07/18 Phillies (Halladay) @ CUBS (Gorzelanny) 7:05 CDT, ESPN

[UMFan83]

Castro back up to a .767 OPS after bottoming out at .651 on June 24th. :D

 

Still an average OPS.

 

For a 20 year old rookie SS?

[CubColtPacer]

Castro back up to a .767 OPS after bottoming out at .651 on June 24th. :D

 

Still an average OPS.

 

For a 20 year old rookie SS?

 

Of the 40 SS's with at least 100 PA's, Castro has the 5th best BA, 6th best OBP, 7th best SLG, and the 5th best OPS. He is 70 points of OPS above the NL average at SS and 79 points over the MLB average.

[Sammy Sofa]

Castro back up to a .767 OPS after bottoming out at .651 on June 24th. :D

 

Still an average OPS.

 

For a 20 year old rookie SS?

 

Of the 40 SS's with at least 100 PA's, Castro has the 5th best BA, 6th best OBP, 7th best SLG, and the 5th best OPS. He is 70 points of OPS above the NL average at SS and 79 points over the MLB average.

 

STILL AN AVERAGE OPS.

 

Sadly, I'd bet that if the average Cubs fan was polled as to who they were excited more, Colvin or Castro, Colvin would probably have the lead.

[CubColtPacer]

Castro back up to a .767 OPS after bottoming out at .651 on June 24th. :D

 

Still an average OPS.

 

For a 20 year old rookie SS?

 

Of the 40 SS's with at least 100 PA's, Castro has the 5th best BA, 6th best OBP, 7th best SLG, and the 5th best OPS. He is 70 points of OPS above the NL average at SS and 79 points over the MLB average.

 

STILL AN AVERAGE OPS.

 

Sadly, I'd bet that if the average Cubs fan was polled as to who they were excited more, Colvin or Castro, Colvin would probably have the lead.

 

I don't think it's that sad really. Colvin has spent most of his time in the top of the order while Castro has been at the bottom most of the time. Colvin has probably provided more wow moments that stick into fan's heads with how long his home runs have gone. And it's not like Colvin is Ryan O'Malley out there...he is a legitimate prospect having a very good season.

 

Obviously Castro is the one to be more excited about because of age and position, but I don't think it's a problem if any fan wanted to say Colvin. They are both good prospects who have shown both good tools and good production while in the major leagues. Neither one has had a whole lot of extra luck in the majors. To ask people to dig into minor league numbers to find out which one might have a better chance of sustaining their play is IMO unrealistic.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Woulda, shoulda, coulda had a 4 game sweep of the Phillies. Oh well. If the Cubs can keep playing like this, it will be an enjoyable 2nd half even if contention isnt likely. However, watching Castro, Colvin, and Soto playing well gives hope that we can really contend in 2011, even if we arent considered "the favorites". Im not gonna lie though, it is good to see a 10 page game thread again.

[Little Slide Rooter]

 

Sadly, I'd bet that if the average Cubs fan was polled as to who they were excited more, Colvin or Castro, Colvin would probably have the lead.

 

I don't think it's that sad really. Colvin has spent most of his time in the top of the order while Castro has been at the bottom most of the time. Colvin has probably provided more wow moments that stick into fan's heads with how long his home runs have gone. And it's not like Colvin is Ryan O'Malley out there...he is a legitimate prospect having a very good season.

 

Obviously Castro is the one to be more excited about because of age and position, but I don't think it's a problem if any fan wanted to say Colvin. They are both good prospects who have shown both good tools and good production while in the major leagues. Neither one has had a whole lot of extra luck in the majors. To ask people to dig into minor league numbers to find out which one might have a better chance of sustaining their play is IMO unrealistic.

 

I dont see why we cant be excited about both of them. Theres really no need to pick sides, this isnt Jacob vs. whatver the other guys name is(trying to work in a Twilight reference, but Ive never seen the movies, only the Burger King commercials) To be honest, I think that Castro has the tools to become an elite type player, but I still think that Colvin can be a very good player. These 2, along with Soto, Byrd, and Soriano are the core that they will be building around for the next few years, and as Ive said before, if we could get one big bopper, be it a full season of a productive Aramis Ramirez or an FA or trade we should have a very good team next year.

[Andy]

It would really be nice if we could pull off the kind of run the White Sox just pulled out of their rear ends. This is the week to do it too, at home against Houston and a rival.

[Sammy Sofa]

 

Sadly, I'd bet that if the average Cubs fan was polled as to who they were excited more, Colvin or Castro, Colvin would probably have the lead.

 

I don't think it's that sad really. Colvin has spent most of his time in the top of the order while Castro has been at the bottom most of the time. Colvin has probably provided more wow moments that stick into fan's heads with how long his home runs have gone. And it's not like Colvin is Ryan O'Malley out there...he is a legitimate prospect having a very good season.

 

Obviously Castro is the one to be more excited about because of age and position, but I don't think it's a problem if any fan wanted to say Colvin. They are both good prospects who have shown both good tools and good production while in the major leagues. Neither one has had a whole lot of extra luck in the majors. To ask people to dig into minor league numbers to find out which one might have a better chance of sustaining their play is IMO unrealistic.

 

I dont see why we cant be excited about both of them. Theres really no need to pick sides, this isnt Jacob vs. whatver the other guys name is(trying to work in a Twilight reference, but Ive never seen the movies, only the Burger King commercials) To be honest, I think that Castro has the tools to become an elite type player, but I still think that Colvin can be a very good player. These 2, along with Soto, Byrd, and Soriano are the core that they will be building around for the next few years, and as Ive said before, if we could get one big bopper, be it a full season of a productive Aramis Ramirez or an FA or trade we should have a very good team next year.

 

Not if Colvin is starting for the Cubs.

[UMFan83]

Just for fun....if the Cardinals and the Reds both went .500 the rest of the way, the Cubs would have to go 44-25 the rest of the way to tie the Cardinals. The problem is that there are 2 teams way ahead of the Cubs. If there was only 1 team, I'd say having a big comeback would be possible, if unlikely. But with 2 teams that far ahead, it's nearly impossible unless the Cubs play a 2001 Mariners type pace the rest of the season.

[Robert23]

 

Sadly, I'd bet that if the average Cubs fan was polled as to who they were excited more, Colvin or Castro, Colvin would probably have the lead.

 

I don't think it's that sad really. Colvin has spent most of his time in the top of the order while Castro has been at the bottom most of the time. Colvin has probably provided more wow moments that stick into fan's heads with how long his home runs have gone. And it's not like Colvin is Ryan O'Malley out there...he is a legitimate prospect having a very good season.

 

Obviously Castro is the one to be more excited about because of age and position, but I don't think it's a problem if any fan wanted to say Colvin. They are both good prospects who have shown both good tools and good production while in the major leagues. Neither one has had a whole lot of extra luck in the majors. To ask people to dig into minor league numbers to find out which one might have a better chance of sustaining their play is IMO unrealistic.

 

I dont see why we cant be excited about both of them. Theres really no need to pick sides, this isnt Jacob vs. whatver the other guys name is(trying to work in a Twilight reference, but Ive never seen the movies, only the Burger King commercials) To be honest, I think that Castro has the tools to become an elite type player, but I still think that Colvin can be a very good player. These 2, along with Soto, Byrd, and Soriano are the core that they will be building around for the next few years, and as Ive said before, if we could get one big bopper, be it a full season of a productive Aramis Ramirez or an FA or trade we should have a very good team next year.

 

Not if Colvin is starting for the Cubs.

Why can't we be excited for both if Colvin is starting?

[Sammy Sofa]

Well, for one, Colvin sucks, and if he's starting full time in either of the corner OF spots or at (BARF) 1B next season, then the Cubs are in serious, serious trouble, and as bad as they've been this year they're still nowhere near the point where such a desperation move would be necessary or advisable.

[Guest]

I'm amazed Colvin's BABIP is as low as it is(.318) with as many K's and HR as he has. I still don't think his overall numbers very sustainable(hence the .216/.250/.386/.636 line in the last month), but at least he's not super lucky.

[jersey cubs fan]

Some Colvin numbers:

 

Last 28 days: .217/.253/.398

June: .250/.280/.500

July: .250/.304/.423

 

His overall numbers are better, and he had a nice performance against Philly. However, he's still a corner outfielder with a career OPS in the high 700's and he makes a ton of outs. His ridiculously hot start to this season looked fluky then, and doesn't look any less fluky now. He's striking out at a ridiculously high rate and does not walk. The increased playing time has revealed some of the flaws that most thought were there when he was getting spotty playing time. And every sign points to the Cubs struggling if they count on this guy to be a starter from a corner position next year. He remains a solid 4th OF option, but not more than that until and/or unless they get substantial offense from a non-offensive position to offset what is almost certain to be substantard production from him.

[Robert23]

Well, for one, Colvin sucks, and if he's starting full time in either of the corner OF spots or at (BARF) 1B next season, then the Cubs are in serious, serious trouble, and as bad as they've been this year they're still nowhere near the point where such a desperation move would be necessary or advisable.

I see ,thanks.

[CUBZ99]

I'm amazed Colvin's BABIP is as low as it is(.318) with as many K's and HR as he has. I still don't think his overall numbers very sustainable(hence the .216/.250/.386/.636 line in the last month), but at least he's not super lucky.

 

.636 OPS is the last 30 days? His OPS in June was .780 and so far in July it is .727. Granted it is not as good as the 1.034 OPS he put up in May or the .965 OPS he put up in April, but I think it would be unrealistic to think that he wasn't going to have a slump all year long.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm amazed Colvin's BABIP is as low as it is(.318) with as many K's and HR as he has. I still don't think his overall numbers very sustainable(hence the .216/.250/.386/.636 line in the last month), but at least he's not super lucky.

 

.636 OPS is the last 30 days? His OPS in June was .780 and so far in July it is .727. Granted it is not as good as the 1.034 OPS he put up in May or the .965 OPS he put up in April, but I think it would be unrealistic to think that he wasn't going to have a slump all year long.

 

Slump, or hitting as expected?

[CUBZ99]

I'm amazed Colvin's BABIP is as low as it is(.318) with as many K's and HR as he has. I still don't think his overall numbers very sustainable(hence the .216/.250/.386/.636 line in the last month), but at least he's not super lucky.

 

.636 OPS is the last 30 days? His OPS in June was .780 and so far in July it is .727. Granted it is not as good as the 1.034 OPS he put up in May or the .965 OPS he put up in April, but I think it would be unrealistic to think that he wasn't going to have a slump all year long.

 

Slump, or hitting as expected?

 

Depends on your perspective. I'm encouraged by the fact that he has been healthy and to date has managed to put together an .845 OPS over the season. Considering his salary and the years the Cubs have him under control, it would be great if July were just a slump.

[Sammy Sofa]

He was "slumping" in June, too.

[jersey cubs fan]

Depends on your perspective. I'm encouraged by the fact that he has been healthy and to date has managed to put together an .845 OPS over the season. Considering his salary and the years the Cubs have him under control, it would be great if July were just a slump.

 

Of course it would be great. That's not the point.

[CubColtPacer]

I'm amazed Colvin's BABIP is as low as it is(.318) with as many K's and HR as he has. I still don't think his overall numbers very sustainable(hence the .216/.250/.386/.636 line in the last month), but at least he's not super lucky.

 

.636 OPS is the last 30 days? His OPS in June was .780 and so far in July it is .727. Granted it is not as good as the 1.034 OPS he put up in May or the .965 OPS he put up in April, but I think it would be unrealistic to think that he wasn't going to have a slump all year long.

 

Slump, or hitting as expected?

 

It's probably not hitting as expected. He's had below average BABIP's in June and July and Colvin is a good bet to have an average BABIP or better. He has an ISOP of .250 for June and .214 for July so his major asset is still plenty there. Of course those below average BABIP's of course have also just offset and helped normalize what had been a very high BABIP in April/May.

 

He's still hitting over his head a little bit with the HR/FB percentage needing to come down further (it has already come a few points from its peak). His BABIP is normal now and is being helped a little bit by the last month or two actually inching down his strikeout percentage. He still appears to be on track to be within 25 points either way of the 800 OPS mark at the end of the year and maybe a little more if he can continue to slowly cut out some strikeouts.