Minor League Musings

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Navin (California): I’m guessing Nico Hoerner didn’t get enough reps but what did you hear about him. I’m pretty excited he’s headed to the AFL this year.

 

Bill Mitchell: Navin, you are correct about Hoerner. He barely had time to unpack and do any sightseeing in Oregon as he played only 7 games with Eugene. I saw him on several occasions this year, both with Stanford and then in a couple of early games in the AZL. The bat packed more wallop than I expected, so those scouting reports that questioned how much power he'd have may have been light on him. I believe he's going to hit, and he's the kind of guy who play above his tools. I'm eager to get more looks at him this week when AFL play starts.

 

Navin (Pasadena, CA): What is Jonathan Sierra’s prospect status? He commanded a higher bonus than Aramis Ademan, Miguel Amaya, Isaac Paredes and Brailyn Marquez in the same IFA class but they have all seemingly passed him by.

 

Bill Mitchell: Sierra has gotten noticeably stronger since his pro debut, but his development has been more of a slow burn. It's a long swing with some contact issues, and he hasn't yet been able to get to the raw power in games. Keep in mind that he's still only 19, so give him a little more time.

[Bertz]

It sort of irks me when a guy's scouting report changes on a dime in like a month post draft. I've seen no mention of Nico himself making a fundamental change since May, and being a Stanford guy who was always on the periphery of the first round it's not like there were limited looks on him.

 

So were the amateur scouts lazy? Working off an older report when he actually was just a slap hitter and never updating their priors? Or did they just assume because he's short, white, fast, and/or at Stanford (is the Stanford swing still a thing?) he doesn't have power? Are the pro scouts jumping the gun, getting googly eyed because of a great couple of weeks? Is his stock being inflated just because he whooped ass against some 18 year olds, and in reality he's 100% the guy from his pre draft reports?

 

There's a breakdown here somewhere. I'm really interested to see what comes out of the AFL. because the top talent evaluators are typically there.

[Regular Show]

It sort of irks me when a guy's scouting report changes on a dime in like a month post draft. I've seen no mention of Nico himself making a fundamental change since May, and being a Stanford guy who was always on the periphery of the first round it's not like there were limited looks on him.

 

So were the amateur scouts lazy? Working off an older report when he actually was just a slap hitter and never updating their priors? Or did they just assume because he's short, white, fast, and/or at Stanford (is the Stanford swing still a thing?) he doesn't have power? Are the pro scouts jumping the gun, getting googly eyed because of a great couple of weeks? Is his stock being inflated just because he whooped ass against some 18 year olds, and in reality he's 100% the guy from his pre draft reports?

 

There's a breakdown here somewhere. I'm really interested to see what comes out of the AFL. because the top talent evaluators are typically there.

 

Well, there is a difference between college and the minors. He's performing with a wood bat now and you can see his swing in action against better stuff/better pitching.

 

I agree that scouting reports shouldn't change too much just a month after signing, unless the guy is heavily promoted like all the way to High-A. I remember some reports questioning Benintendi and his swing in college. Then he entered the minors and kept raking. Some top college hitters really struggle and some just keep hitting. It's not an exact science.

 

I think the reports on Nico are better now? I don't think it's changed too much honestly. The main questions are whether he can stick at SS (I still don't know about that) and whether he'll hit for power. The power seems likely now, but we'll have to wait and see.

 

Also, I don't think Nico employs the "Stanford Swing" and I don't remember reading that in any reports on him. His swing is geared towards hitting line drives all over the field.

 

Anyway, how he performs in the AFL will definitely tell us how advanced he is.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I imagine the Stanford swing is going away. Last year was Stanford's first year with a new coach after Mark Marquess retired.

 

To the point of Nico's scouting reports, I feel like a lot of the media reports have said they are updating their reports and were too light on him in the past (more power is the biggest note I keep seeing). I think this shows more about the weaknesses of prospect scouting reports in the media and what info they can get rather than a negative about actual MLB scouts. We already saw the gap in info on Roederer as some teams saw him when he was healthy and didn't want to give out their more glowing reports to the media and tip off other teams.

[Regular Show]

I imagine the Stanford swing is going away. Last year was Stanford's first year with a new coach after Mark Marquess retired.

 

To the point of Nico's scouting reports, I feel like a lot of the media reports have said they are updating their reports and were too light on him in the past (more power is the biggest note I keep seeing). I think this shows more about the weaknesses of prospect scouting reports in the media and what info they can get rather than a negative about actual MLB scouts. We already saw the gap in info on Roederer as some teams saw him when he was healthy and didn't want to give out their more glowing reports to the media and tip off other teams.

 

Were other teams that interested in Roederer? I haven't heard or read anything about other teams showing heavy interest in him. They might have had better scouting reports when he was healthy, but I'm pretty sure if the Cubs don't draft him he ends up going to UCLA.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Amaya ends the season as the 87th ranked prospect by MLB.com.

 

Amusingly, Amaya ends up at 87 on BA’s final list too.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I imagine the Stanford swing is going away. Last year was Stanford's first year with a new coach after Mark Marquess retired.

 

To the point of Nico's scouting reports, I feel like a lot of the media reports have said they are updating their reports and were too light on him in the past (more power is the biggest note I keep seeing). I think this shows more about the weaknesses of prospect scouting reports in the media and what info they can get rather than a negative about actual MLB scouts. We already saw the gap in info on Roederer as some teams saw him when he was healthy and didn't want to give out their more glowing reports to the media and tip off other teams.

 

Were other teams that interested in Roederer? I haven't heard or read anything about other teams showing heavy interest in him. They might have had better scouting reports when he was healthy, but I'm pretty sure if the Cubs don't draft him he ends up going to UCLA.

 

In a recent podcast, Longenhagen mentioned a scout for a team besides the Cubs whispered Benintendi comps.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

I imagine the Stanford swing is going away. Last year was Stanford's first year with a new coach after Mark Marquess retired.

 

To the point of Nico's scouting reports, I feel like a lot of the media reports have said they are updating their reports and were too light on him in the past (more power is the biggest note I keep seeing). I think this shows more about the weaknesses of prospect scouting reports in the media and what info they can get rather than a negative about actual MLB scouts. We already saw the gap in info on Roederer as some teams saw him when he was healthy and didn't want to give out their more glowing reports to the media and tip off other teams.

 

Were other teams that interested in Roederer? I haven't heard or read anything about other teams showing heavy interest in him. They might have had better scouting reports when he was healthy, but I'm pretty sure if the Cubs don't draft him he ends up going to UCLA.

 

In a recent podcast, Longenhagen mentioned a scout for a team besides the Cubs whispered Benintendi comps.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Daniel

2:05

Were there any exciting names in Cubs extended or AZL? Reivaj looks interesting (and not just b/c the of the name)

Eric A Longenhagen

2:07

Yes, Reivaj Garcia is good. Advanced bat, will probably stay at second base, was very young for the league and still performed. Could be a 6 bat with 4 power. I like Yovanny Cruz, too. Low-90s, t95, sink, good changeup. Luis Verdugo could be plus glove at short. The draft picks played well in AZL, too.

 

Anthony

2:13

What happened to Aramis Ademan?

Eric A Longenhagen

2:13

Nothing, I don't think. Numbers weren't great, but he was pushed pretty aggressively, tools are still fine.

 

Jeremy

2:34

Any thoughts on Brailyn Marquez?

Eric A Longenhagen

2:35

Sure. Mid-90s from the left side, 55 curveball, kind of a weird delivery but it works. He's good.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

The Cubs has two prospects in the AZL Top 20. One shouldn’t surprise anyone:

 

7

Cole Roederer

AZL Cubs

OF

Notes:

Age: 18. B-T: L-L. Ht: 6-0. Wt: 175.

Drafted: HS—Newhall, Cal., 2017 (2s).

 

 

Roederer quickly became a favorite of scouts covering the Arizona League by showing top-of-the-order skills and more power than expected. He is a gamer with solid, all-around tools and good makeup. He has quick hands and good feel in the zone, with the chance to develop into an impact bat as he grows into power. Roederer should be able to stay in center, with above-average speed and a tick below-average but accurate arm.

 

 

“The way he plays the game is what impressed me the most,” said Cubs manager Jonathan Mota. “He will be more consistent as he plays more games … his plate discipline, jumps in the outfield, jumps on the bases. All of those will get better.”

 

 

2018 Stats

.275/.354/.465

142 AB, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 18 BB, 37 SO, 13 SB

 

And one surprising one:

 

17

Luis Verdugo

AZL Cubs

SS/3B

Notes:

Age: 17. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-0. Wt: 172. Signed: Mexico, 2017 (Cubs)

 

 

Verdugo signed with the Cubs for a $1.2 million bonus in 2017, with 25 percent of that total going to the player and the rest to the Mexican League team that held his rights --- a process that has now been suspended by Major League Baseball. The 17-year-old right-handed hitting shortstop made his pro debut this summer, and while his offensive numbers weren't impressive scouts were equally enthused about Verdugo's future ceiling. He has a good feel for the strike zone and started showing more pull power later in the summer, projecting to be a power over hit tool type especially as the body gets stronger.

 

 

While a below-average runner, Verdugo covers plenty of ground at shortstop with good actions and easy, low effort. A plus arm ensures that he can stay on the left side of the infield even if he outgrows shortstop. What stood out for Cubs manager Jonathan Mota was Verdugo's internal clock on defense and the ability to separate hitting and defense, impressive traits for his age.

 

 

2018 Stats

.193/.264/.295

176 AB, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 17 BB, 45 SO

[imb]

lol what a nice way of saying "can't hit"

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Navin (Pasadena, CA): I know the AZL is a big league so I’m not surprised they didn’t make it but did Reivaj Garcia (as a 17-year old middle infielder with good numbers) or Yovanny Cruz (ended the season with a promotion to the NWL) get any considerstion? Thank you!

 

Bill Mitchell: Regarding a couple of Cubs prospects that just missed making the top 20, Reivaj Garcia got a lot of support as a 16-year-old who was not at all intimidated by his first taste of pro ball. He's a natural hitter who someday may make me look foolish for not including him on this list, but he's still just so young. Garcia will probably be limited to second base but the bat should play there. He was a tough one to cut from the list. It wouldn't surprise me to see him on the Northwest League list next year as a 17-year-old. Cruz is another Cubs prospect who just missed making the list but some scouts saw him as ultimately more of a middle reliever. It's easy mid-90s velo and some feel to pitch.

[Regular Show]

This doesn't really relate to the Cubs or their farm system, but I enjoyed these questions in his latest chat on Fangraphs:

 

Chuncey Wiggins: Do scouts ever switch sports?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: Other than Jonah Hill’s Moneyball character, I can’t think of anyone switching sports off the top of my head.

 

I'm surprised he doesn't remember Jerry Krause. He famously started off as a baseball scout before becoming the GM of the Chicago Bulls and leading them to 6 rings, with the help of MJ, Pippen and Phil Jackson of course. He was a decent basketball scout and was one of the key influences behind scouting and drafting Toni Kukoc. He then transitioned back to being a baseball scout after he was fired.

 

Billy Beane: Do you have any idea what happens for the A’s if Kyler Murray suddenly becomes a 1st round pick and wants to declare?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: There’s a phrase that’s inappropriate for chat that applies.

 

Lol. Kyler Murray looked great in the Texas-Oklahoma game last week and I think he could go in the top 3 rounds of the NFL draft. They were discussing this in the latest UMP podcast on Fangraphs. I'm pretty sure he has a firm commitment to the A's, but I'd be really nervous every Saturday during college football season.

[imb]

This doesn't really relate to the Cubs or their farm system, but I enjoyed these questions in his latest chat on Fangraphs:

 

Chuncey Wiggins: Do scouts ever switch sports?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: Other than Jonah Hill’s Moneyball character, I can’t think of anyone switching sports off the top of my head.

 

I'm surprised he doesn't remember Jerry Krause. He famously started off as a baseball scout before becoming the GM of the Chicago Bulls and leading them to 6 rings, with the help of MJ, Pippen and Phil Jackson of course. He was a decent basketball scout and was one of the key influences behind scouting and drafting Toni Kukoc. He then transitioned back to being a baseball scout after he was fired.

 

Billy Beane: Do you have any idea what happens for the A’s if Kyler Murray suddenly becomes a 1st round pick and wants to declare?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: There’s a phrase that’s inappropriate for chat that applies.

 

Lol. Kyler Murray looked great in the Texas-Oklahoma game last week and I think he could go in the top 3 rounds of the NFL draft. They were discussing this in the latest UMP podcast on Fangraphs. I'm pretty sure he has a firm commitment to the A's, but I'd be really nervous every Saturday during college football season.

 

the local media has been discussing this all week, but they capital-S SUCK, and have made little sense.

 

But it's interesting to think about. He has a $5 million commitment from the A's. And if he takes that path he goes to A ball and is committed to riding buses for at least two years, making piss money. If he felt like he'd be drafted in the top 3 rounds, he'd get a signing bonus of about $900,000 and a four-year non-commited contract worth about $4 million (Mason Rudolph, 3rd round pick last year, got 920k and a 4-year $3.98 mil deal)

 

baseball seems like the best bet. His odds of making a dent in the majors and getting a big contract are low, but so is the risk of injury and if he can hit at all, with his speed he'll linger for a long time.

 

In the NFL, he also has a very very small chance of being a difference-maker because of his size. But he has the arm and can make the throws and he has athleticism that's elite even among the NFL elite. And even though injury risk is high in the NFL, they are doing all they can to legislate QB injuries out of the game. He basically has one hurdle to making big NFL money and playing at least semi-long term - his size. If he can overcome that, and no one in modern NFL history has played QB at his size, he's gonna make big money.

 

There are many many more hurdles to him becoming a big baseball player.

[Regular Show]

This doesn't really relate to the Cubs or their farm system, but I enjoyed these questions in his latest chat on Fangraphs:

 

Chuncey Wiggins: Do scouts ever switch sports?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: Other than Jonah Hill’s Moneyball character, I can’t think of anyone switching sports off the top of my head.

 

I'm surprised he doesn't remember Jerry Krause. He famously started off as a baseball scout before becoming the GM of the Chicago Bulls and leading them to 6 rings, with the help of MJ, Pippen and Phil Jackson of course. He was a decent basketball scout and was one of the key influences behind scouting and drafting Toni Kukoc. He then transitioned back to being a baseball scout after he was fired.

 

Billy Beane: Do you have any idea what happens for the A’s if Kyler Murray suddenly becomes a 1st round pick and wants to declare?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: There’s a phrase that’s inappropriate for chat that applies.

 

Lol. Kyler Murray looked great in the Texas-Oklahoma game last week and I think he could go in the top 3 rounds of the NFL draft. They were discussing this in the latest UMP podcast on Fangraphs. I'm pretty sure he has a firm commitment to the A's, but I'd be really nervous every Saturday during college football season.

 

the local media has been discussing this all week, but they capital-S SUCK, and have made little sense.

 

But it's interesting to think about. He has a $5 million commitment from the A's. And if he takes that path he goes to A ball and is committed to riding buses for at least two years, making piss money. If he felt like he'd be drafted in the top 3 rounds, he'd get a signing bonus of about $900,000 and a four-year non-commited contract worth about $4 million (Mason Rudolph, 3rd round pick last year, got 920k and a 4-year $3.98 mil deal)

 

baseball seems like the best bet. His odds of making a dent in the majors and getting a big contract are low, but so is the risk of injury and if he can hit at all, with his speed he'll linger for a long time.

 

In the NFL, he also has a very very small chance of being a difference-maker because of his size. But he has the arm and can make the throws and he has athleticism that's elite even among the NFL elite. And even though injury risk is high in the NFL, they are doing all they can to legislate QB injuries out of the game. He basically has one hurdle to making big NFL money and playing at least semi-long term - his size. If he can overcome that, and no one in modern NFL history has played QB at his size, he's gonna make big money.

 

There are many many more hurdles to him becoming a big baseball player.

 

Isn't Russell Wilson the same size? I looked it up and it says he's 5'11" and that sounds about right. Now, obviously Wilson is unique and teams want a QB with size. I think Drew Brees is also under 6', but he's also an exception. I believe Kyler Murray is 5'10" so he's shorter than Wilson and Brees, but not by much. He's definitely a better athlete than those two.

 

I'm not an expert or well-versed in scouting football prospects or how a player will adapt going from college to the pros. You probably know more than me about his chances (in professional football). I like Murray and think it's possible he could succeed in either sport, but I think he has a much better chance in baseball. He could be an elite CF if he puts it all together and develops as a hitter. He should be a legit 5-tool player if he reaches his considerable upside. Great case study for sure. I think Eric or Kiley said he could develop into a 4 or 5 WAR player.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

[Regular Show]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

Interesting...

[Regular Show]

[tweet]

[/tweet]

 

[tweet]https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/1053003934271397889[/tweet]

 

Pretty disgusting and I'd be pissed if I were a Royals fan right now.

[imb]

isnt dayton moore the no porn guy lol

[Regular Show]

Not a big deal, but just a petition to Raisin or some Mod to change the title lol. Just drop the place holder in the title and name it "Minor League Musings".

 

What is it a place holder for 50+ pages in?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Not a big deal, but just a petition to Raisin or some Mod to change the title lol. Just drop the place holder in the title and name it "Minor League Musings".

 

What is it a place holder for 50+ pages in?

lookie lookie at the friggin turd that started it

[Regular Show]

Not a big deal, but just a petition to Raisin or some Mod to change the title lol. Just drop the place holder in the title and name it "Minor League Musings".

 

What is it a place holder for 50+ pages in?

lookie lookie at the friggin turd that started it

 

Little Slide Rooter?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Not a big deal, but just a petition to Raisin or some Mod to change the title lol. Just drop the place holder in the title and name it "Minor League Musings".

 

What is it a place holder for 50+ pages in?

 

Done

[Regular Show]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/joadell25/status/1052383609099886592[/tweet]

 

Jo Adell seems like an awesome kid and a great prospect. He could be ranked #1 overall in the minors after Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr. and Eloy all graduate to the big leagues next season.

 

Do any of our players/prospects hold camps? I'm pretty sure Baez holds one right?

[imb]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/joadell25/status/1052383609099886592[/tweet]

 

Jo Adell seems like an awesome kid and a great prospect. He could be ranked #1 overall in the minors after Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr. and Eloy all graduate to the big leagues next season.

 

Do any of our players/prospects hold camps? I'm pretty sure Baez holds one right?

 

schwarber runs a heavyweights style fat camp