iowahawkeyes89

He's incredibly overrated Outside of good defense I'm not exactly sure what Almora has done thus far to justify the kind of hype he gets. To be honest, I think Billy McKinney has more upside at this point. Hits for some power, high BA and gets on base all while playing above average D. What am I missing?

Duane Underwood is 92-94 tonight (couple 96's). Good curve and decent feel for change. If Underwood can learn to command those secondary pitches...look out. Really underrated prospect in my opinion. Surprised he doesn't get more love from the national guys.

I hadn't heard about this 'wrong crowd' stuff before. Am I out touch? Is Law offbase? Anyone have any insight into this? That's news to me. He's 21, so I'm sure he likes to go out once in a while? From everything I've heard, Javys a really nice kid. (FWIW I know someone who works in front office for the I-Cubs)

I just can't justify taking a pitcher at 1.4 unless its an absolute homerun. Kolek has command issues and lacks a consistent plus secondary pitch. (and he's throwing 100 MPH at 18, which leads me to believe he'll have arm problems in the future) Rodons been regularly throwing 115+ pitches and has had shoulder problems in the past. Despite his college success, he has a lot of miles and has been borderline abused by his college coaches. Aiken simply wont be available at 1.4 I'm actually coming around to the idea of taking Gordon. A plus defender with good speed and developing power/bat. For whatever reason, Nick Gordon strikes me as a player our current front office would covet. (Great defense, good character, great teammate, leader etc.) 1.4 is a big investment

Not sure if I love the idea of sticking our top prospect in a place where every other game seems to be rained out, especially when he's struggeled there early on. Agreed, but whats the alternative at this point? Tennessee? Thats way too big of a jump. I agree it does suck though.

I truly believe that Baez struggling like this is better for his development than him continuing to not be challenged by Midwest League pitching. He'll make the necessary adjustments and be fine.

That video was excellent. Well done

Probably, but that speaks to how terrible our pitching talent is.

Vitters walk! :clapping:

Theres been some serious beef between Cedar Rapids and Peoria, and has been the whole year, even before Baez. The last time Peoria was in CR, things didn't end well.

Reed was throwing 94-95 when I saw him in Cedar Rapids in May

Carlos Rodriguez continues to be a bright spot for the DSL Cubs. 5 IP 2 H 1 ER 1 BB 5 K The 17 year old lefty has an ERA of 1.79 with 40.1 IP and 46 K's on the season Only 5'11 178 but I remember reading he throws 88-90, which is pretty good for his age. Hopefully he gets bigger and adds a few MPHs.

Cubs want pitching so my guess is Owens is near the top of the list in a Dempster trade. Barnes would be a dream, but there's no way they deal Barnes in a Dempster trade, maybe Garza though.

RBI single for Baez

Vitters with double 28 on the season, which ties his career high.