2012 BA Prospect Hot Sheets

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Week 2 | April 20, 2012: Second straight week with no Cubs in the top 13 but Anthony Rizzo did make the team photo:

 

If Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo isn't careful, he might give people the impression that the Pacific Coast League is a hitter's league. He went 10-for-25 (.400) this week with four homers (including two in Albuquerque), a double, six RBIs and eight runs scored for Triple-A Iowa, a performance that upped his season OPS to 1.291. The 22-year-old Rizzo owns a career batting line of .340/.408/.670 with 33 homers and 117 RBIs in 473 plate appearances in the PCL.

[BeerHere]

What has happened to Ronald Torreyes? Maybe I was expecting too much but an OBP of .250 while slugging .194? This guy was an on base machine when he was a Red. Is still early, but other than Rizzo and to a lesser extent Brett Jackson this has been a disappointing start to the minor league season for Cubs prospects. Beeler maybe? :(

 

Ugh

[Little Slide Rooter]

What has happened to Ronald Torreyes? Maybe I was expecting too much but an OBP of .250 while slugging .194? This guy was an on base machine when he was a Red. Is still early, but other than Rizzo and to a lesser extent Brett Jackson this has been a disappointing start to the minor league season for Cubs prospects. Beeler maybe? :(

 

Ugh

 

He put on a hat with a little bear on it. Seriously, he's 19 years old and 5'9 140lbs. I think he's toward the bottom of the list of things to worry about.

[toonsterwu]

What has happened to Ronald Torreyes? Maybe I was expecting too much but an OBP of .250 while slugging .194? This guy was an on base machine when he was a Red. Is still early, but other than Rizzo and to a lesser extent Brett Jackson this has been a disappointing start to the minor league season for Cubs prospects. Beeler maybe? :(

 

Ugh

 

I actually wasn't as enthused about Torreyes as most, but I'd be surprised if he didn't hit some. When you only have one plus tool, you can get exposed at times, and a mini-slump can look awfully bad.

[Guest]

What has happened to Ronald Torreyes? Maybe I was expecting too much but an OBP of .250 while slugging .194? This guy was an on base machine when he was a Red. Is still early, but other than Rizzo and to a lesser extent Brett Jackson this has been a disappointing start to the minor league season for Cubs prospects. Beeler maybe? :(

 

Ugh

Castillo.

[TruffleShuffle]

torreyes was 3-3 with 2 doubles, a triple and a walk tonight. it's called 10 games, 40 plate appearances and babip guys. relax.

[Guest]

Week 4 | May 4, 2012: Still no Cubs in the top 13:

 

NOT-SO HOT SHEET

 

• Ronald Torreyes, 2b, Cubs: Torreyes has shown some good things and some bad early in the high Class A Florida State League season. The pint-sized second baseman is hitting just .205/.274/.289 in 23 games, including a 1-for-25 (.040) stretch over the past week. The good news is that Torreyes' terrific hand-eye coordination and bat control have not deserted him. Even this past week, he has not struck out once, and he only has seven strikeouts all season. His early performance has been underwhelming, but as a 19-year-old in the FSL, there's no need to panic here.

 

• Gerardo Concepcion, lhp, Cubs: The Cubs gave Concepcion a rather stunning five-year major league deal worth $6 million in March, a move that was widely derided throughout the international scouting community. While the deal was seen as a significant overpay, Concepcion at least figured to be able to handle the low minors without much issue due to his success in Cuba's Serie Nacional at a young age. Instead, the 20-year-old's first two low Class A Peoria starts have resulted in 12 rus in 5 2/3 innings, including a start this week in which he couldn't even get out of the first. Concepcion is throwing strikes, but he's also struck out just two of the 32 batters he's faced, a pattern consistent with his middling strikeout rate in Cuba with a very hittable fastball that sits in the high 80s.

[PriortoTheoIhadWood]

Between the widely decried and expensive duo of Simpson and Concepcion there has to be a good pitcher.

[PriortoTheoIhadWood]

Between the widely decried and expensive duo of Simpson and Concepcion there has to be a good pitche, right?

[Guest]

Week 5 | May 11, 2012: Anthony Rizzo makes the team photo yet again:

 

In another situation, the clamor to promote 1B Anthony Rizzo to the big leagues would be deafening. After posting a 1.000+ OPS at Triple-A last year, Rizzo is doing it again this year for Iowa, and he hit his 10th home run this week. This week he hit .261/.433/.739 with three home runs. The problem? Bryan LaHair is currently posting a 1.243 OPS for the Cubs at first base. Eventually the Cubs may trade or reposition LaHair to open a spot for Rizzo, but for now it means that Rizzo will just have to keep doing what he's doing at Triple-A . . .

[toonsterwu]

From this week's chat

 

Dan (Israel): What should we know about Arismandy Alcantara who had a monster offensive week at SS in the FSL?

 

 

Matthew Eddy: Cubs 20-year-old Arismendy Alcantara possesses some loud tools — he can field, throw and run — and the shortstop reminded us this week that he also has potential with the bat, going 12-for-29 with two doubles and three triples for High-A Daytona. He very nearly made the Hot Sheet in the Helium section. If the offensive gains are real, then he's a prospect. Even if they're not he might make a fine utility player or quality system depth.

[Guest]

Week 6 | May 18, 2012: The run of no Cubs in the top 13 ends this week with Anthony Rizzo #1 overall for the week:

 

No. 1 ANTHONY RIZZO, 1B CUBS

Team: Triple-A Iowa (Pacific Coast)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: .417/.440/1.083 (10-for-24), 4 HR, 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 R, 6 RBIs, 1 BB, 3 SO, 1-for-1 SB

The Scoop: If Rizzo keeps this up, he deserves a spot in the Pacific Coast League's Hall of Fame. A year after hitting .331/.404/.652 for the Diamondbacks' Triple-A Tucson affiliate, the since-traded Rizzo has hit .359/.420/.704. Rizzo, a sixth-round pick of the Red Sox in 2007 now playing for his third organization, tops the PCL in home runs (14) and RBIs (39), total bases (104) and slugging. Don't expect that performance to land Rizzo in Chicago anytime soon. Former PCL standout Bryan LaHair leads all big league first basemen in slugging percentage and OPS, leaving the Cubs with little incentive to promote Rizzo.

[PriortoTheoIhadWood]

Still think he and Jackson need the AAA ABs anyway. Wanted each to get at least a couple hundred (I was thinking 300) down in the minors.

[Guest]

Week 6 | May 18, 2012: The run of no Cubs in the top 13 ends this week with Anthony Rizzo #1 overall for the week:

 

No. 1 ANTHONY RIZZO, 1B CUBS

Team: Triple-A Iowa (Pacific Coast)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: .417/.440/1.083 (10-for-24), 4 HR, 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 R, 6 RBIs, 1 BB, 3 SO, 1-for-1 SB

The Scoop: If Rizzo keeps this up, he deserves a spot in the Pacific Coast League's Hall of Fame. A year after hitting .331/.404/.652 for the Diamondbacks' Triple-A Tucson affiliate, the since-traded Rizzo has hit .359/.420/.704. Rizzo, a sixth-round pick of the Red Sox in 2007 now playing for his third organization, tops the PCL in home runs (14) and RBIs (39), total bases (104) and slugging. Don't expect that performance to land Rizzo in Chicago anytime soon. Former PCL standout Bryan LaHair leads all big league first basemen in slugging percentage and OPS, leaving the Cubs with little incentive to promote Rizzo.

 

Is that picture even him?

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/artman2live/uploads/1/arizzo12267200aw.jpg

 

 

Are they wearing the Santo patches this year?

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.mycubstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/chicago-cubs-boston-red-sox-anthony-rizzo-san-diego-padres2.jpg

 

looks the same

[BeerHere]

Week 6 | May 18, 2012: The run of no Cubs in the top 13 ends this week with Anthony Rizzo #1 overall for the week:

 

No. 1 ANTHONY RIZZO, 1B CUBS

Team: Triple-A Iowa (Pacific Coast)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: .417/.440/1.083 (10-for-24), 4 HR, 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 R, 6 RBIs, 1 BB, 3 SO, 1-for-1 SB

The Scoop: If Rizzo keeps this up, he deserves a spot in the Pacific Coast League's Hall of Fame. A year after hitting .331/.404/.652 for the Diamondbacks' Triple-A Tucson affiliate, the since-traded Rizzo has hit .359/.420/.704. Rizzo, a sixth-round pick of the Red Sox in 2007 now playing for his third organization, tops the PCL in home runs (14) and RBIs (39), total bases (104) and slugging. Don't expect that performance to land Rizzo in Chicago anytime soon. Former PCL standout Bryan LaHair leads all big league first basemen in slugging percentage and OPS, leaving the Cubs with little incentive to promote Rizzo.

I think they meant Padres AAA affiliate

[Guest]

I hate those double flapped helmets

[Guest]

Week 7 | May 25, 2012: Rizzo is #4 this week:

 

No. 4 ANTHONY RIZZO, 1B CUBS

Team: Triple-A Iowa (Pacific Coast)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: .321/.387/.643 (9-for-28), 3 2B, 2 HR, 7 R, 4 RBIs, 3 BB, 6 SO

The Scoop: After landing at No. 1 in last week's Hot Sheet, Rizzo cooled off this week—bringing his season batting average all the way down to .353. The 2007 sixth-round pick continues to light up Pacific Coast League pitching. On Tuesday Rizzo put together a three-hit day that included a home run and three RBIs. Rizzo's 16 homers are the most of any player in the PCL this season, and his .353 average and 43 RBIs also put him among the league leaders. Rizzo's steady offensive production coupled with the Cubs' continued struggles make the clamor for Rizzo to be promoted even louder. Chicago manager Dale Sveum said the organization is considering bringing up Rizzo for their series in Minnesota starting June 8.

[Guest]

Week 9 | June 8, 2012: Javier Baez becomes the first Cub besides Rizzo to make the Hot List this year.

 

No. 8. JAVIER BAEZ, SS, Cubs

Team: low Class A Peoria (Midwest)

Age: 19

Why He's Here: .476/.542/.905 (10-for-21), 4 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBIs, 1 BB, 5 SO, 2-for-2 SB

The Scoop: The Cubs waited until the end of May to unleash their 2011 first-round pick on the Midwest League, and opposing pitchers are wishing the team had kept Baez in extended spring training a little longer. It's only been 10 games, but Baez is hitting .324/.405/.568 with two home runs. He's looking every bit like the potential plus hitter with plus power the Cubs envisioned when they drafted him, with plenty of bat speed and power. Sure he may not end up playing shortstop in the big leagues, but with a bat like this, who cares?

[Guest]

Week 10 | June 15, 2012: Rizzo back on the Hot Sheet.

 

No. 5 ANTHONY RIZZO, 1B CUBS

Team: Triple-A Iowa (Pacific Coast)

Age: 22

Why He's Here: .400/.423/1.040 (10-for-25), 5 HR, 6 R, 9 RBIs, 0 BB, 6 SO

The Scoop: Rizzo continues to make it harder and harder for the Cubs to keep him in the minor leagues. On Sunday and Monday Rizzo had back-to-back multi-home run games, bringing his season total to 22. He leads all PCL hitters in home runs and OPS (1.173) and is second in RBIs (57). Cubs fans held their breath on Tuesday after Rizzo hurt his knee attempting to make a sliding catch in foul territory. He has been out of the lineup since Tuesday, but the Cubs say it's only a bruise and Rizzo is day-to-day.

 

From the chat:

 

All Cubs fans (Wrigleyville): THERE IS NO REASON TO WATCH THIS TEAM. WHEN WILL THEY HAVE MERCY ON US AND CALL UP RIZZO?

 

Matthew Eddy: Probably the most satisfying way to follow a beleaguered, veteran-bloated big league club is to simply root for the young homegrown players. Take satisfaction when a prospect who rose through the ranks performs well — right now I guess that's Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney — but keep looking forward to second-half callups such as Rizzo and Brett Jackson.

[Guest]

Week 11 | June 22, 2012: I thought Jeimer Candelario had a chance at the hot sheet. Instead, it feels like BA is mocking Cubs fans:

 

MAN AMONG BOYS

 

• Hayden Simpson, rhp, Cubs: Any progress is encouraging progress for Simpson, and Thursday night he pitched four innings for short-season Boise, giving up just one unearned run and one hit while walking one. More importantly, he tied a career high with seven strikeouts. Boise manager Mark Johnson told the Idaho Press-Tribune that Simpson pitched great. "I can't picture him throwing any better," the skipper said. No one envisioned that the 23-year-old 2010 first-round pick would still be in short-season ball two years after being drafted, but of course few teams besides the Cubs pictured Simpson as a first-round pick that year. Simpson has endured mono and arm injuries since being a surprise first-rounder, and one game doesn't make his slow progress any easier to stomach for Cubs fans.

[toonsterwu]

There was a Cubs snippets in the chat, nothing surprising.

 

Itto (Aguadilla PR): What's your opinion on Cubs RHP Dillon Maples? What kind of tools does he have?

 

 

Jim Shonerd: The Cubs gave Maples $2.5 million at the deadline as their 14th round pick out of high school last year, and he's expected to make his pro debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League in the near future. He's got two electric pitches in his fastball and curveball, though scouts worry about some stiffness in his delivery. High-ceiling guy, but obviously a long way from reaching it.

[pitchcs]

Week 11 | June 22, 2012: I thought Jeimer Candelario had a chance at the hot sheet. Instead, it feels like BA is mocking Cubs fans:

 

MAN AMONG BOYS

 

• Hayden Simpson, rhp, Cubs: Any progress is encouraging progress for Simpson, and Thursday night he pitched four innings for short-season Boise, giving up just one unearned run and one hit while walking one. More importantly, he tied a career high with seven strikeouts. Boise manager Mark Johnson told the Idaho Press-Tribune that Simpson pitched great. "I can't picture him throwing any better," the skipper said. No one envisioned that the 23-year-old 2010 first-round pick would still be in short-season ball two years after being drafted, but of course few teams besides the Cubs pictured Simpson as a first-round pick that year. Simpson has endured mono and arm injuries since being a surprise first-rounder, and one game doesn't make his slow progress any easier to stomach for Cubs fans.

 

Well let's just call it a career then.

[davell]

If he geys back up to 92 or so, I guess he needs to be on our radar, but this definitely seems like a little poke from BA to me.

[Quakers]

Week 11 | June 22, 2012: I thought Jeimer Candelario had a chance at the hot sheet. Instead, it feels like BA is mocking Cubs fans:

 

MAN AMONG BOYS

 

• Hayden Simpson, rhp, Cubs: Any progress is encouraging progress for Simpson, and Thursday night he pitched four innings for short-season Boise, giving up just one unearned run and one hit while walking one. More importantly, he tied a career high with seven strikeouts. Boise manager Mark Johnson told the Idaho Press-Tribune that Simpson pitched great. "I can't picture him throwing any better," the skipper said. No one envisioned that the 23-year-old 2010 first-round pick would still be in short-season ball two years after being drafted, but of course few teams besides the Cubs pictured Simpson as a first-round pick that year. Simpson has endured mono and arm injuries since being a surprise first-rounder, and one game doesn't make his slow progress any easier to stomach for Cubs fans.

 

:)