BA's Midseason Top 100 Prospects Update & Cubs Report

[CaliforniaRaisin]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2008/266496.html

 

Their new top 25:

 

1. Clayton Kershaw, lhp, 20, Dodgers (AA)

2. David Price, lhp, 22, Rays (AA)

3. Matt Wieters, c, 22, Orioles (AA)

4. Colby Rasmus, of, 21, Cardinals (AAA)

5. Jason Heyward, of, 19, Braves (LoA)

6. Cameron Maybin, of, 21, Marlins (AA)

7. Matt LaPorta, of, 23, Indians (AA)

8. Rick Porcello, rhp, 19, Tigers (HiA)

9. Andrew McCutchen, of, 21, Pirates (AAA)

10. Travis Snider, of, 20, Blue Jays (AA)

11. Chris Tillman, rhp, 20, Orioles (AA)

12. Neftali Feliz, rhp, 20, Rangers (AA)

13. Trevor Cahill, rhp, 20, Athletics (AA)

14. Austin Jackson, of, 21, Yankees (AA)

15. Dexter Fowler, of, 22, Rockies (AA)

16. Brett Anderson, lhp, 20, Athletics (AA)

17. Michael Bowden, rhp, 21, Red Sox (AA)

18. Jarrod Parker, rhp, 19, D'backs (LoA)

19. Tim Alderson, rhp, 19, Giants (HiA)

20. Mat Gamel, 3b, 22, Brewers (AA)

21. Wade Davis, rhp, 22, Rays (AA)

22. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, 21, Rays (AA)

23. Mike Moustakas, 3b, 19, Royals (LoA)

24. Fernando Martinez, of, 19, Mets (AA)

25. Madison Bumgarner, lhp, 18, Giants (LoA)

 

Just missing the cut: Lars Anderson, 1b, Red Sox; Adrian Cardenas, 2b, Phillies; Alcides Escobar, ss, Brewers; Michael Saunders, of, Mariners; Max Scherzer, rhp, Diamondbacks.

 

They stuck Josh Vitters in the "Growing Pains" section: "Josh Vitters, the third overall pick in 2007, is still looking to stick in full-season ball."

 

There were no other comments on Cubs prospects who made the top 100 list last offseason though they acknowledged the graduations of Kosuke Fukudome, Geovany Soto and Sean Gallagher.

[Guest]

Cubs Midseason Reports:

 

BEST PLAYER: C Geovany Soto, Cubs

BIGGEST LEAP FORWARD: C/1B Blake Lalli, AA Tennessee (should be Welington Castillo, imo)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: OF Sam Fuld, AA Tennessee

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/majors/organization-reports/chicago-cubs/2008/266470.html

[Little Slide Rooter]

Cubs Midseason Reports:

 

BEST PLAYER: C Geovany Soto, Cubs

BIGGEST LEAP FORWARD: C/1B Blake Lalli, AA Tennessee (should be Welington Castillo, imo)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: OF Sam Fuld, AA Tennessee

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/majors/organization-reports/chicago-cubs/2008/266470.html

 

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

[Outshined_One]

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: OF Sam Fuld, AA Tennessee

 

...seriously? I mean...really?

 

I can think of like 10 guys who can easily top Fuld for that designation.

[StylesClash]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

[Outshined_One]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

 

He's a 4th OF at best. He's pretty much been that way for a number of years now. The guy never had any power to speak of.

[StylesClash]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

 

He's a 4th OF at best. He's pretty much been that way for a number of years now. The guy never had any power to speak of.

 

And when does a Center Fielder or top of the order hitter need power to be acceptable in those roles? Seems to me Fuld's quality defense and plate discipline entering this season were more than enough to warrant all the hype he received.

[TruffleShuffle]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

 

He's a 4th OF at best. He's pretty much been that way for a number of years now. The guy never had any power to speak of.

 

And when does a Center Fielder or top of the order hitter need power to be acceptable in those roles? Seems to me Fuld's quality defense and plate discipline entering this season were more than enough to warrant all the hype he received.

 

the problem with plate discipline and no power is that guys at the big league level will stop walking you. fuld's ceiling is about a 5th outfielder, but that's it.

[RedFlash]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

 

He's a 4th OF at best. He's pretty much been that way for a number of years now. The guy never had any power to speak of.

 

And when does a Center Fielder or top of the order hitter need power to be acceptable in those roles? Seems to me Fuld's quality defense and plate discipline entering this season were more than enough to warrant all the hype he received.

 

the problem with plate discipline and no power is that guys at the big league level will stop walking you. fuld's ceiling is about a 5th outfielder, but that's it.

 

Yeah, well, the Cubs did trade 3 young pitchers for a similar player. And the Dodgers did pay this guy close to $10 mill per to be their 4th OFer.

[StylesClash]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

 

He's a 4th OF at best. He's pretty much been that way for a number of years now. The guy never had any power to speak of.

 

And when does a Center Fielder or top of the order hitter need power to be acceptable in those roles? Seems to me Fuld's quality defense and plate discipline entering this season were more than enough to warrant all the hype he received.

 

the problem with plate discipline and no power is that guys at the big league level will stop walking you. fuld's ceiling is about a 5th outfielder, but that's it.

 

Just because Big League pitchers have better control doesn't mean Fuld still couldn't have maintained a quality OBP. He drew tons of Walks in the Minors because of excellent strike zone recognition. Facing better pitching wouldn't suddenly cause Fuld to be overly aggressive and swing at breaking pitches in the dirt or Fastballs way above the belt.

[Illini Iceman]

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

Year after year Sam Fuld was considered the most disciplined hitter in the Cubs Minor League system. For a team like Chicago, who until this season tended to be very aggressive at the plate, Fuld seemed to fill an obvious need. Combine that with quality defense at a position that demands it and I'd say that was enough to get excited about him.

 

He's a 4th OF at best. He's pretty much been that way for a number of years now. The guy never had any power to speak of.

 

And when does a Center Fielder or top of the order hitter need power to be acceptable in those roles? Seems to me Fuld's quality defense and plate discipline entering this season were more than enough to warrant all the hype he received.

 

the problem with plate discipline and no power is that guys at the big league level will stop walking you. fuld's ceiling is about a 5th outfielder, but that's it.

 

Just because Big League pitchers have better control doesn't mean Fuld still couldn't have maintained a quality OBP. He drew tons of Walks in the Minors because of excellent strike zone recognition. Facing better pitching wouldn't suddenly cause Fuld to be overly aggressive and swing at breaking pitches in the dirt or Fastballs way above the belt.

 

I am not so sure about Fuld as a prospect, but I do agree that not having much power doesn't necessarily negate the possibility that a player can put up a high OBP in the majors.

[imb]

when the hell was anyone excited about Sam Fuld?

 

very depressing - though im very excited about Vitters - that we could/should have two of the top ten

[StylesClash]

when the hell was anyone excited about Sam Fuld?

 

Before this season the biggest offensive complaint most Cub fans had was the constant over aggressiveness. Fuld, being our most disciplined Minor League hitter, would have gone a long way towards helping fill that need. If Edmonds' bat continues to comeback to Earth and Fuld regains he pre-2008 offensive form I wouldn't mind seeing him given a shot at a platoon role with Reed Johnson.

[Outshined_One]

I am not so sure about Fuld as a prospect, but I do agree that not having much power doesn't necessarily negate the possibility that a player can put up a high OBP in the majors.

 

It doesn't negate the possibility that a player can put up a good OBP in the majors, but it causes a number of problems.

 

First, defenses get better as the levels get higher. The quality of defenders improve, especially around the infield. It becomes much harder to get hits, particularly singles, as guys move up. If you hit for power and hit a lot of line drives, you have a bit less to worry about as you advance.

 

Second, look at the value of potential replacement players around the diamond and compare them to Fuld. You will find a decent number of corner OFs who put up good OBPs and power numbers. You will also do so for CFs, although not quite as many. In order for Fuld to be a worthwhile starting OF, he has to be able to put up an OBP high enough to offset that power loss. I'm not so sure Fuld is able to do that.

 

Third, in response to the point about Juan Pierre, Pierre is overrated and a piece of garbage. He only had one good year offensively. That's about it.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Sam Fuld's dad posts here too? Sweet!

[sneakypower]

4 of the top 12 have already been traded

[RedFlash]

Third, in response to the point about Juan Pierre, Pierre is overrated and a piece of garbage. He only had one good year offensively. That's about it.

 

And yet, Fuld and Pierre have similar skillset. Fuld is a MUCH better defender, and Pierre is faster. Neither have power, nor should be starting. And yet, the Cubs traded three pitchers for Pierre, and refused to do anything with Fuld.

[Outshined_One]

Third, in response to the point about Juan Pierre, Pierre is overrated and a piece of garbage. He only had one good year offensively. That's about it.

 

And yet, Fuld and Pierre have similar skillset. Fuld is a MUCH better defender, and Pierre is faster. Neither have power, nor should be starting. And yet, the Cubs traded three pitchers for Pierre, and refused to do anything with Fuld.

 

Dusty needed his horses, dude.

 

The Cubs talked about bringing Fuld up to the bigs out of spring training this season. While it was unclear how serious this discussion was, Fuld was given a fair shot to show what he can do. Unfortunately for Fuld, he ran into issues early this season (I want to say he was injured) and simply looked like garbage at AAA. He's starting to pick himself back up since his demotion to AA, but he needs to get back to AAA and produce if he wants the Cubs to call him up as anything other than a defensive replacement in September.

 

What I was outlining above is basically this. Fuld is on the prospect radar, but he had nowhere near the same level of hype as a number of guys coming into this season. I'm willing to argue Josh Donaldson, Jeff Samardzija, Tyler Colvin, Chris Huseby, Kyler Burke, Drew Rundle, and a handful of others have been more disappointing than Sam Fuld at the halfway point. I have a difficult time understanding why BA chose Fuld over a number of other more qualified candidates.

[badnews]

I dislike the attitude of these know-it-alls who bash people who showed any hope for Fuld. They say things like "Look at Fuld's minor league OMG who could care about Fuld ROTFHLFDMSFMFFAJAO."

 

Guess what smart guys? Prior to this year, Fuld had basically the same minor league career as NATE "ALL STAR" MCLOUTH.

 

OMG LOL Nate McLouth suxx0rs

 

I never said Fuld was great or would be great, I said maybe he deserved more than outright scorn. But even such a mild proposal as that was met with ridicule.

[Jehrico]

Third, in response to the point about Juan Pierre, Pierre is overrated and a piece of garbage. He only had one good year offensively. That's about it.

 

And yet, Fuld and Pierre have similar skillset. Fuld is a MUCH better defender, and Pierre is faster. Neither have power, nor should be starting. And yet, the Cubs traded three pitchers for Pierre, and refused to do anything with Fuld.

Yeah, but Fuld plays CF, while Pierre plays leadoff. They needed a leadoff hitter, dude, not a base clogger like Fuld.

[TruffleShuffle]

I am not so sure about Fuld as a prospect, but I do agree that not having much power doesn't necessarily negate the possibility that a player can put up a high OBP in the majors.

 

find some guys who slug under .400 but have an IsoD near what fuld had in the minors (.083). you probably won't have much luck because they just don't exist at the big league level. the only guys i can find are todd helton and b.j. upton, who both have much more of an illusion of power than fuld does.

[SweetZombieJesus]

Cubs Midseason Reports:

 

BEST PLAYER: C Geovany Soto, Cubs

BIGGEST LEAP FORWARD: C/1B Blake Lalli, AA Tennessee (should be Welington Castillo, imo)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: OF Sam Fuld, AA Tennessee

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/majors/organization-reports/chicago-cubs/2008/266470.html

 

I never understood the Sam Fuld hype. His stats were never anywhere near impressive. His resume is limited to 2 web gems.

 

and a AFL MVP trophy :roll:

[SouthSideRyan]

I dislike the attitude of these know-it-alls who bash people who showed any hope for Fuld. They say things like "Look at Fuld's minor league OMG who could care about Fuld ROTFHLFDMSFMFFAJAO."

 

Guess what smart guys? Prior to this year, Fuld had basically the same minor league career as NATE "ALL STAR" MCLOUTH.

 

OMG LOL Nate McLouth suxx0rs

 

I never said Fuld was great or would be great, I said maybe he deserved more than outright scorn. But even such a mild proposal as that was met with ridicule.

 

McLouth was 2-4 years younger than Fuld at their corresponding levels.

[TruffleShuffle]

I dislike the attitude of these know-it-alls who bash people who showed any hope for Fuld. They say things like "Look at Fuld's minor league OMG who could care about Fuld ROTFHLFDMSFMFFAJAO."

 

Guess what smart guys? Prior to this year, Fuld had basically the same minor league career as NATE "ALL STAR" MCLOUTH.

 

OMG LOL Nate McLouth suxx0rs

 

I never said Fuld was great or would be great, I said maybe he deserved more than outright scorn. But even such a mild proposal as that was met with ridicule.

 

McLouth was 2-4 years younger than Fuld at their corresponding levels.

 

yeah. to put it another way, mclouth's last year in the minors was in the same year of birth as sam fuld's first year in the minors. mclouth had some projectability; fuld is basically a finished product.

[Sammy Sofa]

I dislike the attitude of these know-it-alls who bash people who showed any hope for Fuld. They say things like "Look at Fuld's minor league OMG who could care about Fuld ROTFHLFDMSFMFFAJAO."

 

Guess what smart guys? Prior to this year, Fuld had basically the same minor league career as NATE "ALL STAR" MCLOUTH.

 

OMG LOL Nate McLouth suxx0rs

 

I never said Fuld was great or would be great, I said maybe he deserved more than outright scorn. But even such a mild proposal as that was met with ridicule.

 

McLouth was 2-4 years younger than Fuld at their corresponding levels.

 

yeah. to put it another way, mclouth's last year in the minors was in the same year of birth as sam fuld's first year in the minors. mclouth had some projectability; fuld is basically a finished product.

 

ROTFHLFDMSFMFFAJAO