BA's 2016 League Top 20s

[craig]

Great stuff, cal, thanks for both the reports and the chats.

Interesting in the NWL that Eugene is viewed as such a pitcher-oriented park. That was not true at Boise. The notes on Galindo weren't very detailed, although the "big arm" wasn't familiar. The notes on Pieters were interesting, sounds like a pretty athletic outfielder.

 

Mentioning Clifton as a 93-95 guy with a shot at three above-average pitches, plenty of reason to hope there. Still, being ranked behind somebody like Happ suggests not a lot of managers-buzz for him, tools-wise. If the report is underselling him, I think it might be on account of the curveball. Reports haven't been many, and not real consistent, but my impression is that his curve might be pretty good, if things go well for him in future.

 

The comments that Paulino lacks command are disappointing, albeit not that surprising. We'll see how that goes next year.

 

One observations is that most of these guys, personality seems to often get more buzz than tools. Happ isn't that good defensively and isn't that good as a hitter... but he's universally regarded as a strong worker. Dewees has negligible power and no arm... but he's a hustler. Paulino is short on control... but he's competitive. Wilson can't hit that well... but is working diligently to learn. Clifton really knows how to pitch.

 

There is so much talent in the major leagues, and so much competitive drive among players who get there, that I'm not sure that diligent work is going to enable guys who are variably limited in talent to succeed. Still, it's very fun to have an organization where professionalism, smarts, and strong effort are so much the norm and not the exception. Very fun to root for "overachiever" guys who are getting the most out of whatever talents they do have.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Southern League:

 

9. Ian Happ, 2b/of, Tennessee (Cubs)

 

Age: 22. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Cincinnati, 2015 (1).

 

The honor roll of players the Cubs have run through Tennessee the last three seasons includes Javier Baez in 2013, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell in 2014 and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras in 2015. Chicago continued that trend when it assigned Happ, the ninth pick in the 2015 draft, to the SL on June 23 after he recorded an .885 OPS at high Class A Myrtle Beach.

 

While the switch-hitting Happ produced respectable results in the SL, he did not excel. Some evaluators expect that to change. “He has the best hands in the league as far as bat speed and getting the bat out front,” Montgomery manager Brady Williams said.

 

While Happ is a more dynamic batter from the left side, he has a discerning eye at the plate and the potential to develop into a plus hitter with near-average power. He will need to make more contact to reach that ceiling, but his swing works from both sides of the plate. He runs the bases well with above-average speed.

 

Happ played mostly outfield in college, but he is determined to play second base, much like bat-first prospects such as Jason Kipnis or Daniel Murphy before him. Evaluators see Happ as a fringy defender at the keystone with an average arm but stiff actions, particularly on the double play.

[CubsWin]

Southern League:

 

9. Ian Happ, 2b/of, Tennessee (Cubs)

 

Age: 22. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Cincinnati, 2015 (1).

 

The honor roll of players the Cubs have run through Tennessee the last three seasons includes Javier Baez in 2013, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell in 2014 and Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras in 2015. Chicago continued that trend when it assigned Happ, the ninth pick in the 2015 draft, to the SL on June 23 after he recorded an .885 OPS at high Class A Myrtle Beach.

 

While the switch-hitting Happ produced respectable results in the SL, he did not excel. Some evaluators expect that to change. “He has the best hands in the league as far as bat speed and getting the bat out front,” Montgomery manager Brady Williams said.

 

While Happ is a more dynamic batter from the left side, he has a discerning eye at the plate and the potential to develop into a plus hitter with near-average power. He will need to make more contact to reach that ceiling, but his swing works from both sides of the plate. He runs the bases well with above-average speed.

 

Happ played mostly outfield in college, but he is determined to play second base, much like bat-first prospects such as Jason Kipnis or Daniel Murphy before him. Evaluators see Happ as a fringy defender at the keystone with an average arm but stiff actions, particularly on the double play.

Thanks, Raisin!

[CaliforniaRaisin]

PCL time!

 

2. Willson Contreras, c, Iowa (Cubs)

 

Age: 24. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-1. Wt: 210. Signed: Venezuela, 2009.

 

A year after claiming the Double-A Southern League batting title, Contreras starred for Iowa and made his major league debut on June 19. He signed as a third baseman before converting to catcher in 2012.

 

“Willson can play anywhere you want him to: first base, third base or any of the outfield positions,” Iowa manager Marty Pevy said. “He can run. He is super athletic, with a strong arm. He’s the most athletic catcher in baseball today.”

 

Contreras has demonstrated an ability to hit for average and power, and he should be above-average on both counts. He has an above-average arm behind the plate and has improved his blocking and receiving. He runs well for a catcher and has played left field and first base as well as catcher with Chicago. He is the organization’s catcher of the future.

 

12. Albert Almora, of, Iowa (Cubs)

 

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht: 6-2. Wt: 190. Drafted: HS—Hialeah Gardens, Fla., 2012 (1).

 

The sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft, the first conducted by Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, Almora reached Iowa in 2016 for his first taste of Triple-A ball. His potential as a future Gold Glove-caliber center fielder highlights his skill set, but he also hit .303 in 80 PCL games.

 

“(He has) front-line center field ability with plus-plus defense,” Iowa manager Marty Pevy said. “At the crack of the bat you look and he’s already moving. He reminds me a lot of Vernon Wells, with his route and first-step quickness, arm strength and accuracy.”

 

Almora’s offensive skill set still is developing. With exceptional hand-eye coordination and proven contact ability, he could develop into a top-of-the-order batter who can hit for average. He hasn’t shown an inkling to draw walks, and though he has raw power, it doesn’t play in games because of his impatience. Almora isn’t a burner, but he has above-average speed underway and is still learning to apply it to the bases, working with the Iowa coaching staff on reading pitchers, accelerating his head-first slide and understanding opportunities to swipe a base.

 

17. Jeimer Candelario, 3b, Iowa (Cubs)

 

Age: 22. B-T: B-R. Ht: 6-1. Wt: 210. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2010.

 

Candelario was born in New York but calls the Dominican Republic home. Signed by the Cubs at age 16, he has made a steady rise through the system. Even though Candelario hit just .219 at Double-A Tennessee at the outset of 2016, the Cubs promoted him to Iowa on June 9 and he thrived. He even received a five-game big league callup in July.

 

“Candelerio is one of my favorite guys to watch in the league,” Nashville hitting coach Eric Martins said. “I just love the energy and how he went about his business. He can play third base and has a smooth stroke from both sides and was not overwhelmed. He’s a bright kid and plays the game the right way.”

 

Despite a thick frame, Candelario has present above-average defensive ability at third base, with quick, soft hands and a plus arm. Despite his youth, he shows great plate discipline and feel for the strike zone. He has a sweet swing from both sides of the plate with an ability to fill the gaps with line drives. He could develop 15-20-homer power as he develops strength and experience against top-tier pitchers.

[CubsWin]

PCL time!

Thanks, Raisin!

 

2. Willson Contreras, c, Iowa (Cubs)

Forget what he did in AAA (.353/.442/.593). The numbers he put up in the majors say it all, .282/.357.488 with 14 doubles and 12 HRs in roughly half a season. Moving forward he looks like a 20 HR, high OBP catcher with a very high defensive ceiling behind the plate and positional versatility to boot. There's no doubt, the kid's certainly for real.

 

12. Albert Almora, of, Iowa (Cubs)

 

Almora’s offensive skill set still is developing.

One would think.

 

With exceptional hand-eye coordination and proven contact ability, he could develop into a top-of-the-order batter who can hit for average.

This is surprising to hear from BA. I have a hard time seeing this happening, but with his make-up and the adjustments we've seen from Baez under Cubs tutelage, I guess it's possible though not very likely in my book.

 

17. Jeimer Candelario, 3b, Iowa (Cubs)

 

Age: 22. B-T: B-R. Ht: 6-1. Wt: 210. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2010.

 

Despite a thick frame, Candelario has present above-average defensive ability at third base, with quick, soft hands and a plus arm.

Wow. There have been mixed reports on his defense, but this one's pretty glowing. His bat should play in the bigs, but if he can provide average or above major league defense at the hot corner, he becomes a lot more viable and, as a result, valuable prospect.

[CubsWin]

So, all told, 9 different Cubs mentioned with 10 rankings (Happ twice) and 11 if you count Torres.

 

Contreras (2) - AAA

Almora (12) - AAA

Candelario (17) - AAA

Happ (9) - AA

Happ (10) - A+

Clifton (12) - A+

Jimenez (2) - A

Cease (3) - SS A

Galindo (10) - SS A

Wilson (13) - SS A

Pieters (16) - SS A

 

Contreras and Almora will have graduated from this list, but with the 2015 IFA class invading Mesa next season, there could/should be more on this list next year. Perhaps a couple more pitchers make some lists like De La Cruz, Albertos, etc.

 

After all the remarkable graduations and trades, the Cubs still have a decent system.

[We Got The Whole 9]

Wish we could get a spin rate report on Cease. Feels like the fb and curve both would be pushing elite.