Minor League Discussion & Boxes, 4-21-17

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Box Scores:

 

Iowa won 4-3 Box Score

 

2B C. Young 0/5

CF I. Happ 1/4, R, HR (7), RBI, K, outfield assist at home

3B J. Candelario 1/3, R, 2B (8), BB, 2 K

C V. Caratini 1/4, R, K

LF M. Zagunis 2/3, R, RBI, BB

SP E. Butler 6 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 4-9 GO-FO, 93-62 pitches-strikes

RP F. Peña 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2-0 GO-FO

 

Tennessee lost 4-3 Box Score

 

LF C. Burks 0/4, BB, K

CF J. Hannemann 2/4, R, 2B (1), BB, SB (1) - 2017 season debut

DH D. Bote 1/5, RBI

RF Je. Baez 0/3, R, BB, CS (2), outfield assist at second base

SP P. Morrison 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 5-4 GO-FO, 83-52 pitches-strikes

RP R. McNeil 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

RP D. Torrez 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 0-2 GO-FO

 

Myrtle Beach won 6-3 Box Score

 

2B C. Sepulveda 1/5

RF E. Martinez 0/4, K

DH M. Rose 2/4, 2 R, 2B (4), K

1B T. Alamo 1/3, 2 R, BB, K

3B J. Hodges 3/4, 2 R, 2B (5), 2 RBI, K

SP A. Alzolay 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 5-3 GO-FO, 81-58 pitches-strikes

RP D. Maples 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, 1-1 GO-FO

RP P. Araujo 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 0-1 GO-FO

 

South Bend won 4-2 Box Score

 

2B Z. Short 1/4, R, HR (2), RBI, K

SS I. Paredes 0/4, K

1B J. Pereda 1/3

3B W. Galindo 1/3, K, E (6, throw)

DH K. Mitchell 0/3, K

LF C. Pieters 2/2, R, 3B (2), BB, CS (1)

CF DJ Wilson 0/3, 3 K

SP J. Paulino 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 12-3 GO-FO, 68-45 pitches-strikes

RP K. Miller 3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2-5 GO-FO, 43-26 pitches-strikes

[philosophizer75]

Man it would be cool if Butler stays sharp at AAA and could be poised as a viable, desirable option for the Cubs to get on a decent mid-level contract for the next few years.

[Tryptamine]

Man it would be cool if Butler stays sharp at AAA and could be poised as a viable, desirable option for the Cubs to get on a decent mid-level contract for the next few years.

 

It really would be great, because then you're going into 2018 looking like Lester,Hendricks,Mongomery,Butler and that open slot can be filled via FA. The Cubs would get to hang onto all of Eloy,Happ,Cease etc.

[davell]

https://twitter.com/billazbbphotog/status/855477630191124480

[Hrubes20]

https://twitter.com/billazbbphotog/status/855477630191124480

 

Everybody is raving about Ademan; especially Arguello. Legit defensive SS with a good hit tool. This is the first I've seen anyone say he has easy power though. That's exciting.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/billazbbphotog/status/855501323818500096[/tweet]

[CubsWin]

https://twitter.com/billazbbphotog/status/855477630191124480

 

Everybody is raving about Ademan; especially Arguello. Legit defensive SS with a good hit tool. This is the first I've seen anyone say he has easy power though. That's exciting.

He's sounding more and more like Gleyber Torres. Probably a little better defensively, similar hit tool, not as advanced as an approach at the plate at the same age but with some power.

[CubsWin]

Man it would be cool if Butler stays sharp at AAA and could be poised as a viable, desirable option for the Cubs to get on a decent mid-level contract for the next few years.

 

It really would be great, because then you're going into 2018 looking like Lester,Hendricks,Mongomery,Butler and that open slot can be filled via FA. The Cubs would get to hang onto all of Eloy,Happ,Cease etc.

As of now, they'd have their choice of (ages as of opening day 2018):

 

Arrieta (32)

Cashner (31) - For old time's sake...

Chatwood (28)

A. Cobb (30)

Darvish (31)

Hellickson (31)

Lackey (39)

F. Liriano (34)

L. Lynn (31)

Pineda (29)

T. Ross (31)

H. Santiago (30)

Tillman (30)

 

And possibly:

 

Tanaka (29) - If he opts out

Otani (23) - If he comes over

 

The obvious target is Otani, but let's count him out for purposes of this discussion. Assuming no hometown discounts and considering the Cubs' payroll considerations with the young guns hitting arbitration in the next year or two, who would you (everybody) like to sign most and why?

[Cubswin11]

Man it would be cool if Butler stays sharp at AAA and could be poised as a viable, desirable option for the Cubs to get on a decent mid-level contract for the next few years.

 

It really would be great, because then you're going into 2018 looking like Lester,Hendricks,Mongomery,Butler and that open slot can be filled via FA. The Cubs would get to hang onto all of Eloy,Happ,Cease etc.

As of now, they'd have their choice of (ages as of opening day 2018):

 

Arrieta (32)

Cashner (31) - For old time's sake...

Chatwood (28)

A. Cobb (30)

Darvish (31)

Hellickson (31)

Lackey (39)

F. Liriano (34)

L. Lynn (31)

Pineda (29)

T. Ross (31)

H. Santiago (30)

Tillman (30)

 

And possibly:

 

Tanaka (29) - If he opts out

Otani (23) - If he comes over

 

The obvious target is Otani, but let's count him out for purposes of this discussion. Assuming no hometown discounts and considering the Cubs' payroll considerations with the young guns hitting arbitration in the next year or two, who would you (everybody) like to sign most and why?

Chatwood very much intrigues me to get him out of Coors. He's youngish, great GB rates and his velo is pretty solid. He's my number 1 choice if we are being semi-realistic/not spending crazy money. Overall order of preference is

 

1. Otani

2. Whoever is cheaper of Arrieta and Darvish ($100 million or less and if it's more no thanks)

3. Chatwood

4. Pineda

5. Tanaka if his medicals are okay

 

Don't really care for anyone else.

Edited April 21, 2017 by Cubswin11

[KingCubsFan]

Pineda with Bosio could be really intriguing.

[CubsWin]

Pineda with Bosio could be really intriguing.

Totally intriguing, but I can't see the Yankees letting him go without a bidding war. He won't come cheap. Even though he's one of the youngest arms available, if the Cubs are going to spend big, I might want someone with a better, healthier track record. As with most things, it all comes down to price.

 

I know the Cubs will have plenty to spend this coming off season, but does anyone have a good handle on what they can afford to give a pitcher in his 4th, 5th and 6th years (if it comes to that) without getting in trouble with salary tax limit? If it is a big money guy, front loading the contract will make a lot of sense.

[davell]

Pineda with Bosio could be really intriguing.

Totally intriguing, but I can't see the Yankees letting him go without a bidding war. He won't come cheap. Even though he's one of the youngest arms available, if the Cubs are going to spend big, I might want someone with a better, healthier track record. As with most things, it all comes down to price.

 

I know the Cubs will have plenty to spend this coming off season, but does anyone have a good handle on what they can afford to give a pitcher in his 4th, 5th and 6th years (if it comes to that) without getting in trouble with salary tax limit? If it is a big money guy, front loading the contract will make a lot of sense.

 

I'll be a bit surprised if they keep Pineda. They're going to reset their LT next year. I fully expect them to be way, way under for their run at Bryce and Machado.

[CubsWin]

Pineda with Bosio could be really intriguing.

Totally intriguing, but I can't see the Yankees letting him go without a bidding war. He won't come cheap. Even though he's one of the youngest arms available, if the Cubs are going to spend big, I might want someone with a better, healthier track record. As with most things, it all comes down to price.

 

I know the Cubs will have plenty to spend this coming off season, but does anyone have a good handle on what they can afford to give a pitcher in his 4th, 5th and 6th years (if it comes to that) without getting in trouble with salary tax limit? If it is a big money guy, front loading the contract will make a lot of sense.

 

I'll be a bit surprised if they keep Pineda. They're going to reset their LT next year. I fully expect them to be way, way under for their run at Bryce and Machado.

Ah, yes. Good point. Didn't think of that. Though I thought they'd already got under the LT.

[We Got The Whole 9]

Don't know if you guys saw this. From Cubs Den

 

Eloy Jimenez played the OF today but as mentioned, did not make a throw. In fact, the one chance he did, he ran the ball into the infield and flipped it underhand to the 2B.  I am not sure what to make of that, but we'll see what happens over the next few days.  He also hit the ball well, though he did not have a hit to show for it.

 

That shoulder must be really tender still

[davell]

I don't think our 2015 IFA class is bad, but I definitely think we signed kids early that didn't develop well for their 16 year old season, therefore overpaid on a decent amount of our class. Some have came back, some haven't. Way too early to truly judge anything, but my current rankings on that group, would be like this, for what I think they end up....

 

1. Albertos- not close, he's far and away the exciting guy from this class

2. Ademan- the bat seems to be better than advertised at this point and he's a legit SS

3. Amaya- I'd say the same as Ademan, but he's a C.

4. Paredes- Obviously interesting. Still feel he's advanced for his age, but guys will catch up to him fairly soon. Hope I'm wrong.

5- Marquez- Just projection so far, but when he adds a few MPH, he can become super exciting.

6- Sierra- I'm going to figure that within 2 years, he's added some weight and has a nice power/discipline combo.

9- Morel- Big drop off after Sierra. But, I like the projectability with him too. Has shown flashes in EXST.

8- Assad- Sturdy frame, solid velo and checks most boxes our FO likes. Hoping he gets a few SB innings this year.

7- Gutierrez- Switch him and Morel up. Gutierrez has the same projection, plays a more valuable position, and is more advanced too.

10- Carrera- Can see Antigua/Rodriguez type, advanced lefty that dominates early. Maybe he'll grow into more velo? Have to have some positive vibes, he's been great in the DSL.

[Cubswin11]

CW11, Interesting on a list with half the pitchers having a TJ under their belt that Tanaka is the one whose medicals you seem worried about most. Why? He's avoided that, is a top 3 FA SP by merit, is the youngest in that top 3, has tremendous pedigree, a long track record of success...Guy's probably pushing the total package as a FA pitcher.

I mentioned it in the Transactions Thread today I think, Tanaka's tear in his arm freaks me out a bit. If the FO feels fine with signing him with that, with whatever treatment(s)/conditioning he's doing and don't think there's any more risk he blows out vs anyone else, great, he'd shoot up my preference list probably. But that injury scares me committing long-term dollars to him. I'd rather sign the guys who've already had TJS and shown they've come back than a guy who may be on the verge of it. Chatwood/Pineda will come cheaper than him too, which factors in (think both have a little to be unlocked if healthy getting with Bosio and our defense).

[davell]

Alzolay had an excellent outing. 5 6 1 0 0 7, 5:3 GO/FO.

[davell]

Happ HR

[We Got The Whole 9]

Happ homered

 

Butler gave up a ton of contact, 8 hits and just 1 K, but he allowed just 1 run to score in 6 innings. Things could have gone a lot differently obviously but it was probably a lot of weak contact just from the looks of the line.

[davell]

The Cubs signed 3+ years worth of IFA's in 2015. This was the mentality, with the loss of 2 years ability to sign impact guys. Add in the fact the Cubs have used more than a normal amount of draft picks on pitching, its actually easy to see why guys are moving upward. Its to be expected, with a group of high dollar signings.

[CubsWin]

I can't believe I'm writing this, but don't look know... here comes Dillon Maples.

 

It's just 4 good outings, but after pitching very well in minor league spring training, Maples (who amazingly is still just 24) has strung together 7.1 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits, 2 walks while striking out 13. That's a 1.23 ERA, a 0.68 WHIP, 2.45 BB/9 and 15.95 K/9. He threw 104 pitches in those 4 appearances, 69 of which were strikes (66%).

 

By all accounts, he's throwing mid-90s with his still plus curve. He has had consistent trouble controlling or commanding any of his pitches until apparently this spring.

 

I'm not counting on anything from Maples after just 4 good outings, but talk about coming out of the woodwork and back from the dead. IF he can continue his improved control, he'd be a welcome addition to the Cubs increasing stable of relief prospects.

 

P. Johnson

Pena

Markey

Torrez

McNeil

Araujo

Brooks

...Maples?

 

Honestly, I think most of the best relief prospects are currently starters. Guys like Underwood, Stinnett, Paulino, Steele, Alzolay and M. Rondon really make this pool of prospects deep.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Very glad Butler is preventing runs and largely getting ground balls, but I would really like to see even mediocre ability to miss bats from him. Hopefully that's just the next step in the progression, but otherwise his performance thus far looks like his 2015 in AAA.

 

In happier news, Caratini is up to .321/.377/.464.

[We Got The Whole 9]

Very glad Butler is preventing runs and largely getting ground balls, but I would really like to see even mediocre ability to miss bats from him. Hopefully that's just the next step in the progression, but otherwise his performance thus far looks like his 2015 in AAA.

 

In happier news, Caratini is up to .321/.377/.464.

His GB rate is actually only 46%, FWIW

 

Just scouting the stats he seems to be getting ridiculous luck. So many balls put in play.

 

Yeah Caratini has been very solid. If he goes hitless in a game he usually takes a walk and he's been consistent.