TCR Gives Update on Minor League Rosters

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I thought this might be of interest to some here.

 

Link.

[karenmac]

Vance,

 

thanks much for posting. I would imagine these rosters are getting pretty close to finalized, with another few folks likely cascading down from big league camp. A few thoughts:

- It can't be a good thing for Mark Reed to be repeating at Daytona at this point. That said, I can see why Matt Canepa got released - we seem to have a log jam at catcher, even not including guys like Jake Fox who aren't really there any more. From AZ Phil's report, I do wonder what's going on with Alan Rick. He's really learned to hit, but when I was at ST a couple of weeks ago, he was still in his catcher's gear.

 

- Great to see Jake Muyco and Jesse Estrada in IA right now. They were 2 of my favorites while in Peoria. I hope this means that Muyco's bat has come around - he's been one of the best defensive catchers we've had in the system for some time, but his bat has lagged. Jesse is a great guy and am glad to see he's continuing to advance.

 

I'll be interested to see who ends up where when camp breaks - it always seems like there's a lot of movement the first couple of weeks of the season. Pretty sure the Chiefs arrive on 3/31 - looking forward to getting to know a new group of guys.

[Outshined_One]

General comments...

 

-Iowa looks like it'll have a nice group of pitchers. Gallagher, Holliman, and Mateo all have potential to be SPs down the line. A lot of the other guys have good potential as relievers (I like Ascanio, Avery, and Petrick best). Considering AAA tends to break pitching prospects in the Cubs' system, it should be interesting to see how that all pans out.

 

-As for their hitters: Jake Muyco supposedly is the most defensively advanced catcher in the system, but can't hit worth a lick. It looks like he might be in the process of being groomed as Hank White's replacement, especially considering he skipped Tennessee altogether. Matt Camp's jump is a bit surprising. He must have been the one to make Chris Walker expendable.

 

-Tennessee is going to have a nasty relief core with Ceda, Maestri, Papelbon, and a bevy of others. The SPs range from questionably talented to enigmas with huge upsides.

 

-Regarding Tennessee's hitters: Welington Castillo and Josh Lansford skipped Daytona? Interesting. I'm a bit disappointed Colvin might not end up in Iowa at the start of the season, but he definitely needs more seasoning in AA. Jonathon Wyatt skipping all the way up to AA is surprising. Dopirak and Harvey reunite for another go-round, so break out the tape measures and those K signs.

 

-Daytona's pitching has some intriguing names in Robert Hernandez and James Russell. I can't say the rest excite me nearly as much.

 

-However, the hitters have some better names among them. I'm disappointed I won't see Tony Thomas in Peoria, but oh well. Kyler Burke skipping Peoria altogether is a bit shocking, but considering the winter the guy had in Hawaii, I would not be surprised if he's carried his success over into this season. Marquez Smith has nice sleeper potential in this system at 3B.

 

-Peoria's pitching: This is always where it gets fun. Cabrera, Rhee, and Huseby are all well-known names with loads of potential. Mark Pawelek's future is beginning to look in doubt, but a bounceback season could help matters. Rafael Dolis looked impressive out of the gate last season, but his injury is a bit frustrating. I'm hoping he recovers and can pitch this season.

 

-Peoria's hitting: They have a player-coach? Go figure. Vitters and Donaldson are the two big names here. It's good seeing Vitters practicing with Peoria, all things considered. Rundle, Samson, and Andersen need to start living up to their hype and contracts. 19 year olds Marwin Gonzalez and Gian Guzman could catch some eyes.

 

-As for Boise/AZ, does anyone know what the injury statuses are on Marwin Gonzalez and Larry Suarez? Also, does anyone know if Alvaro Sosa is solely a left-handed hitter, or does he also throw left handed as a catcher? Because that would be sweet.

[Athletics36]

Really can't get to caught up in the Minor lg. rosters until the Cubs make their final cuts. There are probably seven to eight folks who could bump folks off the AAA roster and this would have a trickle down effect on the others. The AAA SP staff could have Marshall and Walrond and who knows who else. Are the Cubs going to keep Cintron which may send either Fotenot or Patterson back to AAA. Its going to be an interesting final week but I would have to say that if McGehee is sent down that he would be the starting 3b at Iowa. Also what about Cedeno as he has no options left and either has to make the team or be released. Also wanted to add that it will be real interesting to see who is released this week.

[rawaction]

That Peoria team looks like it will be loads of fun to watch. Average age might not be even 20. Cabrera's 19; Dolis and Huseby are 20. Pawelek's seemingly been around forever but is just 21. Vitters is just 18-19. Just on the surface, the Cubs look really young for all levels. Got some young kids skipping low A.

[danonwaveland]

Don't know anything about him, but you've got to like the name:

 

Alberto Alburquerque

________________________________________________________

Sandberg>Mazeroski>Morgan

[Keener98]

Definatly looking forward to seeing Donaldson and Vitters quite often in Peoria this year.

[Wrigley Rat]

Really can't get to caught up in the Minor lg. rosters until the Cubs make their final cuts. There are probably seven to eight folks who could bump folks off the AAA roster and this would have a trickle down effect on the others. The AAA SP staff could have Marshall and Walrond and who knows who else. Are the Cubs going to keep Cintron which may send either Fotenot or Patterson back to AAA. Its going to be an interesting final week but I would have to say that if McGehee is sent down that he would be the starting 3b at Iowa. Also what about Cedeno as he has no options left and either has to make the team or be released. Also wanted to add that it will be real interesting to see who is released this week.

Ditto. So many more changes will be made before they break camp. Iowa and Tenn each get 24 players and Daytona and Peoria each get 25 players. If you count up all the players listed by Arizona Phil, there are 30-40+ players for each level. Some will be released, some demoted, some will stay back for extended spring training.

[RammyFanny]

Don't know anything about him, but you've got to like the name:

 

Alberto Alburquerque

 

Have the Isotopes moved to Alburquerque yet?

[Wrigley Rat]

Don't know anything about him, but you've got to like the name:

 

Alberto Alburquerque

 

Have the Isotopes moved to Alburquerque yet?

 

Don't get too attached - this is his last chance. Could (should) be released this spring. Unfortunately, he was someone Oneri Fleita told me the Cubs were high on at a Cubs Convention a few years back (I think 2004). Now, he is a bit old and his stuff has been fringy since his injury: He's a short RHP control pitcher who did well in DSL in 2004, but got injured and missed all of 2005. He has struggled ever since. He throws a fastball, curve, and changeup.

[Guest]

Don't know anything about him, but you've got to like the name:

 

Alberto Alburquerque

 

Have the Isotopes moved to Alburquerque yet?

 

Don't get too attached - this is his last chance. Could (should) be released this spring. Unfortunately, he was someone Oneri Fleita told me the Cubs were high on at a Cubs Convention a few years back (I think 2004). Now, he is a bit old and his stuff has been fringy since his injury: He's a short RHP control pitcher who did well in DSL in 2004, but got injured and missed all of 2005. He has struggled ever since. He throws a fastball, curve, and changeup.

 

Every account I've heard in the past year - from Boise newspapers and broadcasters to AZ Phil recounts in TCR to a San Diego area newspaper just last week (in regards to Marcus Giles rehab against Cub minor leaguers) - has labeled Al Alburquerque as a hard thrower (with a potential plus slider). Doesn't sound fringy. That he struggled at times (he did do well in Boise) in his first full season back from TJS is not at all surprising. That he's been working out with the Daytona group and possibly skipping Peoria this season is intriguing. I don't think he'll be released if he's healthy. 21 at Daytona certainly isn't a bit old either.

[Guest]

Outshined: As I understand it, Papelbon is in the Tennessee rotation as of now, not a reliever (which could easily change as things go). Alvaro Sosa bats lefty and throws righty.

 

And as others have stated, we shall see if those who might be skipping levels actually stay. I will say it's been apparent for a while that Castillo and Lansford would skip Daytona. Some of the others are a bit more surprising (Wyatt, etc.).

[Wrigley Rat]

Don't know anything about him, but you've got to like the name:

 

Alberto Alburquerque

 

Have the Isotopes moved to Alburquerque yet?

 

Don't get too attached - this is his last chance. Could (should) be released this spring. Unfortunately, he was someone Oneri Fleita told me the Cubs were high on at a Cubs Convention a few years back (I think 2004). Now, he is a bit old and his stuff has been fringy since his injury: He's a short RHP control pitcher who did well in DSL in 2004, but got injured and missed all of 2005. He has struggled ever since. He throws a fastball, curve, and changeup.

 

Every account I've heard in the past year - from Boise newspapers and broadcasters to AZ Phil recounts in TCR to a San Diego area newspaper just last week (in regards to Marcus Giles rehab against Cub minor leaguers) - has labeled Al Alburquerque as a hard thrower (with a potential plus slider). Doesn't sound fringy. That he struggled at times (he did do well in Boise) in his first full season back from TJS is not at all surprising. That he's been working out with the Daytona group and possibly skipping Peoria this season is intriguing. I don't think he'll be released if he's healthy. 21 at Daytona certainly isn't a bit old either.

 

That's great news. Thanks Raisin - I'd like to see him turn his potential into results this year. I've been rooting for him for 4 years with very little results. They do say that TJ surgery often increases the speed of a fastball - maybe that's the case here??? I'll keep an eye on him.

[Guest]

Here's an actual velocity range for Al Alburquerque from Baseball America (Alan Matthews chat on NWL prospects last fall):

Alberto Alburquerque is another 21-year-old Dominican who was 88-92 mph most of the summer and also has an aggressive approach and ability to get a breaking ball over for strikes.

[sethuel1]

Here's an actual velocity range for Al Alburquerque from Baseball America (Alan Matthews chat on NWL prospects last fall):

Alberto Alburquerque is another 21-year-old Dominican who was 88-92 mph most of the summer and also has an aggressive approach and ability to get a breaking ball over for strikes.

wasn't he the guy that Nate trashed on and said couldn't get out of the rotation fast enough?

[badnews]

I have a difficult time believing some of those aggressive promotions are accurate.

[wvcbxl]

It'll be interesting to see whether they start Dwayne Kemp in Mesa or in Boise.

Since he's had two full years in the Dutch league, it could give some indication on the level there.

[series65cubsfan]

It'll be interesting to see whether they start Dwayne Kemp in Mesa or in Boise.

Since he's had two full years in the Dutch league, it could give some indication on the level there.

 

Pray tell... I googled him and he looks very interesting. .333/.420/.475 and fielded .962 at second base?...looks great and only 20 years old?! What's not to like?

[Guest]

Here's an actual velocity range for Al Alburquerque from Baseball America (Alan Matthews chat on NWL prospects last fall):

Alberto Alburquerque is another 21-year-old Dominican who was 88-92 mph most of the summer and also has an aggressive approach and ability to get a breaking ball over for strikes.

wasn't he the guy that Nate trashed on and said couldn't get out of the rotation fast enough?

 

Yes sir.

 

I saw Kemp last weekend, he was taking extra groundballs and working on turning two.

[Guest]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2008/03/25/updated-cubs-rosters

 

The recent major league cuts have eliminated most of the surprises AZ Phil mentioned earlier:

 

• Jovan Rosa wins the Peoria 3b job. That means Josh Vitters will stay in Mesa and probably head to Boise,
  
• Because Casey McGehee heads to Iowa, Kyle Reynolds heads to Tenn, Josh Lansford to Daytona and Marquez Smith to 2B at Peoria.
  
• Dylan Johnston moves from SS at Daytona to LF at Peoria.
  
• Koyie Hill to Iowa from the bigs, Jake Muyco to Tenn, Welington Castillo and Steve Clevenger to Daytona, Mario Mercedes and Blake Lalli to Peoria and finally Carlos Perez and Roberto Sabates to extended.
  
• Ed Campusano and Justin Berg from AAA to AA. Jose Ceda (yay!), Esmailin Caridad, Alessandro Maestri, Marcos Mateo, Casey Lambert and Jermemy Papelbon from Tenn to Daytona. Robert Hernandez (boo!) and Al Alburquerque from Daytona to Peoria.
  
• Matt Camp drops to AA. Jonathan Wyatt and James Adduci to Daytona. Kyler Burke and Leon Johnson to Peoria. Drew Rundle has been demoted from Peoria to extended spring training (ugh).

[abuck1220]

this may be old news, as i haven't been keeping up with the minors like i used to, but i was somewhat surprised to see fox taking infield at 3b and drew rundle taking infield at 1b last week.

 

also, jose ceda likes to yell really loud and dance a lot. and he's huge.

[craig]

this may be old news, as i haven't been keeping up with the minors like i used to, but i was somewhat surprised to see fox taking infield at 3b and drew rundle taking infield at 1b last week.

 

also, jose ceda likes to yell really loud and dance a lot. and he's huge.

 

Ceda's weight and size has been much mentioned.

 

A recurring question has been whether he has a weight problem, which could harm his career. (Weight problems tend to increase, not decrease, after age 21!)

 

What was your impression? Is he huge.... as in having a huge frame, a dominant build, and is reasonably fit? Is his weight appropriate for his frame? In other words, "huge" as in very desirably huge? Or is he "huge" as in huger than he should be, as in fat, as in undesirably huge?

[Outshined_One]

In other words, "huge" as in very desirably huge? Or is he "huge" as in huger than he should be, as in fat, as in undesirably huge?

 

Must...resist...bad joke...

[Jon]

In other words, "huge" as in very desirably huge? Or is he "huge" as in huger than he should be, as in fat, as in undesirably huge?

 

Must...resist...bad joke...

You'll cave sooner or later.

 

Here's a good gallery of Ceda from last year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwlguide/sets/72157602039061752/

 

It looks like he's carrying a lot of weight in his thighs and butt (I dare you, O_O), but not an especially large amount above his belt. Who would be a comperable big league pitcher?

[Athletics36]

this may be old news, as i haven't been keeping up with the minors like i used to, but i was somewhat surprised to see fox taking infield at 3b and drew rundle taking infield at 1b last week.

 

also, jose ceda likes to yell really loud and dance a lot. and he's huge.

 

Ceda's weight and size has been much mentioned.

 

A recurring question has been whether he has a weight problem, which could harm his career. (Weight problems tend to increase, not decrease, after age 21!)

 

What was your impression? Is he huge.... as in having a huge frame, a dominant build, and is reasonably fit? Is his weight appropriate for his frame? In other words, "huge" as in very desirably huge? Or is he "huge" as in huger than he should be, as in fat, as in undesirably huge?

 

I saw Mr Ceda during camp and "weight is an issue".