Random Cubs Musings: Minor League Edition

[Guest]

Who the heck generated those post-2014 rankings?

 

Think that's the MLB.com list...came from MLB Pipeline twitter

[Guest]

 

#Cubs fans, I just spoke with dir. of player development Jaron Madison about where about 18 @MiLB guys are starting 2015. Follow for details...

 

Spoiler, I don't have an answer about Kris Bryant or Jorge Soler.

 

The #Cubs are 50-50 on whether Christian Villanueva starts in Iowa or Tennessee, but Jaron Madison said he's the best defensive 3B in org.

 

Eloy Jimenez will likely break camp with South Bend, but Jaron Madison said it also wouldn't be the worst thing to be held back in extended.

Jeimer Candelario will be Myrtle Beach's starting third baseman this season and the #Cubs want to see how Addison Russell adjusts to AAA.

 

CJ Edwards is last-minute decision, but will be in Tennessee or Iowa. Still at 170-175 pounds, but #Cubs not worried w/ durability/strength.

 

Kyle Schwarber starts in Tennessee. #Cubs love his progress behind the plate after he flew himself to California to work with Tim Cossins.

Tennessee also be likely landing spot for Albert Almora, but #Cubs want him to force their hand. Jaron Madison called him best defensive OF.

Billy McKinney could be in Myrtle Beach or Tennessee; Jake Stinnett will battle for a spot in South Bend; Mark Zagonis to Myrtle Beach #Cubs

 

Jacob Hannemann and Paul Blackbburn also likely going to the Carolina League. Trevor Clifton expected in South Bend. #Cubs

 

Kevonte Mitchell will battle for spot in South Bend. If he doesn't make the team, he stays in XST, starts in Eugene, goes to SB in summer.

 

Also of note in #Cubs org this spring, converted 2B Gioskar Amaya will be the everyday catcher in South Bend this year. #Cubs love his bat.

 

Defense remains biggest concern with Bryant. #Cubs want him to keep stiller at 3B, get as small as possible and learn to adjust to hitters.

 

Jaron Madison says if Bryant gets inside his legs, he can make better throws, take strain off shoulder/arm because he won't need 100%. #Cubs

 

Final #Cubs note for now: Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Jason McLeod have spearheaded initiative to have every MiLBer play a second position.

The rationale is versatility. They want guys to know nuances so it's not a shock as they move up. That's now a part of #Cubs' player plans.

For those asking, Gleyber Torres likely starting in South Bend, according to the #Cubs.

[davell]

I'll put this here.....AZPhil mentioned guys getting moved down in minor league camp today. The important ones were CJ, Black, Villanueva, Bruno, Vogelbach, and Schwarber to Tennessee.

 

Candelario, Caratini, and McKinney to Myrtle Beach.

 

Torres and Stinnett to South Bend.

 

Jimenez and Mitchell to EXST

 

Almora left the game today with a knee injury, limped to the clubhouse.

[Guest]

I'll put this here.....AZPhil mentioned guys getting moved down in minor league camp today. The important ones were CJ, Black, Villanueva, Bruno, Vogelbach, and Schwarber to Tennessee.

 

Candelario, Caratini, and McKinney to Myrtle Beach.

 

Torres and Stinnett to South Bend.

 

Jimenez and Mitchell to EXST

 

Almora left the game today with a knee injury, limped to the clubhouse.

 

tiny bit bummed at that CJ news and ugh at almora

[Ding Dong Johnson]

CJ has to be weather related?

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

still don't get why McKinney isn't at Tenn

[ctcf]

still don't get why McKinney isn't at Tenn

 

Me either. Gotta figure he'll be an early bump up tho.

[JennieGarthAlgar]

still don't get why McKinney isn't at Tenn

 

Obviously, we have way too many awesome prospects and Theo and Jed are worried that if they all continue to kick ass, we won't have any room for them at the MLB level. So, pump the brakes there, Billy.

[ctcf]

D: D: D: D: D: D: D: D:

 

[RynoRules]

Not sure where to put this, but felt pst relevant to this thread:

 

http://deadspin.com/keith-law-will-find-you-if-you-repost-his-espn-insider-1695950422

[BrockLanders]

Wanted to post a couple answers from Kiley's chat:

 

when will addison russell come up? Will it take a Starlin trade or will he move to third or second?

 

Kiley McDaniel: When he’s ready and needed. I think Castro might be a better defender than Russell, so you might have it backwards.

 

Some at ESPN are suggesting that the Cubs trade Starlin Castro to allow for Russell to take over SS. Thoughts?

 

Kiley McDaniel: And what if it turns out Russell isn’t a SS? Pretty foolish right? That’s why they haven’t done that yet.

 

 

Found that a little surprising.

[Guest]

Wanted to post a couple answers from Kiley's chat:

 

when will addison russell come up? Will it take a Starlin trade or will he move to third or second?

 

Kiley McDaniel: When he’s ready and needed. I think Castro might be a better defender than Russell, so you might have it backwards.

 

Some at ESPN are suggesting that the Cubs trade Starlin Castro to allow for Russell to take over SS. Thoughts?

 

Kiley McDaniel: And what if it turns out Russell isn’t a SS? Pretty foolish right? That’s why they haven’t done that yet.

 

 

Found that a little surprising.

he's the first person I've heard doubting Russell at SS lately.

[Andy]

Wanted to post a couple answers from Kiley's chat:

 

when will addison russell come up? Will it take a Starlin trade or will he move to third or second?

 

Kiley McDaniel: When he’s ready and needed. I think Castro might be a better defender than Russell, so you might have it backwards.

 

Some at ESPN are suggesting that the Cubs trade Starlin Castro to allow for Russell to take over SS. Thoughts?

 

Kiley McDaniel: And what if it turns out Russell isn’t a SS? Pretty foolish right? That’s why they haven’t done that yet.

 

 

Found that a little surprising.

he's the first person I've heard doubting Russell at SS lately.

To be fair, calling Castro a better defender than Russell isn't necessarily saying Russell couldn't play SS.

[Deeg]

ChicagoCubsOnline retweeted

Mick Gillispie ‏@BroadcasterMick 6m6 minutes ago

#Cubs @BaseballAmerica #5 Prospect @CEdwardsSBS to work out of the bullpen to start season for @smokiesbaseball Was a starter 2014

 

Disappointing.

[Guest]

We shoulda made our top 10 all hitters.

[davell]

ChicagoCubsOnline retweeted

Mick Gillispie ‏@BroadcasterMick 6m6 minutes ago

#Cubs @BaseballAmerica #5 Prospect @CEdwardsSBS to work out of the bullpen to start season for @smokiesbaseball Was a starter 2014

 

Disappointing.

 

Cold weather, perhaps? Or maybe a way to limit early season innings since he's obviously not throwing a full seasons worth after last year?

[Hairyducked Idiot]

he's the first person I've heard doubting Russell at SS lately.

 

It seemed like everyone was doubting him at SS until the Cubs fan prospect hype machine got a hold of him, then suddenly he shot up a ton in defensive reputation.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

ChicagoCubsOnline retweeted

Mick Gillispie ‏@BroadcasterMick 6m6 minutes ago

#Cubs @BaseballAmerica #5 Prospect @CEdwardsSBS to work out of the bullpen to start season for @smokiesbaseball Was a starter 2014

 

Disappointing.

 

Cold weather, perhaps? Or maybe a way to limit early season innings since he's obviously not throwing a full seasons worth after last year?

 

Both possible, but I think it's most likely that they are moving him to the pen because he's not capable of handling a starter's innings.

[Guest]

he's the first person I've heard doubting Russell at SS lately.

 

It seemed like everyone was doubting him at SS until the Cubs fan prospect hype machine got a hold of him, then suddenly he shot up a ton in defensive reputation.

 

and because plus plus hands

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

um, did everyone forget russell had double + hands?

[Guest]

um, did everyone forget russell had double + hands?

Yeah, but does he catch baseballs bare [expletive] handed tossed to him from a distance of 6 full feet before a game ? Those are quad + hands.

[Guest]

He had fixed his defensive rep while still at Oakland you miscreants.

[Guest]

he's the first person I've heard doubting Russell at SS lately.

 

It seemed like everyone was doubting him at SS until the Cubs fan prospect hype machine got a hold of him, then suddenly he shot up a ton in defensive reputation.

 

He improved his reputation greatly his senior year in HS and during his time in the A's system and no one was doubting his SS ability at the time of the trade.

[TruffleShuffle]

don't listen to kyle.

[Gmoney08]

Hey guys, I'm planning on getting tickets to the Iowa Cubs game on Sunday, April 19th. I coach HS Softball so Sunday is really the only day I could make it out to Iowa for a game.

 

Do you guys expect KB will still be in Iowa on April 19th? That is there 11th game of the year and I've read they technically only need 9 games to get the extra year of control?