2011 Cubs picks and signings thread

[imb]

Prepare ... for the meltdown

 

Signed players in bold:

 

01.0009 Javier Baez, SS, Arligton Country Day HS (Jacksonville, FL) - $2.625 million bonus

There are a number of conflicting opinions about Baez out there, so take this report with a grain of salt. Offensively, the consensus on Baez is that he has one of the fastest swings in the draft. Baez is primarily a pull hitter and should feast on pitches low in the zone. Baez also has raw plus power, which he has put on display in showcases and in practice. In the field, there are some questions about how much power Baez will have once he starts facing advanced pitching. Concerns have also been raised about Baez's patience at the plate. He apparently can be overly aggressive at times, although some scouts thought Baez had a pretty good eye at the plate. Defensively, Baez is currently a SS and plays it reasonably well. Given that he might still have some growing and filling out to do, Baez's most likely move seems to be to 3B, although he might be able to handle 2B or even C if moved there. Finally, Baez has a bit of a temper. He rubbed a number of scouts the wrong way with his attitude leading up to the draft, although other scouts really liked his makeup and saw him as a competitive and confident young man. As divisive as he was, Baez is one of the most intriguing amateurs selected in this year's class and should have a bright future in front of him.

02.0068 Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Bishop Verot HS (Ft. Myers, FL) - $1.6 million bonus

Vogelbach is a masher. He was one of the top power hitters in this year's draft and now has the most power of anyone in the Cubs' system. Vogelbach gets compared quite frequently to Prince Fielder as a bad body power hitter. Despite pushing 290 at one point, Vogelbach lost over 40 pounds coming into this past season and has shown a commitment to keeping the weight off. Vogelbach may never hit for average like Fielder does, but he has a polished approach at the plate and uses a short and direct left handed swing to generate his enormous power. Defensively, he'll be a 1B and likely won't be very good defensively, as he is a touch on the short side for a 1B at 6'. If Vogelbach makes it to the majors, his bat will carry him there.

03.0098 Zeke DeVoss, OF, Miami (FL) - $500,000 bonus - Video

A sophomore-eligible draftee out of Miami, DeVoss is one of the fastest players in the draft. DeVoss uses his speed to his advantage, employing a top of the order approach that focuses on getting on base, where he can do quite a bit of damage. DeVoss is still a bit rough around the edges and has shown some useable power, although it seems unlikely he will ever hit HRs in the double digits in a season. DeVoss is also an intriguing player in the field, as he has logged experience at SS, 2B, LF, and CF in high school and college. There are still unresolved questions about his future position and his swing, but DeVoss seems to fit the mold of an ideal leadoff hitter who can get on base and wreak havoc on the bases.

04.0129 Tony Zych, RHP, Louisville - $400,000 bonus

05.0159 Tayler Scott, RHP, Notre Dame Prep HS (Scottsdale, AZ) - $279,950 bonus - Video

 

Scott moved to the United States from South Africa about three years ago. Despite a limited baseball background, Scott's athleticism and projection make him a potentially exciting pitcher. Scott features a fastball that can touch 93 along with a breaking pitch with some promise. Scott also stands at 6'2, 175 pounds has some room for growth. Scott's primary problem at the moment is the fact that he is rather raw, as evidenced by his current lack of a changeup. Scott could have a bright future, but it will take him time to get there.

 

06.0189 Neftali Rosario, C, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Gurabo, PR)- $150,000 bonus

Neftali Rosario has a good throwing arm, showing 1.9-second pop times, a solid body at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, and surprising power, as he hit eight home runs this spring.

07.0219 Trevor Gretzky, 1B, Oaks Christian HS (Westlake Village, CA) - $375,000 bonus

Wayne Gretzky's son, Trevor's power manages to stand out in a Cubs draft class that features a number of mashers. It is easy to dream on his power. He apparently put on a show that wowed Tim Wilken and Cubs brass prior to the draft. Gretzky also is athletic with good hand-eye coordination. However, Gretzky is also incredibly raw. Despite his athleticism, Gretzky's future position is murky. There's a chance he could end up at 3B, but most speculation seems to have him at 1B or in the OF. Moreover, there are some concerns about Gretzky's ability to hit for average. He is a long term project, but his upside is undeniable.

08.0249 Taylor Dugas, OF/LHP, Alabama

09.0279 Garrett Schlect, OF, Waterloo HS (Waterloo, IL) - $235,00 bonus (

,

)

An athletic outfielder with a quick left handed swing and some power potential, Schlecht's fringy speed and arm will likely relegate him to LF.

10.0309 Daniel Lockhart, SS, Hebron Christian Academy (Dacula, GA) - $395,000 bonus

Lockhart is the son of Cubs scout Keith Lockhart. At 5'11, 155 lbs, he's got room for growth and some pop. However, it seems likely his future role will be as an infield utility man.

11.0339 Shawon Dunston Jr, OF, Valley Christian HS (San Jose, CA) - $1.275 million bonus

12.0369 Jacob Lindgren, LHP, St. Stainslaus HS (Bay St. Louis, MS)

13.0399 Darien Martin, OF, Brookwood HS (Snellville, GA) - $250,000 bonus

14.0429 Dillon Maples, RHP, Pinecrest HS (Southern Pines, NC) - $2.5 million bonus

15.0459 Justin Marra, C, Power/St. Joseph HS (Toronto, ON) - $110,000 bonus

While he is a bit on the smallish side at 5'10, 180 lbs, Marra has shown good skills behind the dish for someone his age, particularly his strong arm, which apparently has been recorded as a 1.9 second pop time to second base. A left handed hitter, Marra attracted the attention of scouts on the Canadian Junior National Team, where he performed well and showed some pop against advanced pitching.

16.0489 Rafael Lopez, C, Florida State

17.0519 John Andreoli, OF, Connecticut - $134,600 bonus

 

On the plus side, Andreoli is a fast runner, a good defender, and has a solid arm. While Andreoli has good bunting skills, he does not have much power and there are questions about whether he'll ever hit enough to make the majors.

 

18.0549 James Pugilese, RHP, Mercer County CC (NJ)

While there are concerns about his mechanics, Pugilese has a 90-92 mph fastball and an average breaking ball. His 6'3, 195 pound frame has some projection.

19.0579 Paul Hoilman, 1B, East Tennessee State -

;

Senior first baseman Paul Hoilman produced with the new bats, hitting 22 home runs to tie for second in the country as regionals started. Hoilman's a masher whose 72 strikeouts also ranked second nationally.

20.0609 Benjamin Klafczynski, OF, Kent State

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound lefthanded hitter has been a starter for most of his four years with the Golden Flashes. While he's a good athlete, it doesn't quite translate to the diamond, where his tools are fringy to average across the board. A right fielder for Kent State, he may not provide enough offense to profile as a regular there in the major leagues.

21.0639 Andrew McKirahan, LHP, Texas - $75,000 bonus

22.0669 Ethan Elias, RHP, Grand Trunk HS (Evansburg, AB)

23.0699 Bradley Zimmer, OF, La Jolla HS (San Diego, CA)

24.0729 George Asmus, RHP, Ohlone JC (CA)

25.0759 Rhoderick Shoulders, 1B, State JC of Florida - $294,000 bonus

In addition to having the best name in this draft class, Rock Shoulders features prodigious power from the left side of the plate, although his swing can get a bit long. Shoulders has battled some weight issues in the past, but Shoulders slimmed himself down to a svelte 6'2, 225 pounds recently. He figures to stay at 1B as his career progresses.

26.0789 Michael Jensen, RHP, Hartnell JC (CA) - $225,000 bonus - Video

 

Formerly committed to Southern Cal, Jensen features a solid frame a 6' 190 lbs. Jensen is a bit rough around the edges with his mechanics, but he's been clocked at 94 on his fastball and also features a sharp curveball.

 

27.0919 OF Taiwan Easterling, OF, Florida State - $150,000 bonus

28.0849 Chris Garrison, RHP, Western Nevada CC

29.0879 Drew Weeks, 3B, Clay HS (Green Cove Springs, FL)

30.0909 Arturo Maltos-Garcia, RHP, Lamar CC (CO)

His fastball sits in the 90-92 mph range and he has the best curveball in the Four Corners, a true 12-to-6 hammer. But he walked off the mound in the juco playoffs with an arm injury, which probably squashed his draft chances.

31.0939 Ronnie Richardson, OF, Central Florida

32.0969 Peter Levitt, RHP, Mt. Olive (NC)

33.0999 Sheldon McDonald, LHP, British Columbia

34.1029 Bobby Kelley, OF, Calhoun CC (AL)

35.1059 Ian Dickson, RHP, Lafayette (PA) - $100,000 bonus

36.1089 Travis Garcia, U, Martin Methodist (TN)

37.1119 Steven Maxwell, RHP, Texas Christian - signed 2/2/12, released 2/3/12

38.1149 Casey Lucchese, RHP, College of Charleston - signed on June 14th but contract was voided

39.1179 Ricky Jacquez, RHP, Franklin HS (El Paso, TX)

40.1209 Patrick Francescom, RHP, Trevecca Nazarene (TN)

41.1239 Austin Urban, RHP, Des Moines Area CC - $100,000 bonus

Despite inconsistent mechanics and periodic bouts of wildness, Urban features a fastball that works 90-92 and can touch 94, a slider in the low 80s, and the makings of a changeup.

42.1269 Brad Zapenas, SS, Boston College

43.1299 Jay Calhoun, RHP, Second Baptist School (TX)

44.1329 Kenny Socorro, SS, Marshall

45.1359 Tanner Kichler, RHP, Sherwood HS (Sherwood, OR)

46.1389 Scott Weismann, RHP, Clemson

During his time at Clemson, Weismann has been most effective out of the bullpen. He features a sinker and a slider that keep the ball on the ground and doesn't generate many strikeouts, although he recently added a cutter to his arsenal that has some promise.

47.1419 David Ernst, RHP, South HS (Fargo, ND)

48.1449 Sam Howard, LHP, Cartersville HS (Cartersville, GA)

49.1479 Antonio Gonzales, LHP, Damien HS (La Verne, CA)

50.1509 Cody Edwards, Bellevue CC (WA)

 

Undrafted Free Agent Signings

 

RHP Nick Johnson, University of Cincinnati

C Pat Terry, Santa Clara

1B Ryan Durrence, Bethune-Cookman (FL)

C Taylor Davis, Morehead State

[Keener98]

Really think title should be "Cuba draft day [expletive] up discussion"

 

Edit: meant cubs but I guess Cuba works pretty well at this point

[imb]

lol

 

@jimcallisBA Jim Callis

Never heard of him before 2 a.m. this morning. RT @scott34na: How close is Garcia Speck in terms of being MLB ready? #mlbdraft

[mookie]

Gotta love the consistency.

[CP_414]

Kevin_Goldstein Kevin Goldstein

MLB has ruled that the Cuban LHP is NOT NOT NOT eligible.

 

 

MLB might be saving the Cubs from themselves.

[Rob]

@Kevin_Goldstein

MLB has ruled that the Cuban LHP is NOT NOT NOT eligible.

1 minute ago

[imb]

pls god

[Vinestal]

@Kevin_Goldstein

MLB has ruled that the Cuban LHP is NOT NOT NOT eligible.

1 minute ago

Oh thank God

[javy knows my name]

Sorry Cubs, now you have to make an obvious pick and be infinitely better off for it.

 

[expletive] gaytards

[Rob]

Funny thing is that makes him a FA, so we can still get him if we want him.

[J.R.]

What the hell is going on

[Tryptamine]

It's sad how happy this has made me.

[J.R.]

So they want the backroom guys to get some press? How about bringing them to Secaucus instead of these washed up former stars?

[Guest]

So they want the backroom guys to get some press? How about bringing them to Secaucus instead of these washed up former stars?

Just have Hazel Mae announce all the picks.

[Guest]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

[Cubs Fan Dan]

So they want the backroom guys to get some press? How about bringing them to Secaucus instead of these washed up former stars?

Just have Hazel Mae announce all the picks.

 

In a bikini!

 

How many picks tonight for Cubs?

[pitchcs]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

 

Me too! Girl drink tonight, Vodka and Hawaiian Punch

[Guest]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

 

Me too! Girl drink tonight, Vodka and Hawaiian Punch

2006 Qupe Syrah for me. But I'm drinking for more than one reason.

[Guest]

So they want the backroom guys to get some press? How about bringing them to Secaucus instead of these washed up former stars?

Just have Hazel Mae announce all the picks.

 

In a bikini!

 

How many picks tonight for Cubs?

 

Just the one (9th overall) tonight.

[Yeti]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

 

Me too! Girl drink tonight, Vodka and Hawaiian Punch

2006 Qupe Syrah for me. But I'm drinking for more than one reason.

beer, the solution to and cause of all of life's little problems

[imb]

I've gone from not wanting starling, to not wanting SPECK to now, thinking we have a shot at Rendon.

[Bruno7481]

ProfessorParks Jason Parks

Rendon is going to fall to the #Cubs, they are going to party in the streets, Bartman will return riding a goat, and the world will end

[pitchcs]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

 

Me too! Girl drink tonight, Vodka and Hawaiian Punch

2006 Qupe Syrah for me. But I'm drinking for more than one reason.

 

I get it, I grew up in Naperville :wink:

[Guest]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

 

Me too! Girl drink tonight, Vodka and Hawaiian Punch

2006 Qupe Syrah for me. But I'm drinking for more than one reason.

beer, the solution to and cause of all of life's little problems

Might get there later. I've only got three bottles of wine in the house. :)

[Guest]

btw - yes, I've started drinking already. Not optimistic.

 

Me too! Girl drink tonight, Vodka and Hawaiian Punch

2006 Qupe Syrah for me. But I'm drinking for more than one reason.

 

I get it, I grew up in Naperville :wink:

Yeah, but it's changed since then! :P