Minor League Discussion & Boxes 8-7-13

[KingCubsFan]

candelario is 2-2 with a triple and a walk. he's definitely shown improvement: .268/.360/.474/.835 with 14 bb/15 k in july, and .235/.364/.412/.775 with 4 bb/1 k in august (coming into tonight's game). for comparison, he ops'ed under .700 each month from april to june and had a 33bb/54k ratio in those months. would say it has been a successful season for him, given his youth and recent improvement.

Agreed. He's also third in the league in doubles. I think he's going to break out in 2015 in Tennessee.

[CubsWin]

candelario is 2-2 with a triple and a walk. he's definitely shown improvement: .268/.360/.474/.835 with 14 bb/15 k in july, and .235/.364/.412/.775 with 4 bb/1 k in august (coming into tonight's game). for comparison, he ops'ed under .700 each month from april to june and had a 33bb/54k ratio in those months. would say it has been a successful season for him, given his youth and recent improvement.

Agreed. He's also third in the league in doubles. I think he's going to break out in 2015 in Tennessee.

I second that. But I disagree with those who think that Candelario needs more time in Kane County. If he needs anything next season, it's time against FSL pitching. It's a tough hitter's league, but I expect to see an even better slash line from him next year. I think he'll show improvement next season and has a high likelihood of breaking out in AA.

[CubsWin]

Remember the 24 year old RFer the Cubs signed as a minor league free agent, Johermyn Chavez? He disappeared after playing 24 games for Tennessee. He just reappeared. As a pitcher in tonight's AZL game.

 

Speaking of the AZL, Erick Leal is pitching another gem so far tonight. Thru 4 1/3, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 5 Ks.

[Guest]

Speaking of the AZL, Erick Leal is pitching another gem so far tonight. Thru 4 1/3, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 5 Ks.

 

Have we seen anything about what his stuff is looking like this year?

 

I can't seem to recall anything.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Erick Leal is the [expletive] [expletive].

 

Also, Candelario is hitting 271/.370/.483 since June.

[CubsWin]

Speaking of the AZL, Erick Leal is pitching another gem so far tonight. Thru 4 1/3, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 5 Ks.

 

Have we seen anything about what his stuff is looking like this year?

 

I can't seem to recall anything.

I've not heard or read an updated scouting report to see if he's added an velocity or improved any of his breaking balls, but here is the report from when he was acquired in the Campana trade.

 

chicagocubsonline.com

 

Leal changed his delivery from almost straight over the top to a lower slot and got more life on his fastball. Leal sat in the 85-88 mph range when he signed and the change in his delivery added a couple of miles per hour to his fastball, which sat last year around 88-89 mph. His best pitch is a mid-to-high 70s breaking ball. Baseball America indicated his breaking ball is advanced for his age and has a chance to be a plus-pitch. Leal also developed a change-up last year which gives him the possibility of having three average or better pitches if his velocity continues to increase. Leal throws plenty of strikes and moves the ball around the zone.

[rawaction]

Also, Candelario is hitting 271/.370/.483 since June.

 

Wow, that's pretty good. I was thinking that was about his ultimate upside. .212 ISOP is legit. Like was said, he leads the MWL in doubles, if some of those turn to HRs next year, he's as good of a prospect as there is in the Cubs system, outside of Baez.

[Guest]

I haven't heard any new reports on Leal, just what we had after the trade.