Cub prospects in the news

[Guest]

Yay:

 

NEW YORK -- The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that six Minor League players have received 50-game suspensions after each tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. All six players had been playing for their respective organization's Rookie-level affiliates in the Dominican Summer League. Major League Baseball has suspended 13 players from the Dominican Summer League in the last week for performance-enhancing substance violations, including eight in the last two days.

 

Astros pitcher Felix Ramirez and Cubs hurler Ramon Reyes tested positive for boldenone.

[Vanilla Ice]

He wasn't a prospect, was he?

[Guest]

Adam (Chicago) Kyler Burke, Tyler Colvin, or Brett Jackson?

Jim Callis (2:46 PM) Jackson.

 

Ryan (Milwaukee) The Midwest League is a tougher place to play than the Florida State League?

Jim Callis (2:47 PM) Toughest hitting environment. Didn't say the best pitchers in the minors.

 

Adam (Madison, WI) Jeff Stevens or Randy Wells?

Jim Callis (2:48 PM) Wells.

[Guest]

Ray (Ohio): The Cubs just advanced former Kent State RHP Chris Carpenter to AA, his 3rd stop up the ladder in 2009. If Carpenter keeps getting guys out, any chance of a September call to Chicago?

 

J.J. Cooper: I'd say that's still a longshot, but Carpenter has done as much as anyone in the Cubs organization to raise his stock (although Jake Fox may make an argument). Carpenter's a very interesting prospect. But he's also a second-year pro who threw 33 pro innings last year with a history of injuries in the past. Asking him to throw high leverage innings in September after he's already thrown 130+ minor league innings may be asking a little much.

 

Craig (Brooklyn, NY): Better Cub Shortstop prospect: Starlin Castro or Hak-Ju Lee?

 

J.J. Cooper: I'll go with Castro. I'm getting very good reports on him while working on Florida State League Best Tools.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1249058713

[Guest]

Kevin Goldstein gives Tyler Colvin some love:

 

Tyler Colvin, OF, Cubs (Double-A Tennessee)

A first-round pick in 2006 out of Clemson, Colvin is a toolsy athlete who hasn't developed as expected, as a far too aggressive approach at the plate and power that is average at best just doesn't allow him to profile well as a corner outfielder in the big leagues. His prospect light has dimmed considerably, but what he did over the weekend was still impossible to ignore; after going 5-for-5 on Friday, he followed that up with a 3-for-3 night on Saturday with a home run, and added three more hits and another bomb on Sunday. Even with that breakout, he's batting a good-not-great .286/.313/.487 in his third year at Double-A, and the problems with patience remain extreme, as he's drawn one walk in his last 23 games.

[Guest]

Southern League Player of the Week last week:

 

Tyler Colvin, Tennessee

.577 (15-26), 7 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO, 1 SB, 0.885 SLG

Former first-rounder Tyler Colvin led the league in batting average (.577), hits (15), RBIs (eight) and on-base percentage (.577) this week. The Cubs prospect led the Smokies to seven straight victories and was perfect three times this week, notching a 5-for-5 performance on July 31. The next day, he fell a triple short of the cycle, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. He ended the week with his second homer in as many days and tying the Southern League record by hitting in 11 straight at-bats on Aug. 2.

 

Midwest League Player of the Week last week:

 

Rebel Ridling, Peoria

.556 (15-27), 7 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 SB, .889 SLG

First baseman Rebel Ridling recorded two four-hit games this week. On July 27, the Cubs prospect went 4-for-4 with a homer. On July 31, he went 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, four runs scored and four RBIs. Ridling's 75 RBIs on the season are tied for the most in the league, and his five multi-hit games this week boosted his average to .290.

[bubblesdachimp]

Southern League Player of the Week last week:

 

Tyler Colvin, Tennessee

.577 (15-26), 7 R, 2 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO, 1 SB, 0.885 SLG

Former first-rounder Tyler Colvin led the league in batting average (.577), hits (15), RBIs (eight) and on-base percentage (.577) this week. The Cubs prospect led the Smokies to seven straight victories and was perfect three times this week, notching a 5-for-5 performance on July 31. The next day, he fell a triple short of the cycle, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. He ended the week with his second homer in as many days and tying the Southern League record by hitting in 11 straight at-bats on Aug. 2.

 

Midwest League Player of the Week last week:

 

Rebel Ridling, Peoria

.556 (15-27), 7 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 SB, .889 SLG

First baseman Rebel Ridling recorded two four-hit games this week. On July 27, the Cubs prospect went 4-for-4 with a homer. On July 31, he went 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, four runs scored and four RBIs. Ridling's 75 RBIs on the season are tied for the most in the league, and his five multi-hit games this week boosted his average to .290.

 

Tyler a fourth outfielder? I dont like Rebel FWIW

[Guest]

Navin (LA) Brooks Raley received a bonus equivalent to slot of the 46th pick in the draft. Is he worth that much? Thank you.

 

Jim Callis (2:30 PM) I don't think Raley was the 46th-best player in the draft (though I'm not sure in the end that $750,000 will be the 46th-highest bonus in the draft). Scouts love how he competes, but he lacks an out pitch and doesn't have an overly strong build. That said, teams have money and they want talent. If the Cubs like Raley a lot, giving him $750,000 is a minimal investment for what he can be worth.

'

Jon (Iowa City) Vitters is clearly the best prospect in the Cubs system... Who is the 2nd best?

 

Jim Callis (2:45 PM) Let's kick off the lightning round with this . . . Andrew Cashner.

 

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/27701/mlb-with-jim-callis

[UK1679666180]

That's impressive from Cashner, I've prob. been too tough on him even though he has that plus FB and flashes a plus slider. Samardzija merited that before and I like Cashner more than Samardzija but, so I might be too tough on him.

[bubblesdachimp]

That's impressive from Cashner, I've prob. been too tough on him even though he has that plus FB and flashes a plus slider. Samardzija merited that before and I like Cashner more than Samardzija but, so I might be too tough on him.

 

I like Cashner A LOT more than Shark...

[videographer]

From ESPN chat with Jim Callis:

 

Brooks Raley received a bonus equivalent to slot of the 46th pick in the draft. Is he worth that much? Thank you.

 

Jim Callis (2:30 PM)

 

 

I don't think Raley was the 46th-best player in the draft (though I'm not sure in the end that $750,000 will be the 46th-highest bonus in the draft). Scouts love how he competes, but he lacks an out pitch and doesn't have an overly strong build. That said, teams have money and they want talent. If the Cubs like Raley a lot, giving him $750,000 is a minimal investment for what he can be worth.

[NCCubFan]

From ESPN chat with Jim Callis:

 

Brooks Raley received a bonus equivalent to slot of the 46th pick in the draft. Is he worth that much? Thank you.

 

Jim Callis (2:30 PM)

 

 

I don't think Raley was the 46th-best player in the draft (though I'm not sure in the end that $750,000 will be the 46th-highest bonus in the draft). Scouts love how he competes, but he lacks an out pitch and doesn't have an overly strong build. That said, teams have money and they want talent. If the Cubs like Raley a lot, giving him $750,000 is a minimal investment for what he can be worth.

Look three posts above yours. :D

[Guest]

BA Hot Sheet: August 7

 

No. 6 TYLER COLVIN, RF, CUBS

 

Team: Double-A Tennessee (Southern)

Age: 23

Why He's Here: .519/.552/.889 (14-for-27), 2 HR, 2 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBIs, 6 R, 2 BB, 1 SO, 1-for-1 SB

The Scoop: The 13th overall pick in the 2006 draft, Colvin's young career has been slowed by shoulder and elbow injuries, but he's been enjoying a fairly productive season in this, his third tour of the Southern League. He went 0-for-3 Thursday night, snapping a nine game hitting streak that included a 5-for-5 effort last Friday in Mobile. Colvin still employs a free-swinging approach, as he's drawn only 10 walks in 57 games and sports a .313 on-base percentage to go with his .287 average. Still, Colvin's increased productivity has to be encouraging for a player who's career appeared stalled last year.

 

No. 12 ANDREW CASHNER, RHP, CUBS

 

Team: Double-A Tennesee (Southern)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: 1-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO

The Scoop: The second Tennesse Smokie on this week's Hot Sheet, Cashner has been brilliant since being promoted to Tennessee in early July. A closer in college at Texas Christian, Cashner looks like he's re-acclimated himself to starting just fine. In only his first full season as a pro, Cashner posted a 1.50 ERA in the high Class A Florida State League before being promoted, and has been even better since, going 2-1, 0.88 in 30 2/3 innings for Tennessee. Over his last three starts, covering 17 innings, Cashner hasn't given up an earned run and has allowed only six hits.

 

First time all season two Cubs prospects made the list in the same week.

[CUBZ99]

Cashner only made #12? His numbers this year are ridiculous.

 

72.2 IP only 47H, a .181 BAA and oh by the way, a WHIP of .085 in AA? :shock: I realize he has only pitched 72 2/3 innings so far this year, but those numbers have to be up near the top of minor league pitchers.

 

Is there a reason other than, limited innings, for why he doesn't get more love from the scouts?

[Guest]

Cashner only made #12? His numbers this year are ridiculous.

 

72.2 IP only 47H, a .181 BAA and oh by the way, a WHIP of .085 in AA? :shock: I realize he has only pitched 72 2/3 innings so far this year, but those numbers have to be up near the top of minor league pitchers.

 

Is there a reason other than, limited innings, for why he doesn't get more love from the scouts?

 

He'll get the love by the end of the season; he'll probably be a top 75 prospect in all of baseball.

[Guest]

Miller (Vegas): Is Tyler Colvin still a legit prospect? 4th outfielder or big league regular?

 

Ben Badler: Don't see enough plate discipline for him to be a starter.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1249665258

[E.J.]

Miller (Vegas): Is Tyler Colvin still a legit prospect? 4th outfielder or big league regular?

 

Ben Badler: Don't see enough plate discipline for him to be a starter.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1249665258

 

I think that's pretty much how most of us see him. The 2006 draft was definitely not a good one for the Cubs.

[Ryno12]

Kevin Goldstein regarding Vitters:

 

Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs: The top prospect in the Cubs' system as well as the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, Vitters is a wonderful hitter, but at third base his footwork and athleticism make him look downright clumsy at times, and his career fielding percentage at the position in under .900. Many scouts think he'll get better, but in a Jim Thome/Shea Hillenbrand kind of way, where he can at least get to the big leagues at the position, but he doesn't subsequently stay there for long.

[Guest]

Kevin Goldstein regarding Vitters:

 

Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs: The top prospect in the Cubs' system as well as the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, Vitters is a wonderful hitter, but at third base his footwork and athleticism make him look downright clumsy at times, and his career fielding percentage at the position in under .900. Many scouts think he'll get better, but in a Jim Thome/Shea Hillenbrand kind of way, where he can at least get to the big leagues at the position, but he doesn't subsequently stay there for long.

 

To be fair, he's under a section called "Five Prospects Who Might Have To Move (Or Have Already)."

[Ryno12]

Nice blurb on Kyler Burke from Kevin Goldstein:

 

Patience is a virtue

 

Kyler Burke, OF, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)

Monday's stats: 2-for-4

A supplemental first-round pick in 2006, Burke has seemingly been around forever (he was traded to the Cubs for Michael Barrett in 2007), but he's only 21 years old, and has always been the kind of guy scouts thought could take a huge step forward, as the size, strength and athleticism were always there. Batting .393 in his last 30 games, including a 12-for-17 mark in his last four, Burke's season line now stands at .303/.389/.479, and if some of his 37 doubles in just 386 at-bats start to turn into home runs, look out.

[Guest]

Southern League Player of the Week last week:

 

 

 

Midwest League Player of the Week last week:

 

Rebel Ridling, Peoria

.556 (15-27), 7 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 SB, .889 SLG

First baseman Rebel Ridling recorded two four-hit games this week. On July 27, the Cubs prospect went 4-for-4 with a homer. On July 31, he went 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, four runs scored and four RBIs. Ridling's 75 RBIs on the season are tied for the most in the league, and his five multi-hit games this week boosted his average to .290.

I was recently up in the "Michiana" area and saw a few games between the Chiefs and South Bend Silver Hawks.

 

Rebel can hit and certainly looks the part of a prospect, however he is a terrible in the field. I mean bad.

 

The entire Chiefs team looked impressive when I saw them. I don't know how much it had to do with competition but they have some good looking young ball players on that team.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Southern League Player of the Week last week:

 

 

 

Midwest League Player of the Week last week:

 

Rebel Ridling, Peoria

.556 (15-27), 7 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 SB, .889 SLG

First baseman Rebel Ridling recorded two four-hit games this week. On July 27, the Cubs prospect went 4-for-4 with a homer. On July 31, he went 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, four runs scored and four RBIs. Ridling's 75 RBIs on the season are tied for the most in the league, and his five multi-hit games this week boosted his average to .290.

I was recently up in the "Michiana" area and saw a few games between the Chiefs and South Bend Silver Hawks.

 

Rebel can hit and certainly looks the part of a prospect, however he is a terrible in the field. I mean bad.

 

The entire Chiefs team looked impressive when I saw them. I don't know how much it had to do with competition but they have some good looking young ball players on that team.

 

So we have Jake Fox on our hands. Maybe we'll see him when hes 33 and putting up a .395/.410/.650 line in Iowa.

[Vanilla Ice]

Dude, don't you love Hoffpauir and Fox?

[Outshined_One]

So we have Jake Fox on our hands. Maybe we'll see him when hes 33 and putting up a .395/.410/.650 line in Iowa.

 

I wouldn't even put his ceiling at Jake Fox. Ridling's never played any position but 1B and, as mentioned above, he doesn't play it particularly well. Plus, Fox actually has some semblance of patience at the plate.

[Guest]

No Cubs in BA's Best Tools of AAA: http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/best-tools/2009/268702.html