Burke??

[Gravy]

Where is Kyler Burke. Have not seen anything on him this year?

G

[NCCubFan]

He's converting to pitcher. I believe he's in extended Spring Training.

[Guest]

He's converting to pitcher. I believe he's in extended Spring Training.

 

You're correct.

[chattbaseball]

Kyler continues to work on arm strength and stamina in AZ. So far the progression has been good. He follows a regular bullpen schedule, has thrown in several sim-games, and has had two game appearances.

 

Here are a couple of links from AZ Phil:

 

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2011/05/05/kyler-burke-shows-rockies-he-can-pitch

 

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2011/05/27/brett-jackson-back-saddle-fitch-ranch

[chattbaseball]

Kyler threw again today in EXST:

 

http://www.thecubreporter.com/2011/06/01/cubs-and-rockies-just-split-difference-fitch

 

Here's a photo of Burke pitching in summer ball back in high school:

http://images.chattanoogan.com/article_images/article_70284.jpg

[chattbaseball]

Burke to Boise tomorrow.

[jersey cubs fan]

Burke to Boise tomorrow.

 

Getting interesting.

 

Saw this in on of those earlier links you listed:

and so if he can develop the stamina and endurance needed to throw 100 pitches in a game, he could possibly be a rotation starter. He just turned 23 last month, so he still has time on his side.

 

This guy has been in the pros since 2006. He may only be 23, but it's going to take a few years to turn him into a guy capable of throwing 100 pitches every fifth day. Doesn't he have to start going on 40-man rosters pretty soon? Isn't that likely something that will work against him in terms of the patience needed to have him stick as a starter.

[chattbaseball]

Burke to Boise tomorrow.

 

Getting interesting.

 

Saw this in on of those earlier links you listed:

and so if he can develop the stamina and endurance needed to throw 100 pitches in a game, he could possibly be a rotation starter. He just turned 23 last month, so he still has time on his side.

 

This guy has been in the pros since 2006. He may only be 23, but it's going to take a few years to turn him into a guy capable of throwing 100 pitches every fifth day. Doesn't he have to start going on 40-man rosters pretty soon? Isn't that likely something that will work against him in terms of the patience needed to have him stick as a starter.

 

I don't think being a rotation starter is anywhere in the short term plans for him. He has been on a pretty strict pitch count since he started throwing in games. He was actually supposed to throw 3 innings today. I would look for him this year to make middle relief appearances for an inning or two every few games, and that's about it. At this point (from the outside looking in) he could go in any direction - middle/long relief, LOOGY, closer, or maybe work his way into a starter role. It all just goes back to how his pitches and stamina develop.

[Guest]

The Cubs don't let their pitchers throw more than 50-75 pitches in Mesa and Boise so if he can get ~3 innings/50 pitches in piggy back outings this summer he should be on pace to try starting in A ball next year. And they don't let starters top 100 until AA so he might be able to build up arm strength slowly. Age and roster considerations are definitely not on his side though if he wants to start.

[SouthSideRyan]

Burke to Boise tomorrow.

 

Getting interesting.

 

Saw this in on of those earlier links you listed:

and so if he can develop the stamina and endurance needed to throw 100 pitches in a game, he could possibly be a rotation starter. He just turned 23 last month, so he still has time on his side.

 

This guy has been in the pros since 2006. He may only be 23, but it's going to take a few years to turn him into a guy capable of throwing 100 pitches every fifth day. Doesn't he have to start going on 40-man rosters pretty soon? Isn't that likely something that will work against him in terms of the patience needed to have him stick as a starter.

 

It looks like Burke will be a 6 year minor league free agent after this season. The fact that he's willing to make the switch to pitcher leads me to believe he'd re-sign with us. Rostering him would avoid making him a free agent, but unless he really impresses at Boise (and above) it'd be tough for a team to roster him.

[jersey cubs fan]

It looks like Burke will be a 6 year minor league free agent after this season. The fact that he's willing to make the switch to pitcher leads me to believe he'd re-sign with us. Rostering him would avoid making him a free agent, but unless he really impresses at Boise (and above) it'd be tough for a team to roster him.

 

But the fact that his most likely future is being a loogy means it could be a heck of a lot easier to roster him, if not this year, then the following. My point is that time really isn't on his side if he wants to be a starter.