BA's 2011 MWL Top 20 Prospects

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Matt Szczur come in at #9:

 

9. MATT SZCZUR OF, PEORIA CHIEFS (CUBS)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Villanova, '10 (5).

Szczur earned MVP honors in the 2009 NCAA football championship subdivision title game and projected as a mid-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft as a wide receiver. After he hit .347 in his pro debut last summer, the Cubs persuaded him to play baseball full-time with a $1.5 million deal in January.

 

Szczur's best tool is his well-above-average speed, which helps him hit for average, create havoc on the bases and run down everything in center field. He has strong hands and wrists and a knack for barreling the ball, so he could have average power as he learns to get more extension through the ball. His arm has improved considerably since he signed and now rates as solid to plus.

 

"I love that guy," Menchaca said. "I'll take him any day. He's a tremendous athlete and I also like the way he went about his business. He's just a grinder who doesn't give at-bats away and runs everything out."

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

What's a good ceiling comp for Szczur? I've heard Victorino, which sounds good enough. When he first got picked up I thought maybe a Carl Crawford or Brett Gardner type in CF rather than left, though left isn't out of le picture.

[Rob]

Victorino sounds good as a ceiling comp.

 

As a more middle of the road projection, I kinda look at Coco Crisp.

[jersey cubs fan]

Matt Szczur come in at #9:

 

He's just a grinder who doesn't give at-bats away and runs everything out."

 

Consider me sold.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Matt Szczur come in at #9:

 

He's just a grinder who doesn't give at-bats away and runs everything out."

 

Consider me sold.

 

I know you're already sold, but his Will tool got graded a future 70, best in the MWL. Were talking srs heart and soul upside here.

Edited September 27, 2011 by KingKongvs.Godzilla

[MWV]

He has strong hands and wrists and a knack for barreling the ball, so he could have average power as he learns to get more extension through the ball. His arm has improved considerably since he signed and now rates as solid to plus.

 

Pretty much sounds like Juan Pierre to me.

[imb]

oh great another campana

[Little Slide Rooter]

Scotty Pods FTW!

[Guest]

Bob (Mundelein, IL): Where would you rank Hayden Simpson's season among the most disappointing among all minor league prospects? I realize it's too early to give up on him but his stuff was nowhere close to what you would expect from a 1st rounder. Was it a result of being shut down after signing with the Cubs?

 

Jim Callis: Yes, definitely one of the biggest disappointments. The Cubs attribute it to the nasty case of mono he came down with after he was a surprise first-round pick in 2010. He lost a lot of weight and had trouble regaining his strength. His fastball sat at 82-86 mph and his curveball didn't have much power to it.

 

Don (Rosemont, IL): Do you see Szczur as a leadoff hitter or can he be a run producer and hit in the middle of the lineup?

 

Jim Callis: More of a leadoff hitter. He might develop average power, but his hitting ability and speed will be better tools.

 

John (Oak Park): It seems like a lean year for the Peoria Chiefs, other than Matt Szczur did any other prospects get consideration?

 

Jim Callis: Nope. Dallas Beeler might have, because he showed a heavy 90-93 mph sinker and promising secondary pitches, but he didn't pitch enough to qualify.

 

@ProspectD2J (Toronto): Jim, tough question, but take a wild guess. Who will be the top prospect on this list a year from now?? Throw out a couple names if choosing one is too hard. Thanks!

 

Jim Callis: There could be four top-10 picks from the 2011 draft in the MWL next year, so I'll say one of them. I'll make Archie Bradley the favorite, because I think it will be easiest for him to dominate, with Bubba Starling, Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez also in contention.

 

John (Oak Park): Frank Del Valle was reportedly clocked at 98 mph at one point this season. Can you tell us anything else about him?

 

Jim Callis: I don't know where that number came from, but I think that was a mistake on a radar gun if someone saw a 98. I've asked the Cubs and I've asked several MWL observers, but del Valle usually pitches from 88-91. He's more of a command guy who relies on mixing and locating his pitches rather than blowing the ball by hitters.

[Rob]

Chiefs really need to get the lights on the scoreboard for the radar gun reading fixed.

[TruffleShuffle]

Matt Szczur come in at #9:

 

He's just a grinder who doesn't give at-bats away and runs everything out."

 

Consider me sold.

 

@thekapman is already lobbying for him to make next year's opening day roster.