2008 Instructs

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Courtesy of ITI - link

 

Pitchers

 

Ryan Acosta, RHP

Jeff Beliveau, LHP

Alberto Cabrera, RHP

David Cales, RHP

Chris Carpenter, RHP

Andrew Cashner, RHP

Miguel Corletto, RHP

Diego Encarnacion, RHP

Erik Hamren, RHP

James Leverton, LHP

Oswaldo Martinez, RHP

Toby Matchulat, RHP

Dan McDaniel, RHP

Tommy Mejia, RHP

Tarlandas Mitchell, RHP

John Muller, RHP

Jake Muyco, RHP

Andres Quezada, RHP

Jayson Ruhlman, LHP

Dustin Sasser, LHP

Brian Schlitter, RHP

Aaron Shafer, RHP

Luke Sommer, LHP

Larry Suarez, RHP

Steve Vento, RHP

 

Catchers

 

Mike Brenly

Matt Cerda

Robinson Chirinos

Luis Flores

Juan Medina

 

Infielders

 

Rebel Ridling, 1B

Josh Harrison, 2B

Jake Opitz, 2B

Starlin Castro, SS

Junior Lake, SS

Carlos Morales, SS

Jovan Rosa, 3B

Josh Vitters, 3B

Logan Watkins, 2B/SS

 

Outfielders

 

Tony Campana

Brandon Guyer

Dylan Johnston

Jericho Jones

[Guest]

How did I miss Chirinos being converted to catcher?

[Guest]

Random thoughts:

 

Good to see Ryan Acosta and Alberto Cabrera healthy. Justin Bristow isn't on there; I hope he doesn't have surgery in his offseason plans.

 

You generally see some guys try new positions in instructs (Rundle and Burke did some 1B last year, Clevenger started his conversion to C two years ago, etc.) but the most likely candidates are staying at their same position which is good - Rosa remains at 3B, Lake is a SS and Watkins is 2B/SS.

 

The guys from the DSL who make it to instructs are generally guys who are further along as prospects because they've been penciled in already to play in the US next season. The DSL guys are - Miguel Corletto, Diego Encarnacion, Andres Quezada, Juan Medina and Carlos Morales. No Jesus Morelli, not sure if that means too much.

 

I was hoping to see Jeffry Antigua, Yohan Gonzalez and Julio Pena.

[Guest]

How did I miss Chirinos being converted to catcher?

 

He converted midseason.

[Guest]

No Harvey at RHP, for those hoping

[Rob]

I'm a little surprised not to see Colvin, Rundle, or Burke considering the paths their seasons took.

[Guest]

I'm a little surprised not to see Colvin, Rundle, or Burke considering the paths their seasons took.

 

Colvin will be in the AFL, I think the times for instructs and the AFL conflict a bit.

[craig]

Random thoughts:

The guys from the DSL who make it to instructs are generally guys who are further along as prospects because they've been penciled in already to play in the US next season. The DSL guys are - Miguel Corletto, Diego Encarnacion, Andres Quezada, Juan Medina and Carlos Morales. No Jesus Morelli, not sure if that means too much.

 

I was hoping to see Jeffry Antigua, Yohan Gonzalez and Julio Pena.

 

Agree with your observations here. That's a really small group of DSL guys. I don't know who this Corletto is; do you?

 

Encarnacion is the only young DSL pitcher (other than perhaps Corletto). Disappointing there aren't more. Hopefully he's good. Medina is already 22. There are so many guys throwing, I think they just need to accumulate catchers. So his invite probably is basically bullpen catcher, without indicating any noteworthy prospect-hood. Morales turns 20 this winter, and made a million errors without hitting great in any area (not a noteworthy power guy; or anti-K contact guy; or base-stealer; or high-average guy.)

 

I'm pretty interested in Quesada. Position-switch pitchers normally have pretty good arms (why switch a guy if he doesn't?), and he had pretty slick numbers in DSL.

[Guest]

Random thoughts:

The guys from the DSL who make it to instructs are generally guys who are further along as prospects because they've been penciled in already to play in the US next season. The DSL guys are - Miguel Corletto, Diego Encarnacion, Andres Quezada, Juan Medina and Carlos Morales. No Jesus Morelli, not sure if that means too much.

 

I was hoping to see Jeffry Antigua, Yohan Gonzalez and Julio Pena.

 

Agree with your observations here. That's a really small group of DSL guys. I don't know who this Corletto is; do you?

 

Encarnacion is the only young DSL pitcher (other than perhaps Corletto). Disappointing there aren't more. Hopefully he's good. Medina is already 22. There are so many guys throwing, I think they just need to accumulate catchers. So his invite probably is basically bullpen catcher, without indicating any noteworthy prospect-hood. Morales turns 20 this winter, and made a million errors without hitting great in any area (not a noteworthy power guy; or anti-K contact guy; or base-stealer; or high-average guy.)

 

I'm pretty interested in Quesada. Position-switch pitchers normally have pretty good arms (why switch a guy if he doesn't?), and he had pretty slick numbers in DSL.

 

It's probably a typo by ITI - righty Miguel Coletto is already 21. Meh.

[Guest]

Last year's instructs roster:

 

PITCHERS (21):

Ryan Acosta

Michael Bunton

Jose Ceda

Rafael Cova

Dumas Garcia

Alan Guerrero

Marcus Hatley

Yuri Higgins

Chris Huseby

Casey Lambert

Jordan Latham

Matt Maradeo

Marcos Mateo

Mark Pawelek

Hernan Ramos

Dae-Eun Rhee (signed this past summer out of Korea - spent 1 week)

James Russell

Chris Siegfried

Marco Tovar

Donald Veal

Stephen Vento

 

CATCHERS (6):

Welington Castillo

Steve Clevenger

Josh Donaldson

John Nelson

Carlos Perez

Mark Reed

 

INFIELDERS (9):

Darwin Barney (SS)

Marwin Gonzalez (3B-SS-2B-1B)

Gian Guzman (3B-SS-2B)

Bryan Jost (1B)

Josh Lansford (3B)

Jovan Rosa (3B)

Marquez Smith (3B)

Tony Thomas (2B)

Josh Vitters (3B)

 

OUTFIELDERS (7):

Cliff Andersen

Kyler Burke (also is playing 1B)

Brandon Guyer

Leon Johnson

Drew Rundle (also learning to play 1B)

Ty Wright

Jonathan Wyatt

 

Way more outfielders last year, seems strange that there are only 4 this year. Burke left early for Hawaii last year.

 

Hopefully some of the Aussies or Koreans who signed this summer swing by instructs like Dae-Eun Rhee did last year. Which reminds me, I'm disappointed to not see Ryan Searle on there.

[Guest]

ITI now has a full schedule: link.

 

Hopefully we'll get some good reports like we have the last two years - Nate made a few posts in 2006 and last year we got some good reports from AZ Phil at The Cub Reporter.

[Guest]

Andrew Cashner will not be at instructs because his family was pretty hard hit by Ike.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/22

 

Brandon Guyer and Jake Opitz hit home runs on the opening day of instructs. Shafer, Carpenter and McDaniel looked good.

 

Abridged box score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Tony Campana, RF: 2-4 (R, HBP, SB, PO)

2. Starlin Castro, SS: 1-5 (K, PO)

3a. Robinson Chirinos, C: 1-3 (R, RBI, K)

3b. Matt Cerda, PH-DH: 0-1 (BB, K)

4. Brandon Guyer, CF: 3-4 (TWO-RUN HR, SB)

5. Rebel Ridling, 1B: 1-4 (2B, R)

6. Jericho Jones, DH #1: 0-3 (BB, K)

7. Jake Opitz, 2B: 1-2 (SOLO HR, BB, HBP, K)

8. Junior Lake, 3B: 1-2 (R, RBI, 2 BB, K)

9. Logan Watkins, LF: 0-4 (K)

10. Michael Brenly, DH-C: 0-3 (BB, K, GIDP)

 

PITCHERS:

1. Aaron Shafer - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP (2/0 GB/FB)

2. Chris Carpenter - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K (4/1 GO/FO)

3. James Leverton - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP (2/1 GO/FO)

4. Dan McDaniel - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K (1/1 GO/FO)

5. Dustin Sasser - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP (1/1 GO/FO)

6. Jake Muyco - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K (1/2 GO/FO)

 

ERRORS (2):

1. Starlin Castro (fielding miscue at SS)

2. Dan McDaniel (errant pick-off throw at 2nd base)

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Robinson Chirinos: 0-2 CS

Michael Brenly: 0-1 CS

 

WEATHER: Mostly sunny, upper 90's, with a southwest breeze

ATTENDANCE: 12 (mostly scouts)

 

Cubs 3rd round pick RHP Aaron Shafer (Wichita State) got the Opening Day start for the Cubs and threw two shutout & hitless innings (30 pitches - 21 strikes), and Cubs 2008 2nd round pick RHP Chris Carpenter (Kent State) followed with two more shutout frames (32 pitches - 19 strikes).

 

Shafer displayed good control, mixing his high-80's moving fastball with a curve and a change (all of which he consistently throws for strikes), while Carpenter alternated a 93 MPH two-seamer, a change, and an effective breaking ball to keep the A's hitters off-balance.

 

And hard-throwing RHP reliever Dan McDaniel (2008 14th round pick out of Chabot JC) hit 94 MPH consistently and touched 95 in his two innings of work (36 pitches - 22 strikes), mixing his plus-fastball with a knee-buckling bender and a straight-change, as he struck out four. He wasn't quite as sharp as Shafer or Carpenter, but he was bringing some heat to the dish. (One of the scouts in attendance mentioned that McDaniel fell to the 14th round only because he was considered a tough sign, a virtual "lock" to transfer to Oklahoma State).

 

The only runs allowed by the Cubs scored in the bottom of the 6th, when A's catcher Juan Nunez took LHP James Leverton (Cubs 8th round pick out of Texas Tech) deep to LF. Ex-1B Leverton struggled with his command today (23 pitches, but only 12 strikes).

 

LHP Dustin Sasser (15 pitches - 10 strikes) and converted catcher (now RHP) Jake Muyco (15 pitches - 8 strikes) each threw a shutout & hitless inning.

[Guest]

Andrew Cashner will not be at instructs because his family was pretty hard hit by Ike.

 

Also not at instructs as of yet, per AZ Phil:

 

RHP Ryan Acosta, catcher Luis Flores (2008 7th round pick out of Oklahoma State) and 3B-1B Jovan Rosa (led MWL in doubles with 43) were on the AZ Intructional League roster released by the Cubs earlier this month, but they have been scratched (unknown why).

 

Catcher Carlos Perez (played at Boise in 2008) was a late addition.

[craig]

Thanks for info, cal. Interesting that Shafer was so slow. First outing of official instructs, may be that he wasn't at full speed. But I think an upper 80's fastball helps explain why BA hasn't been too buzzed. The Carpenter report sounded better than normal, not at his frequent wild yesterday I guess. But that his fastball is a 2-seamer, and still was running at 93, that's encouraging. I should have known, of course, since he's been a groundball-oriented guy.

 

The MacDaniel comments, that scouts thought he was unsignable, is encouraging. This 94-95 with a hammer curve, I've heard that before. Helps to explain why he was top-25, and how he got such stellar numbers at Boise.

 

Did we ever get any signing-bonus info on him? Did the Cubs superslot significantly? Or did they get him for $100K or whatever, somewhat high for a 13th or 14th rounder, but nothing extraordinary?

 

Hope Phil gets us some more reports this Instrux.

[Guest]

Mostly an overview of Instructs: http://cubs.scout.com/2/793547.html

 

Looks like Ryan Acosta is not at instructs also because his family's ranch was affected by Ike.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/23

 

Hak-Ju Lee makes his U.S. debut, Al Alburquerque throws for the first time in 2008 and looks impressive. Brandon Guyer hits his second home run in as many days (along with a double) and Matt Cerda tripled.

 

Abridged Box Score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Tony Campana, CF: 0-3 (BB, K)

2. Josh Harrison, 2B: 0-4

3. Brandon Guyer, RF: 2-4 (SOLO HR, 2B, K)

4. Rebel Ridling, LF: 0-4 (K)

5. Carlos Perez, 1B: 2-4 (R, 2B, K)

6. Matt Cerda, C-DH: 3-4 (2 R, 3B)

7. Junior Lake, SS: 2-4 (R, 3 RBI, 3B, K)

8. Carlos Morales, 3B: 0-3 (K, HBP)

9. Hak-ju Lee, DH #1: 0-2 (RBI, BB)

10. Juan Medina, DH-C: 0-3

 

PITCHERS:

1. Alberto Alburquerque - 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (2/0 GO/FO) - 16 pitches (12 strikes)

2. Jeffrey Beliveau - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (3/0 GO/FO) - 32 pitches (18 strikes)

3. Tarlandus Mitchell - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K (1/1 GO/FO) - 19 pitches (9 strikes)

4. Steve Vento - 2.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 0 K (0/5 GO/FO) - 25 pitches (16 strikes)

5. Jayson Ruhlman - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 PO, 1 BALK (0/1 GO/FO) - 34 pitches (21 strikes)

6. David Cales - 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (1/1 GO/FO) - 21 pitches (11 strikes)

 

ERRORS (1)

Carlos Morales, E-5, overthrow at 1st base

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Matt Cerda: 0-1 CS

 

WEATHER: 100+, hot, cloudless skies

ATTENDANCE: 10 (mostly scouts)

 

The Cubs scored four more in the 4th, as Brandon Guyer led-off with a HR over the LF fence onto 8th Street, his second HR in two days. With one out, Carlos Perez and Matt Cerda singled, and Junior Lake drove-in both Perez and Cerda with a triple pulled into the LF corner. After Carlos Morales was hit by a pitch, 18-year old Korean SS Hak-ju Lee (making his U. S. debut) beat-out a relay from the second baseman on a potential 6-4-3 DP ball, allowing Lake to score.

 

The Cubs signed Lee earlier this year for a high six figure bonus (believed to have been somewhere around $800K U. S.), and the youngster attended the MLB Australian Baseball Academy along with Cubs Australian prospects Ryan Searle, Cody Hams, Adam Spencer, and Sean Williams this past Summer.

 

Lee is tall and thin, and looks every bit the teenager that he is. 25-year old Korean player-coach Min Kyu Sung (who played college ball in the U. S. at the U. of Nebraska - Omaha and who was signed by Cubs farm director Oneri Fleita last December to mentor Korean RHP Dae-Eun Rhee at Peoria) is now back at Fitch Park, helping Lee get adjusted to professional baseball and life in America. Sung coached 1st base today, and communicated in Korean with Lee prior to each of the youngster's at bats and after Lee got to 1st base on the RBI FC.

 

While the lefty-swinging Lee appeared to be a bit overmatched at the plate (he took a couple of off-balance swings that looked like he was trying to imitate Kosuke Fukudome), he did get his bat on the ball in two of his three ABs, while working a walk on a 3-2 pitch in his other PA. And he showed off his plus-speed when he beat the relay throw on the 6-4 FC RBI grounder.

 

RHP Alberto Alburquerque (April 2008 shoulder surgery) came over from the Fitch Park Rehab Group and got the start on the mound for the Cubs, pitching in his first game action in over a year. The Dominican righthander was surprisingly sharp with his control (16 pitches, only four balls), and while he did allow two (harmless) singles in his one inning of work, he was throwing all of his pitches for strikes, including a fastball with decent velocity.

 

Sounds like Jeff Beliveau was also pretty good today.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/24

 

Abridged box score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Tony Campana, CF: 1-4 (K, CS)

2. Josh Harrison, LF: 2-4 (2 2B, SB, CS)

3. Robinson Chirinos, DH-C: 0-2 (SF-RBI, BB)

4. Jericho Jones, RF: 0-4 (K)

5. Michael Brenly, 1B: 0-2 (2 BB, K)

6. Jake Opitz, DH #2: 0-2 (2 BB)

7. Starlin Castro, 3B: 3-4 (SB)

8. Logan Watkins, 2B: 0-3 (BB)

9. Carlos Morales, SS: 0-3 (K)

10. Carlos Perez, C-DH: 1-3 ®

 

PITCHERS:

1. Larry Suarez - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 2 K (2/2 GO/FO) - 33 pitches (17 strikes)

2. Tomy Mejia - 0.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 0 K - 23 pitches (13 strikes)

3. Toby Matchulat - 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 WP (1/2 GO/FO) - 19 pitches (11 strikes)

4. John Muller - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K (1/1 GO/FO) - 24 pitches (11 strikes)

5. Brian Schlitter - 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (0/1 GO/FO) - 31 pitches (19 strikes)

6. Dustin Sasser - 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1/1 GO/FO) - 16 pitches (10 strikes)

7. Luke Sommer - 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 1 K (0/2 GO/FO) - 17 pitches (13 strikes)

 

ERRORS: (4)

1. Tony Campana, E-8, overran line drive single to CF allowing batter to run all the way around the bases and score (three-base error)

2. Toby Matchulat, E-1, overthrew pickoff attempt at 1st base, allowing runner to advance to 2nd base

3. Carlos Morales, E-6, fielding error with two outs allowed batter to reach base & runners to score from 2nd and 3rd

4. Carlos Morales, E-6, misplayed ground ball allowing batter to reach base

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Carlos Perez: 2-3 CS

Robinson Chirinos: 1-1 CS

 

OUTFIELD ASSIST:

LF Josh Harrison, threw out batter-runner 7-4 trying to stretch a single into a double

 

WEATHER: 100+ again, occasionally breezy, but mainly just plain very hot

 

ATTENDANCE: 16 (mostly scouts)

 

18-year old Venezuelan RHP Larry Suarez got the start for the Cubs, and had an easy 1-2-3 1st inning with two strikeouts and a 3-1 ground out. But the big right-hander gave up three runs in the second on a lead-off first-pitch single, a walk (3-2 pitch just missed), and a line single to CF that was misplayed into a three-base error by Tony Campana, allowing all three runs to score (only one of the runs ended up being earned, however). Suarez actually looked OK, throwing an 88-91 MPH "heavy" two-seamer with an effective breaking ball and change.

 

Very disappointing to see Suarez topping out at 91. I know he was topping out at 95 in the AZL though, so it's not the worst news.

 

Carlos Morales, who committed 2 errors today, committed 35 errors in the DSL this past season.

 

Josh Vitters and Dylan Johnston have yet to report to instructs.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/25

 

Abridged Box Score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Josh Harrison, LF: 1-3 (2B, BB)

2. Matt Cerda, DH-C: 0-4

3. Robinson Chirinos, RF: 2-2 (2 R, RBI, HR, 2B, 2 BB)

4. Brandon Guyer, CF: 0-4 (2 K)

5. Rebel Ridling, 1B: 2-4: (RBI, 3B, K)

6. Jake Opitz, 2B: 0-4

7. Starlin Castro, SS: 2-4 ®

8. Junior Lake, 3B: 1-3 (BB, K)

9a. Michael Brenly, C: 0-1 (BB)

9b. Carlos Morales, DH: 0-2

10. Hak-Ju Lee, DH #2: 0-3 (RBI GO)

 

PITCHING:

1. Aaron Shafer - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 PO (2/3 GO/FO) - 20 pitches (14 strikes)

2. Chris Carpenter - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (3/0 GO/FO) - 29 pitches (16 strikes)

3. James Leverton - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (4/1 GO/FO) - 28 pitches (19 strikes)

4. Dan McDaniel - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1/1 GO/FO) - 16 pitches (11 strikes)

5. Erik Hamren - 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 0 K (1/0 GO/FO) - 24 pitches (12 strikes)

6. Jake Muyco - 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (2/2 GO/FO) - 9 pitches (6 strikes)

7. Jayson Ruhlman - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (1/0 GO/FO) - 13 pitches (11 strikes)

 

ERRORS (3):

1. Starlin Castro, E-6, dropped pop fly in LF foul territory

2. Junior Lake, E-5, misplayed ground ball allowing batter to reach base

3. Jake Muyco, E-1, overthrew pick-off attempt at 1st base allowing runner to reach 2nd base

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Michael Brenly: 1-3 CS

Matt Cerda: 1-3 CS

 

WEATHER: 100+, sunny, hot, hot hot

ATTENDANCE: 17 (mostly scouts)

 

Just like Opening Day last Monday, 2008 3rd round draft pick RHP Aaron Shafer (Wichita State) and 2nd rounder RHP Chris Carpenter (Kent State) each worked two innings of shutout ball. Effectively mixing up his pitches, working both sides of the plate with his fastball, and throwing quality strikes, Shafer "pitched to contact" the way your supposed to do it, as the right-hander needed only 20 pitches to complete his two innings of work. And Carpenter's 93 MPH sinker had good action today, too.

 

LHP James Leverton (2008 8th round pick out of Texas Tech) also worked two innings, and he surrendered his second HR in two games as Roberto Lopez took Leverton deep in the top of the 5th.

 

RHP Erik Hamren (37th round pick out of Saddleback CC by way of the University of the Pacific) made his first appearance in an Instructs game and did not last an inning, as he struggled with his control (24 pitches, only 12 strikes) while allowing one run on one hit and two walks in 2/3 of an inning.

 

RHP Dan McDaniel (who likely will be the closer at Peoria in 2009), ex-catcher Jake Muyco, and Daytona LHP Jayson Ruhlman worked one shutout inning a piece, with Ruhlman absolutely carving up the Angels' youngsters in his one inning.

[Guest]

Word is Dylan Johnston is hurt (hamstring) and Nelson Perez had hernia surgery and will miss the rest of instructs.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/26

 

Great pitching, esp from Alberto Cabrera and Oswaldo Martinez. Guyer's triple was nearly a home run. Abridged Box Score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Tony Campana, CF: 1-4 (K)

2. Josh Harrison, 2B: 0-4

3. Robinson Chirinos, C-DH: 0-3 (BB)

4. Brandon Guyer, RF: 1-3 (3B, K)

5. Rebel Ridling, 1B: 1-2 (BB)

6. Starlin Castro, 3B: 1-3 (K, GIDP)

7. Junior Lake, SS: 0-3

8. Carlos Perez, DH-C: 1-2 (BB)

9. Jericho Jones, DH #2: 0-3 (GIDP)

10. Carlos Morales, LF: 0-3 (2 K)

 

PITCHERS:

1. Alberto Cabrera - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (0/3 GO/FO) - 23 pitches (16 strikes)

2. Oswaldo Martinez - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (2/1 GO/FO) - 29 pitches (19 strikes)

3. Tarlandus Mitchell - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 BALK (1/1 GO/FO) - 8 pitches (7 strikes)

4. Andres Quezada - 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 1 BALK (1/3 GO/FO) - 32 pitches (14 strikes)

5. Diego Encarnacion - 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1/2 GO/FO) - 11 pitches (8 strikes)

 

ERRORS (2):

1. Tarlandus Mitchell, E-1, overthrew 2nd base on pick-off attempt allowing runner to advance to 3rd base

2. Andres Quezada, E-1, overthrew 2nd base on pick-off attempt allowing runner to advance to 3rd base

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Carlos Perez: 1-1 CS

 

OUTFIELD ASSIST:

Tony Campana threw out runner 8-2 trying to score from 3rd base on fly ball hit to medium-deep CF

 

WEATHER: 100+, hot & breezy

ATTENDANCE: 17 (mostly scouts)

 

19-year old Dominican RHP Alberto Cabrera (2008 sore shoulder) got the start and looked very sharp over his two innings of work, throwing a four-seam heater together with an outstanding slider and change-up. When healthy, Cabrera is the Cubs best Dominican pitching prospect .

 

Mexican RHP Oswaldo Martinez (who celebrated his 20th birthday yesterday) followed and he was also sharp over his two innings (although he appeared to tire a bit at pitch #22), and then RHP Tarlandus Mitchell (2008 22nd round draft pick out of Alto HS - Alto, TX) had an easy eight-pitch 5th inning that he topped-off with a knee buckling curve that frroze an Angels hitter for an inning-ending "strike three called."

 

Ex-OF RHP Andres Quezada (up at Instructs from the DSL) had an easy bottom of the 6th, but then began to struggle in the bottom of the 7th before totally losing control right around pitch #24, at which point he threw two four-pitch walks and a wild pitch, committed a balk, and hit a batter. Quezada played OF for the AZL Cubs in 2007 before being converted to a RHP at Extended Spring Training at Fitch Park this past April.

 

DSL Cubs RHP Diego Encarnacion made his U. S. debut in relief of Quezada, and retired all four men he faced (5-3, P-4, P-5, and Kc) on just 11 pitches. Nothing special about Encarnacion, but there is certainly nothing wrong with a young pitcher making his first appearance in the U. S. who comes out throwing strikes.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/27

 

Josh Vitters made his instructs debut and went 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and a walk. Al Alburquerque started again and impressed yet again. AZ Phil thinks he has a chance to break with Daytona next season. The instruct Cubs faced Jered Weaver for the first 3 innings.

 

Abridged box score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Starlin Castro, SS: 1-4 (SF-RBI, K)

2. Matt Cerda, C-DH: 1-3 (R, 2 BB, K)

3. Brandon Guyer, CF: 1-4 (2B, RBI, BB)

4. Rebel Ridling, 1B: 0-4 (2 K)

5. Josh Vitters, DH #1: 2-3 (2 2B, R, RBI, BB, K)

6. Jake Opitz, 2B: 2-4 (2B, 3B, R, RBI)

7. Juan Medina, DH-C: 0-4 ®

8. Logan Watkins, LF: 2-3 (3 R, BB, K, SB)

9. Carlos Morales, 3B: 0-3 (R, SH, 2 K)

10. Tony Campana, RF: 2-3 (3B, R, 4 RBI, BB)

 

PITCHERS:

1. Alberto Alburquerque - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 4 K (2/0 GO/FO) - 29 pitches (23 strikes)

2. Jeffrey Beliveau - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP (3/1 GO/FO) - 39 pitches (25 strikes)

3. Miguel Corletto - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (1/2 GO/FO) - 9 pitches (7 strikes)

4. John Muller - 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 WP (2/0 GO/FO) - 21 pitches (14 strikes)

5. Brian Schlitter - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (2/1 GO/FO) - 4 pitches (3 strikes)

6. Steve Vento - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (2/0 GO/FO) - 9 pitches (6 strikes)

7. Luke Sommer - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (1/0 GO/FO) - 10 pitches (8 strikes)

 

ERRORS:

NONE

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Matt Cerda: 0-2 CS

Juan Medina: 0-2 CS

 

WEATHER: 100+ hotter than hot degrees

ATTENDANCE: 16 (mostly scouts)

 

RHP Alberto Alburquerque (April 2008 shoulder surgery) got the start for the Cubs and worked two strong innings, allowing one run on two hits and no walks (29 pitches - 23 strikes), while striking out four. Alburquerque pitched aggressively, with a 91-93 MPH fastball, an outstanding breaking ball, and an effective change working for him, keeping Angels hitters off-balance. If he can stay healthy, Alburquerque could be in the starting rotation at Daytona next April (Daytona manager Jody Davis is the AZIL Cubs manager, so he has witnessed Alburquerque's two Instructs outings first-hand).

 

2008 18th round draft pick LHP Jeffrey Beliveau (Florida Atlantic) followed Alburquerque to the hill and worked two innings (39 pitches), allowing two runs on a HBP, an RBI triple, and a wild pitch. The 21-year old Beliveau struggled some with his control, but he did strike out the last two hitters he faced. He has quality stuff. He just needs to throw strikes.

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/29

 

Vitters goes 1 for 4 with a double in his second instructs game. Larry Suarez had a 1-2-3 first but struggled big time in the second. Toby Matchulat struggled too.

 

Abridged Box Score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Tony Campana, CF: 1-2 (R, 2 BB, SB, CS)

2. Josh Harrison, 2B: 0-3 (BB, K, 2 SB)

3. Josh Vitters, 3B: 1-4 (2B, R, RBI)

4. Brandon Guyer, RF: 1-4 (2 K)

5. Robinson Chirinos, C-DH: 1-4 (2B, R, RBI, K)

6. Jericho Jones, DH #1: 1-3 (R, 2B, BB, K)

7. Jake Opitz, 1B: 1-3 (2B)

8. Junior Lake, SS: 1-3 (RBI)

9. Carlos Morales, LF: 0-3 (2 K)

10. Carlos Perez, DH-C: 1-3

 

PITCHERS:

1. Larry Suarez - 1.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R (5 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP (1/1 GO/F/O) - 31 pitches (15 strikes)

2. Toby Matchulat - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 0 K, 1 HR (3/2 GO/FO) - 30 pitches (13 strikes)

3. Tarlandus Mitchell - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K (1/3 GO/FO) - 39 pitches (25 strikes)

4. Erik Hamren - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 WP (1/1 GO/FO) - 17 pitches (9 strikes)

5. Jayson Ruhlman - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (0/1 GO/FO) - 11 pitches (9 strikes)

6. Brian Schlitter - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (1/2 GO/FO) - 15 pitches (9 strikes)

7. Steve Vento - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (1/1 GO/FO) - 17 pitches (8 strikes)

 

ERRORS (2):

1. Toby Matchulat, E-1, fumbled dribbler hit in front of pitcher's mound allowing batter to reach base;

2. Junior Lake, E-6, two base overthrow at 1st base allowing batter to reach 2nd base.

 

CATCHERS DEFENSE:

Robinson Chirinos: 1-1 CS

 

WEATHER: Hot but VERY breezy

ATTENDANCE: 60+ (MLB Scout School Day)

 

I never knew Suarez had a "heavy sinker."

 

18-year old Venezuelan RHP Larry Suarez got the start for the Cubs today, and just like last time, had an easy 1-2-3 1st inning before struggling in his second inning of work.

 

The big right-hander allowed five runs on three hits and two walks in the top of the 2nd, and while his stuff was good (heavy sinker and a "plus" breaking ball), the big right-hander struggled with his mechanics, as he had a lot of trouble throwing strikes.

 

Compiled stats based on AZ Phil's recounts:

 

Josh Vitters: 3/7, 3 2Bs, BB, K, 0 errors

Brandon Guyer: 7/19, 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 1 BB, 6 K

Hak-Ju Lee: 0/5, BB

Matt Cerda: 4/12, 3B, 3 BB, 2 K; defense: 1 for 6 CS

Logan Watkins: 2/10, 2 BB, K

Junior Lake: 5/15, 3B, 3 BB, 3 K, 3 errors

Starlin Castro: 8/20, 3 K, 2 errors

 

Chris Carpenter: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 7 GO-1 FO

Aaron Shafer: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, 4 GO-3 FO

Dan McDaniel: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 GO-2 FO

Jeff Beliveau: 4 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 6 GO-1 FO

Larry Suarez: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 3 GO-3 FO

Alberto Alburquerque: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 4 GO-0 FO

Alberto Cabrera: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 GO-3 FO

Oswaldo Martinez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 GO-1 FO

[Guest]

Arizona Phil at Instructs, 9/30

 

Billy Petrick pitches for the first time May. He looked ok.

 

Abridged Box Score:

 

LINEUP:

1. Tony Campana, RF: 0-4

2. Starlin Castro, SS: 0-3

3. Josh Vitters, 3B: 0-3

4. Brandon Guyer, CF: 0-2 (2 K, HBP)

5. Rebel Ridling, 1B: 0-3

6. Jake Opitz, 2B: 2-3

7. Michael Brenly, DH #1: 0-3 (K)

8. Junior Lake, LF: 0-3 (K)

9. Juan Medina, C-DH: 0-2 (HBP)

10. Matt Cerda, DH-C: 1-3

 

PITCHERS:

1. Billy Petrick: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (2/1 GO/FO) - 20 pitches (15 strikes)

2. Luke Sommer - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 GIDP (2/2 GO/FO) - 17 pitches (13 strikes)

3. Tommy Mejia - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (3/3 GO/FO) - 22 pitches (15 strikes)

4. Andres Quezada - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (1/1 GO/FO) - 17 pitches (12 strikes)

5. Diego Encarnacion - 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR (1/2 GO/FO) - 28 pitches (18 strikes)

 

ERRORS: NONE

 

OUTFIELD ASSIST:

Junior Lake threw out batter 7-4 trying to stretch a single into a double.

 

WEATHER: Hot, cloudless, with only a very slight breeze

ATTENDANCE: 16 (mostly scouts)

 

Compiled stats based on AZ Phil's recounts:

 

Josh Vitters: 3/10, 3 2Bs, BB, K, 0 errors

Brandon Guyer: 7/21, 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 1 HBP, 1 BB, 8 K

Hak-Ju Lee: 0/5, BB

Matt Cerda: 4/12, 3B, 3 BB, 2 K; defense: 1 for 6 CS

Logan Watkins: 2/10, 2 BB, K

Junior Lake: 5/18, 3B, 3 BB, 4 K, 3 errors

Starlin Castro: 8/23, 3 K, 2 errors

 

Chris Carpenter: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 7 GO-1 FO

Aaron Shafer: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, 4 GO-3 FO

Dan McDaniel: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 GO-2 FO

Jeff Beliveau: 4 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 6 GO-1 FO

Larry Suarez: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 3 GO-3 FO

Alberto Alburquerque: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 4 GO-0 FO

Alberto Cabrera: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 GO-3 FO

Oswaldo Martinez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 GO-1 FO

Billy Petrick: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 GO-1 FO

[Guest]

By the way, am I the last person to notice Billy Petrick's sponsor on his Baseball Cube page?