2009 Cubs Picks Thread

[Guest]

Thanks, Ping.

[UK1679666180]

Kirk, a strong and very athletic lefthander, is the latest prospect to come from long-time Oklahoma powerhouse Owasso High. With Kirk as their No. 1 arm, the two-time defending 6-A state champion will be looking to go to the state finals this spring for the 11th time in 12 seasons. With seven seniors on the team committed to play college baseball, Kirk didn't have to throw as much leading up to his senior year as most other top pitching prospects. He throws from a well-balanced, easy-paced delivery with a high three-quarters to overhand release point that involves some late head movement off the plate. His fastball is routinely in the 88-92 mph range with good late life. A key for Kirk this spring lies in the improvement in his curveball, an upper-70s pitch that can be sharp and nasty, at times, with very good two-plane break. Kirk's changeup is also a nice pitch, but he doesn't have to use it much at the high-school level. It should be a weapon at the next level, however. Kirk also plays right field for Owasso and has prospect tools with the bat, and might even be a two-way player at Oklahoma in the event he does not sign first.-DAVID RAWNSLEY

UPDATE (5/15): Kirk led Owasso to yet another Oklahoma state title this spring, and was the winning pitcher in three of the team's six playoff victories, including the championship game. On the season, he went 9-1, 0.45 with 21 walks and 111 strikeouts in 62 innings. Kirk pitched at 88-90 mph all spring and had a quality three-pitch mix. He doesn't project to have a plus fastball at the next level as he lacks projection in his strong, mature body.-DR

[Rob]

To say I'm underwhelmed at this point would be to imply that I'm somehow whelmed at all.

 

I'm not.

[sporrer17]

of all the major sports drafts, MLB's is by far the hardest to project/get a feel for. I know the Jackson pick doesn't look like the right one, but who knows?

 

I'll give it time...I'm not a big fan of taking that type of player again (a lot like Colvin) but the other two picks seem relatively solid.

[RammyFanny]

[RammyFanny]

[Guest]

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=299561

 

"He plays the game hard and has a chance to be a true center fielder," said Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken. "We feel he has an average to above-average throwing arm, and accurate. We feel we have a guy who's a plus runner who's got a chance to have some power down the line."

 

"I absolutely truly was hoping to be a Cub the whole time," Jackson said. "I couldn't believe it when my name was read. I love the history and the tradition of the team. I love the mascot -- once a Bear, always a Bear -- and I'm proud to be a Cub today and I'm looking forward to helping the organization in the future."

 

Last summer, Jackson was rated the eighth-best prospect in the Cape Cod League. The Cubs will take the time to develop him, Wilken said.

 

"We'll be allowed to go a little bit at our own pace," Wilken said. "I don't think there's a super cause at this time to force it. We'll see how it plays out. But I think he's got a chance to be a front line center fielder, an everyday player."

 

Jackson said he hadn't thought about when he will sign with his new team.

 

"Right now, I'm just thrilled to be drafted by the Chicago Cubs," Jackson said. "I think the business will work itself out."

[UMFan83]

of all the major sports drafts, MLB's is by far the hardest to project/get a feel for. I know the Jackson pick doesn't look like the right one, but who knows?

 

I'll give it time...I'm not a big fan of taking that type of player again (a lot like Colvin) but the other two picks seem relatively solid.

 

It's true, but it seems like we are saying that kind of stuff every year after another Cubs draft that gets panned by everyone.

 

Pawelek, Colvin, Harvey, Montanez. Blah.

 

We'll see though, and if they don't pan out we'll just throw money at our problems. If they do pan out, we'll just trade them before they mature most likely.

[Guest]

Austin Kirk, Owasso, LHP

 

Consistent lefty that was dominant this year at the high school level with an overpower fastball with late movement. Throws in the low 90s, but upped his stock a bit by being clocked as high as 95 mph in the state semifinals. Sharp breaking ball coupled with a solid changeup give him three quality pitches to keep hitters off balance. Struck out 111 with only 21 walks in 62 innings this spring. Has signed with OU.

 

http://www.coachesaid.com/story.asp?story=1069

[Guest]

of all the major sports drafts, MLB's is by far the hardest to project/get a feel for. I know the Jackson pick doesn't look like the right one, but who knows?

 

I'll give it time...I'm not a big fan of taking that type of player again (a lot like Colvin) but the other two picks seem relatively solid.

 

It's true, but it seems like we are saying that kind of stuff every year after another Cubs draft that gets panned by everyone.

 

Pawelek, Colvin, Harvey, Montanez. Blah.

 

We'll see though, and if they don't pan out we'll just throw money at our problems. If they do pan out, we'll just trade them before they mature most likely.

 

Pawelek and Harvey were very popular picks and both were considered good value.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm really annoyed that they passed on Wheeler to take Jackson. However, he was well thought of and if he's truly a plus CF than the offensive bar isn't as high for him to be an asset. Really not a fan of taking guys who have 25% K rates in college though, especially without a good walk rate to indicate good strike zone judgment.

 

LeMahieu is kinda disappointing as a Top 100 pick. Like Jackson, if his defense is enough to be decent at SS this looks better, but a .122 IsoP with an aluminum bat is disheartening.

 

Kirk seems like a good choice. Hopefully with instruction he can stay closer to the 95 than 88 consistently with his fastball, and I like that he has 3 pitches. It'd be nice if he had decent control as well, there wasn't much mention of that in the reports so far.

[imb]

I'm really annoyed that they passed on Wheeler to take Jackson. However, he was well thought of and if he's truly a plus CF than the offensive bar isn't as high for him to be an asset. Really not a fan of taking guys who have 25% K rates in college though, especially without a good walk rate to indicate good strike zone judgment.

 

LeMahieu is kinda disappointing as a Top 100 pick. Like Jackson, if his defense is enough to be decent at SS this looks better, but a .122 IsoP with an aluminum bat is disheartening.

 

Kirk seems like a good choice. Hopefully with instruction he can stay closer to the 95 than 88 consistently with his fastball, and I like that he has 3 pitches. It'd be nice if he had decent control as well, there wasn't much mention of that in the reports so far.

 

wasn't the report on jackson and lemahieu that neither would likely stick at cf/ss respectively?

[Tyrant]

Sounds like a horrible selection. I'd rather have gone with a potential 30/100 OFer.

 

Yeah, they should have drafted a guy who will hit 30 homers. Dumb move.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm really annoyed that they passed on Wheeler to take Jackson. However, he was well thought of and if he's truly a plus CF than the offensive bar isn't as high for him to be an asset. Really not a fan of taking guys who have 25% K rates in college though, especially without a good walk rate to indicate good strike zone judgment.

 

LeMahieu is kinda disappointing as a Top 100 pick. Like Jackson, if his defense is enough to be decent at SS this looks better, but a .122 IsoP with an aluminum bat is disheartening.

 

Kirk seems like a good choice. Hopefully with instruction he can stay closer to the 95 than 88 consistently with his fastball, and I like that he has 3 pitches. It'd be nice if he had decent control as well, there wasn't much mention of that in the reports so far.

 

wasn't the report on jackson and lemahieu that neither would likely stick at cf/ss respectively?

 

There seem to be some conflicting reports on LeMahieu, most of them with doubts about him SS

 

I think there was a mention of Jackson not staying on CF, but the greater consensus seems to be he'll be serviceable to very good in CF.

[Guest]

I'm really annoyed that they passed on Wheeler to take Jackson. However, he was well thought of and if he's truly a plus CF than the offensive bar isn't as high for him to be an asset. Really not a fan of taking guys who have 25% K rates in college though, especially without a good walk rate to indicate good strike zone judgment.

 

LeMahieu is kinda disappointing as a Top 100 pick. Like Jackson, if his defense is enough to be decent at SS this looks better, but a .122 IsoP with an aluminum bat is disheartening.

 

Kirk seems like a good choice. Hopefully with instruction he can stay closer to the 95 than 88 consistently with his fastball, and I like that he has 3 pitches. It'd be nice if he had decent control as well, there wasn't much mention of that in the reports so far.

 

wasn't the report on jackson and lemahieu that neither would likely stick at cf/ss respectively?

 

There seem to be some conflicting reports on LeMahieu, most of them with doubts about him SS

 

I think there was a mention of Jackson not staying on CF, but the greater consensus seems to be he'll be serviceable to very good in CF.

 

LaMahieu already moved to 2B. Hopefully given his size, the power comes.

 

Jackson should be able to stick at CF given his speed, etc.

[Keener98]

I'm really annoyed that they passed on Wheeler to take Jackson. However, he was well thought of and if he's truly a plus CF than the offensive bar isn't as high for him to be an asset. Really not a fan of taking guys who have 25% K rates in college though, especially without a good walk rate to indicate good strike zone judgment.

 

LeMahieu is kinda disappointing as a Top 100 pick. Like Jackson, if his defense is enough to be decent at SS this looks better, but a .122 IsoP with an aluminum bat is disheartening.

 

Kirk seems like a good choice. Hopefully with instruction he can stay closer to the 95 than 88 consistently with his fastball, and I like that he has 3 pitches. It'd be nice if he had decent control as well, there wasn't much mention of that in the reports so far.

 

 

Kirk struck out 111 and walked just 21 in 62 innings. Sounds like hes got control, and I really like that he has 3 pitches already. Seems like a real solid pick.

[Rob]

I feel better about Kirk after seeing he got clocked as high as 95... I was a bit concerned with reports that he topped out at 91 or 92 and had little room left for projection. Not that fastball velocity is the most important thing in the world or anything, but it certainly leaves for some wiggle room.

[questionmarkgrace]

Sounds like some high ceiling, all or nothing type players so far. Which isn't a bad philosophy in what seems like relatively weak draft. Maybe we'll get lucky. The second pick is kind of a head scratcher but lets hope they see something no one else has.

[Guest]

Dave Perkin (BA) on 3.3.09[/url]"]However, no one has a problem in picking out Brett Jackson, Cal’s 6-foot-2, 200-pound, lefthanded-hitting, righty-throwing center fielder.

 

Jackson sticks out with his high socks and distinct inward-turning, hand-pumping, leg-kicking, load-up and let-it-fly swing. Solidly built with a muscular and athletic frame, Jackson also possesses a distinct swagger on the field.

 

In Cal’s first two games this past weekend at Long Beach State, Jackson dominated. He collected seven hits in 11 at bats, scored three runs, drove in two and stole a base. Every base hit was a line-drive rocket. Despite a 1-for-6 cool-off on Sunday, Jackson exited Blair Field hitting a comfy .429, with a .500 OBP and slugging .600 after eight games. The Bears swept the series.

 

Jackson’s primary tool is his speed, which he uses to patrol large swaths of outfield territory as well as bedevil opponents on the bases. A throwback to hyper-aggressive baserunners like Kirk Gibson, Jackson may need to use a Kevlar vest to protect himself from injury due to so many head first slides. In Friday’s game, Jackson tagged up and advanced from second to third on a line drive to medium-deep left field.

 

The 2009 draft eligible D-I class offers few potential fivetool players. Jackson may be the primary candidate among outfielders, as some have compared him physically to J.D. Drew. He is an excellent defensive outfielder, has terrific speed, and his line-drive bat—which currently shows gap-to-gap power—figures to develop home run power with time and experience.

 

At this stage, the only concern with Jackson is his throwing arm. His tosses are erratic and inconsistent, with some showing flat trajectory and a single quick hop into the target; others are looping throws or multi-hop grasscutters. Proper technique and extra work should bring Jackson’s arm up to major league average.

 

There is no doubt, however, as to who Cal’s leader is. Many years ago, the head coach of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks was asked what role star forward Marques Johnson played on the team. The coach’s response could now be applied to Brett Jackson: “He has no role. He does everything.”

[RyneSandberg]

Dave Perkin (BA) on 3.3.09[/url]"]However, no one has a problem in picking out Brett Jackson, Cal’s 6-foot-2, 200-pound, lefthanded-hitting, righty-throwing center fielder.

 

Jackson sticks out with his high socks and distinct inward-turning, hand-pumping, leg-kicking, load-up and let-it-fly swing. Solidly built with a muscular and athletic frame, Jackson also possesses a distinct swagger on the field.

 

In Cal’s first two games this past weekend at Long Beach State, Jackson dominated. He collected seven hits in 11 at bats, scored three runs, drove in two and stole a base. Every base hit was a line-drive rocket. Despite a 1-for-6 cool-off on Sunday, Jackson exited Blair Field hitting a comfy .429, with a .500 OBP and slugging .600 after eight games. The Bears swept the series.

 

Jackson’s primary tool is his speed, which he uses to patrol large swaths of outfield territory as well as bedevil opponents on the bases. A throwback to hyper-aggressive baserunners like Kirk Gibson, Jackson may need to use a Kevlar vest to protect himself from injury due to so many head first slides. In Friday’s game, Jackson tagged up and advanced from second to third on a line drive to medium-deep left field.

 

The 2009 draft eligible D-I class offers few potential fivetool players. Jackson may be the primary candidate among outfielders, as some have compared him physically to J.D. Drew. He is an excellent defensive outfielder, has terrific speed, and his line-drive bat—which currently shows gap-to-gap power—figures to develop home run power with time and experience.

 

At this stage, the only concern with Jackson is his throwing arm. His tosses are erratic and inconsistent, with some showing flat trajectory and a single quick hop into the target; others are looping throws or multi-hop grasscutters. Proper technique and extra work should bring Jackson’s arm up to major league average.

 

There is no doubt, however, as to who Cal’s leader is. Many years ago, the head coach of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks was asked what role star forward Marques Johnson played on the team. The coach’s response could now be applied to Brett Jackson: “He has no role. He does everything.”

And then he struck out 28% of the time he went up to bat

 

In other news, when do they start drafting again tomorrow?

[RyneSandberg]

The 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pounder is a left-handed hitter with speed and strong defense. He's likely to get an opportunity to advance quickly through the Cubs organization.

 

"That's the plan," he said.

 

Jackson said one of the players he emulates is former Cub Jim Edmonds, and he shares Edmonds' self-confidence.

 

"Thrilled we could acquire a player like Brett Jackson," Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken said. "He plays the game hard, has a chance to be a true center fielder."

He does realize Edmonds had tremendous power right?

[Outshined_One]

Jackson should be able to stick at CF given his speed, etc.

 

In that regard, one of the main concerns I have with Jackson is the possibility that he'll have to move off of CF if he wants to put on more muscle in order to develop more power. If he can somehow hit 20 HRs a year and still be a good CF, then I'd have less of a problem with his bat.

 

I'm going to root my butt off for these three guys, but yeah, I can't say I'm pleased with how the first day went.

[Tyrant]

"Thrilled we could acquire a player like Brett Jackson," Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken said. "He plays the game hard, has a chance to be a true center fielder."

 

I'm not going to get my panties all in a bunch over draft choices the day after, because we really have no idea how these guys will pan out, but quotes like these are so annoying to see from the Cubs.

 

Why can't we ever see Wilken say things like, "We loved his approach at the plate" or "This guy has tremendous power to all fields" or even "He's a remarkable defensive player." We always end up hearing about athleticism, makeup, clutchiness and gamer-ism.

[jersey cubs fan]

"Thrilled we could acquire a player like Brett Jackson," Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken said. "He plays the game hard, has a chance to be a true center fielder."

 

I'm not going to get my panties all in a bunch over draft choices the day after, because we really have no idea how these guys will pan out, but quotes like these are so annoying to see from the Cubs.

 

Why can't we ever see Wilken say things like, "We loved his approach at the plate" or "This guy has tremendous power to all fields" or even "He's a remarkable defensive player." We always end up hearing about athleticism, makeup, clutchiness and gamer-ism.

 

Because that's how "baseball people" talk.

[Outshined_One]

"Thrilled we could acquire a player like Brett Jackson," Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken said. "He plays the game hard, has a chance to be a true center fielder."

 

I'm not going to get my panties all in a bunch over draft choices the day after, because we really have no idea how these guys will pan out, but quotes like these are so annoying to see from the Cubs.

 

Why can't we ever see Wilken say things like, "We loved his approach at the plate" or "This guy has tremendous power to all fields" or even "He's a remarkable defensive player." We always end up hearing about athleticism, makeup, clutchiness and gamer-ism.

 

Because that's how "baseball people" talk.

 

Grit.

 

Gamer.

 

Hustle.

 

Heart.