2009 Cubs Picks Thread

[Guest]

47th rounder: Joseph Jocketty, 3B, Ladue Horton Watkins HS (St. Louis, MO)

 

5'10 165 lbs. 10/3/1990.

 

Walt Jocketty's son.

Trade us Cueto for Miles and we'll give your son a seven figure bonus, wink wink, nudge nudge.

[Guest]

50th rounder Zach Cleveland throws 88-92 mph with a slider.

 

Given the number of JC picks made today, I hope Wilken realizes there no longer is a draft-and-follow.

[Wrigley Rat]

Passed over in the NFL draft, former Miami linebacker Glenn Cook got a call from a pro team Thursday. That team? The Chicago Cubs. Cook was the Cubs' 46th-round selection, No. 1,400 overall, even though he hasn't played competitive baseball in nearly a decade. He spent six years in Miami's football program, never playing baseball for the Hurricanes. He pitched and played center field as a junior in high school before concentrating on hitting ballcarriers instead of baseballs. "I'm just as shocked as you are,'' Cook told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Thursday night. Cook expects to complete a physical and sign a contract in the coming days, then report to Mesa, Ariz., for Class A training with the Cubs.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/wires/06/11/2010.ap.bbo.baseball.draft.miami.football.0212/

[Wrigley Rat]

Being drafted is nothing new to John Lambert. The 2006 Chesterton graduate has been chosen twice before. After his selection Thursday in the 33rd round by the Cubs, the 21-year old Lambert is hoping the third time is indeed the charm. "I'm really excited with the way it worked out," Lambert said by phone from Florida. "The Cubs expressed an interest throughout and we've had a lot of conversations leading up to the draft, so it looked like they were one of my stronger opportunities. I've been a Cubs fan my whole life. My whole family is. Growing up so close to it, how can you not be? I'm really looking forward to it." Lambert was drafted in the 36th round by Washington last season but there were complications with negotiations and he didn't sign with the Nationals. He was also taken in 2006 out of high school in the 37th round by Texas. Lambert attended Wright State as a freshman and pitched at Santa Fe (Fla.) Community College last year before landing with the Wolf Pack. The 6-foot-7 left-hander went 1-5 with a save and a 7.04 ERA. His 20 appearances included eight starts. Lambert struck out 52 in 47 1/3 innings.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/11/updates/breaking_news/doc4a31716c57e52542324204.txt

[Wrigley Rat]

Runey Davis was the first Hawk taken, coming off the board in the 12th round as the 380th selection of the draft with the Chicago Cubs pulling the trigger on the speedy center fielder. "Runey is a great athlete and when teams look for a center fielder then they look at top-end speed. He's got that along with an above-average arm," said Smith. "He can play any of the three outfield positions. He's got a great opportunity to sign for a good bit of money where he was drafted. It's enough to where he can completely focus on baseball and not have to worry about anything else for a few years." Davis was one of the heroes during the Hawks' run to a national championship. In the opening game of the World Series in Grand Junction, Davis hit a walk-off solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 11th inning, delivering the Hawks a 4-3 win over Western Nevada College. Davis came to the Hawks as a transfer from the University of Texas in Austin. During his sophomore campaign with Howard, he hit .404 with eight homers and 48 RBI. He led the team with 37 stolen bases in 42 attempts. He was an honorable mention All-Conference player in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference and was selected to the All-Tournament team at the World Series. Davis has already signed a letter of intent to play for Mississippi State University.

http://www.bigspringherald.com/content/view/174241/34/

[Wrigley Rat]

The Cubs drafted D.J. Lemahieu expecting him to sign, and he very well may. I think he could be well-served by coming back. He is a rare draft-eligible sophomore, which means he could come back and still have options later. Plus, his draft stock could be well served if he comes back and develops a power hitting game. He is a very good contact hitter, but his power numbers are nothing special. His tall frame and his reactive fielding style scream "third baseman" to me, but his hitting numbers scream "middle infield." If his future is on the corner of the infield, he will need to develop his power. He can do that in the minor leagues, or he can come back and take his chances in next year's draft. If he comes back and does not improve his power game, he could actually drop in the draft, however.

http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2009/6/11/905794/tigers-and-potential-tigers-in-the

LeMahieu – I disagree with Richard. I think he has shown he can play second and his height has been a real asset at the position. I don’t think the move to third is necessary, but I’m not a scout. Then again, if Jeff Kent can play second, anyone can. I do think DJ has a great bargaining position being a sophomore. He is draft eligible two more times so he can’t be bullied into taking less. If he’s a signability pick, which I think he is, I think his leverage was underrated. He’s got options. If he gets paid like a second rounder, he should go pro, but if they try and lowball him, do it again next year as a junior.

[Wrigley Rat]

In the 24th round, the Cubs selected De La Salle shortstop/pitcher Gerardo Esquivel, a right-hander. He has a scholarship to Kansas State, and is expected to attend the university rather than sign.

http://www.southtownstar.com/sports/1617696,061109sptdraftadd.article

[craig]

I expect Lemahieu will sign. He's 2nd round, and as a 2B he'll need to add a lot of HR's to make 1st round million next year, whereas if he doesn't add many HR's he could easily drop enough so that he'll barely make 6 figures. It's definitely much smarter for him business-wise to take 2nd round money now. And I'm sure the Cubs have done enough research to know that they're willing to pay what it will take to sign him.

 

Don't know whether we'll do any major superslots, ala Huseby, or even Rundle or Watkins.

 

But I expect that there will be a lot of at least mild superslot offers going out to the players drafted in rounds 10-50. I think they will be making 6-figure offers to a huge number of them, plus college scholarship offer to the HS/JC picks. How many will bite, we'll see.

 

Not sure how they budget for draft, but consider that we've had very high (Vitters) pick, or sandwich picks (Donaldson, Flaherty) each of last two years. Jackson won't cost much different from Flaherty. I would guess that jackson/Flaherty will cost no more than Flaherty/Shafer did. So basically it's like we have Cashner's bonus unspent. Compared to Vitters/Donaldson, we'll also have a couple million unspent. I have no reason to expect they have any intention to spend as much as they did the last two drafts. But if they have any availability of coming anywhere close, I think they could potentially have a lot of room to offer an awful lot of guys $200K superslot offers.

[Guest]

They could also choose to use that extra money on international signings (at least, this is my hope).

[Mephistopheles]

Signing Raley might cost the same amount as signing Cashner. Raley probably won't sign for less than seven figures.

[Guest]

Ocala Star-Banner[/url]"]DeJiulio, who started alongside Ebert in the Rattler infield in the 2006 season, used similar adjectives to describe being drafted. The 6-foot-3 pitcher fell to the Cubs in the 44th round, but said he has a standing offer for "sixth-round money."

 

In last year's draft, teams typically signed their sixth-round picks within a range between $100,000 and $150,000.

 

DeJiulio, who has a four-pitch repertoire and a 90-mph fastball, said he was also contacted by the Los Angeles Angels just before the Cubs picked him.

 

In a conversation last week, DeJiulio seemed determined to return to Daytona State.

 

His tone changed somewhat after speaking with the Cubs on Thursday.

 

"It's close enough to the offer we wanted," he said, "but we still don't know if it's worth going or maybe waiting a year. I'd love to go back to college. I have a lot of things to work on and experience to gain.

 

"I want to make sure I'm ready," he added. "That's the whole thing. It's not so much the money."

[Guest]

Signing Raley might cost the same amount as signing Cashner. Raley probably won't sign for less than seven figures.

 

Cashner got $1.5 million, that seems a bit much for Raley (despite all his leverage).

 

Agree with Craig on LeMahieu. No way the Cubs take him in the 2nd round if they weren't convinced he'd sign. And seeing as Paul Mainieri is best friends with Hendry, Hendry should have a real good idea what LaMahie's real feelings are on signing.

[jersey cubs fan]

Ocala Star-Banner[/url]"]DeJiulio, who started alongside Ebert in the Rattler infield in the 2006 season, used similar adjectives to describe being drafted. The 6-foot-3 pitcher fell to the Cubs in the 44th round, but said he has a standing offer for "sixth-round money."

 

In last year's draft, teams typically signed their sixth-round picks within a range between $100,000 and $150,000.

 

DeJiulio, who has a four-pitch repertoire and a 90-mph fastball, said he was also contacted by the Los Angeles Angels just before the Cubs picked him.

 

In a conversation last week, DeJiulio seemed determined to return to Daytona State.

 

His tone changed somewhat after speaking with the Cubs on Thursday.

 

"It's close enough to the offer we wanted," he said, "but we still don't know if it's worth going or maybe waiting a year. I'd love to go back to college. I have a lot of things to work on and experience to gain.

 

"I want to make sure I'm ready," he added. "That's the whole thing. It's not so much the money."

 

If you've made it clear you will accept 6-round money, and are considering an offer because it's close, then yes, it is so much about the money.

[CUBZ99]

Passed over in the NFL draft, former Miami linebacker Glenn Cook got a call from a pro team Thursday. That team? The Chicago Cubs. Cook was the Cubs' 46th-round selection, No. 1,400 overall, even though he hasn't played competitive baseball in nearly a decade. He spent six years in Miami's football program, never playing baseball for the Hurricanes. He pitched and played center field as a junior in high school before concentrating on hitting ballcarriers instead of baseballs. "I'm just as shocked as you are,'' Cook told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Thursday night. Cook expects to complete a physical and sign a contract in the coming days, then report to Mesa, Ariz., for Class A training with the Cubs.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/wires/06/11/2010.ap.bbo.baseball.draft.miami.football.0212/

 

 

Sounds like a solid prospect. :-)) I'm guessing that a 46th rounder probably doesn't get much of a bonus? So this is just a pure hope to get lucky on the Cub's part?

[Guest]

Q: You drew a fair amount of walks (29) and had a solid on-base percentage (.407). Are the strikeouts (61) something you’re overly focused on eliminating right now?

 

A: I think it’s going to work itself out. It’s a product of being over-aggressive in college baseball, and I honestly don’t think strikeouts are a problem. I’ve never been a (heavy) strikeout hitter and I don’t think I will be at the next level. It was just sort of that kind of year for me. I’m an aggressive hitter and you tend to swing at some pitches early and get yourself in deep counts. But I think with experience and coaching, strikeouts aren’t going to be a problem and I don’t worry about it being a hole in my game in the future

 

http://cubs.scout.com/2/871803.html

 

Also interesting was that one of the questions said that the Cubs had 7-9 guys scout Jackson and he was a pretty unanimous decision for the team.

[JeffH]

Q: You drew a fair amount of walks (29) and had a solid on-base percentage (.407). Are the strikeouts (61) something you’re overly focused on eliminating right now?

 

A: I think it’s going to work itself out. It’s a product of being over-aggressive in college baseball, and I honestly don’t think strikeouts are a problem. I’ve never been a (heavy) strikeout hitter and I don’t think I will be at the next level. It was just sort of that kind of year for me. I’m an aggressive hitter and you tend to swing at some pitches early and get yourself in deep counts. But I think with experience and coaching, strikeouts aren’t going to be a problem and I don’t worry about it being a hole in my game in the future

 

http://cubs.scout.com/2/871803.html

 

Also interesting was that one of the questions said that the Cubs had 7-9 guys scout Jackson and he was a pretty unanimous decision for the team.

 

Yet another reason to jettison Hendry, Wilken, and the entire scouting staff.

[Guest]

They could also choose to use that extra money on international signings (at least, this is my hope).

 

Maybe in the Pac Rim, otherwise I doubt it (admittedly it's nice to see them actually linked to Latin American prospects this year).

[jersey cubs fan]

Q: You drew a fair amount of walks (29) and had a solid on-base percentage (.407). Are the strikeouts (61) something you’re overly focused on eliminating right now?

 

A: I think it’s going to work itself out. It’s a product of being over-aggressive in college baseball, and I honestly don’t think strikeouts are a problem. I’ve never been a (heavy) strikeout hitter and I don’t think I will be at the next level. It was just sort of that kind of year for me. I’m an aggressive hitter and you tend to swing at some pitches early and get yourself in deep counts. But I think with experience and coaching, strikeouts aren’t going to be a problem and I don’t worry about it being a hole in my game in the future

 

http://cubs.scout.com/2/871803.html

 

Also interesting was that one of the questions said that the Cubs had 7-9 guys scout Jackson and he was a pretty unanimous decision for the team.

 

Interesting in that it seems to indicate all of their scouts are overly interested in athleticism instead of baseball playing ability.

 

He sounds like a kid that is counting on a professional coaching staff to teach him selectivity, admirable, but I'm not sure the Cubs staff is the one to get the job done.

[Guest]

Erickson's scouting report coming out of HS from BA:

 

He benefited from playing on one of the state's top teams with shortstop Mark Sobolewski, and Erickson's advanced feel for pitching helped carry Sarasota to Florida's Class 6-A title game. He struck out 11 in the state semifinals, carving up hitters with outstanding fastball command and an average to slightly above-average changeup. Erickson's fastball velocity isn't as attractive as his command, as the Miami signee pitches at 84-86 mph. He drew comparisons to Indians prospect Jeremy Sowers for his savvy and approach on the mound, though he lacks the arm strength that made Sowers a first-rounder out of high school in 2001. Because of his reported bonus request and below-average fastball, Erickson slid this late in the draft.

[craig]

Signing Raley might cost the same amount as signing Cashner. Raley probably won't sign for less than seven figures.

 

I'm surprised. I'm not all that up on the scouting, but from the reports posted in this thread I didn't get the impression he was viewed as either a 1st-round outfielder or as having a big-time 1st-round arm.

 

The Cubs seem unlikely to spend a 6th round pick on him unless they think they can sign him. If they think they can sign him, either they think he won't demand 7 figures, or else that he's worth 7 figures. If they think he's worth a million, or even close, then they must view him much more enthusiastically than the scouting reports would suggest. If he's much better than the impression I got from the scouting reports, that's good news.

 

I'd think they should have pretty thoroughly both scouted him as a player, and done due diligence in terms of his asking price. They should know what they think he's worth. (It's not like with Alex Wilson last year, where they needed to see him pitch in the summer to know what they might offer.)

[Guest]

Signing Raley might cost the same amount as signing Cashner. Raley probably won't sign for less than seven figures.

 

I'm surprised. I'm not all that up on the scouting, but from the reports posted in this thread I didn't get the impression he was viewed as either a 1st-round outfielder or as having a big-time 1st-round arm.

 

The Cubs seem unlikely to spend a 6th round pick on him unless they think they can sign him. If they think they can sign him, either they think he won't demand 7 figures, or else that he's worth 7 figures. If they think he's worth a million, or even close, then they must view him much more enthusiastically than the scouting reports would suggest. If he's much better than the impression I got from the scouting reports, that's good news.

 

I'd think they should have pretty thoroughly both scouted him as a player, and done due diligence in terms of his asking price. They should know what they think he's worth. (It's not like with Alex Wilson last year, where they needed to see him pitch in the summer to know what they might offer.)

 

He wasn't rated first round talent but most draft charts I saw had him around end of 2nd round/start of 3rd round. About the same as LeMahieu. And he has the added leverage of being a sophomore.

[craig]

... He wasn't rated first round talent but most draft charts I saw had him around end of 2nd round/start of 3rd round. About the same as LeMahieu. And he has the added leverage of being a sophomore.

 

So what's your guess, Cal? That the Cubs think that he's more top 50, worth a million, than a 2nd/3rd round bubble guy who's good but not top-60 good? Or that they've done enough calling and research to think that he'll sign for 2nd/3rd round bubble money rather than 1st round?

 

Also, after re-reading the BA, PG, and mlb scouting reports, have the Cubs given any indication whether they envision him as a pitcher or as a leadoff CFer? I've been assuming LHP, but the reports seemed pretty uncertain about which way he'd go.

[Guest]

... He wasn't rated first round talent but most draft charts I saw had him around end of 2nd round/start of 3rd round. About the same as LeMahieu. And he has the added leverage of being a sophomore.

 

So what's your guess, Cal? That the Cubs think that he's more top 50, worth a million, than a 2nd/3rd round bubble guy who's good but not top-60 good? Or that they've done enough calling and research to think that he'll sign for 2nd/3rd round bubble money rather than 1st round?

 

Also, after re-reading the BA, PG, and mlb scouting reports, have the Cubs given any indication whether they envision him as a pitcher or as a leadoff CFer? I've been assuming LHP, but the reports seemed pretty uncertain about which way he'd go.

 

He was announced as a LHP when he was drafted. I wouldn't be shocked if the Cubs liked him as a position player since he's athletic, fast, projectable, etc.

 

I don't know how much he wants but I'm guessing he wants borderline first round money with his sophomore eligibility. The scouting report on BA said he had kept his price demands quiet so that had spooked quite a few teams. I hope the Cubs did their homework. Chances are high that they did - they don't normally lose too many top 10 round guys due to signability.

[craig]

He was announced as a LHP when he was drafted. I wouldn't be shocked if the Cubs liked him as a position player since he's athletic, fast, projectable, etc.

 

I don't know how much he wants but I'm guessing he wants borderline first round money with his sophomore eligibility. The scouting report on BA said he had kept his price demands quiet so that had spooked quite a few teams. I hope the Cubs did their homework. Chances are high that they did - they don't normally lose too many top 10 round guys due to signability.

 

I'd be surprised if they didn't do their homework. They've got an army of 20 scouts prepping for the draft for months, guys fill out surveys, area scouts can talk to kids and their advisors and their families, and the teams can call guys up and ask them point blank. (For example, the HS kid who said the Cubs called him and said they'd pick him in the 2nd round if he'd sign; negative feedback; so they picked signable Lemahieu instead. Or the Sean Gallagher story, that we got him in the 12th round or whatever in part because he wasn't answering his phone when some other org called him in the 4th round.. .)

 

Granted, I'm sure the dollar discussions aren't that detailed. I'm sure kids can change their minds. Teams probably assume that kids often will settle for less than they demanded pre-draft, so probably gamble accordingly.

[Guest]

RHP Jesse Ginley (2008 43rd round selection) is the first Cubs signing as an UDFA: link

 

Depending on that assignment, there's a chance Ginley could be reunited with another former Marion County prep standout. Former Belleview High pitcher Frank DeJiulio was drafted by the Cubs in the 44th round on Thursday and is currently weighing a contract offer. Should he agree to terms, he would almost certainly be assigned to one of those two teams as well.

 

Ginley and DeJiulio played for rival teams in high school and have also together on a travel team.

 

"He's a great pitcher and I'd love to compete with him," Ginley said. "We've had some battles."

 

Jesse Ginley does not have the mid-90s fastball of his older brother, but has a more advanced selection of pitches to go with his low-90s heater. He said he's confident enough in each of his four pitches — fastball, slider, curveball, changeup — to use them at the professional level.