NDFA Signings Thread

[T2E]

Instead of just adding onto the Signings thread, I'm going to create a new NDFA signings thread. If you have an update to add, post it here and I'll dig up some info.

 

1. RHP Chad Underwood, TCU

Info- Underwood, like all NDFAs, is a senior and is 23 years old. He's got size at 6'5 213 but didn't dominate anyone in his senior year. He was used in the set up role doing a decent job. His ERA was 4.50 and batters hit above .300 against, but his 53/18 K/BB ratio in 58 innings is decent. Up until 2004, he'd had injury problems in his first two years. Underwood will have to move very fast to have a chance. Likely a roster filler; he'll begin his career in Boise.

Quote- "I am thrilled to be given the chance to play for the Cubs and look forward to getting a taste of the minor league life," Underwood said. "It is a bit of a whirlwind right now, but I can't wait to get up north and play."

Story- http://www.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/061605aaf.html

Pic-

http://www.hornedfrogbaseball.com/Portals/16/TTTGallery/USM%20Series/USMUnderwoodreleases.JPG

 

2. RHP Mick Lefort, Rhode Island U

Info- The 6'2" 205 senior has worked as the closer for RIU for the past few seasons. He was second team all Atlantic 10 this year. He saved 9 games posted a 2.01 ERA and a 22/6 K/BB ratio in 22.3 innings. He rated 10th on BA's top Rhode Island prospect list but went undrafted.

Quote- "After two years of being an automatic stopper for us, it is exciting to see Mick get the opportunity to pitch at the next level," Rhode Island head coach Frank Leoni said. "He is quite capable of taking his professional career to the highest level."

Story- http://www.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/061605aal.html

Pic-

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/uri/sports/m-basebl/auto_action/144178.jpeg

 

3. RHP Michael Jones, New Orleans University

Info- Jones missed 2004 with an arm injury. He came back to the rotation in 2005. He showed good command, but didn't strike out anyone and his ERA was 5.91 with a .322 AVG against. Okay...

Quote- “It is great to see that Michael is going to get a chance to play at the next level,” UNO coach Tom Walter said. “The Chicago Cubs have signed a class act both on and off the field, who will be a great competitor for that organization.”

Story- http://unoprivateers.com/index.php?pid=headline&content=user&func=article&id=1231

Pic-

http://www.unoprivateers.com/sitecache/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b/headline/images/UNOP08web.jpg

 

4. RHP Steve Bronder, Manhattan College

Info- Yet another right-handed pitcher. Unlike Lefort, Jones, and Underwood, Bronder was a Junior NDFA, which I didn't think was possible, but I guess I was wrong. Bronder, who's 6'2" 188, doesn't strike out a ton of batters, but he's got decent control and induces ground balls. Bronder finished the year 6-4 with a 4.10 ERA. The highlight of the year came when he tossed a no-hitter against Rider. He's expected to report to Mesa and will either be assigned to the Mesa Cubs or Boise.

Quote- Manhattan head coach Steve Trimper commented, “I am extremely happy for Steve and wish him the best of luck with his professional career. He had a great career for the Jaspers, and, though I am sorry to see him go, the opportunity to sign with a professional team is something that is difficult to pass up.”

Story- http://www.gojaspers.com/article.cfm?doc_id=6066

Pic-

http://www.gojaspers.com/images/BronderAction.jpg

 

5. RHP Eric Foor, Cal State San Bernardino

Info- The latest college righty to be signed by the Cubs. Foor has some size at 6'4" 205. He was 8-3 with a 4.03 ERA last year showing good control but few strikeouts. His teammate Kyle Holden was a 19th round selection by the Cubs. He's a senior and has reported to Mesa with a chance of moving up to Boise.

Quote- (Forr) credits CSUSB pitching coach Kurt Stange and Head Coach Don Parnell for his improvement. "Kurt cleaned up my mechanics. I was just playing on talent in high school and at JC. Coach P helped me with my mental approach. I was putting pressure on myself instead of having fun out there."

Story- http://athletics.csusb.edu/media0405/50617baseball-mlb.htm

Pic-

http://athletics.csusb.edu/images/players-bios/baseball/05basefoor.jpg

 

6. Morrow Thomley, University of Alabama, RHP

Info- Thomley played only outfield last season for the Tide, hitting above .300. But just when you thought the Cubs signed a non-pitcher, it turns out they actually signed him to pitch. Thomley is 6'2" 206 and pitched some in his sophomore and freshman years at Bevill State.

Quote- "The other day I was at my locker after a workout and when I looked up there was (Cubs shortstop) Nomar (Garciaparra). He was here on a rehab assignment. They told me a lot of the big league guys come here when they are hurt and work out with us. That was pretty cool."

Story- http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/articles/2005/06/26/sports/c-sports.txt

Pic-

http://www.rolltide.com/images/19990.jpg

Edited July 5, 2005 by T2E

[goonys evil twin]

With all the pitchers they drafted, I would think they'd need undrafted position players to fill these holes.

[T2E]

With all the pitchers they drafted, I would think they'd need undrafted position players to fill these holes.

 

It is a little strange. The Boise roster already has 13 pitchers, so where do Holliman, Billek, Avery et al go? I don't see where the Cubs are going to be able to fit these three pitchers in.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

With all the pitchers they drafted, I would think they'd need undrafted position players to fill these holes.

 

It is a little strange. The Boise roster already has 13 pitchers, so where do Holliman, Billek, Avery et al go? I don't see where the Cubs are going to be able to fit these three pitchers in.

 

Mesa?

[CoolHandLuke]

3. RHP Michael Jones, New Orleans University

 

WHO?!?!?!

[T2E]

With all the pitchers they drafted, I would think they'd need undrafted position players to fill these holes.

 

It is a little strange. The Boise roster already has 13 pitchers, so where do Holliman, Billek, Avery et al go? I don't see where the Cubs are going to be able to fit these three pitchers in.

 

Mesa?

 

Maybe. I just don't see room for three more mediocre college arms.

[CUBZ99]

T2E,

 

Did you do a thread similar to this with the Photos and Info on the players signed for the 2005 draft? The threads you did last year were excellent. =D> =D>

[T2E]

T2E,

 

Did you do a thread similar to this with the Photos and Info on the players signed for the 2005 draft? The threads you did last year were excellent. =D> =D>

 

I did that with the actual draft picks last year. That information should be posted on the front page sometime very soon.

 

I'm keeping track of the NDFAs in this thread.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

3. RHP Michael Jones, New Orleans University

Info- Jones missed 2004 with an arm injury. He came back to the rotation in 2005. He showed good command, but didn't strike out anyone and his ERA was 5.91 with a .322 AVG against. Okay...

 

I can't believe he didn't go in the first round...

[burnt out cubbie fan]

3. RHP Michael Jones, New Orleans University

Info- Jones missed 2004 with an arm injury. He came back to the rotation in 2005. He showed good command, but didn't strike out anyone and his ERA was 5.91 with a .322 AVG against. Okay...

 

I can't believe he didn't go in the first round...

He sounds like a fast track guy. He should be up on the big team by the end of the year.

[weather2]

I'm not sure this is surprising, however, Underwood, Lefort, and Jones are not on Boise' opening day roster.

 

Perhaps they'll be assigned to Mesa (although with Visa issues being resolved there is a strict limit on the number of geezers that can play there) or perhaps they'll wait in extended spring training for an injury.

[T2E]

I'm not sure this is surprising, however, Underwood, Lefort, and Jones are not on Boise' opening day roster.

 

Perhaps they'll be assigned to Mesa (although with Visa issues being resolved there is a strict limit on the number of geezers that can play there) or perhaps they'll wait in extended spring training for an injury.

 

Jones is listed on Boise's roster: http://boisehawks.com/team/roster/ which is interesting considering his stats are the worst of the group.

 

Here are two relavent quotes on Lefort and Underwood:

 

Lefort is the sixth URI player in the last three years to earn a spot in a Major League organization. He will report to the team's spring training home in Mesa, Ariz. and then will be assigned to a minor league affiliate of the Cubs.

 

Underwood is expected to play for the Cubs Class A Short Season team in Boise, Idaho.

[T2E]

Well what da ya know, the Cubs sign another pitcher. This time it's Steve Bronder from Manhattan College. He's expected to report to our Mesa facility. I'll have information on him up later tonight.

[craig]

With all the pitchers they drafted, I would think they'd need undrafted position players to fill these holes.

 

It is a little strange. The Boise roster already has 13 pitchers, so where do Holliman, Billek, Avery et al go? I don't see where the Cubs are going to be able to fit these three pitchers in.

 

How about this:

*Billek will fit in on Boise anyway.

*Holliman won't pitch for the Cubs this summer. Often they don't want college guys racking up more innings, particularly guys who pitch deep into the college playoffs. Also, as a high-profile high-draft, he may well take so long to sign that it won't be worth bothering anyway.

*Avery had an off year to slip down to the 9th round. He was expected to go higher than that entering this season. Unless the Cubs are interested in super-slotting him, he'd probably be smart to go back to college and raise his stock. In other words, he may not sign, and if he doesn't the Cubs needn't worry about fitting him in!

 

I don't think it's a problem. Mesa has nothing but a few Latin pitchers. They always need to staff Mesa with some NDFA types. If some draftees sign, they can drop some guys as needed.

[Roast]

3. RHP Michael Jones, New Orleans University

 

WHO?!?!?!

 

Mike Jones, *#(^*, Mike jones. Mike Jones (#^(#, Mike Jones!

:P

[T2E]

Two more RHP added to the mix.