Had to start the thread 5 days into the 2023 signing period because of Fernando-mania:
From the 1/15/23 thread (initially posted on Dec 20, 2022):
https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2022/12/20/fernando-cruz-leodalis-leo-de-vries-and-jose-perdomo-highlight-mlbs-upcoming-2024-international-amateur-class
BP top 101: https://www.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/article/79861/2023-prospects-the-top-101/ 28. PCA 80. Caissie 88. Mervis No Davis or Alcántara.
The Cubs were trying to buy out Lee’s Cal Poly SLO commitment in the second round of 2019 so there are clearly fans of his in the org. There were pretty well established rumors he was falling/completely off certain boards because of his medicals, so I just can’t question that without more info. Once the Guardians (with their draft models’ bias to younger players) passed on Collier, I knew the industry was lower than draft media. I preferred both of those to Parada. I wonder if Neto is the guy we look back on with regret.
The 2010 class had a -0.8 bWAR! (admittedly did have a whopping +0.5 fWAR). The difference is that year the Cubs were drafting 20th. 16th. The real difference is they took the biggest first round reach in the 21st Century that year, with no major bonus outlays elsewhere like in 2014 or 2022.
We shall see. I said it then and I stand by it now. If no one from the 2022 class makes it to the bigs, it will outperform the 2005 MLB Draft class that had a -0.1 bWAR. The 2010 class had a -0.8 bWAR! (admittedly did have a whopping +0.5 fWAR).
lol We shall see. I said it then and I stand by it now. If no one from the 2022 class makes it to the bigs, it will outperform the 2005 MLB Draft class that had a -0.1 bWAR.
BA updated their list to 40 and ranked Angel Cepeda 36th. BA’s list is by bonus amounts so the Cubs will have the 11th, 20th and 36th biggest bonuses this class. Signing day is Sunday.
Rojas was a legit guy. I think he got a million. Yep, $1 million. I’ve been updating Cubs IFA signings over the years here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=308#p16166
seems to be a 24 based on this tweet, that still has the Cubs as favorites to sign him
More on Cruz from Joe Doyle: https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2022/12/20/fernando-cruz-leodalis-leo-de-vries-and-jose-perdomo-highlight-mlbs-upcoming-2024-international-amateur-class