Minor League Discussion & Boxes 8-12-2007

[sethuel1]

Geovany Soto

[rabidawg900]

Geovany Soto

 

Today's performance gets 2 sliding Sotos to Hendry's head!!!

 

:lol:

[rabidawg900]

An interesting writeup of the Tenn game in the Knoxville News:

 

http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/aug/13/samardzija-in-groove-with-smokies/

SEVIERVILLE — Jeff Samardzija gave up four hits in 63 innings and helped the Tennessee Smokies to a 5-2 victory over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Sunday evening at Smokies Park.

 

:shock:

[NCCubFan]

An interesting writeup of the Tenn game in the Knoxville News:

 

http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/aug/13/samardzija-in-groove-with-smokies/

SEVIERVILLE — Jeff Samardzija gave up four hits in 63 innings and helped the Tennessee Smokies to a 5-2 victory over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Sunday evening at Smokies Park.

 

:shock:

Holy pitcher abuse, Batman! :lol:

[treebird]

An interesting writeup of the Tenn game in the Knoxville News:

 

http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/aug/13/samardzija-in-groove-with-smokies/

SEVIERVILLE — Jeff Samardzija gave up four hits in 63 innings and helped the Tennessee Smokies to a 5-2 victory over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Sunday evening at Smokies Park.

 

:shock:

Holy pitcher abuse, Batman! :lol:

 

so that's how he managed three strikeouts

[UK1679666180]

Raisin, have they been switching Burke/Wright mostly at DH since Wyatt, Wright/Burke, and Rundle have been playing the OF?

 

If so, it seems odd that Wyatt who has done well at Boise, spent 4 years at Georgia should be ready for Peoria and put Burke into the OF again. It seems odd that they would stick w/Adduci at Peoria.

[craig]

Raisin, have they been switching Burke/Wright mostly at DH since Wyatt, Wright/Burke, and Rundle have been playing the OF?

 

If so, it seems odd that Wyatt who has done well at Boise, spent 4 years at Georgia should be ready for Peoria and put Burke into the OF again. It seems odd that they would stick w/Adduci at Peoria.

 

I'm not Raisin, but I'll try to answer this. The regular outfield is:

*Wright in left (41 games in left, one in right),

*Wyatt in center (48 games), and

*Burke in right (35 games, 1 in left),

*Rundle is utility OF (19 in right, some maybe before Burke came over and got established?; 10 in left; 5 in center).

 

It might make sense to move Wyatt up to Peoria, but not so much. Leon Johnson is the CF there, and he was drafted higher than Wyatt and is as old. Adduci is the peoria RF. Neither Burke nor Rundle really need to get promoted at this point to replace him. Peoria LF is a scramble, and Wright could go there.

 

Seems to me it's fine to let things stand. The only reason I'd see to be concerned about the Boise outfield is if you're really motivated to get Rundle more action. But since he's hitting only .214, I'm not sure getting him a bigger role is urgent. And he pretty much plays a lot as is, so it's not like he's getting blocked out.

[UK1679666180]

I'm surprised they have moved Johnson along quicker than Wyatt, Johnson despite being two years older spent two years in Russia, basically giving him 2 years of college ball, which he struggled last year.

 

As far as ceilings, Rundles is higher than all of the OF'ers mentioned (except Burke), of course those two are the most raw of the group being the youngest and not having played college ball.

 

It just seems odd to have a couple of 4 year major D-I OF'ers at Boise, with one being the odd man out everyday when there are open OF spots at the next level.

[Guest]

It just seems odd to have a couple of 4 year major D-I OF'ers at Boise, with one being the odd man out everyday when there are open OF spots at the next level.

 

Yes, I agree.

[ChiefsVoice]

It just seems odd to have a couple of 4 year major D-I OF'ers at Boise, with one being the odd man out everyday when there are open OF spots at the next level.

 

Yes, I agree.

 

except there arent any open spots here...

 

We have Adduci hitting .286 as a 22 yr old, younger than Wright and Wyatt.

 

Johnson and Hardman take the other two spots on a regular basis and both are 2007 draftees just like the Boise guys...

 

Brian Leclerc is our odd man out as a 31st rounder this season...

 

I'd take Johnson in CF and Adduci in a corner spot with the other maybe up for grabs...

[UK1679666180]

I don't see the ceiling in Adduci, he's a 42nd rounder from '03, limited power, below avg. approach, limited bat speed. I should be more biased towards him since he's a local product, but at this stage of his career in his 4th full season of pro-ball with his rough season at Daytona, I can't see him being any more than organizational guy.

 

If I was to organize the order of ceiling of the Cubs OF'ers, I'd be inclined to prob. put the recent draftees ahead of Adduci based on what I've seen of Adduci.

[Guest]

I don't see the ceiling in Adduci, he's a 42nd rounder from '03, limited power, below avg. approach, limited bat speed. I should be more biased towards him since he's a local product, but at this stage of his career in his 4th full season of pro-ball with his rough season at Daytona, I can't see him being any more than organizational guy.

 

If I was to organize the order of ceiling of the Cubs OF'ers, I'd be inclined to prob. put the recent draftees ahead of Adduci based on what I've seen of Adduci.

 

well there are people that are just cheering for the team to win regardless of projectability of the players you know.

[UK1679666180]

I don't see the ceiling in Adduci, he's a 42nd rounder from '03, limited power, below avg. approach, limited bat speed. I should be more biased towards him since he's a local product, but at this stage of his career in his 4th full season of pro-ball with his rough season at Daytona, I can't see him being any more than organizational guy.

 

If I was to organize the order of ceiling of the Cubs OF'ers, I'd be inclined to prob. put the recent draftees ahead of Adduci based on what I've seen of Adduci.

 

well there are people that are just cheering for the team to win regardless of projectability of the players you know.

 

And they have the right to be upset if the Cubs do a move based more on player development espec. with a player of a higher ceiling over someone who helps the Chiefs now.

[Bruno7481]

I don't see the ceiling in Adduci, he's a 42nd rounder from '03, limited power, below avg. approach, limited bat speed. I should be more biased towards him since he's a local product, but at this stage of his career in his 4th full season of pro-ball with his rough season at Daytona, I can't see him being any more than organizational guy.

 

If I was to organize the order of ceiling of the Cubs OF'ers, I'd be inclined to prob. put the recent draftees ahead of Adduci based on what I've seen of Adduci.

 

well there are people that are just cheering for the team to win regardless of projectability of the players you know.

 

Sure, there are, but it is far from an organizations #1 priority. Organizations couldn't care less where their teams finish in the minor league standings as long as they are developing talent.

Edited August 14, 2007 by Bruno7481

[UK1679666180]

Now, I'm not saying I know more about these guys than the Cubs, they obviously do but it's just something I question.

[Guest]

Now, I'm not saying I know more about these guys than the Cubs, they obviously do but it's just something I question.

 

I'm not arguing that point.

[craig]

I don't see that it's much of a big deal. Rundle and Boyer are getting plenty of action, and clearly should not be at a higher level. Wright and Wyatt clearly could be at a higher level. But, what would be the point? Are they going to develop significantly differently at Peoria that they will at Boise? I don't imagine it makes any difference at this point. They've both had very productive seasons, Wyatt especially, at Boise. Given their age, and their current output, both would seem destined to open at Daytona next year if they look good in camp(s). For their careers, I don't think it makes any difference. If anything, it's fine to stay put, finish up strong, and finish with some sense of team. Don't need to get introduced to a new host family, don't need to learn a new manager and hitting coach and Hardee's. Johnson is a prospect. Having spent a good chunk at Mesa and then up to Peoria (based on merit at the time), to bounce him back down to Boise would be kind of too much jerking. Let him play through whatever slump he's got.

 

And, there are also playoff considerations, etc.. I'm not up on the minor-league standings, but Wright and Wyatt are integral to Boise's playoff chances. Keep them there, get in, win some playoff games, that's fun and good for development too. Let Peoria take their chances with the guys they've got, including Adduci who's produced.

 

And, I think it's iffy to always decide who's got ceiling and who doesn't. Wyatt and Wright have hit for average, for contact, with some power, and with some walks in college, and now in Boise. Wyatt's OBP is around .440 or so, OPS near 1.000. Given his age, that doesn't prove he'll be good. But sometimes a guy actually is good, and just because he's in a younger league doesn't mean he might not have figured hitting out. Wright walks as often as he K's, plays an excellent outfield, and has hit some HR's and doubles to go with his batting average. For all we know he'll end up as a Murton-bat with a little more power and a much better glove? Who's to say guys like that who can field and can hit moving pitches don't have a higher ceiling than guys like Rundle and Harvey who perhaps hit or project to hit longer batting-practice home runs, but don't have the talent to read and hit actual moving pitches?

[rabidawg900]

All I can say is that Peoria is going to be STACKED next year. Can't wait to see some of their games. All these guys from Boise + Josh Vitters! I can't wait.

 

Shark Blog:

 

8/13/07

 

Lets just keep this rolling...Picked up my second win last night against a good West Tenn team. Went 6 1/3 innings with four hits, 3 k's, 1 BB, and with some great guys out of the pen I picked up the W. Offense was killing it and putting the ball in play all night. Once again had a great turn out with ND well represented down here in Tennessee. Signed a bunch of stuff for some pretty cool youngsters after the game. Thanks for waiting so long after the games guys. I know it seems like forever before I get out, but the media stuff takes awhile so I try to get out there as fast as I can. Sorry if I missed anyone.

Has anyone been watching ESPN 2 lately? Best time of year for baseball players to watch the tube. Ill post more about that tomorrow...

[craig]

All I can say is that Peoria is going to be STACKED next year. Can't wait to see some of their games. All these guys from Boise + Josh Vitters! I can't wait.

 

I don't see that. vitters will likely be in short-season. Donaldson and Burke are the only Boise producers who are sure to go to Peoria. Well, Johnston, if you include him. Rundle's over his head now, will likely be again if he jumps next April.

 

I'd guess that of wright, Wyatt, and Smith, at least one or two will skip to Daytona. If it was today, I'd have Johnson and Hardman repeat Peoria, with Wright and Wyatt skipping to Daytona. Lansford will obviously get promoted, and Castillo. So I'd guess Smith might just go to Peoria rather than skip. Thomas might skip to Daytona, but probably would stay at Peoria, he seems much less polished than Wright and Wyatt both offensively and defensively. But, if he skipped, and assuming Clevenger repeated at Daytona, Daytona could have a pretty high-average lineup next year.

[Guest]

I could see Clevenger head to AA. His hitting is probably ready, if they aren't serious about him catching he definitely should go to Tennessee next season.

 

I'd guess Peoria will have 2B Tony Thomas, 3B Jovan Rosa/Marquez Smith, C Josh Donaldson and an OF of Kyler Burke, Clark Hardman and Leon Johnson (maybe Cliff Andersen or Drew Rundle) - all of whom are interesting prospects (except for Smith). The rotation will definitely be interesting - Dolis, Alburquerque, Cabrera, Huseby and Hempy/Sasser/Pawelek.

 

Hrm, I wonder how good we could predict next year's teams.

[SouthSideRyan]

I don't see the ceiling in Adduci, he's a 42nd rounder from '03, limited power, below avg. approach, limited bat speed. I should be more biased towards him since he's a local product, but at this stage of his career in his 4th full season of pro-ball with his rough season at Daytona, I can't see him being any more than organizational guy.

 

If I was to organize the order of ceiling of the Cubs OF'ers, I'd be inclined to prob. put the recent draftees ahead of Adduci based on what I've seen of Adduci.

 

Adduci is definitely organizational filler, sad to say. I played with him when I was younger, and both him and his dad were good people, but there's really no reason to waste ABs on him that can go to more projectable talent.

[the splendid splinter]

Possibly Russell, Acosta and Hatley.

[craig]

Possibly Russell, Acosta and Hatley.

 

Have we gotten any bonus info on Acosta yet? Splinter, given that he was a HS shortstop, I'd be really shocked if he opened at Peoria right off the bat.

 

Splinter, any sense for whether we'll sign anybody else other than Vitters before the deadline tomorrow?

 

Last year Huseby was a big surprise, and I was rather surprised to see Russell sign this year, at superslot. I'd like to see another superslot surprise pop up.

 

Pre-draft, Wilken talked more than once about tracking some guys over the summer leagues and maybe signing somebody at the end. Two months of summer isn't quite like a D+F full spring season, and obviously guys can't physically mature between June and August the way they can between June and May. But it would be fun to get a surprise signing or two here at the last minutes.

 

By the way, Wilken's D+F work last round looks very interesting. Rosa, Hatley, and Redmond have all been pretty interesting. And Latham has spotted some good outings, too.

[Guest]

Agreed with craig in regards to Acosta. I think he's too raw to be ready for Peoria by next April. In regards to Russell, I've seen a few things saying he'd report to Daytona this season itself. I would expect a top-5 round caliber pitcher from one of the best Div I schools to be able to start off at high-A.

 

Craig, I've heard that C Kyle Day (MSU - 19th rounder) has impressed in the Cape Cod League, but that probably means he's priced himself out of the Cubs range. Would be great if the Cubs could swoop in and get Day or Victor Sanchez but I think it'll only be Vitters.

 

ETA: I looked up Day's stats at the Cape Cod League and they're not that good, he must have dropped off a bit from a hot early start.

[the splendid splinter]

Possibly Russell, Acosta and Hatley.

 

Have we gotten any bonus info on Acosta yet? Splinter, given that he was a HS shortstop, I'd be really shocked if he opened at Peoria right off the bat.

 

Splinter, any sense for whether we'll sign anybody else other than Vitters before the deadline tomorrow?

 

Last year Huseby was a big surprise, and I was rather surprised to see Russell sign this year, at superslot. I'd like to see another superslot surprise pop up.

 

Pre-draft, Wilken talked more than once about tracking some guys over the summer leagues and maybe signing somebody at the end. Two months of summer isn't quite like a D+F full spring season, and obviously guys can't physically mature between June and August the way they can between June and May. But it would be fun to get a surprise signing or two here at the last minutes.

 

By the way, Wilken's D+F work last round looks very interesting. Rosa, Hatley, and Redmond have all been pretty interesting. And Latham has spotted some good outings, too.

Acosta has pitched already @ Mesa and will also pitch in instructional league, probably not in the beginning next spring in Peoria but he could suprise. Also I'll bet the Cubs and Wilken will have one other signing besides Vitters hopefully.