2008 Cubs Picks Thread

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Tewayne Willis, another no-power burner from Lincoln Memorial University

 

Player         avg  gp-gs  ab  r  h  2b  3b  hr  rbi  tb  slg%  bb  hbp  so  gdp  ob%  sf  sh  sb-att  po  a  e  fld%   
TeWayne Willis   .343  53-53  178  60  61  4  4  1  27  76  .427  34  24  20  0  .496  4  4  42-49  113  2  2  .983

[Rob]

If we actually manage to sign Gray, I'll be much happier with this draft.

 

It will require first round money. Very unlikely. but if we cough up a nice 5 mil bonus, then who knows.

 

I don't think it'd take 5 mil. I'd be willing to give 1.5 or 2, though.

[CuseCubFan69]

Tewayne Willis, another no-power burner from Lincoln Memorial University

 

Player         avg  gp-gs  ab  r  h  2b  3b  hr  rbi  tb  slg%  bb  hbp  so  gdp  ob%  sf  sh  sb-att  po  a  e  fld%   
TeWayne Willis   .343  53-53  178  60  61  4  4  1  27  76  .427  34  24  20  0  .496  4  4  42-49  113  2  2  .983

 

Guy scores a run for every hit.

[dlocks]

If we actually manage to sign Gray, I'll be much happier with this draft.

 

It will require first round money. Very unlikely. but if we cough up a nice 5 mil bonus, then who knows.

 

I don't think it'd take 5 mil. I'd be willing to give 1.5 or 2, though.

 

Call me an inside source or whatever. But I know what I'm talking about here.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Sean Buckley - 3B

King High School - Tampa, FL

[CubColtPacer]

Sean Buckley - 3B

King High School - Tampa, FL

 

Buckley's stat page (not very good at lining columns up): http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Player.mxp/AreaID-e12a81ba-adb3-4756-91e5-e54d97d10427/AthleteID-ea9f868c-1e55-4f17-a79d-dcad0ddd75d0/SchoolID-3b8b0f8a-665d-496a-9c78-932b5927013e/Boys_Varsity_Baseball_Spring_07-08

.448/.542/.866 line last year.

[Guest]

Tewayne Willis, another no-power burner from Lincoln Memorial University

 

Player         avg  gp-gs  ab  r  h  2b  3b  hr  rbi  tb  slg%  bb  hbp  so  gdp  ob%  sf  sh  sb-att  po  a  e  fld%   
TeWayne Willis   .343  53-53  178  60  61  4  4  1  27  76  .427  34  24  20  0  .496  4  4  42-49  113  2  2  .983

I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone with more hbp than strikeouts.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Cubs just took Kurt Calvert from Mizzou.

[Tyrant]

I like that the Cubs are using later rounds to take some higher-upside guys, due to injury or whatever.

 

There have been a few roster-filler speedster types, but I like several of the choices that have been made today.

[imb]

The odds of that kid coming from the country are pretty good with a name like Rebel.

 

I love Rebel Ridling. A story crossed the wire last week about him — I think his hometown has 800 people in it or something like that.

[Guest]

If we actually manage to sign Gray, I'll be much happier with this draft.

 

It will require first round money. Very unlikely. but if we cough up a nice 5 mil bonus, then who knows.

 

I don't think it'd take 5 mil. I'd be willing to give 1.5 or 2, though.

 

If they are going to pop a lot of money on a 20s round guy, I'd have rather seen them pony up for Sanchez last year.

[CUBZ99]

If we actually manage to sign Gray, I'll be much happier with this draft.

 

It will require first round money. Very unlikely. but if we cough up a nice 5 mil bonus, then who knows.

 

I don't think it'd take 5 mil. I'd be willing to give 1.5 or 2, though.

 

If they are going to pop a lot of money on a 20s round guy, I'd have rather seen them pony up for Sanchez last year.

 

1. What am I missing in Sonny Gray's scouting report that makes him worth first round money? The comments sound similar to some of the other earlier Cubs' drafted pitchers.

 

2. Was Sanchez drafted this year? And how early?

[UK1679666180]

The odds of that kid coming from the country are pretty good with a name like Rebel.

 

I love Rebel Ridling. A story crossed the wire last week about him — I think his hometown has 800 people in it or something like that.

 

That's straight up country right there, I love country kids.

[Guest]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=366

 

College Commitment Leads Gray On 26-Round Slide

 

Posted Jun. 6, 2008 2:29 pm by Matt Blood

 

And Sonny Gray arrives right on cue. The Cubs decided to take the standout righthander in the 27th-round. Gray has one of the best fastbal’s in this draft and one of the best curve balls in the draft, but his lack of size (he’s generously listed at 6-feet tall) and with a strong commitment to Vanderbilt, Gray slid 26 rounds from where he should have been drafted, judging on talent alone.

 

Gray intends on enrolling in summer school for July. The Cubs better act quick and bring the cash. Seems like a wasted pick.

 

And don't forget he wrote MLB telling them not to draft him:

 

Tennessee righthander Sonny Gray (52) is a bit undersized at 5’11”, but his stuff is outstanding. He features a mid-to upper-90s fastball and a plus curveball. Gray suffered an ankle injury this spring and it was reported by the Nashville Scene that he sent a letter to Major League teams indicating that his commitment to Vanderbilt was virtually unbreakable.

[Guest]

1. What am I missing in Sonny Gray's scouting report that makes him worth first round money? The comments sound similar to some of the other earlier Cubs' drafted pitchers.

 

He's a late first round talent with a strong commitment to college -

 

Even though he's actually closer to 5-foot-10 than his listed height of 6 feet, Gray has not gone unnoticed by scouting directors. His stuff on the mound won't allow it. Possessing two of the more ready-now pitches in this year's draft class, Gray makes for a tough decision in every draft room. He consistently showed his mid- to upper-90s fastball and an above-average curveball sitting near 84 mph on the showcase circuit last summer. Both pitches have sharp, late life and are commanded in the zone. However, in early April, Gray severely sprained his ankle running out a groundball and has been unable to pitch since; he also suffered an avulsion fracture on the play. That combined with his size and a strong commitment to play at Vanderbilt in the fall will make Gray's signability an issue once drafted. Also, due to his size and max effort delivery, Gray is thought by most to be a closer type in the big leagues. Gray's makeup is a plus and he is known as a winner, leading his high school football (at quarterback) and baseball teams to high school state championships.

 

No arm injuries like many of the guys the Cubs picked up earlier, though. And upper 90s FB can only be matched by a healthy Carpenter and Cashner while relieving.

 

2. Was Sanchez drafted this year? And how early?

 

Sanchez was taken in the 25th round last year. He displayed top-100 talent and wanted first round money. Cubs might have taken him as insurance if something happened in the Vitters negotiation. He was - possibly - the best freshman hitter last year in college and should be a first rounder in 2010.

[Guest]

Sean Buckley - 3B

King High School - Tampa, FL

 

Buckley's stat page (not very good at lining columns up): http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Player.mxp/AreaID-e12a81ba-adb3-4756-91e5-e54d97d10427/AthleteID-ea9f868c-1e55-4f17-a79d-dcad0ddd75d0/SchoolID-3b8b0f8a-665d-496a-9c78-932b5927013e/Boys_Varsity_Baseball_Spring_07-08

.448/.542/.866 line last year.

Apparently 29th rounder Sean has a strong commitment to USF. Sounds like he might be a hard sign.

 

Update: A fourth USF signee, King third baseman Sean Buckley, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 29th round. Barring an unusually high offer, there's a good chance USF can convince him to stick with the college route ...

 

and

 

Sean Buckley, 1B, King: Hit .448; has signed with USF and made it clear he wants to go to college; might be a mid to late-round pick.

[CUBZ99]

1. What am I missing in Sonny Gray's scouting report that makes him worth first round money? The comments sound similar to some of the other earlier Cubs' drafted pitchers.

 

He's a late first round talent with a strong commitment to college -

 

Even though he's actually closer to 5-foot-10 than his listed height of 6 feet, Gray has not gone unnoticed by scouting directors. His stuff on the mound won't allow it. Possessing two of the more ready-now pitches in this year's draft class, Gray makes for a tough decision in every draft room. He consistently showed his mid- to upper-90s fastball and an above-average curveball sitting near 84 mph on the showcase circuit last summer. Both pitches have sharp, late life and are commanded in the zone. However, in early April, Gray severely sprained his ankle running out a groundball and has been unable to pitch since; he also suffered an avulsion fracture on the play. That combined with his size and a strong commitment to play at Vanderbilt in the fall will make Gray's signability an issue once drafted. Also, due to his size and max effort delivery, Gray is thought by most to be a closer type in the big leagues. Gray's makeup is a plus and he is known as a winner, leading his high school football (at quarterback) and baseball teams to high school state championships.

 

No arm injuries like many of the guys the Cubs picked up earlier, though. And upper 90s FB can only be matched by a healthy Carpenter and Cashner while relieving.

 

2. Was Sanchez drafted this year? And how early?

 

Sanchez was taken in the 25th round last year. He displayed top-100 talent and wanted first round money. Cubs might have taken him as insurance if something happened in the Vitters negotiation. He was - possibly - the best freshman hitter last year in college and should be a first rounder in 2010.

 

Thanks for the info Raisin. I'm sure I speak for many on the board who appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. :D

 

The scouting report you have on Gray was much better than the other one that I read. If your scouting report is correct, there is no doubt that the Cubs will have to shell out first round money to get him.

 

In regard to Sanchez, if a player enters college does he have to play at least two(or three) years before becoming draft eligible again?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Woo Calvert. Maybe he'll last a full year in the system, unlike Taylor Parker.

[Guest]

15th rounder Casey Coleman:

 

Right-hander Casey Coleman, a Cape Coral-Mariner grad who also played the infield, likely will be taken in the first 10 rounds. Tollett projected sixth through 10th for the junior who went 7-3 with a 4.11 ERA last season.

 

“With this guy, it’s all about the arm,” [FGCU coach David] Tollett said of Coleman’s mid-90s velocity.

 

Earlier Friday,FGCU junior right-hander Casey Coleman, a Cape Coral Mariner grad who also played the infield, was taken in the 15th round (461st overall) by the Chicago Cubs. Coleman went 7-3 with a 4.11 ERA last season.

 

Coleman said he is uncertain whether he will sign with the Cubs or return to FGCU although he is leaning to the former.

[Guest]

Thanks for the info Raisin. I'm sure I speak for many on the board who appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. :D

 

The scouting report you have on Gray was much better than the other one that I read. If your scouting report is correct, there is no doubt that the Cubs will have to shell out first round money to get him.

 

In regard to Sanchez, if a player enters college does he have to play at least two(or three) years before becoming draft eligible again?

 

1 or 2 years if they go to JC. If they go to a 4-year school, they can be drafted as their third (junior) year. Technically, you are eligible if you turn 21 by the draft and that is how a few sophomores become draft-eligible (for example Cubs 3rd rounder Chris Carpenter was a draft-eligible sophomore last year).

[Guest]

Cubs just took Michael Brenly out of UNLV.

 

...

[Butterscup1679666578]

Woo Calvert. Maybe he'll last a full year in the system, unlike Taylor Parker.

 

Why didn't he last? His numbers weren't bad at all.

[CoolHandLuke]

Is it possible that a team will draft a high schooler with a strong commitment in a later round in order to develop a relationship with that player that may help them when they are draft eligible?

[Clem Fandango]

Cubs just took Michael Brenly out of UNLV.

 

...

 

Must've been a favor to Bob. Maybe he'll will be our team's Mike Piazza. It's the same exact story line. Young catcher picked by team as a favor in the late rounds... blossoms into Hall of Famer.

 

Drink the Kool-Aid

Edited June 6, 2008 by The Logan

[sporrer17]

Cubs just took Michael Brenly out of UNLV.

 

...

 

Is he any good, or is this just because of the Bob Brenly connection?