2007 Cubs Pick Discussion

[Guest]

Am I counting right? 17 of 19 so far are college players?

 

And now 18/20, though this one is a draft-eligible sophomore.

 

607: SS Jose Made, Dominican College (NY)

[CoolHandLuke]

The more I hear about Donaldson and Thomas the more I like the picks.

[Have a seat, Neifi]

The more I hear about Donaldson and Thomas the more I like the picks.

Was just about to say the same thing.

[CoolHandLuke]

637. Dustin Sasser LHP East Caroline U.

 

Another college lefty

[SCCubbieFAN]

I think ya'll wil be pleasantly surprised by the 17th pick, Arik Hempy, from South Carolina. :D

[Guest]

Also, I read that the Virginia guy the Cubs took in the 5th round had some nice power potential and Virgina's ballpark might have sapped it a bit...still not enamored with his plate discipline and his K-rate, but it's nice to read.

[jersey cubs fan]

The more I hear about Donaldson and Thomas the more I like the picks.

Was just about to say the same thing.

 

If Donaldson turns into a solid starting catcher with some offense, and they get a few quality utility guys and a reliever or two out of this draft, I'd have to call it a success even if Vitters misses his upside.

[CoolHandLuke]

The more I hear about Donaldson and Thomas the more I like the picks.

Was just about to say the same thing.

 

If Donaldson turns into a solid starting catcher with some offense, and they get a few quality utility guys and a reliever or two out of this draft, I'd have to call it a success even if Vitters misses his upside.

 

Even if all we get is a couple solid utility guys and relievers, it's better than a lot of Cub drafts.

[CoolHandLuke]

Blurb on Day from the BA regional reports:

 

Three draft-eligible sophomores had a chance to get picked in the first five rounds, but Michigan State catcher Kyle Day and Central Michigan righthanders Jeff Richard and Chris Kupillas didn’t live up to their billing this spring. All were standouts in summer leagues a year ago but suffered from draftitis in 2007. Day became too pull-conscious, muting his power, and his receiving skills regressed to the point where he wound up spending time in the outfield.

[Guest]

Vento is big and strong, with a fastball that has been up to 93 mph. Vento moved to the back of the bullpen after struggling as a starter, and his stuff played up in a relief role. Vento has a commitment to Florida Atlantic and was taken as a 48th rounder by the Twins last year.

[Iceblink]

I refreshed the MLB draft tracker and 4 more college players joined the Cubs list....all pitchers, too.

[Guest]

I refreshed the MLB draft tracker and 4 more college players joined the Cubs list....all pitchers, too.

 

22/24 college guys. Of the 22 college guys, 6 are seniors, 2 are sophomores and 1 is a JC kid. CRAZY.

[Guest]

757: 3B Victor Sanchez, Gahr HS (Norwalk, CA):

 

Hitting Ability: Good approach at the plate, smooth swing with legitimate power projection.

Power: Sanchez has some serious power upside.

Running Speed: Sanchez does not run particularly well.

Arm Strength: One of his better defensive skills, it grades out above average.

Fielding: Though he's played shortstop in high school, he profiles better as a third baseman because of his size. He does have good hands and catches everything hit near him.

Range: Other than size, a lack of range will move Sanchez to third, or even left field, in the future. He did not show much agility at the Showcase.

Physical Description: Good baseball body with room for growth and projected power.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Power potential.

Weaknesses: Defense and agility.

Summary: Sanchez will draw attention because of his bat. If he can continue to show the ability to play third, he should be in the conversation with Josh Vitters and Matt Dominguez concerning California high school third basemen.

 

It's a good year for California high schoolers who play the left side of the infield and Sanchez has kind of been left behind some of the bigger names in that category, But Sanchez plays the game the right way, can swing the bat well and has some legitimate power potential. He's logged some time behind the plate, with some teams thinking that could be his future. It also could help with his draft status.

 

15. Victor Sanchez, 3b/c (National rank: 93)

School: Gahr HS, Norwalk, Calif. Class: Sr.

B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 175. Birthdate: 12/30/88.

Scouting Report: With all the interesting infielders in Southern California this year, Sanchez could get lost in the shuffle because he doesn't have a tool that grades as above-average. However, he played for USA Baseball's junior national team last summer, and with no significant weakness to his game he could get drafted in the first three rounds. His businesslike approach invoked some Garret Anderson comparisons, and he plays the game hard and without unnecessary flash or effort. Sanchez has shown average power at present with a loose, easy swing that promises more down the line. He's shown the ability to adjust within at-bats and games to opposing game plans. His arm plays well at third base, and he has intrigued scouts even more by playing catcher, where his arm actually has improved and grades as slightly above-average. Sanchez is part of yet another strong San Diego recruiting class.

 

Wow, GREAT GREAT GREAT pick. Not sure why the #93 overall guy in BA's class would fall to the 25th round.

Edited June 8, 2007 by CaliforniaRaisin

[CoolHandLuke]

Wow, GREAT GREAT GREAT pick. Not sure why the #93 overall guy in BA's class would fall to the 25th round.

 

No way he signs.

[Guest]

Sewn (by The Feeling): We know about Vitters, but what about the Cubs' 2nd pick, Josh Donaldson? Is he Russ Martin? Paul Lo Duca? Gregg Zaun?

 

Keith Law: (2:13 PM ET ) We have a winner ... Donaldson should be an average big-league catcher, needs some work behind the plate but that's a function of his relative inexperience (he's played some 3b too). I had him ranked dead-even with J.P. Arencibia {#21 overall pick in the 1st round}, but I like Donaldson's bat better.

[CoolHandLuke]

Sewn (by The Feeling): We know about Vitters, but what about the Cubs' 2nd pick, Josh Donaldson? Is he Russ Martin? Paul Lo Duca? Gregg Zaun?

 

Keith Law: (2:13 PM ET ) We have a winner ... Donaldson should be an average big-league catcher, needs some work behind the plate but that's a function of his relative inexperience (he's played some 3b too). I had him ranked dead-even with J.P. Arencibia {#21 overall pick in the 1st round}, but I like Donaldson's bat better.

 

Sounds like the moment he signs, he will be the system's best Catching prospect. Peoria a possibility?

[CoolHandLuke]

The more I think about it the more this Sanchez pick has me scratching my head. With how the draft has been going it makes absolutely no sense, but they wouldn't pick him unless they knew they had a shot at signing him, at least. With all the money they saved in the middle rounds on college seniors, perhaps they can afford to offer him enough?

[Guest]

The more I think about it the more this Sanchez pick has me scratching my head. With how the draft has been going it makes absolutely no sense, but they wouldn't pick him unless they knew they had a shot at signing him, at least. With all the money they saved in the middle rounds on college seniors, perhaps they can afford to offer him enough?

 

Yeah, that's what I'm hoping.

 

We can see Arik Hempey pitch tomorrow for South Carolina vs North Carolina on ESPN.

[Guest]

907: OF Luke Sommer, San Francisco

 

Both are seen as senior signs. The same goes for San Francisco outfielder Luke Sommer, who can run but didn't hit this spring.

[Guest]

937: OF Brian Leclerc, Florida

[CoolHandLuke]

937: OF Brian Leclerc, Florida

 

He out-doubled the 7th overall pick!

[NCCubFan]

PS Considering how many Clemson draftees there seem to be, I wouldn't be surprised if their equipment manager were drafted at some point.

No, it will be the clubhouse manager. The Cubs need to develop a new visitors' clubhouse manager to eventually replace Yosh. :D

[Guest]

966: C Luis Bautista, Florida International

 

Looks like one team has already stopped picking.

[CoolHandLuke]

966: C Luis Bautista, Florida International

 

Looks like one team has already stopped picking.

 

http://admin.xosn.com/fls/11700/Stats_Cumulative/Bball/2007/teamcume.htm

 

At face value his numbers look decent, but when you see that the team batting average is .319, they don't look nearly as impressive.

[Guest]

995: C Preston Clark, Texas

 

Looks like a second team has stopped drafting.