consisted of Jake Peavy, Ben Howard, Ben Tankersley and Oliver Perez. To go along with Bay and Khalil they had a nice looking system back in 2001 ish.

[Guest]

He was BA's #6 ranked padres prospect in 2002, 2003 and 2004. A textbook high ceiling, low probability pitching prospect, he threw really hard, but lacked command. He did have a breakout season in 2002 and looked great to start 2003. Once he hit the bigs, though, he was never able to take the next step.

[NCCubFan]

Wasn't Howard the Padres' farmhand that was involved in the auto accident that killed Mike Darr?

[BigbadB]

Yep, everyone raved about the Padres future top 4, which consisted of Jake Peavy, Ben Howard, Ben Tankersley and Oliver Perez. To go along with Bay and Khalil they had a nice looking system back in 2001 ish.

 

It was Dennis Tankersley. And they had a couple other arms in the system then that were considered pretty special as well. Cory Stewart (I think it was Cory) and Mark Phillips. I think they traded Phillips to the Yankees for D'Angelo Jimenez.

 

Howard is probably nothing more than a bullpen arm at this point.

[NCCubFan]

Wasn't Howard the Padres' farmhand that was involved in the auto accident that killed Mike Darr?

To answer my own question, yes it was Howard. Darr and a friend were killed; Howard was the only survivor in that car.

[UMFan83]

He was BA's #6 ranked padres prospect in 2002, 2003 and 2004. A textbook high ceiling, low probability pitching prospect, he threw really hard, but lacked command. He did have a breakout season in 2002 and looked great to start 2003. Once he hit the bigs, though, he was never able to take the next step.

 

OK, this signing makes sense now.

[BigbadB]

It was Cory Stewart. He was the 3rd player in the trade that sent Giles to the Padres. Jason Bay and Oliver Perez were the others.

 

Mark Phillips was the 9th pick in 2000 by the Padres. But, he was traded to the Yankees along with Bubba Trammell for Rondell White.

[BigbadB]

Howard has given up 20 jacks in 81 major league innings. Yikes!

[TruffleShuffle]

can we have ryan howard instead?

[BigbadB]

can we have ryan howard instead?

 

I'm sure we can, just as soon as the Phillies release him. I'm thinking that will be somewhere right around 2020.

[Jehrico]

can we have ryan howard instead?

 

I'm sure we will, just as soon as the Phillies release him. I'm thinking that will be somewhere right around 2020.

fixed. Pick up a 40ish player off of the scrap heap hoping for a return to his prime years. Sounds about right.

[CuseCubFan69]

I wonder if he has an MVP of the World Series clause too?

[NorthsideAvenger]

I wonder if he has an MVP of the World Series clause too?

 

I kinda like this move. You can't have too many power arms. And who knows MAYBE, just maybe.....oh....nevermind. As long as Howard isn't blocking other pitchers who are better then he is...then I am fine with it.

 

 

Five years ago, I would have LOVED to have Ben Howard and Matt Harrington in the Cubs system, but not....they are just journeymen pitchers. Man, it never ceases to amaze me, on how many players waste their god given ability to play baseball.

[CuseCubFan69]

I wonder if he has an MVP of the World Series clause too?

 

I kinda like this move. You can't have too many power arms. And who knows MAYBE, just maybe.....oh....nevermind. As long as Howard isn't blocking other pitchers who are better then he is...then I am fine with it.

 

 

Five years ago, I would have LOVED to have Ben Howard and Matt Harrington in the Cubs system, but not....they are just journeymen pitchers. Man, it never ceases to amaze me, on how many players waste their god given ability to play baseball.

 

Who knows, he may be a future closer.

[Twiggy]

Nice signing, you never know if they can turn it around. Worth a shot

[Peoriaman]

good signing. Big time arm.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

I love signings like this. Its how the brewers stay competitive. Low risk, high Reward.

[Guest]

I love signings like this. Its how the brewers stay competitive. Low risk, high Reward.

The brewers have one season in the last 15 at above a .500 record. Perhaps a different example would serve your point better?

[Handlebar McSkullet]

Fine Tim, maybe I should be more specific. Doug Davis, Dan Kolb, Brady Clark, "Scotty Pods"... all wavier wire gems.... ah forget it.... bad example =P~