putmeincoach

I noticed Texascub made the comment, "At only 25 he's still got plenty of time to develop." I was wondering when age started to become a factor in the minor leagues. Also, are certain positions more likely to hang on to players giving them more time to develop?

Ron, I was wondering if you had seen enough of Thomas Atlee's pitching, that is, from more of an inside perspective, to give me some feedback on where he might be at with his career. More specifically: Where do you see him over the next few years? Will he play for Chicago, Iowa, Tenn, or simply head home? Have we seen the best of him? Does he have what it takes? Would a trade help with his chances? Thanks!

I would put the Cubs' list in the middle of the pack, which is, in my opinion, a clear reflection on the performance of the team over those years. When you look outside of the first few rounds, it all becomes a numbers game. Around 1200 players are drafted, the elite make up the first 40 or so, which leaves, depending on your take, let's say 1000 other draftees who are all good college players. It's also a matter of timing, from being a backup to being traded. I believe most of the players drafted, other than those in the first few rounds, don't have huge signing bonuses and also live on only a few thousand dollars a month, at the most. "Worth spending the money", I was nder the impressionthat the Cubs had one of the strongest financial backings, which would make it worthwhile. As I had stated earlier, it's a numbers game with the players drafted later on and eventually it should pay off. You mention "what happens to all these players", every team has a list similar to this one, and there are only a limited number of spots in the bigs. Also, we all know what happens with those who have signability problems, there are problems with these palyers, which teams and management do not like to deal with. So in my opinion, let them slide.

Any news on Hoffpauir? I saw this guy play for Lamar the season they won the Southland Conference. At the time, he had a sweet stroke and could stop anything hit or thrown to him at first. It's been about four years or so since I've seen this guy in action. Looking at his progression through the minors, it seems he's sitting on the bubble. Does he have what it takes? and if so, does his size become a factor (a first baseman at 6-3, 190)? Would moving him to another position affect (increase) his chances of success?

I heard about that bird story. Can't remember too many details, but it seems he was chunking balls at its nest, which was atop a light pole, and whacked it. Was it an endangered specie or am I crazy?

I've seen this guy toss. Nasty fastball and slider. His mentality is out of sight; owns the plate and will brush hitters back. He did sit out the entire 03 season and has had average stats, but believe me, he has what it takes to play at a higher level. I plan on seeing him pitch some games against Round Rock.