B-Squared

Hey guys...It is currently off-air, but we will be returning sometime soon, just not exactly sure what days and times....And the show will return to the original format as a Cubs-based show....Will update everyone when we know. Thx!

I really like Bruce Miles, seems like the only Cubs beat writer from the big papers that knows a substantial amount about the Minor League teams. Yea you absolutely have to protect Cabrera. If it came down to Smith and Smit, I'd probably lean towards Smith but like you, I can go either way. According to Bibens-Dirkz himself as of the other day, he said he can top at 93-94 when he comes out of the pen, according to some guns that he said were reliable (the guns were supposedly accurate with other pitchers velocities). And he's definitely not one to embellish on something like that, being extremely humble. But I do agree with you that he might not be snapped up in R5 and if he was, it wouldn't be the worst thing because he probably is a middle reliever (maybe a 6th or 7th inning guy at best) like you had mentioned, even though he turned his career around when the Cubs turned him into a starter. I do know for a fact though that the Cubs are very very happy with his performance in Venezuela this winter, so we'll see if that carries any weight (doesn't hurt him that some of those AFL pitchers floundered). They also really harped about the signing when they got him out of Indy ball. He's a nice story though, so I;m rooting for him one way or another.

Honestly, Jay has issues with everyone though. Or better said, everyone has issues with Jay. So it is difficult to separate him from someone who he doesn't get along with. Pile all this on with second-half deflated velocity and less bite on his breaking stuff, it's a scary sight. Not liking at all the direction he could be headed towards. Also, 40-man deadline coming up. Arch and Guyer our locks (maybe Marquez Smith too), I'd actually really like to see Austin Bibens-Dirkx get a shot. Don't want to lose him to R5, he can be extremelt deceptive and can pump it up to 93-94 if he comes out of pen, which can look even faster to the hitter. Wonder if Smit gets a shot too.

Pure speculation, but Casey Kopitzke could be a good possibility for AA if Dancy moves up. Not a ton of experience yet, but he's very well thought of by the front office and managing in the AFL this fall certainly hasn't hurt his cause, being able to manage prospects closer to the bigs than what he has been dealing with the last couple years.

Hey guys- Sorry for the delayed response, been under the weather plus busy, bad combo. Anyways, on Batista, I'd take Nate's opinion as way more credible than mine because he has seem him so much more than I have and I have been unable to get a good enough look at him. But yes, size has been somewhat an issue from what I've seen and heard. For Ryan Searle, it looked like he was about ready to climb through the ranks after a stellar 2009, (amazing 1st half), but obviously took a step back this year. He was an enigma in Ptown this year, had some brilliant starts sprinkled into mostly mediocre-to-poor outings. Also, what I can tell you about Searle is that if there was a survey asking Cubs front office, coaching, and player personnel which player they would most like to punch in the face, Searle would be at or at the very-least near the top. You could probably guess his maturity level wasn't where they would like simply by knowing that he took a step down this past season. He is still pretty young though, so hopefully it'll get better. Understand your concerns on Dolis. Out-pitches are EXTREMELY raw, but he has chances to develop. Just really like his power arm. I guess time will tell if he can fine-tune his over pitches and is worth a decently high ranking. (Did thoroughly appreciate a Francis Beltran reference btw!) And for Jay Jackson, I'm sorry if I made him sound like the anti-Christ, didn't mean to totally trash the kid, but this is just what I have heard about him from several credible outlets. The two baseball concerns that were mentioned in the thread (too many HRs/9 and the offspeed stuff not being crisp) are also legitimate concerns about him. I'm assuming he'll start at Triple-A again. I wonder how they'll work out the kinks with him, and if they'll shake up the pitching coach roles in the system. I know Mike Mason has been there for 3 years now, but I also know that the club absolutely loves Dennis Lewallyn, so we'll see how that shapes up, especially with Dancy likely moving up to manage Iowa. And yes I'm really intrigued to see how this off-season regimen with LeMahieu works out, and if they stick to it. Last year, around mid-season, the plan was to for-sure move Vitters to 1st base full-time. Now I'm not so sure that's the case. They want to try him there, but still want him to take a lot of/most of his reps at 3rd. Maybe it's because of the pending void at 1st base at the ML level right now, and going the long-term free agent/trade route there. We'll see. Also, I love Brandon Guyer and probably have him higher than most, but I think he's still a Top 5 for us. Every person I talk to that has had the chance to see him on an everyday basis just raves about the guy. Bill Dancy voted him for League MVP this past year and is just enamored with the guy. I know Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie echos the sentiment. I know he's not a scout or anything, but as a broadcaster myself, you usually get a pretty good feel about personnel when you're around them so often. I've talked to Ryne Sandberg (Go Lehigh ha!) personally about Brandon on a couple occasions off-record, and there wasn't a negative thing to be said. Hopefully he can avoid that slow start that has plagued him the last 2 years. Would love other people to post their lists and agreements and disagreements on mine! Thanks! One more thing, I know the Padres really really like Brett Jackson and have inquired about him if the Cubs try to nab Adrian Gonzalez. Would you trade B-Jax and two other Top 10ers (excluding Archer, McNutt and Vitters) on the list for A-Gon, contingent upon him signing an extension with the Cubs? Just curious to see where everyone stands on this, have had an on-going argument with people on this matter. Thanks!

No problem at all. I enjoy all this stuff just as much as you do. Those three guys are all very intriguing. To start with Antigua, I REALLY REALLY liked him after the '09 season. I saw him pitch probably a half-dozen times that season and a couple more this year. He had an excellent changeup which really was a go-to, probably the best change in the system. Like you, I thought he was poised for a breakout season this year but really leveled off. Yea his strikeouts were up a little, but so was his WHIP. It's also definitely possible I overreacted to his mediocre season and lack of progress and didn't include him here. Still wouldn't right him off yet. The Asian scouting. Yea I've seen Jung and I know that right now, the Cubs are not overly excited about it. IMO, it seems like scouts are higher on him than the people within the organization. Part of that might be because of his injuries and whatnot, I'm not 100% sure though. I have seen him pitch a couple times, but I'll be totally honest with you in saying that I didn't get a great look on him because of outside distractions (Beer being one lol!). I thought your question about Rhee and who is better was very interesting. I think right now it's sooo difficult to rank who's higher on the list because of all the injuries both guys have had, and without a great sample size for Rhee outside of this past season. I like where your heads at with Kirk. I definitely think he's been an under the radar type guy, but has put up really nice numbers with the K's/9, ERA, etc. I wish he could've made more than 15 appearances last year and more than 3 at Peoria. I think we'd all have a little better idea then. But it does seem the Cubs like him internally. Hope any of this helps!

Craig and Davell- Thanks for the input. Glad you had a chance to read. Sorry it took a bit to respond but was busy all afternoon yesterday and was at the Bulls game last night! To address the first question, I certainly thought about Raley and Whitenack, and in many other years, it would've been even more difficult to exclude them from a list like this. As far as reasoning is concerned, I think it's a little bit of everything you had suggested. While I have seen Whitenack a handful of times, I have not seen Raley personally but I think I just into account the stats as well as what I've heard internally about him. For Whitenack, he has unique stuff (knuckle-curve just to mention one reason) and outside of a few historically bad and Jason Marquis-like starts, he put up very solid numbers between Peoria and Daytona. I just didn't feel his stuff and stats merited a spot in this year's 25, but know that he could pitch well again next year and move him the list. As for Raley, I think some of his inconsistencies left him a little behind Rusin and some others. He had some great performances last year, but had some clunkers too. As far as what the Cubs think of him, I know they really like him, but I heard they liked him a little better before '10 then they did at the end of the season. Overall though, he seemed to be pretty solid in his first full year. Neither of them have personality or character issues from my knowledge. I can certainly understand why one might put them in their Top 25 list, just not quite enough room on mine. I also like Struck better than Whitenack too as he was actually closer to making the cut. Also, you are right to suggest that I don't know first-hand the character or personalities of some of they guys that skipped Peoria (Rusin, Cales, etc), but I do know how coaches in the system have felt about these guys as well as their teammates. I don't know if they're world-class citizens or not, but I do know that they are not getting in their own way when it comes to development, as evident with the jumps that some of those guys have made. I will also admit, like I did in the article, that some of these players rose or dropped based on character and personality. But at the same time, it was the not the main factor. For example, Ryan Flaherty is really a great kid and is very humble, but I just don't feel his value is as high as some others. Last but not least, Jay Jackson lol. The incident that both you guys are referring to is the '09 incident. You are both right in that the demotion to Daytona came after a drunken stuper from Jackson the night before the start, and the Cubs weren't lying in that sense, but they certainly left out some other info not only on that specific incident, but others as well. They did misinform when they said it was a "one-time incident" and that it was out of character of Jackson, but that's nowhere near what I've heard about him. He's not a coachable guy and carries himself like he's better than everyone else. I've honestly heard nothing about negative things about the guy. I've not gotten to know him at all personally, but the reactions I've gotten from him are not good. In saying that though, he's still a young guy and has plenty of time to mature and sort out those character issues. One of the main things that I've learned about being around Minor Leaguers is that nobody is a bigger fan of them than themselves. That's not fair to stereotype all of them like that, but surely is the case for some. That's why I think it's so rare to have the current crop that we do with the Cubs, so many humble and down-to-earth guys. Also, the Cubs might've spun it like it was a one-time thing because they don't want to leak to other organizations that he's not a Grade-A guy. Don't want anything to diminish his value to others. Lemme know if this answers some of your Q's and if you have anymore. Also, appreciate all your suggestions on guys who you think I ranked too high, too low, or which you have overlapped with mine. Thanks!!

Chiefs voice Nathan Baliva suggests Matt Cerda and Nick Struck making the list, with Dolis a little too high IHO....Cerda was probably the first one left off, I really do like him though. He just fell off the map after missing '09 but is still really young....Struck had a great 2nd half, one of the nicest guys as well...

Here's the link to it if interested! Again, just my opinion on all. Hope you enjoy reading. Thanks! http://312sports.com/pro-teams/cubs/51-latest-news/2044-bedos-top-25-cubs-prospects-of-2011

A lot of MLB news to discuss with the trade deadline coming and a no-no last night. We'll of course recap last night's victory, the return of Carlos Silva, and Carlos Zambrano's 'apology' on ESPN (that's right, ESPN, not the Cubs clubhouse). Dave Kaplan joins us at 10:20, and Mike Meltser from KILT in Houston at 10:40. Listen and chat live: http://bit.ly/c7HX5C

It's Minor League Thursday on B-Squared. First we'll discuss Bob Howry's Cy Young chances and how the Astros will probably make the World Series, ie: yesterday's Cubbies loss. Our Thursday regular Nathan Baliva, voice of the Peoria Chiefs, joins us at 11:05. Iowa Cubs shortstop Darwin Barney will be on the show at 11:30. Tune in, chat with us live right here at Northside Baseball or at http://312sports.com/latest-podcasts/b-squared-show

We'll talk about last night's awful display of baseball at Wrigley in a loss to Houston. Seth Gruen from AP joins us at 10:20 and WGN's Jim Memolo will be on at 11:30 for National Tuesday. Tune in, chat live with us at http://312sports.com/latest-podcasts/b-squared-show

Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald on with us right now. Question for him? Tell us in the live chat: http://bit.ly/c7HX5C

Can the second half of the season possibly be worse than the first for our Cubbies? We'll preview what to watch for and what needs to happen to salvage 2010 for the Cubs. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald joins us at 10:20 to get you ready for the second half. Then it's Minor League Thursday starting at 11:05 when Aaron Morse, Huntsville Stars broadcaster who called the Southern League All-Star game, joins us to talk about the Smokies. And our Thursday regular Nathan Baliva joins us at 11:30 to talk Peoria Chiefs. Listen live, chat live, call in at 773-831-4663 http://bit.ly/c7HX5C

A fitting National Tuesday B-Squared as tonight is the Midsummer Classic. Dave Kaplan joins us at 10:15 and Mike Ferrin of MLB Network Radio will be on at 11:05. We will preview tonight's game and discuss the merits of the All-Star game in addition to how well the Cubs only representative, Marlon Byrd, will fair against the AL's best. And we'll talk about George Steinbrenner and his impact on the game of baseball. Join the B-Squared Show by calling us at 773-831-4663 or give us your thoughts in the live chat right here at Northside Baseball or at 312sports.com

Tune in to B-Squared for a recap of the win over the Diamondbacks. We would be remissed, though, to not discuss the dreadful weekend series against the Drew Stubbses. At 11 we will discuss the All-Star rosters and more for National Tuesday. Tune in, chat with us right here at North Side Baseball or at 312sports: http://312sports.com/latest-podcasts/b-squared-show

Another day, another loss to the Pirates. Thank goodness Pittsburgh is leaving Wrigley (who thought we'd ever say that?) We'll recap last night's game and Brad Lincoln tossing his hat into the Cy Young ring. Our regular Thursday guest Nathan Baliva joins us at 11:05 for Minor League Thursday as we go in-depth into the Cubbies' farm system. Tune in, chat live with us right here at Northside Baseball and on 312sports.

Now joined by Jay Jaffe of Baseball Prospectus for National Tuesday. Tune in: http://bit.ly/c7HX5C

B-Squared is your place for Minor League news. We're updating the Cubs farm system right now live on 312sports.com and Northsidebaseball.com

Enter our live chat or give us a call at 773-831-4663 to have your voice heard on last night's train-wreck that was the top of the 9th inning and Tyler Colvin's fielding in left field. Our friend Anderw Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh will be on the show at 10:30, then Jay Jaffe of Baseball Prospectus will join us for National Tuesday at 11:05. Live chat right here at Northside Baseball or at 312sports: http://312sports.com/latest-podcasts/b-squared-show

Thanks for the feedback, Vance! We have Will Carroll on the line right now from Baseball Prospectus talking MLB as it's National Tuesday, plus our Minor League Report and Pitching Probables in the second hour. Join Vance in our live chat: http://bit.ly/c7HX5C

Who were the best and worst signings in the Jim Hendry era? Let us know in our live chat: http://bit.ly/c7HX5C

We will preview this week's West Coast trip to take on the Seattle Mariners. Will the Cubbies plunk Milton Bradley? We will also discuss Bruce Miles' piece this morning in the Daily Herald about Jim Hendry. Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus will join us at 11:05. Listen and chat live right here at Northsidebaseball or at 312sports.com. Give us a call at 773-831-4663

On B-Squared. Listen live to the Cubs top prospect: http://312sports.com/latest-podcasts/b-squared-show

Jim Callis of Baseball America is on the air right now giving a preview of the MLB Draft and who the Cubs will take. Tune in, chat live with any questions for him: http://bit.ly/c7HX5C