Cub prospects in the news

[Little Slide Rooter]

The funny thing is all the talking media heads in Chicago that go on about the White Sox needing to go after Greinke/Hamels at the deadline. Umm using what? I don't even think they have anything that is worth a Dempster rental.

 

The only thing that the White Sox would have would would perk up the ears of either the Phillies or Brewers is Chris Sale, and that would defeat the purpose. I could see the White Sox getting Dempster, Wandy, or Marcum if they're willing to empty what's left of their farm system, but they simply don't have what it takes for one of the top shelf guys, especially when they'd be up against the Tigers, Cardinals, Braves, and Rangers who have very strong farm systems. Even the Yankees have more to offer. To the White Sox have any prospects that would come near the top 100?

[Guest]

James (Australia): Okay let me preface this by saying , I am a massive Cubs fan, but no Josh Vitters, that really doesn't seem fair! He is having by far his best ever professional season hitting .300 at Triple A, finally starting to walk a bit more (22BB) and hit for some good power (13 HR). I mean at least tell me he came into consideration!

 

Jim Callis: As someone who does our Cubs Top 30 for the Prospect Handbook every year, I talk to people incessantly about Vitters. He has made some progress, but his ceiling is solid regular and the guys on this list have higher ceilings than that. I'm also not sold Vitters could be an everyday third baseman at the big league level. I think you'd want a better defender than that. So no, I can't tell you he even received consideration for the Top 50.

 

Kyle (Chicago): Did Jorge Soler sign too late to be included? or he's not a top 50 prospect?

 

Jim Callis: We didn't include this summer's draft and international signees on the list, in keeping with our past tradition.

 

Phil (Chicago): Not a BA subscriber, but I would guess that Brett Jackson was noted under the prospects whose stock had dropped. Any chance that he regains stock and is in the Top 50 at the end of the season? Thanks.

 

J.J. Cooper: Good guess, but hey subscribe and you'll get all kind of goodies like that. My best guess on the end of season rankings is no. Jackson never wowed scouts with any plus-plus tool, now he's got a significant wart in a strikeout rate that is baffling.

 

Ittox (Aguadilla PR): How close were Brett Jackson, Matt Szczur and Josh Vitters from making the list?

 

J.J. Cooper: Not that close, further away and not that close to making the list. Jackson's K-rate is a major concern for a guy who doesn't have a lot of 65s on his scouting report. Szczur is a solid prospect, but didn't really compare yet to the guys at the back end of the 50 and Vitters is having a much better season, but there still doesn't appear to be a whole lot of ceiling there.

 

Fred (IL): Overall thoughts on Cubs SS Javier Baez?

 

J.J. Cooper: A whole lot to like, still has some growing up to do.

[KingCubsFan]

J.J. Cooper: Not that close, further away and not that close to making the list. Jackson's K-rate is a major concern for a guy who doesn't have a lot of 65s on his scouting report. Szczur is a solid prospect, but didn't really compare yet to the guys at the back end of the 50 and Vitters is having a much better season, but there still doesn't appear to be a whole lot of ceiling there.

 

Citing Vitters' lack of ceiling is an odd way to knock him out of consideration. Every year, despite poor results, we kept hearing about his tremendous bat speed, swing, and potential to hit for both average and power if he could learn to be a bit more selective. Now that he's appearing to be a bit more selective, he actually is hitting for average and power, and his ceiling is lower. I could see if they just don't buy his recent production as a sign of long-term improvement, but I was under the impression there was never any doubt as to his ceiling.

[Guest]

J.J. Cooper: Not that close, further away and not that close to making the list. Jackson's K-rate is a major concern for a guy who doesn't have a lot of 65s on his scouting report. Szczur is a solid prospect, but didn't really compare yet to the guys at the back end of the 50 and Vitters is having a much better season, but there still doesn't appear to be a whole lot of ceiling there.

 

Citing Vitters' lack of ceiling is an odd way to knock him out of consideration. Every year, despite poor results, we kept hearing about his tremendous bat speed, swing, and potential to hit for both average and power if he could learn to be a bit more selective. Now that he's appearing to be a bit more selective, he actually is hitting for average and power, and his ceiling is lower. I could see if they just don't buy his recent production as a sign of long-term improvement, but I was under the impression there was never any doubt as to his ceiling.

I'm still seeing potential for a guy that hits .300 (and therefore has a decent OBP with a bit more of a selective approach) and hits 25-30 HR as peak production. Given the number of 3B in baseball that can approach that right now, I think his ceiling is just fine.

[rawaction]

J.J. Cooper: Not that close, further away and not that close to making the list. Jackson's K-rate is a major concern for a guy who doesn't have a lot of 65s on his scouting report. Szczur is a solid prospect, but didn't really compare yet to the guys at the back end of the 50 and Vitters is having a much better season, but there still doesn't appear to be a whole lot of ceiling there.

 

Citing Vitters' lack of ceiling is an odd way to knock him out of consideration. Every year, despite poor results, we kept hearing about his tremendous bat speed, swing, and potential to hit for both average and power if he could learn to be a bit more selective. Now that he's appearing to be a bit more selective, he actually is hitting for average and power, and his ceiling is lower. I could see if they just don't buy his recent production as a sign of long-term improvement, but I was under the impression there was never any doubt as to his ceiling.

I'm still seeing potential for a guy that hits .300 (and therefore has a decent OBP with a bit more of a selective approach) and hits 25-30 HR as peak production. Given the number of 3B in baseball that can approach that right now, I think his ceiling is just fine.

 

I don't know that I see 25-30 HR power, despite him possibly finishing this season in that range. I actually see Vitters' ceiling as a similar player to David Freese. If he can hit .290ish, get on base about 34% of the time and get his slugging into the high .400s (over .475) for a handful of years, I'll take that.

 

I don't think his ceiling is that of a typical top 5 pick, anymore. He hasn't put it together for a full season (not entirely his fault) and I don't see his ceiling anywhere near a Wright, Longoria, Beltre top 3B in the league type.

[WrigleyField 22]

Doesnt his lack of ceiling have a lot to do with him possibly not sticking at 3B? As a LF or 1B he isn't as thrilling.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Guest]

Will (NJ): Josh Vitters is on a roll. I've never been huge on him, but this is more than his sporadic hot streaks in the minors. He's consistently gotten better each month. What do scouts think about his ability to hit for power at the next level? Can be a solid 3rd base starter in the bigs? Could he be say, a .270-.280 type hitter, with say, 20 HR potential in a neutral environment?

 

Ben Badler: He's surprising the heck out of me. I saw him last year, talked to scouts about him and while the swing and the bat speed were still there, the sense was just that he wasn't really taking any steps forward. I'm still not sold that he's a third baseman, or at least an everyday guy there, but there's probably a bigger role for him at the major league level than we thought at this time a year ago.

 

Vic31 (Chicago): Jeimer Candelario has looked mighty impressive with the bat, so far, but I've heard the glove is the real question. If he can't stick, do you think he's got enough athleticism to handle LF or is he destined for 1b? Will the bat play regardless?

 

Ben Badler: Could be, just depends a lot on how the body develops, but I don't think he has to move off third base any time soon. He's such a good hitter that I'd be excited about him no matter where he plays.

 

Vince (DC): I've got to think that we are nearing pen time for Trey McNutt. He just doesn't seem like he can put it together as a starter. If the blister is still bothering him ... well, that's two years in a row

 

Ben Badler: That's probably the best fit for him.

 

Navin (Pasadena, CA): Do you have any updates on Juan Carlos Paniagua as we get closer to July 19th? Are the Cubs linked to any other IFAs?

 

Ben Badler: The velocity is down, but the slider has improved. If I had to bet, I'd say he's the Cubs' priority guy now that Frandy de la Rosa has signed.

 

TJ (MD): Matt Szczur has been on a really nice role. If he maintains his performance (improved discipline, plus defense, improving power, hopefully improves on it), is he a top 75 prospect? Does he still have starting potential in the bigs, as a top of the order CF who chases down balls?

 

Ben Badler: I don't have Szczur that high. The defense is there, the hitting approach has improved and I think he could be an average regular if a lot of things click, I just don't see the swing working for much more than gap power. He's plenty strong, but I just see a limited offensive ceiling.

 

David (Va Beach): I know you seem to really like Jeimer Candelario. Should we expect him in Boise all season long and what especially do you like?

 

Ben Badler: He does so many things that you like to see in a hitter. He has good rhythm, he's balanced, the bat is fast from both sides of the plate, his hands work well, he has an approach at the plate that's advanced for his age, he drives the ball for power now and has the physical projection to add more power in the future. Maybe he stays at third base, maybe he goes somewhere else, but the man can hit.

 

Greg (Pittsburgh): Hey Ben, is it a strong possibility that Byron Buxton, Mike Zunino, Lucas Giolito (if he signs) and Jorge Soler all make the updated Top 50 or 100 in August? Also any July 2 International prospects that can make that list?

 

Ben Badler: I would put all four of them in the Top 100. I love the July 2 kids as much as anyone, but it's hard to put any 16-year-old in there. Certainly a few guys could be on the 2014 list with strong debuts.

[illiniguy]

In one year our system sure has came a very long way. Even with graduating Rizzo. Now we just need a pitcher or 3.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/danny-knobler/19535517/tigers-have-some-interest-in-garza-and-more-notes-from-all-star-futures-sunday

 

-- The Cubs spent $6 million and a 40-man roster spot on 20-year-old Cuban pitcher Gerardo Concepcion, but scouts who have seen him pitch in the Class A Midwest League have come away totally unimpressed. "They're trying to tell people it's just mechanics that he needs to get straightened out," one scout said. "But I'm telling you, he stinks. If he was in a junior college game you were at, you'd leave." Concepcion is 2-6 with a 7.39 ERA in 12 starts for Peoria.

[El Duderino]

lol

[imb]

So are we gonna sign Almora? Isn't friday the deadline? Someone make me not be nervous.

[wvcbxl]

So are we gonna sign Almora? Isn't friday the deadline? Someone make me not be nervous.

 

It'll also be Friday 13th.

I know, I'm doing it wrong. :wink:

[Guest]

So are we gonna sign Almora? Isn't friday the deadline? Someone make me not be nervous.

 

There's nothing to worry about. He'll sign in time.

 

The interesting one will be the Pirates with Appel.

[Guest]

So are we gonna sign Almora? Isn't friday the deadline? Someone make me not be nervous.

 

Word is it's pretty much done, pending the physical.

[ctcf]

So are we gonna sign Almora? Isn't friday the deadline? Someone make me not be nervous.

 

Word is it's pretty much done, pending the physical.

 

Where was this?

[Guest]

Just now from Callis:

 

#Cubs agree w/1st-rder Albert Almora on $3.9 mil (pick value=$3.25 mil). Florida HS OF w/lots of tools & polish. #mlbdraft

[Guest]

So are we gonna sign Almora? Isn't friday the deadline? Someone make me not be nervous.

 

Word is it's pretty much done, pending the physical.

 

Where was this?

 

It was posted in the Amateur forum. Source was the PSD guys. Both ABTY and Marlin.

[Guest]

Just now from Callis:

 

#Cubs agree w/1st-rder Albert Almora on $3.9 mil (pick value=$3.25 mil). Florida HS OF w/lots of tools & polish. #mlbdraft

 

Nice.

[ctcf]

HUZZAH!

[XZero771679666304]

So he signed late in the process for essentially the maximum the Cubs could pay? Shocking.

 

Good news, though. I'm eager to see his name in some box scores and scouting reports.

[Post Count Padder]

Scouts are unimpressed by Cubs pitching prospect Gerardo Concepcion, CBS Sports' Danny Knobler notes.

 

It's his first taste of the minors, but still slightly disappointing. Not worried yet though.

[rawaction]

Scouts are unimpressed by Cubs pitching prospect Gerardo Concepcion, CBS Sports' Danny Knobler notes.

 

It's his first taste of the minors, but still slightly disappointing. Not worried yet though.

 

I don't know how. He's terrible. Not worried about him as much as I don't care because I've already written him off as a non-factor given his velocity and results.

[jersey cubs fan]

Scouts are unimpressed by Cubs pitching prospect Gerardo Concepcion, CBS Sports' Danny Knobler notes.

 

It's his first taste of the minors, but still slightly disappointing. Not worried yet though.

 

I don't know how. He's terrible. Not worried about him as much as I don't care because I've already written him off as a non-factor given his velocity and results.

 

Yeah. He's pretty much worthless, and a write off.

[Guest]

Scouts are unimpressed by Cubs pitching prospect Gerardo Concepcion, CBS Sports' Danny Knobler notes.

 

It's his first taste of the minors, but still slightly disappointing. Not worried yet though.

 

Nah, he's been a massive disappointment who clearly wasn't worth what he signed for and I have little to no hope he'll amount to much.

[Clem Fandango]

Seemed like it was a ploy to put themselves in good favor with Cespedes and Soler by singing one of their countrymen.