Minor League Musings

[Regular Show]

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Raisin already mentioned Nico and Amaya, but this pic shows all the prospects and how much they've risen/fallen. Pretty cool.

 

Austin Riley will graduate off the list pretty soon. Brent Honeywell should be lower after suffering another bad injury unfortunately. Justus Sheffield is just awful right now and should be off the list completely IMO (really bad trade by SEA).

[Regular Show]

From the latest Klaw chat:

 

M: Adbert Alzolay had a really nice debut last night. Can he stick around with the big league team this year?

Keith Law: Yes. The bigger question is whether his improved FB command and better CB are enough to let him get lefties out three times through an order. If not, he’s still a valuable bullpen piece. But if they can, he can start now.

Jake: Gallen or Alzolay a better pitching prospect? Both seem to be having better years this year

Keith Law: Alzolay.

baldguy510: What’s the latest on Wander Franco? When do you see him in the majors and is it definitely as a SS?

Keith Law: #1 prospect in baseball. Shortstop.

Jim: What do you think of the proposed Tampa-Montreal “split season” floated? Jeff Passan had a pretty good recap. I think there are a lot of questions (contractual, logistic, tax, territorial, etc.), but it brings back thoughts of the Pittsburgh-Washington Homestead Grays (as well as the unfortunate 2004 Montreal-San Juan bit).

Keith Law: One of the worst horsefeathering ideas i’ve heard in a long, long, long time.

Jimmy: Brennen Davis of the Cubs, SSS or potential breakout?

Keith Law: Both of these things can be true at the same time. It’s a tiny sample, but he’s also a great athlete and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he blew up this summer.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

https://www.thecubreporter.com/06222019/cubs-dominican-area-scout-killed-santo-domingo

 

Cubs Dominican area scout killed

[Regular Show]

https://www.thecubreporter.com/06222019/cubs-dominican-area-scout-killed-santo-domingo

 

Cubs Dominican area scout killed

 

Damn. That really sucks. Scouts in foreign countries really develop a close relationship with the prospects they sign because they meet them at such a young age and usually stay in touch and consider them family.

 

Hope the Cubs honor him (like Stan Zielinski) and condolences to his family.

[Regular Show]

 

Really looking forward to this.

[Regular Show]

Long post incoming on Robel Garcia:

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Last fall, Cubs scout Gabe Zappin was in Arizona covering the Cincinnati Reds in the instructional league. On this particular day, a player on Team Italy, the Reds’ opponent that game, grabbed his attention.

 

“I was basically watching the Reds club and this kid made a really nice diving play in the infield, threw the ball across the diamond and it caught my eye,” Zappin said. “I was like, ‘That was a big-league play right there.’ He stood out physically with his body and then he gets up to the plate and it sounds different off the bat. He hit a ball into the desert off a really good arm and then he came back up and hit one off the center-field fence. So I thought, ‘Boy, who is this kid and what’s he doing here?’”

 

A native of the Dominican Republic, Garcia had married an Italian woman and had been playing baseball in Italy for five years.

Now it makes sense why he was playing professionally in Italy lol.

 

“It was just being in the right place at the right time,” Zappin said. “It could have been very easy for me to look at a 26-year-old who had been in and out of baseball and just pass it up. For whatever reason, I sent an email saying this kid lit me up today and there’s something there.”

 

The 42-year-old Zappin has been a Cubs area scout for six years and spent 15 years coaching at the collegiate level before joining the organization. He now covers Northern California and was the point man for their last two first-round picks, Nico Hoerner and Ryan Jensen. When he emails his bosses, it doesn’t go to spam.

I'm higher on Ryan Jensen after reading that and this area scout knows his stuff. He did a great job finding this kid.

 

“It’s real pop,” McLeod said. “The exit velocity is there. There’s been some swing and miss too, but I think he’s got 17 home runs and a ton of base hits. It’s been pretty fun to watch.”

 

With that in mind, Garcia is now becoming an enticing option for the Cubs at second base. They’d need to open up a 40-man spot for him, but roster maneuvering is less of a concern if it means being able to put the best possible 25-man group together at the big-league level.

 

“He’s a really intriguing player,” Cubs president Theo Epstein said. “It is an incredible story. He hits the ball really, really hard form both sides of the plate. Gets it in the air a lot, especially left-handed, and he can get around on anybody’s fastball. Those are really good ingredients. It’ll be interesting to see how he does as the league adjusts to him a little bit and challenges him with heavier dose of breaking stuff. He’s got a chance to continue to make adjustments and continue to prove himself. He’s got some versatility to his game, certainly got some power to his game. It’s an intriguing fit for the club down the road.”

 

As of now, the Cubs know that what Zappin saw that day last fall was legit. Garcia clobbers fastballs.

 

“In this game with a ton of velo, he’s a guy who can really handle a fastball,” Epstein said. “That’s a good thing to start with.”

 

“You gotta pay attention to a guy who is performing at the level he is and offers the different skills that he has,” Epstein said. “Anyone at the Triple-A level certainly is on the radar screen. We’ve spent a lot of time watching him, evaluating him, talking about him and looking forward to the next phases of his development.”

 

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The first scouting reports the Chicago Cubs had on Robel Garcia were from nine years ago, when he was a young infielder playing in the minors with the Cleveland Indians. The scouts who had seen Garcia thought he was struggling to make contact and wasn’t tapping into the power potential he possess.

 

Well, things have finally clicked for Garcia — with the Cubs.

 

“He’s completely exceeding everybody’s expectations,” said Alex Suarez, Chicago’s director of international pro scouting/player development. “Obviously, it’s a surprise to the organization that he’s been able to make the adjustment as quickly as he has.”

But to fully tap into the potential, the Cubs and Garcia had some work to do. Transitioning back into affiliated ball wasn't going to be easy. And simultaneously fixing some of his flaws was going to be difficult as well. So Garcia started working with Chris Valaika, Chicago's minor league hitting coordinator.

 

“Its just been little maintenance things,” Valaika said. "The biggest thing with him is he’s really special. He’s been a natural switch-hitter his whole life, so there’s not a ton of falloff from either side. So, the big thing has been approach and the big part of the field and then just managing the breaking ball. The more you control the zone like that, it forces pitchers back into the zone and the more damage he does.”

 

Really exciting stuff in both articles on Robel Garcia. Seems like the FO is really high on him and that he'll get the chance to prove himself with the Cubs at some point.

[Post Count Padder]

According the the Baseball America transactions page, we released Brad Markey and he was scooped up by the Reds. There was a time I thought he'd be an interesting reliever for us. Oh well.

[Regular Show]

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Me too :D

 

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For those that don't follow the minors that closely Nico Hoerner is back. Should be up to AA in a few days.

[Regular Show]

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Adbert Alzolay and Miguel Amaya are the only Cubs prospects on the roster.

[OleMissCub]

Wonder if they’ll be promoting Short to Iowa this year. He’s killing it in Tennessee

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Wonder if they’ll be promoting Short to Iowa this year. He’s killing it in Tennessee

 

Wyatt? He’s long overdue for a promotion.

[OleMissCub]

Wonder if they’ll be promoting Short to Iowa this year. He’s killing it in Tennessee

 

Wyatt? He’s long overdue for a promotion.

 

Yep. Maybe he’ll get it with Maples and Wick being moved up

[Bear Cub]

Robel not in the lineup. Could he be heading for Pitts. this week?

[Regular Show]

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Once word got out that Hultzen might be throwing for scouts, the Cubs closed a deal with him before others could get a look. Hultzen ended up getting 6 2/3 innings with the Cubs’ Arizona League team and a pair at Triple-A Iowa toward the end of last season. It was a slow process as he got back to full strength and continued to tweak things on the mound.

 

Late this spring, well after the big-league club had already headed to Chicago, Hultzen created some buzz in Arizona, hitting 97 mph in one-inning bursts with a lower arm slot. Hultzen said the change isn’t something he did consciously, but if it’s happening and it’s working, he’s not about to mess with it. During his Virginia days and when he was healthy early on with the Mariners, Hultzen topped out at 95, maybe hitting 96 occasionally. So this jump in velocity, even in short bursts as a reliever, is just a bonus as he continues his comeback attempt.

 

“I’m working on things mechanically and I’m a bit more efficient,” Hultzen said. “That’s been a very pleasant surprise because I’ve never really thrown that hard. I can’t pinpoint exactly where it came from. But I think it’s just a culmination of me being further away from surgery, some different therapy techniques and some mechanical adjustments. I’m just trying to be as efficient as possible and it’s kind of resulted in that.”

 

Not only are Hultzen’s changes more efficient, but they could help him avoid injuries, too.

“It’s a great story,” Cubs president Theo Epstein said. “He’s certainly got the stuff to be in consideration. He did a really nice job in Arizona. We sort of tightened up the down period between outings to see if it was something he could sustain. He pitched every other day for a little bit there. Once he got through that hurdle and still felt great, we decided to get him to Iowa. Kind of skip the normal progression, just get him up to a doorstep away because the stuff is really good. It’s the kind of stuff than can succeed against major-league hitters.”

 

Good stuff. Nothing really new in the article for people following him closely. He could be a late season addition if he continues dominating at AAA.

[Hrubes20]

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Once word got out that Hultzen might be throwing for scouts, the Cubs closed a deal with him before others could get a look. Hultzen ended up getting 6 2/3 innings with the Cubs’ Arizona League team and a pair at Triple-A Iowa toward the end of last season. It was a slow process as he got back to full strength and continued to tweak things on the mound.

 

Late this spring, well after the big-league club had already headed to Chicago, Hultzen created some buzz in Arizona, hitting 97 mph in one-inning bursts with a lower arm slot. Hultzen said the change isn’t something he did consciously, but if it’s happening and it’s working, he’s not about to mess with it. During his Virginia days and when he was healthy early on with the Mariners, Hultzen topped out at 95, maybe hitting 96 occasionally. So this jump in velocity, even in short bursts as a reliever, is just a bonus as he continues his comeback attempt.

 

“I’m working on things mechanically and I’m a bit more efficient,” Hultzen said. “That’s been a very pleasant surprise because I’ve never really thrown that hard. I can’t pinpoint exactly where it came from. But I think it’s just a culmination of me being further away from surgery, some different therapy techniques and some mechanical adjustments. I’m just trying to be as efficient as possible and it’s kind of resulted in that.”

 

Not only are Hultzen’s changes more efficient, but they could help him avoid injuries, too.

“It’s a great story,” Cubs president Theo Epstein said. “He’s certainly got the stuff to be in consideration. He did a really nice job in Arizona. We sort of tightened up the down period between outings to see if it was something he could sustain. He pitched every other day for a little bit there. Once he got through that hurdle and still felt great, we decided to get him to Iowa. Kind of skip the normal progression, just get him up to a doorstep away because the stuff is really good. It’s the kind of stuff than can succeed against major-league hitters.”

 

Good stuff. Nothing really new in the article for people following him closely. He could be a late season addition if he continues dominating at AAA.

 

It's been a week since he pitched. I hope he isn't dealing with another injury already.

[Tedward]

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Once word got out that Hultzen might be throwing for scouts, the Cubs closed a deal with him before others could get a look. Hultzen ended up getting 6 2/3 innings with the Cubs’ Arizona League team and a pair at Triple-A Iowa toward the end of last season. It was a slow process as he got back to full strength and continued to tweak things on the mound.

 

Late this spring, well after the big-league club had already headed to Chicago, Hultzen created some buzz in Arizona, hitting 97 mph in one-inning bursts with a lower arm slot. Hultzen said the change isn’t something he did consciously, but if it’s happening and it’s working, he’s not about to mess with it. During his Virginia days and when he was healthy early on with the Mariners, Hultzen topped out at 95, maybe hitting 96 occasionally. So this jump in velocity, even in short bursts as a reliever, is just a bonus as he continues his comeback attempt.

 

“I’m working on things mechanically and I’m a bit more efficient,” Hultzen said. “That’s been a very pleasant surprise because I’ve never really thrown that hard. I can’t pinpoint exactly where it came from. But I think it’s just a culmination of me being further away from surgery, some different therapy techniques and some mechanical adjustments. I’m just trying to be as efficient as possible and it’s kind of resulted in that.”

 

Not only are Hultzen’s changes more efficient, but they could help him avoid injuries, too.

“It’s a great story,” Cubs president Theo Epstein said. “He’s certainly got the stuff to be in consideration. He did a really nice job in Arizona. We sort of tightened up the down period between outings to see if it was something he could sustain. He pitched every other day for a little bit there. Once he got through that hurdle and still felt great, we decided to get him to Iowa. Kind of skip the normal progression, just get him up to a doorstep away because the stuff is really good. It’s the kind of stuff than can succeed against major-league hitters.”

 

Good stuff. Nothing really new in the article for people following him closely. He could be a late season addition if he continues dominating at AAA.

 

It's been a week since he pitched. I hope he isn't dealing with another injury already.

 

Believe he’s currently sidelined with a groin injury, but not expected to be serious

[Hrubes20]

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Good stuff. Nothing really new in the article for people following him closely. He could be a late season addition if he continues dominating at AAA.

 

It's been a week since he pitched. I hope he isn't dealing with another injury already.

 

Believe he’s currently sidelined with a groin injury, but not expected to be serious

 

That's great news, all things considered. Thanks.

[Bertz]

 

While it's not exactly the Braves of the past couple years, this is really good. It's also over the last month pushed Underwood and De La Cruz into multi inning reliever roles, where early returns have been strong.

[Regular Show]

 

While it's not exactly the Braves of the past couple years, this is really good. It's also over the last month pushed Underwood and De La Cruz into multi inning reliever roles, where early returns have been strong.

 

More pitchers need to be pushed onto the reliever track IMO. I think the best outcomes for Lange and Little at this point are becoming relievers, and seeing if their stuff/command improves in shorter outings. Underwood looked okay at times last year, but the command may never be good enough even as a reliever.

 

The pitching depth is definitely improved, but it's mostly #4 or #5 starter stuff and potential and low-leverage reliever roles for this group. We don't have the high upside stuff of those pitchers in the Braves' system (with Marquez and Thompson being the exceptions).

[d_money]

 

While it's not exactly the Braves of the past couple years, this is really good. It's also over the last month pushed Underwood and De La Cruz into multi inning reliever roles, where early returns have been strong.

 

More pitchers need to be pushed onto the reliever track IMO. I think the best outcomes for Lange and Little at this point are becoming relievers, and seeing if their stuff/command improves in shorter outings. Underwood looked okay at times last year, but the command may never be good enough even as a reliever.

 

The pitching depth is definitely improved, but it's mostly #4 or #5 starter stuff and potential and low-leverage reliever roles for this group. We don't have the high upside stuff of those pitchers in the Braves' system (with Marquez and Thompson being the exceptions).

If after the past few years of focus on pitching via the draft, the farm system can only yield a crop of #4 or #5 at best pitching prospects - who’s head should roll besides McLeod’s? This can’t be their desired outcome.

[Bertz]

 

While it's not exactly the Braves of the past couple years, this is really good. It's also over the last month pushed Underwood and De La Cruz into multi inning reliever roles, where early returns have been strong.

 

More pitchers need to be pushed onto the reliever track IMO. I think the best outcomes for Lange and Little at this point are becoming relievers, and seeing if their stuff/command improves in shorter outings. Underwood looked okay at times last year, but the command may never be good enough even as a reliever.

 

The pitching depth is definitely improved, but it's mostly #4 or #5 starter stuff and potential and low-leverage reliever roles for this group. We don't have the high upside stuff of those pitchers in the Braves' system (with Marquez and Thompson being the exceptions).

 

I could not disagree more. Pitchers are lottery tickets, today more than ever. Making a guy a reliever significantly lowers the potential payout on any of those tickets. You do eventually hit the point with most guys where you have to change tracks, but generally it's due to health or 40 man implications. Little and Lange are 22 and 23 respectively, and aren't Rule 5 eligible until December of 2020. There's no reason to convert either right now except an overreaction to their draft positions IMO.

[Regular Show]

 

While it's not exactly the Braves of the past couple years, this is really good. It's also over the last month pushed Underwood and De La Cruz into multi inning reliever roles, where early returns have been strong.

 

More pitchers need to be pushed onto the reliever track IMO. I think the best outcomes for Lange and Little at this point are becoming relievers, and seeing if their stuff/command improves in shorter outings. Underwood looked okay at times last year, but the command may never be good enough even as a reliever.

 

The pitching depth is definitely improved, but it's mostly #4 or #5 starter stuff and potential and low-leverage reliever roles for this group. We don't have the high upside stuff of those pitchers in the Braves' system (with Marquez and Thompson being the exceptions).

If after the past few years of focus on pitching via the draft, the farm system can only yield a crop of #4 or #5 at best pitching prospects - who’s head should roll besides McLeod’s? This can’t be their desired outcome.

 

I mean, yeah, the 2017 draft class full of pitchers is looking disappointing, but maybe someone emerges from the group? I've been critical of Jason McLeod for a long time here, but I've given up on the prospect of him ever getting demoted and/or fired...

 

I've been told that will NEVER happen, but also that Theo & Jed and their families are very close to McLeod and his family. They're good friends and not just professional colleagues. So, yeah I'm kinda pissed. He's not terrible, but I think he is severely overrated as VP of scouting and player development.

[Bertz]

 

While it's not exactly the Braves of the past couple years, this is really good. It's also over the last month pushed Underwood and De La Cruz into multi inning reliever roles, where early returns have been strong.

 

More pitchers need to be pushed onto the reliever track IMO. I think the best outcomes for Lange and Little at this point are becoming relievers, and seeing if their stuff/command improves in shorter outings. Underwood looked okay at times last year, but the command may never be good enough even as a reliever.

 

The pitching depth is definitely improved, but it's mostly #4 or #5 starter stuff and potential and low-leverage reliever roles for this group. We don't have the high upside stuff of those pitchers in the Braves' system (with Marquez and Thompson being the exceptions).

If after the past few years of focus on pitching via the draft, the farm system can only yield a crop of #4 or #5 at best pitching prospects - who’s head should roll besides McLeod’s? This can’t be their desired outcome.

 

A few things on McLeod:

 

1. As unpredictable as pitchers are, most frontline guys are still taken in the top ~50 picks, and the Cubs have really only had four pitchers taken that high in the McLeod era: Pierce Johnson, Little, Lange, and Jensen. The Braves, in contrast, had 6 such guys just from 2015-2017. So while other teams have bigger/better stockpiles, they've also expended far more resources in building those stockpiles.

 

2. There's an argument that the team has fixed this problem already. The 2016-2018 drafts have produced most of the good names in that list. In particular, the 2018 draft with Kohl Franklin and Riley Thompson, is very exciting IMO.

 

3. I used this metaphor during the offseason but even if you think McLeod is and always will be ass at drafting and developing pitchers, there's a good argument that canning him would be "throwing out the baby with the bathwater" given his ability to find and develop bats. As much as I'd love a better hitter/pitcher balance, at the end of the day it's more important that the farm is good rather than balanced.

[Hrubes20]

As much as I'd love a better hitter/pitcher balance, at the end of the day it's more important that the farm is good rather than balanced.

 

I think we would all agree on this. This is why it was so hard watching them piss away the 2017 draft on all pitching; especially since there were 2 first round picks. Stick to what you are good at, boys.

[CaliforniaRaisin]