2011 Cubs picks and signings thread

[UMFan83]

Meh, not excited with getting another bat that lacks plate discipline. I'm not sure I trust the Cubs ability to develop patience given people like Colvin, Vitters and even Castro.

[Guest]

Scout.com:

 

Name: Javier Baez

Position: Infield

School: Arlington Country Day School (Fla.)

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 205

Bats/Throws: R/R

 

Events Scouted: Perfect Game National Showcase, AFLAC All-American

 

Physical Description

 

Baez is an extra strong, stocky athlete that can do just about anything on a baseball field. He’s often described as electric and his plus athleticism allows that to be the case. He’s pretty physically mature and probably looks today the way he will a couple years from now.

 

Hitting

 

The bat is what’s going to make Baez special. He has an advanced feel with the bat and drives the ball with authority to all parts of the park. He’s willing to shoot the ball to right field or spin on an inside fastball. This is as complete a hitter as there is in the 2011 draft class. Baez is mechanically sound and rarely expands the zone.

 

Power

 

Baez has plus bat speed and good natural lift in his stroke. He has power to the middle part of the field and could be a 25 home run threat at the next level. He hits from a strong base and creates a lot of leverage using his lower half. This is a potent power threat with plus pull power in particular.

 

Speed

 

Baez has plus speed, but it will be interesting to see if he can maintain it over the years. He may lose a step if he moves behind the plate, and we’ll need to see if his lower half thickens up over the years.

 

Fielding

 

He has the tools to play shortstop, but his plus arm may make him a better fit at third base as he gets a bit older. There’s also been talk of putting his stocky, athletic frame and plus arm behind the plate for the long term.

 

Summation

 

Baez is athletic, fast, has versatility in the field, and most importantly has a plus bat with plus power potential. He has star quality at the plate, and if he can stick at a premium position his value will continue to rise.

 

Draft Projection: Top 20 Picks

[Rob]

Meh, not excited with getting another bat that lacks plate discipline. I'm not sure I trust the Cubs ability to develop patience given people like Colvin, Vitters and even Castro.

 

32 walks to 3 strikeouts. I know high school numbers dont mean much and so there's some mixed reports on his plate discipline, but I think its best we withhold judgment on that until we've seen him play some games professionally.

[questionmarkgrace]

I'm not sure what to think of this pick the scouting reports vary widely. But if he is 6-1 205 already, I cant see him at short. Third base definitely. One thing for sure I hope they dont move him to catcher. Seems like he is a really good fielder so this shouldnt be necessary.

 

Originally I was thinking Gray or Springer, but as the draft went on Jungmann was I thought someone they might like but oh well.

[toonsterwu]

From Bruce Miles blog

 

I'll get some quotes up later. On the scouting scale, Wilken says he sees 60-70 hitting, close to 70 power, 55-60 running and a 70 arm. They've seen him play short, third and catch but Wilken said they'd find out from Baez where he'd end up. Felt he was one of the two best hitters in the draft. Says he has two swings, letting it out at times but having a good two-strike approach. Said he and scouts sat with the kid and they like the makeup: "astute, confident; he doesn't mince words."

[scarey]

Meh, not excited with getting another bat that lacks plate discipline. I'm not sure I trust the Cubs ability to develop patience given people like Colvin, Vitters and even Castro.

 

32 walks to 3 strikeouts. I know high school numbers dont mean much and so there's some mixed reports on his plate discipline, but I think its best we withhold judgment on that until we've seen him play some games professionally.

 

I have to wonder how plate discipline and swinging and missing are issues of his if scouts haven't seen him do it. I'm not trying to be facetious either, there's got to be a reason these are being reported about him. Anyone that's into high school scouting that can explain?

[pitchcs]

Meh, not excited with getting another bat that lacks plate discipline. I'm not sure I trust the Cubs ability to develop patience given people like Colvin, Vitters and even Castro.

 

32 walks to 3 strikeouts. I know high school numbers dont mean much and so there's some mixed reports on his plate discipline, but I think its best we withhold judgment on that until we've seen him play some games professionally.

 

I have to wonder how plate discipline and swinging and missing are issues of his if scouts haven't seen him do it. I'm not trying to be facetious either, there's got to be a reason these are being reported about him. Anyone that's into high school scouting that can explain?

 

 

Maybe just off summer games vs. better competition?

[shnsajax]

I think I have zero desire to see him moved behind the plate.

[SouthSideRyan]

When is our next pick? 69? Do we have any extra picks?

 

If you mean supplemental picks then no.

We don't offer arbitration anymore. :(

 

We didn't have anyone to collect picks from.

[XZero771679666304]

I think I have zero desire to see him moved behind the plate.

 

I don't either. He's a potential impact bat and there's no need to wreck his base by putting him back there. We've got Soto and Castillo at the position, and not much at 3B outside of Vitters, who is still up in the air.

 

I'd leave him where he is and maybe move him to third down the road.

[questionmarkgrace]

Meh, not excited with getting another bat that lacks plate discipline. I'm not sure I trust the Cubs ability to develop patience given people like Colvin, Vitters and even Castro.

 

32 walks to 3 strikeouts. I know high school numbers dont mean much and so there's some mixed reports on his plate discipline, but I think its best we withhold judgment on that until we've seen him play some games professionally.

 

I have to wonder how plate discipline and swinging and missing are issues of his if scouts haven't seen him do it. I'm not trying to be facetious either, there's got to be a reason these are being reported about him. Anyone that's into high school scouting that can explain?

 

 

Maybe just off summer games vs. better competition?

 

Must be. Heck it could have been that one game that was heavily scouted when he went 1 for 3 while Lindor went 3 for 3.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Wilkens "shocker" will come later this week when we learn that the 23 year old Cuban defector never existed and was a device developed to leave Cubs fans feeling relieved when he selected some decent but far from awe inspiring high schooler.

[UK1679666180]

Meh, not excited with getting another bat that lacks plate discipline. I'm not sure I trust the Cubs ability to develop patience given people like Colvin, Vitters and even Castro.

 

32 walks to 3 strikeouts. I know high school numbers dont mean much and so there's some mixed reports on his plate discipline, but I think its best we withhold judgment on that until we've seen him play some games professionally.

 

I have to wonder how plate discipline and swinging and missing are issues of his if scouts haven't seen him do it. I'm not trying to be facetious either, there's got to be a reason these are being reported about him. Anyone that's into high school scouting that can explain?

 

 

Maybe just off summer games vs. better competition?

 

Scouts were at each of his games. I never seen him, but if I was to guess. Best hitter on the team, mediocre to bad control pitching even in FL, ability to make contact on pitches out of the zone espec behind or with two strikes

[Illini Iceman]

So is that our 1st round pick wearing a Cardinals uniform on the front page of cubs.com?

[Ballgame64]

I haven't read all the articles, but was wondering if anyone can post if there are any concerns about signing Baez.

 

I am no expert, but I like this pick a lot better than the first round pick of 2010.

[Guancous]

Word on the street is that Baez faced excellent competition in Florida.

 

I'm of the mindset that making the majors with a high draft pick is a coup. Corey Patterson clearly underperformed but he has been un[expletive]ty this summer.

[HossmanGT]

Overall, I like this pick. I wish one of the consensus top 6-7 had slipped to the Cubs, but given the hand we were dealt I think we made a solid pick. We needed some high upside talent in the system and Baez fits the bill (plus he was not a reach at this spot, which is always a concern with Wilken).

 

Of interest, he attended Arlington Country Day in Jacksonville and lives with his high school coach. As someone who grew up in Jacksonville, I can say that ACD is well known for recruiting athletes, academic misconduct, accreditation issues, etc. I certainly don't mean to imply anything about Baez, but seeing he played at ACD definitely catches my eye as a Jacksonville native.

 

Lastly, as deep as this draft is, is it safe to say that our 2nd round pick would possibly be a 1st round talent in most years?

[Guest]

I haven't read all the articles, but was wondering if anyone can post if there are any concerns about signing Baez.

 

I am no expert, but I like this pick a lot better than the first round pick of 2010.

 

He might take a while to sign but give he used to be committed to a JC, I have to imagine he won't be too tough a sign.

[CP_414]

Josh Bell and Daniel Norris still on the board going into day 2. It would be nice to see the Cubs offer up the cash to add a 2nd first round pick. Baez will probably be pretty signable at #9, this is a chance for Ricketts to step up and make a big investment in the farm.

 

Great Day 1 for Arizona, Boston, Washington. Tampa got a few very nice value picks and had some reaches, as you would expect with 10 early picks.

[Outshined_One]

Welp, two of my favorite candidates for the Cubs' second round pick just went off the board in Jace Peterson and Grayson Garvin. I'd love to think the Cubs would pony up for Norris, Purke, or Bell, but that doesn't fit their MO.

 

I'm thinking Jason Espisito will be the pick if he's there. I'd like that.

[StarlinOnYou]

Wow.

 

I don't know much about Baez, but I love the sound of his bat speed. Is it anything like Vitters? If so, you've got to hope/pray one of those two make it with those type of tools.

 

I was really hoping for one of Bundy/Bradley/Starling, but Baez is a nice addition to the farm.

 

I really hope we go after a big name at #68.

[TruffleShuffle]

i'm not too thrilled with the pick, if for no other reason that the cubs' recent track record with high school hitters and high school hitters from florida. i guess i just don't trust the cubs.

[StarlinOnYou]

i'm not too thrilled with the pick, if for no other reason that the cubs' recent track record with high school hitters and high school hitters from florida. i guess i just don't trust the cubs.

 

At least he's an advanced HS bat. (Although Vitters was too..)

 

Someone posted a picture of Starling's batting stance the other day and it was cringe worthy.. I wouldn't have much hope in the Cubs fixing that.

[StarlinOnYou]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMlngmhYlME

 

I like how the ball jumps off his bat in this video. Looks pretty smooth.

 

 

Here is another.

 

Not sure if already posted.

[Men in Blue]

Baseball america says some scouts are turned off by his hot headed, cocky attitude. Ugh.