Cubs Sign 19 year old Cuban LHP Gerardo Concepcion

[ctcf]

I figured if someone like Jaramillo can have his own thread...

 

Per MLBTR:

 

18-year-old Cuban lefty Gerardo Concepcion has established residency in Mexico, agent Jaime Torres told Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com. He should be able to declare free agency and negotiate with Major League teams very soon. The Yankees, Rangers, Cubs, White Sox, and Phillies are among the interested clubs, Rojas tweets.

 

And some stats, per Rotoworld:

 

While stats don't tell us much, Concepcion was the Rookie of the Year in Serie Nacional for 2010-2011 after posting a 3.36 ERA and 53/43 K/BB ratio over 101 2/3 innings.

 

Any of you prospect minded folks have any thoughts on the kid?

[davell]

We've talked about him some in the minor league thread. I thought he was 19, not 18. Anyway, he's crafty. Pretty advanced to be successful at his age, in the league he played in. I asked Ben Badler if he's a top 100 prospect and he said no. To me though, we have a huge void in our system for pitchers, lefties even moreso than righties, so I hope we find a way to get him. He's not a hard thrower, but it seems like he knows how to pitch. No clue what kind of cash it will take, nor do I know whether he's looking for a major league deal. But, there's not much besides him and another 19 year old Cuban Omar Luis out there, pitching-wise, as far as IFA's go. Especially since Onelkis Garcia was told he's in the draft next year and not a FA. At Concepcion's age and success level, I'd think he'll be pretty expensive myself. Maybe we can put the full court press on and lock him down soon.

[davell]

By the way, I think they retracted part of that statement. I think he's already been approved and is eligible to sign now.

[Pushfrog98]

I figured if someone like Jaramillo can have his own thread...

Jaramillo actually has 2 full threads about him.

[ctcf]

By the way, I think they retracted part of that statement. I think he's already been approved and is eligible to sign now.

 

Really? Excellent.

[NonProfitCow]

53/43 K/BB ratio over 101 2/3 innings

 

That's not good.

Edited January 19, 2012 by NonProfitCow

[ctcf]

53/43 K/BB

 

Teenager.

[NonProfitCow]

53/43 K/BB

 

Teenager.

That's a K/9 below 5. That's bad.

 

Edit - I'm hungover and having trouble thinking.

[davell]

He's 18 and pitching to players in their primes. His league is considered to be the equivalent of AA ball. I'm not worried at all about an 18 year old's K rate, that's pitching at a much higher level than where he should be.

[sneakypower]

obviously unrelated, but if his league is considered the equivalent of AA ball, that'd give that Jose Abreu guy an MLE of .360/.462/.734

[Hairyducked Idiot]

obviously unrelated, but if his league is considered the equivalent of AA ball, that'd give that Jose Abreu guy an MLE of .360/.462/.734

 

Which is a good hint that it's not really AA quality.

[sneakypower]

not really, since assuming a single-A equivalency gives Cespedes a .226/.277/.401 MLE

 

given the number of teams with serious interest in giving this guy $20+ million, it's pretty safe to say he's a fair amount better than that

[Guest]

not really, since assuming a single-A equivalency gives Cespedes a .226/.277/.401 MLE

 

given the number of teams with serious interest in giving this guy $20+ million, it's pretty safe to say he's a fair amount better than that

 

High A or low A?

 

I ask because Brett mentioned this in his blog post on Concepcion

To contextualize: Cuba’s highest professional level is often compared to High-A ball in the States.

 

which obviously, could be wrong, but just trying to clear up.

[davell]

I mentioned AA, but have heard both AA and High A.

[sneakypower]

that was for MWL (single-A), the comparison which i'd seen the most

 

but "high-A" is a nebulous distinction; there's a 100 pt gap in his MLEs for the FSL and Carolina League

[Guest]

If we're picking a High A league to compare, my uneducated guess is that the California League is the way to go.

[ctcf]

Concepcion is indeed officially an MLB Free Agent: http://calltothepen.com/2012/01/19/gerardo-concepcion-declared-mlb-free-agent/

[ctcf]

Per ESPN:

 

Concepcion is scheduled for a training session Thursday at the Yankees' camp in Dominican Republic, the agent said.

[davell]

According to his agent, Concepcion is extremely close to signing somewhere, could be this weekend, will be signed by next week. Even if he's a 4/5 guy, I want him, because it can't hurt with our pursuits of the big 2.

[ctcf]

Yes plz.

[Clem Fandango]

Nothing really new or groundbreaking...

 

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs and White Sox continue to show interest in Cuban left-hander Gerardo Concepcion.

Concepcion, who defected from Cuba last June, recently established residency in Mexico and was granted free agency by MLB last month. The 18-year-old worked out in front of Rangers' executives last Monday in the Dominican Republic and is expected to pick a team soon. The Yankees, Phillies, Royals, Marlins, Giants, Blue Jays and Red Sox are among the teams who have also expressed interest.

[PriortoTheoIhadWood]

Any scouting reports on this guy? Does his athleticism get talked up?

[davell]

Upper 80's to low 90's FB, decent curve, throws a slider and change as well. Advanced control. Throws across his body, some teams see this as deceptive and will help in future. Some projection left on his frame. Teams have varying opinions about his upside.

[Guest]

Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald

 

Official: Cuban pitcher Gerardo Concepcion signed a multimillion dollar pact with the Chicago Cubs, a source confirmed to El Nuevo Herald.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald

 

Official: Cuban pitcher Gerardo Concepcion signed a multimillion dollar pact with the Chicago Cubs, a source confirmed to El Nuevo Herald.

 

That's one.