2010 Instructional League

[davell]

I'm hopeful to see Kirk, Alcantara, and Kurcz on the NWL list later today. I don't think Szczur had enough at bats to qualify or I'd think he'd make it too. I guess Greathouse would have a chance too, now that I think about it. I keep getting this league and MWL confused, but the NWL only has 8 teams in it, while the MWL has 14. So, if we're going to put lots of guys on a list, my guess is it's this one.

 

And I couldn't have been more wrong as Boise was SHUT OUT. Only team in the league not to be represented in the top 20.

[Guest]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/09/29/cub-pitching-not-too-great-today

 

Jae-Hoon Ha hits another home run, Cam Greathouse has a horrible outing and Reggie Golden grunts like a tennis player when he swings.

[Outshined_One]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/09/29/cub-pitching-not-too-great-today

 

Jae-Hoon Ha hits another home run, Cam Greathouse has a horrible outing and Reggie Golden grunts like a tennis player when he swings.

 

You forgot the best part.

 

Gioskar Amaya and Oliver Zapata ripped back-to-back opposite field line-drive triples.

 

Yay.

[davell]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/09/29/cub-pitching-not-too-great-today

 

Jae-Hoon Ha hits another home run, Cam Greathouse has a horrible outing and Reggie Golden grunts like a tennis player when he swings.

 

You forgot the best part.

 

Gioskar Amaya and Oliver Zapata ripped back-to-back opposite field line-drive triples.

 

Yay.

 

Amaya and Contreras are the 2 Dominican League players I still want to hear a snippet about from Phil at this point. We've at least gotten a tad of info on Hernandez, Zapata, and Arcila. I didn't personally have much interest in Santana, Paulino, or Peralta.

[Guest]

Vitters returns from his broken hand (1/3, 2B, 2 K, great defensive play). Three 18 year olds followed Matt Loosen: Ben Wells made his pro debut (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K), Kim-Jin Yeong struggled in his second outing (3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K) and Austin Reed (2 scoreless).

[toonsterwu]

Whoa, Ben Wells at 240+? I knew he was a big hoss that was still growing and had a workhorse body ... but geesh. That said, good to hear that the kid's secondary pitches were as good as advertised. Assuming there's no significant weight issues (I thought he was 220/225), Ben and Austin are both fairly exciting pitching talents.

[Outshined_One]

Vitters returns from his broken hand (1/3, 2B, 2 K, great defensive play). Three 18 year olds followed Matt Loosen: Ben Wells made his pro debut (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K), Kim-Jin Yeong struggled in his second outing (3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K) and Austin Reed (2 scoreless).

 

Link

[Guest]

Whoops, I knew I forgot something in my post.

[Guest]

Friday, 10/1: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/01/cubs-shut-down-papago-park

 

Saturday, 10/2: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/02/use-long-ball-teach-cub-pitchers-thing-or-six

 

Yesterday: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/04/cub-pitchers-and-hitters-shine-under-overcast-arizona-skies

 

Charles Thomas topped out at 98 and displayed a mid-80s splitter and a low 80s slider. Robinson Lopez dropped in a 94 mph FB, change and hard slider in a quick inning of work.

[Outshined_One]

Friday, 10/1: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/01/cubs-shut-down-papago-park

 

Saturday, 10/2: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/02/use-long-ball-teach-cub-pitchers-thing-or-six

 

Yesterday: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/04/cub-pitchers-and-hitters-shine-under-overcast-arizona-skies

 

Charles Thomas topped out at 98 and displayed a mid-80s splitter and a low 80s slider. Robinson Lopez dropped in a 94 mph FB, change and hard slider in a quick inning of work.

 

Interesting note from yesterday:

 

Josh Vitters got his first career start at 1st base today, a position he will supposedly be playing (at least occasionally) in the AFL (which begins play next week). He handled two chances flawlessly at the 1st sack, and also had three Plate Appearances during the course of the game, grounding out to second, rapping a single to RF, and lofting a pop out to 2B.

 

Sounds like Kurcz had a nice outing, too.

[illiniguy]

Do you think Vitters to first is because they feel he can't handle third defensively, or do you think it's because they aren't planning on spending at first this offseason?

[Guest]

Vitters playing some 1B in the AFL is partially due to the Solar Sox' roster - there are a few guys who can play 3B on that team (including Ryan Flaherty). Obviously his defensive question marks make him an ideal candidate to split time at first since he might need to go there full time. I doubt it has anything to do with the big league squad.

[CUBZ99]

Friday, 10/1: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/01/cubs-shut-down-papago-park

 

Saturday, 10/2: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/02/use-long-ball-teach-cub-pitchers-thing-or-six

 

Yesterday: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/04/cub-pitchers-and-hitters-shine-under-overcast-arizona-skies

 

Charles Thomas topped out at 98 and displayed a mid-80s splitter and a low 80s slider. Robinson Lopez dropped in a 94 mph FB, change and hard slider in a quick inning of work.

 

Interesting note from yesterday:

 

Josh Vitters got his first career start at 1st base today, a position he will supposedly be playing (at least occasionally) in the AFL (which begins play next week). He handled two chances flawlessly at the 1st sack, and also had three Plate Appearances during the course of the game, grounding out to second, rapping a single to RF, and lofting a pop out to 2B.

 

Sounds like Kurcz had a nice outing, too.

 

 

I didn't realize that Thomas pitched. Sounds like he has pretty good stuff. Will be interesting to see him progress.

[Guest]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/05/flood-puts-damper-festivities-fitch-park

[toonsterwu]

Thomas was a corner IF/P prospect. If I recall correctly, Thomas actually had some desire to pitch. He sounds like a possible ... Dolis-lite?

[davell]

Yeung Jin Kim hurt his leg backing up 3rd today at Instructs. AZPhil couldn't tell if it was a hammy, quad, or something else, but speculated we probably won't see him again til March.

[Outshined_One]

Yeung Jin Kim hurt his leg backing up 3rd today at Instructs. AZPhil couldn't tell if it was a hammy, quad, or something else, but speculated we probably won't see him again til March.

 

Guh.

 

10/6

 

From the comments:

 

So far in pro ball Gibbs has hit more like he did in the Cape Cod League in 2009 than LSU in 2010. In 169 PA combined between AZL Cubs and Boise in 2010, Gibbs hit just 197/268/243 (and 13/33 BB/K), with seven doubles and no HR.

 

He is showing more patience and hitting with more power so far at Instructs (211/400/422 with 5/5 BB/K in 25 PA, with a double and a HR). He has also thrown out four of six base stealers (67%), which is better than was advertised (21% combined at AZL Cubs and Boise). He definitely has some XBH power when he gets the bat on the ball, and he has improved his hitting some in Instructs, but he still has a ways to go. I do think he will be the #1 catcher at Peoria in 2011.

 

Casey Harman is a soft-tossing lefty whose two-seam fastball tops out at 88. He also throws a nice change-up and a little slider. He occasionally drops down sidearm, and I wouldn't be surprised if he can throw a ball while standing on his head, too. He is the epitome of the "crafty lefty." Guys like that often will do well in the low minors because they can toy with young hitters, but their stuff usually catches up with them at AA and AAA.

 

Still, there are pitchers like Harman in the big leagues, his stuff was good enough to beat #1 ranked Arizona State in the College World Series last June, and he was the #1 starter ("Friday Night Starter") at Clemson this past season.

 

They don't stop play during an inning, but a lot of times the instructors meet with the players coming off the field to discuss what just happened. But they don't do anything during an inning while play is in progress.

 

One exception was last year, when Rickey Henderson was an outfield instructor for the A's, and he actually stood in the outfield with the LF, CF, or RF DURING THE INNING and provided the player with real time instruction. (Or maybe he was regaling the players with old war stories, I don't know). But it was sort of like "Angels in the Outfield," except in this case it was Rickey in the Outfield.

 

10/7

 

18-year old Korean bonus baby Jin-Yeong Kim got the start for the Cubs today, and was “lights out” through the first two innings, retiring the side in order in both innings, and striking out the side in the 2nd. But the youngster hit a wall in the top of the 3rd, walking the lead-off hitter on four pitches before allowing two singles and a double that ended his day. Kim also suffered some type of right leg injury while backing up 3rd base just before he was relieved, and was last seen limping to the Cubs bench before getting a ride to the clubhouse on a golf cart. Whether it was a groin, quad, knee, or ankle, I don’t know, but I have a feeling we have seen the last of Kim until next March.

 

2B Logan Watkins had to leave the game after colliding with RF Xavier Batista while going after a pop fly in short right in the top of the 5th. Watkins initially remained in the game and he did take his AB in the bottom of the inning, but then he was sent to the clubhouse for further evaluation. Hopefully he did not sustain a concussion, but it was a fairly violent collision (X. Batista is a big dude), and Watkins did lay motionless for a few seconds afterward.

 

From the comments:

 

Wes Darvill was sent home from Instructs and directed to come back later in the off season to begin an enhanced Strength & Conditioing Program. This same program has helped both Tyler Colvin and Brandon Guyer improve their strength in the past.

 

The problem with Darvill is that he makes all the plays at SS but just doesn't have a SS arm. The Cubs have an arm strengthening program that helped Colvin and Guyer improve their arm strength to where they now can play RF, and it is hoped a similar improvement can be realized by Darvill that will allow him to remain at SS.

 

Also, Darvill has the body-type that should generate some power, but he has proven to be just a singles hitter so far. By adding some muscle it is hoped he can develop some XBH & HR power (as happened with both Colvin and Guyer).

 

Darvill already has a patient approach at the plate (he takes a lot of walks).

[toonsterwu]

I'm hoping Darvill can stay at short. That said, a part of me wonders what bulking up does to his range of motion, which admittedly is only average-solid right now.

 

Harman topping out in the high 80's isn't surprising, but I had hoped for a touch more. A couple people seemed to put him as "touching" the low 90's, although admittedly, that's a small difference. I still expect him to move fast, like Rusin.

[Guest]

Friday: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/08/local-boy-makes-good-makes-cubs-pitchers-look-bad

 

Luis Liria struggled big time.

 

Today: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/09/cubs-throw-no-hitter-fitch-park

 

Aaron Kurcz, Dustin Fitzgerald, Robinson Lopez, Kevin Rhoderick and Casey Harman combined for a no-hitter in a 0-0 tie. The offensive highlight is probably Willson Contreras going 1-1 with a double and a HBP.

[Guest]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/10/parallel-universe-cubs-future

 

Arizona Phil's thoughts on the Cubs possibly joining the Arizona Parallel League.

[Guest]

AZ Phil in Saturday's game comments:

 

I think Aaron Kurcz will probably begin the 2011 season at Daytona.

 

Reggie Golden has been the most-impressive hitter so far. He is hitting 267/372/567 with two HR and three doubles, and has the most power of any of the young hitters in the organization. He has power to all fields (pitch him inside and he'll yank the ball over the LF fence, pitch him outside and he'll punch the ball over the RF fence), and he is a very patient ("choosy") hitter who is not afraid to hit with two strikes or get called out on strikes if he doesn't think the pitch is a strike. So he strikes out a lot as a result (11 K in 35 PA so far at Instructs). He has a plus-arm in the OF, but has (at best) just average speed and range. He is still VERY raw in certain aspects of his game (his defense and baserunning need a LOT of work), and I'm not sure how coachable he is, but there is no denying his bat speed & XBH power to all fields.

 

Hak-Ju Lee has hit 360/407/480 and leads the Cubs Instructs team in both runs scored and RBI. Although he does not have a HR stroke he has been driving the ball to all fields. He also has yet to commit an error at SS, while making some nice moves turning the DP. He looks like a much more confident player at SS, like somebody who actually will push Starlin Castro to 2B in a couple of years.

 

Jae-Hoon Ha hit two HR and stole four bases in six Instructs games, and he made some spectacular catches in CF, too. He will almost certainly begin the 2011 season as the starting CF at Daytona. He has not drawn a walk but he also has struck out just once in 27 PA. He is a hyper-aggressive first-ball fastball hitter and it's almost impossible to get a fastball by him, so despite his plus-speed he profiles as a middle-third of the order hitter (4-5-6). His combination of speed, power, and athleticism is fairly rare.

 

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/09/cubs-throw-no-hitter-fitch-park#comment-168222

[scarey]

I was unaware that Ha had the ability to play centerfield. That could up his prospect status quite a bit if he's capable of playing at least average defense there.

[Guest]

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/11/cub-pitchers-mine-gold-arizona-ball-fields

 

Cubs 7th round pick RHP Ben Wells (Bryant HS – Bryant, AR) got the start and threw two perfect innings with three strikeouts (the 18-year old Wells has exactly the same body-type as 1970’s Cubs pitching great Rick Reuschel), and 19-year old long & lanky (6’4 180) RHP Starlin Peralta (considered one of the top two pitching prospects on this year’s DSL Cubs #1 squad) retired all eight men he faced, striking out five of them.

[Guest]

TOONSTER: The Cubs have brought Ben Wells along slowly for reasons previously mentioned, and while his fastball velocity is only in the high 80's (so far), he is getting swings & misses (and strikeouts) with both his slider and his splitter. He is definitely a projectable kid.

 

A couple of other items regarding Cubs pitchers of which you may or may not have already been aware: LHP John Mincone had knee surgery, and RHP Jon Nagel had elbow surgery #2.

 

And in case you were thinking "maybe another McNutt?"... here is 40th round draft pick LHP Brian Smith's line through three Instructs games: 2.0 IP, 10 H, 12 R (10 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HBP, 3 WP, 1 BALK

 

Comments section of previous link. Knew about Mincone, didn't know about Nagel. Guess you can stick a fork in him.

[Guest]

Today: http://www.thecubreporter.com/2010/10/12/cubs-offense-tied-nots-papago-park

 

Hunter Ackerman continues to not impress as a pro:

 

The Cubs maintained their 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the 7th, but 19-year old LHP Hunter Ackerman (Cubs 2010 4th round pick out of Louisburg JC) surrendered two doubles and a single (and the lead), as the A’s plated the tying runs. Ackerman has racked-up a 10.29 ERA and 2.57 WHIP so far in AZ Instructional League play, after putting up an 8.22 ERA and 2.02 WHIP for the AZL Cubs this past summer.