I would disagree on this. I agree on putting him behind Gallagher, who has shown that he has a major league fastball (speed/movement/command factored), has a shot at some good breaking pitch(es), and has already had success in AA. But I think a $10 guarantee and Wilken saying that he ranked Sam as the #1 guy tells you something about how the Cub scouts rank Sam for talent. Very high. They may be wrong, of course. But since we're basically projecting Sam, Huseby, and Pawelek on scouting opinions rather than on demonstrated results (Huseby has hardly any, and Pawelek showed neither exceptional velocity or command this past summer), I don't see why the default wouldn't be to go with the guy Wilken seems to strongly prefer. I think the Cubs have invested quite a bit of scouting time on Sam. It's at least possible that their high opinion of his potential is reasonably informed. I think there is a difference between having your own opinion and regurgitating the cub's opinion. But he (and others) are basing their opinions on both Cubs' actions and opinions. That's different.
UCLA up 35-29 on Arizona at the half, thanks in part to Darren Collison going coast-to-coast in the final 5 seconds to score a la Tyus Edney vs. Mizzou. :)
Again, UCLA looks hopeless against a zone defense. Shocking that passing around the perimter for 30 seconds and trying to throw up a 3 doesn't work against the zone.
They called Landry for a charge. He had made contact then let the ball go. Yet they decided to count the bucket anyways. Umm, please tell me you're kidding. Wow.
Definitely missing Luc - Alfred isn't the same inside on offense and can't go out on the perimeter on defense like Luc can. Afflalo is off to a hot start with a jumper. Nice to see Arron start hot for once. ETA: Sorry for breaking up the Big 10 posts.
Poor control, struggled early in the season, was demoted to the pen and had some lost velocity (came back into the rotation with fixed his mechanics and his velocity back and did much better, which is why I think BA is underrating him).
He was the Cubs big signing out of Latin America this past year. He's supposed to be something approximating a first round talent, so hopefully the Cubs are becoming players down there again. What's his first name? What position? Where's he supposed to start this year? Inquiring minds need to know. Larry Suarez, rhp I think he'll be on the Mesa squad, though he could play in the DSL this year. I believe he'll play as a 17 year old in 2007. Gracias. http://www.northsidebaseball.com/PremiumForum/viewtopic.php?t=33354
Yeah, USC has played real well this year - beat Wichita State (without Gabe Pruitt), they are the only team to beat Oregon and they also beat Arizona. Their two Pac-10 losses are close ones to Washington State and UCLA...not too shabby.