weather2

I suspect you're right. It is difficult to move a position player for top dollar at the trading deadline. However, the non-trade of Roberts may make it more likely the Orioles get value for pitchers such as Sherrill or Cabrera.

I'm not sure the Orioles erred by not trading Roberts. Come July, the Cubs and the rest of the leagues' contenders will realize they have to pay top dollar to get Roberts or whomever else they want. The Orioles did quite well in the Bedard and Tejada trades. Tim Kirchen (sp) still thinks the O's will trade Roberts to the Cubs (May 8th interview on the 105.7, a Baltimore radio station) this summer. I don't see it happening. Cubs likely to have other more pressing needs. We'll see.

I think Micah has a remote chance of becoming a ML regular and this spring could be important. After having a great spring, Micah could be sold to a Japanese team for a few $100 K. He would then need to have a monster year in Japan. Following that, I could envision some team signing him as a 2nd on the depth chart 1B/OF. And if No. 1 were to get injured ...

A solitary cloud on an otherwise sunny day. Perhaps his ISOD is low but a K/W of 0.000 isn't bad.

From an article in tomorrow's (time difference) on-line Korean Times, I infer that Kook Hae-Sung is a recent HS graduate who did not get drafted by a Korean major league organization and was thus available to be signed by any team from Japan, MLB, etc. Earlier this year, the Cubs signed Lee Dae-eun for $810 K. It looks like he was also overlooked in the draft. In early October, scouts from the Cubs and three other major league organizations, are hosting a tryout camp for other Korean players who've fallen between the cracks.

I also believe that in 1998 the Cubs added Chris Haney to their postseason roster despite signing him in September. They were granted a waiver, but I'm not sure why.

Are you certain you can do this? Yes players on the 25 or 60 man disabled list as of August 31st can be added to the postseason roster; however, I'm not sure you can begin with disabled players on your post season roster and then replace them with anyone you want. My assumption has always been that unless an exemption is granted by MLB (it occasionally is), a player must be on the 25 man roster or the disabled list on August 31. So if Murton is on Iowa's active roster on August 31st, he could not be on the Cubs post season roster, unless an exemption is granted. Does anyone know for sure? I've always thought these shenanigans could be avoided. Why not allow teams to select any player from their August 31 40-man roster plus 60-day DL to be on their post season roster. Post season rosters could be adjusted after each series.

-------------------------------------1 3B: Josh Vitters (2007-01) {198908} “Pure” swing. Looked better at showcases than in HS. Not signed. LF: Tyler Colvin (2006-01){198509} CHC#NA/03 5 tools. Recklessly promoted to AA despite lousy K/W at Daytona. RHSP: Sean Gallagher (2004-12) {198512} CHC#12/05 Ceiling increased from 05to06. Solid 2007 LHSP: Donald Veal (2005-02){198409} CHC#11/02 Effectively wild in 2006. Too wild in 2007. 2B: Eric Patterson (2004-08){198304} CHC#09/06 Solid AAA season. Good speed and some power. Defensive questions. RHRP:Billy Petrick (2002-03){198404} CHC#18/18 Dominated AA after move to pen. Healthy again. C: Geovany Sota (2001-11){198301} CHC#16/17 Unexpected power display. Is he a future starter? C: Josh Donaldson (2007-1s) {198512} Auburn C whose hitting is ahead of his catching LHSP: Mark Pawelek (2005-01){198608} CHC#02/10 After control problems, fractured elbow bone in non-throwing arm in June RHSP: Jeff Samardzija (2006-05){198501} CHC/#NA/04 Unbelievably poor K/IP cools enthusiasm about this hard thrower --------------------------------------------11-------- RHSP: Mitch Atkins (2004-07){198510} CHC/??/29 Impressive K/W for 2nd straight year (Peoria 2006; Daytona 2007) RHSP: Chris Huseby (2006-11){198801} CHC#NA/09 Showing flashes of brilliance this year at Boise. RHSP: Kevin Hart {198211} SL player of the month in June; Promoted to Iowa; K/IP good H/IP so-so RHSP: Mark Holliman (2005-03){198309} CHC#26/23 AA starter with so-so K/IP but good HR/IP and solid control RHRP: Jose Ceda {198701} [#14 AZLprospect] Career BA against < 0.200. K/IP impressive. RHRP: Rocky Roquet (2006-FA) {198211} CHC#??/26 5th senior sign rising rapidly through the minors. BA against ~0.200 RHRP: Rocky Cherry (2002-14){197908} CHC#??/16 Continues to strike out a lot of hitters at IA but has stratospheric ERA 3B: Scott Moore (2002-01){198311}[sL allstar] CHC#13/07 Recovered from slow AAA start. SA near 0.500. OF: Josh Kroeger {198208} Signed as MiFA in Feb. Has crushed AA/AAA pitching this year 2B: Tony Thomas (2007-03){19????} Led Division I collegians in hits/doubles in 2007 as Seminole. ----------------------21------ CF: Sam Fuld (2004-10){198111} CHC#??/27 Matching last year’s solid numbers. OPS ~0.780. Hard to K. OF: Jacob Fox (2003-03){198207} CHC#??/24 Continues to show power but now an outfielder. LHRP: Clay Rapada (2002-FA){198103} 36/14 K/W during 1st half of Iowa’s season. OF: Kyler Burke (2006-01s) {198804} Toolsy youngster who is doing much after demotion to Boise. RHSP: Jacob Renshaw (2006-10){198604} 2007 Midwest league midseason all start has solid K/W RF: Buck Coats (2000-18){198206} CHC#25/H Super-utility man showing a bit of power this year. RHSP: Larry Suarez (2006-VZ){198912} CHC#NA/25 Tantalizing 5 K outing during 7/18/07 appearance. SS: Jonathan Mota (2003-VZ){198706} CHC#??/H Solid fielder. Bats shows life after demotion to Peoria RF: Ryan Harvey (2003-01){198408}[FSL allstar] CHC#07/08 Flashes of brilliance overshadowed by injuries and strikeouts. LHRP: Carmen Pignatiello (2000-20){198209} Lefties hitting 0.130 off him (mostly AAA) -------------------------31------------------------------ RHSP: Randy Wells (2002-38){198208} 2nd chance at Iowa is going much better. K/IP ~1. 3B: Josh Lansford (2006-06) {198407} CHC#NA/20 Excellent fielder but needs to show more power. CF: Andrew Rundle (2006-14){198711} CHC#NA/15 Struggling at Boise this year. Good tools. LHRP: Jeremy Papelbon (2006-19){198306}[NWL allstar] MWL righties 0.200 off him. K/IP > 1. K/W good. Getting look as starter? RHRP: Miguel Cuevas (2006-36) {198308} 6’9” hard thrower K’s and W’s a lot of hitters. C: Steve Clevenger (2006-07){198604} CHC#NA/H Good eye; Converted to C in 2007 3B: Kyle Reynolds (2005-06) {198309} Bat comes alive in 2007. ISO ~0.200 at mid-season. RHSP: Robert Hernandez (????-VZ){198810} Poor K/IP but teenage starters in full season ball warrant watching. RHSP: Alberto Cabrera (????-DR){198810} DSL star in 2006 is off to good start at Boise (K/IP ~1; K/W~3). C: Wellington Castillo (2006-DR) {198704} Peoria’s C is holding his own with the bat as a 20-yr old --------------------------------41--------------------- RHSP:Joel Santo (????-DR){198406} SDP#16 Daytona SP. K/W and K/IP a concern 3B: Casey McGehee (2003-10){198210} CHC#NA/H Struggling this year as UT after AAA success in 2006. 1B: Russ Canzler (2004-30){198604}[NWL allstar] CHC#??/H Peoria’s 1B is having ok season. Needs to show more power. RHSP:Grant Johnson (2004-02){198305} CHC#17 Pitched much better out of the pen. SS: Darwin Barney (2007-04) {198511} Fleetfooted star of NCAA champion OSU. 1B: Brian Dopirak(2002-02){198206} CHC#08/12 Power returns after demotion to Daytona but K/W still poor. Is it too late? 3B: Matt Craig (2002-03){198104} Back-to-back solid seasons hints that organizational soldier may have a chance 1B: Micah Hoffpauier (2002-13){198003} Latent power? 22 HR in 2006 LHSP: Chris Shaver (2004-04) {198108} 2006 AA workhorse had bone chips removed 10/06 and shoulder scoped 6/22/07 OF: Brandon Guyer (2007-05) {198601} Cavalier with quick bat, line-drive swing, and fringe-average arm. Injured -----------------51---------------------- LHRP: Casey Lambert (200706) {198512} Senior sign with solid curveball SS: Dylan Johnston (2005-04){198703} CHC#27/19 Youth and position are his biggest assets. RHRP: Rafael Dolis (????-DR){198801} Began 2007 impressively; then injured OF Ty Wright (2007-07) {198502} Oky State lead off hitter had 35 game hitting streak. Crushing NWL pitching RHSP: Oswaldo Martinez (2006?-MX) {198809} 22/2 K/W at Mesa this year. CF: Leon Johnson (200710) BYU CF with good speed. A Mormon; Spent 2005-2006 on mission RHSP: Adam Harben (2002-15){198308} Twins#12 TJ surgery March 2007 C: Chris Robinson (2005-03){198405} DET#25/CHC22 Solid backstop with questionable bat. RHRP: Alessandro Maestri (2006-IT){198506} Italian sign. Midwest league mid-season all star in 2007 RHSP:Justin Berg (2003-43){198406} CHC#21 Throws hard with so-so results. Lousy K/W and K/IP at Tenn, -------------------61---------------- RHSP: Al Alburquerque (198606) Finally healthy although Cubs are monitoring his pitch counts C: Carlos Perez (????-VZ) {198710} Impressive hitting in Mesa debut. OPS near 0.900. RHRP:Scott Taylor (2005-05){198612} CHC#/??/28 Jump to Daytona causes derailment: 0.327 BA against; K/IP terrible RHSP: Julio Castillo (BA Honorable Mention) {198707} Mid 90’s gas with no command. At Boise. 2B: Ryne Malone (2006-49){198501} Contact hitter with a touch of power RHRP: Jim Henderson (MiLRule5: 2006) {198210} 6’5” 190 lb Canadian with a sinker. Fine K/W in AA. Struggled in AAA RHRP: Matt Avery (2005-09){198309} Still adjusting to AA after success at Peoria and Daytona. RHRP: Adalberto Mendez (????-DR){198202} Hard thrower who is fighting his control and working on his arm angle. LHRP: Darin Downs (2003-05) {198412} Finally playing in a full season league. Impressive K/IP and K/W at Daytona. RHSP: Marco Carrillo (????-MX) {198702} Smallish Peoria starter with ok numbers. 0.239 BA against. --------------71--------------- RHRP: Jordan Latham (2006-29) {198609} D/F signing with solid FB and power slider 3B: Jovan Rosa (2006-39) {198710} D/F having tremendous debut at Mesa. LHRP: Geoffrey Jones {2006-MiFA) {197908} Dominant in AA. Shelled in AAA. SS: Nathan Samson (2006-34) {198708} Single-hitting SS is already at Peoria. RHRP: Andy Santana (????-DR) {198611} Spent 2006 in DSL. K/IP > 1 with ok control this year. RHRP: Marcus Hatley (2006-39) {198803} Convert JC OF has been untouchable at Mesa this year. 3B: Marquez Smith (2007-08) {198503} Led Clemson in H as Sr. “More athletic than body indicates” Solid Boise #s. SS: Carlos Rojas (2001-VZ) {198401} Very weak bat (ISO ~0.025 between Ia and Tenn); solid glove SS: Gian Guzman (2006?-DR) {198905} Bat not there yet but still very young. At Mesa. RF: Alfred Joseph (2004-15){198607} CHC#NA/H Still young but powerless; Joseph is facing sink-or-swim promotion to Daytona ------------------81--------------- 2B: Robinson Chirinos (2000-VZ) {198406} Is it possible to walk off the island? Mid-season promotion to AA CF: Clark Hardman (2007-09) {198508} Cal St Fullerton OF with plus arm, BA+ limited patience, and no power CF: Jonathan Wyatt (2007-13) UGA- 2007 Division I Gold glove Winner. Boise sparkplug. RHSP: Billy Muldowney (2006-08) {198408} Rehabbing strained elbow injury RHRP: Hung-Wen Chen (2007-TW) {??????) Shut down due to arm fatigue before pitching an inning. 2B: Junior Lake (????-DR) {199003} Leading DSL team in OPS this summer C: Anthony Richie (2003-04) {198202} 2007 SA may exceed 2006 OPS (What is going on at Iowa?) RHSP: Ryan Searle (2006-AU) {19????} Raw Australian youngster could make majors by 2015 LHRP: Chris Siegfried (2007-11) {198512} 6’5” and at Boise. Solid K/IP so far. 2B: Elvis Lara (????-DR) {198611} Best hitter on Cubs 2006 Dominican Summer League Team -------------91-------------------- LHRP: Jayson Ruhlman (2005-23){198408} K/IP and K/W are both so-so. Righties hitting 0.238 off him. RHRP: Michael Phelps (2005-11){198305} CHC#20 Struggling this year at Daytona. Lefties hitting 0.333 off him. C: Jake Muyco (2005-08) {198409} CHC#??/H Weak bat; Solid glove CF: Chris Walker (2002-06) {198007} [sL allstar in 2006] 0.455 OPS at Iowa this year may signal end of his quixotic pursuit of majors RF: Yusuf Carter (2005-12) {198502} Good power. Terrible K/W. Sink-or-swim promotion to Daytona not going well LHSP: Dustin Sasser (2007-21) {198509} Short-season A batters hitting 0.197 again him so far. RHRP: Blake Parker (2006-16){198506}[2006 AZL allstar as C/1B] Converted C off to good start at Mesa 2B: Nate Spears (2003-05) {198505} BAL#17 Good eye but little power. Sink or swim promotion to Tenn this month. CF: Jeffrey Rea (2007-18) {198407} 5’8” 160 lb Senior sign sent to Daytona to see if his Boise numbers are a fluke C: Roberto Sabates (2007-39) {198410} Cuban defector who apparently ended up on US soil: At Mesa

Jason Hart was Oakland's No. 2 prospect back in 2001. Hit 0.326 with 30 HR's in AA (alas in hitter friendly Midland). Was traded to the Rangers and fell rapidly from sight. "He has the bat to be an everyday first baseman in the majors". Baseball America's Prospect Handbook (2001).

Position projections sure to be wrong. FirstBase: Second Base AAA: Casey McGehee Eric Patterson AA: Brian Dopirak Issmael Salas A+: Ryan Norwood Steve Clevenger A-: Russ Canzler Matthew Camp R+ Blake Parker Elvis Lara Shortstop: Third Base AAA: Ronny Cedeno Scott Moore AA: Carlos Rojas Jemel Spearman A+: Jonathan Mota Josh Lansford A-: Dylan Johnston Ryan Malone R+ Matt Matulia Valerio Heredia Catcher Left Field AAA: Geovany Sota/ K Hill Jorge Cortes AA: Jacob Fox / Ritchie Jeff Culpepper A+: Chris Robinson/Muyco Jesus Valdez A-: Mark Reed Deryck Lewis R+ Mario Mercedes Cody Gilbert Centerfield: Right Field AAA: Felix Pie Buck Coats AA: Sam Fuld Ryan Harvey A+: Tyler Colvin Alberto Garcia A-: Andrew Rundle Alfred Joseph R+ Clifford Anderson Wilson Inoa Utility: AAA: Jesse Hoorelbeke / Mike Fontenot/Chris Walker/MHoffpauier AA: Nate Spears/Simokaitis/Matt Craig/Gary Cates/A Machado A+: Robinson Chirinos/Kyle Reynolds/Alan Rick/M. Ciaramella A-: Elvin Puello/Sammy Baez / Ryan Lilly/ Davy Gregg R+ Lisandro Rosario

"Wrigley Rat" I found your rankings of Renshaw (11), Anderson (14), Canzler (16), Norwood (23), Camp (31), Craig (40), and Maestri (53) to be the most interesting. Anderson's ranking is the most exciting as he's young. If he begins 2007 with a full season team; he could be the real deal. Canzler put up numbers consistent with a 16 ranking; however he only played 80 games or so (SS-A) in 2006. Are his great numbers a small sample size fluke? He's definitely one to watch this year. Norwood also put up numbers but will continue to be discounted as a prospect unless he changes his birth date or skips a level. I don't know what to make of Camp. Pedestrian numbers in SS-A (not sure how much that matters given the adjustment to wood etc). Changing positions. Will know soon. He's not young. Others seem to like. Craig could regain prospect status if he begins 2006 as Iowa's first baseman. Can that happen? Renshaw was just drafted in 2006. Throws hard enough to make it as reliever if he stays healthy. Maestri had a good stateside debut.

(Issmael Francisco Milo) Salas remains a mystery to outsiders such as myself. He has never had more than 300 AB in any minor league season. When he's played he's hit fairly well. His lack of at bats have been caused by both injuries and perceived ability (or lack thereof). Unless the Cubs go outside of the organization, he has a shot to begin 2007 as the starting second baseman for Tennessee (Fontenot, Spears, Cates, and Chirinos are other possibilities) Winning that starting spot, would suggest he has a (small) chance. The Mexican League isn't particularly strong. Salas was born in Mexico and signed as a NDFA in 2001.

Tim's correct. Campusano's stat line should read: 15. LHRP: Edward Campusano (2001 DR){24yrs}[MWL allstar] Combined MWL/SL 81/17 K/W in 54 IP. 1.82 ERA [Rule 5 draft]

Yes I did overlook Salas when compiling this list. He was injured much of last year but is a strong candidate to be Tennessee's starter at second next year. Oops.

My "players to watch" list is taking more and more hits ... 15. LHRP: Edward Campusano (2001 DR){24yrs}[MWL allstar] Combined MWL/FSL 81/17 K/W in 54 IP. 1.82 ERA [Rule 5 draft] 22. LHRP: Carlos Vasquez (2002-VZ){24yrs} 91/42 K/W in 85 IP between FSL and SL [Traded to White Sox] 28. RHRP: Lincoln Holdzkom (2001-07){24yrs} [Rule 5 draft] Acquired for Wellemeyer. 33/12 K/W in 37 IP most in AA. in AFL. 42. RF: Miguel Negron (2000-01){24yrs} [Released 11/06] Hit well after being picked up on waivers. Not much power. 43. C: Jose Reyes (1999-DR){22yrs} Weak Bat. Solid backstop. [Non-tendered] 84. LHSP: Isaac Pavlik (2002-10) (2006-FA){26yrs} [Released 12/06] Indy league sign. Short but has some stuff. 91. RHRP: Roger Evenson (2005-16){23yrs} [Released 12/06] 31/8 K/W in 44 IP at Peoria this year. 95. RHRP: Stephen Bronder (2005-FA){22yrs} [Released 12/06] Gave up 58H in 61 IP at Daytona. 96. RHRP: Andy Shipman (2003-FA) Dominated in AA. Struggled at Iowa. [Minor L Rule 5] 99. RHSP:Ryan Bicondoa (2006-FA) {27yrs} [Released 12/06] Dominated Can-Am/FSL 45/12 K/W in 44 IP at Day Replacing these players with others is challenging; however I'll go with... Oscar Bernard Jorge Cortes Kevin Hart James Henderson Elvin Puello Bobby Brownlie Kitt Kopach Jesse Estrado Lisandro Rosario Tony Ritchie

You can interpret this move several different ways. 1. Patterson's bat is major league ready. A versatile Patterson could provide an in-house solution to the left handed hitter search. 2. Patterson's defense at second base is poor enough that he will not be able to hold down a starting spot at second. 3. Patterson is not a good enough prospect to displace DeRosa. His best hope for a major league career (with the Cubs) is to play multiple positions.

I don't believe the Orioles are frustrated with Penn. In fact, they may grant him a mulligan for his poor starts. His poor outings followed surgery for an appendicitis.

I know it really doesn't matter, but Juan Cruz aged two years in the Dominican age scandal. That said ... if his true age had been known when he was in the minors, he would have been rated below Carlos Zambrano. Most analysts had Cruz rated ahead of Zambrano when they were in the minors together.

With respect to Sisco, I never understood why Sisco spent this past year in the majors. Given the Royal's dismal prospects this past year, I would have had him work as a starter in AA/AAA this past year. Perhaps his demotion is a good sign. Maybe he's being given a chance to start. With respect to Cherry, I guess this means he's healthy. Given his injury record in college and as a Cub (TJ surgery and his finger injury this year), I wasn't so sure. 50 K in 29 AA innings isn't bad. Yes he' s old, but I'm not sure how much that matters when projecting pitchers.

Carlos Vasquez (#23) is the first to leave my watch list; however, Raisin's addition of Bernard keeps us at 100. Also, Steve Holley is reporting that Adam Harben has left the AFL with elbow soreness. Hopefully, he doesn't have an April date with TJ surgery.

I suspect the Cubs will offer him in any proposed deal. However, I don't think they'll give him away as he's not blocked yet (AAA is open and he hasn't played there yet). I'd have him begin 2007 at AAA. He is still young and has only 3? AAA at bats. I'd have him play both 1st base and 3rd base and would bring him up as a starter if either Lee or Ramirez is injured. A second possibility would be to shift Moore to SS, 2B, LF, or RF. A good rotisserie option but perhaps not realistic.

I've listed 100 Cub Minor Leaguers to watch in 2007. Hopefully, none of them have been released yet! Which is the following players is overrated, underrated etc.? Am I forgetting anyone! 01. CF: Felix Pie {21yrs} CHC#01 Continues to display 5 tools while struggling with K's. 02. LHSP: Donald Veal (2005-02){22yrs} CHC#11 174K in 153 IP. Effectively wild. 03. RHSP: Sean Gallagher (2004-12) {21yrs} CHC#12 Ceiling increased from 05to06. Control a problem at WT. 04. 2B: Eric Patterson (2004-08 ){23yrs} CHC#09 Bat ahead of glove. 05. 3B: Scott Moore (2002-01){23yrs}[sL allstar] CHC#13 Led WT in OPS (0.839); 5th in SL. 06. LF: Tyler Colvin (2006-01){21yrs} Displayed 5 tools in 2006 debut. K/W a concern 07. LHSP: Mark Pawalek (2005-01){20yrs} CHC#02 Pitched well at Boise after failing to make Peoria's squad 08. RHSP:Scott Taylor (2005-05){20yrs} 28W in 141 IP at Peoria. K/IP (71/141) a concern 09. RF: Ryan Harvey (2003-01){22yrs}[FSL allstar] CHC#07 One HR shy of FSL lead. 125/25 K/W. 10. RHSP: Mark Holliman (2005-03){23yrs} CHC#26 Led Daytona in K's. 4th in FSL. 11. RHSP: Mitch Atkins (2004-07){21yrs} So-so stuff but 2.41 ERA in 138 IP at Peoria. 172/53 K/W. 12. C: Jacob Fox (2003-03){24yrs} Great offensive 1/2-season at Daytona. Recovered from slow AA start 13. RHSP: Jae Kuk-Ryu(2001-SK){23yrs} CHC#14 Only gave up 123 H in 139 IP at Iowa. 114 K in 139 IP. 14. RHSP: Jeff Samardzija (2006-05){21yrs} Touched 96 in all Notre Dame starts this spring. 15. LHRP: Edward Campusano (2001 DR){24yrs}[MWL allstar] Combined MWL/FSL 81/17 K/W in 54 IP. 1.82 ERA 16. 3B: Casey McGehee (2003-10){24yrs} Solid AAA season in 2006. Hopes to make it as C/1B/3B UT. 17. RHSP:Justin Berg (2003-43){22yrs} CHC#21 So-so numbers but good stuff. 18. RHSP:Joel Santo (????-DR){22yrs} SDP#16 Struggled with control (20W 35 IP) after acquisition 19. RHSP:Billy Petrick (2002-03){22yrs} CHC#18 Health a big question. Encouraging numbers after injury. 20. RHSP: Adam Harben (2002-15){23yrs} Twins#12 Disappointing year leads to acquisition. 74/67 K/W in 123 IP in AA 21. LHSP: Chris Shaver (2004-04) {25yrs} AA workhorse had 2.99 ERA at WestTenn. 23. LHRP: Carlos Vasquez (2002-VZ){24yrs} 91/42 K/W in 85 IP between FSL and SL. 24. RHSP: Chris Huseby (2006-11){18yrs} AZL scouts rated Huseby ahead of Ceda. A top late round sign (BA) 25. RHRP: Jose Ceda {19yrs} [#14 AZLprospect] Allowed 11H in 23 IP (32/9 k/W) at Mesa. Acquired for T. Walker 25. 1B: Brian Dopirak(2002-02){23yrs} CHC#08 Injury results in disappointing season 26. C: Geovany Sota (2001-11){23yrs} CHC#16 Future backup C? 27. RHSP: Randy Wells (2002-38 ){24yrs} AA Randy looked like a stud. AAA Randy didn't throw hard enough? 28. RHRP: Lincoln Holdzkom (2001-07){24yrs} Acquired for Wellemeyer. 33/12 K/W in 37 IP most in AA. in AFL. 29. C: Chris Robinson (2005-03){22yrs} DET#25 Solid backstop with questionable bat. Hit for high avg after trade. 30. LHRP: Clay Rapada (2002-FA){25yrs} Dominated at WT (45/10 K/W in 45 IP). 21/15 K/W in 24 IP at IA. 31. RHRP: Michael Phelps (2005-11){23yrs} CHC#20 Injured part of year. 25/9 K/W 26 IP at Daytona. 2.73 ERA. 32. LHRP: Tim Layden (2004-06){24yrs} CHC#28 61/34 K/W in 66 IP most at Daytona. 33. RHSP: Larry Suarez (2006-VZ){17yrs} Signed as FA for over $1Million 34. CF: Andrew Rundle (2006-14){19yrs} Encouraging debut. Shows signs of XB power. 35. LHRP: Carmen Pignatiello (2000-20){24yrs} 78/21 K/W in 67 IP (60 at WT). 36. RF: Buck Coats (2000-18 ){24yrs} CHC#25 Super-utility man with limited power. 37. CF: Sam Fuld (2004-10){25yrs} Injuries have slowed his progress. 54/40 K/W (22 SB) at Daytona 38. 1B: Russ Canzler (2004-30){20yrs}[NWL allstar] Led Boise in OPS. 6th in NWL. 39. SS: Jonathan Mota (2003-VZ){19yrs} Spent most of 2006 in FSL. Glove ahead of bat . 40. RHRP: Matt Avery (2005-09){23yrs} Gave up 46H in 67 IP. 76/26 K/W at Peoria. 41. RHSP:Grant Johnson (2004-02){23yrs} CHC#17 Pitched much better out of the pen. 42. RF: Miguel Negron (2000-01){24yrs} Hit well after being picked up on waivers. Not much power. 43. C: Jose Reyes (1999-DR){22yrs} Weak Bat. Solid backstop. 44. RHRP: Adalberto Mendez (????-DR){24yrs} 64/17 K/W in 59 IP at Daytona. 45. 2B: Steve Clevenger (2006-07){20yrs} 28/26 K/W ratio. Played a bit of C in Instruct. 46. SS: Dylan Johnston (2005-04){19yrs} CHC#27 Youth and position are his biggest assets. 47. LHSP: Fabian Jimenez (????-CO){20yrs} SDP#29 Shelled at Peoria after pitching well at Boise. 48. 2B: Mike Fontenot (2001-19) {26yrs} CHC#29 0.375 OBP at Iowa but no late season look. 49. RHRP: Rafael Dolis (????-DR){18yrs} 33/16 K/W in 25 IP at Mesa. Young! 50. LF: Jesus Valdez (2002-DR){22yrs} Hit 0.302 at Peoria. Has added 55 lbs since 2002 signing 51. LHRP: Jeremy Papelbon (2006-19){23yrs}[NWL allstar] 50/15 K/W in 44 IP. WHIP < 1 at Boise. 52. LHRP: Jayson Ruhlman (2005-23){22yrs} 45/16 K/W in 36 Boise innings. 53. C: Mark Reed (2004-03) {20yrs} CHC#19 Bat developing slower than expected. 14SB. 54. 1B: Micah Hoffpauier (2002-13){26yrs} Latent power? 22 HR in 2006 55. 1B: Ryan Norwood (2004-09) {23yrs} Led Peoria in OPS this year. 10th in MWL. 56. RF: Alfred Joseph (2004-15){20yrs} Batted 0.306 at Boise. 57. LHSP: Ryan O'Malley (2002-FA){26yrs} 30W in 124 IP at IA. One great ML start. Injured? 58. RHSP: Billy Muldowney (2006-08 ){22yrs} 42/11 K/W in 44 IP at Boise. 59. 3B: Josh Lansford (2006-06) {22yrs} Excellent fielder. Still adjusting to wood bats? 60. LF: Deryck Lewis (2005-25){21yrs} Intriguing power (17 2B in 179 AB). 61. CF: Chris Walker (2002-06){26yrs}[sL allstar] Led WT in hits (150); 2nd in SL. Led league in SB and CS. 62. RHRP: Marco Carrillo (????-MX){19yrs} Diminutive youngster 34/10 K/W at Mesa. Shelled in only Peoria 64. 63. LHSP: JR Mathes (2004-16){25yrs} Only gave up 31W in 160 IP. 3.27 ERA at WT. 64. RHRP: Rocky Roquet (2006-FA) {24yrs} Throws hard. Signed as 5th yr senior. 31/5 K/W at Boise. 65. 2B: Nate Spears (2003-05){21yrs} BAL#17 So-so numbers and tools but still young. 66. SS: Carlos Rojas (2001-VZ){22yrs} Weak bat solid glove. 67. C: Jake Muyco(2005-08 ){22yrs} Another weak bat solid glove. 68. RHSP: Mike Billek (2005-03){22yrs} CHC#23 Let's pretend 2006 never happened. 69. RHSP:Alfredo Francisco{22yrs} 43/13 K/W in 49 IP at Boise. Former IF. 70. RHSP: Alberto Cabrera (????-DR){18yrs} Spent 2006 in DSL. 71. SS: Sammy Baez Injured most of 2006. 72. RHRP: Rocky Cherry (2002-14){27yrs} 50/14 K/W in 29 IP at WT. Late season injury possible concern 73. RHRP: Federico Baez (2002-FA) {25yrs} 65/30 K/W in 88 IP bet WT+IA. Drafted 2X by Cubs. Signed as FA. 74. 2B: Elvis Lara (????-DR) {20yrs} Best hitter on Cubs Dominican Summer League Team 75. RHRP: Robert Hernandez (????-VZ){18yrs} Youngest pitcher on Mesa's team this year. 76. 3B: Ryan Malone (2006-49){21yrs} Looking for a defensive home; Some power 34/28 K/W 77. 2B: Robinson Chirinos (2000-VZ){22yrs} Led Peoria with 69 walks this year. 5th in MWL 78. RHSP: Jacob Renshaw (2006-10){20yrs} 20/6 K/W in 23 IP in Boise debut. 79. RHRP: Justin Rayborn{24yrs} 72/17 K/W in 65 IP at Peoria. 1.93 ERA! 80. RHRP: Alessandro Maestri (2006-IT){21yrs} Played in World BC. European Baseball Academy sign. 81. C: Mario Mercedes (????-VZ){20yrs} Hit 0.315 while sharing C duties at Boise. 82. RHRP: Matt Harrington (2006-FA) {24yrs} Last several years in Indy ball after turning down $$$$. FB back? 83. RF: Clifford Anderson (2006-09){19yrs} 0.350 OBP in Mesa debut. 84. LHSP: Isaac Pavlik (2002-10) (2006-FA){26yrs} Indy league sign. Short but has some stuff. 85. LHSP: Taylor Parker (2006-21){22yrs} [AZL allstar] 2.35 ERA in 54 IP at Peoria. 86. RHRP: Michael Cooper (2006-26) {22yrs} Gave up only 15 hits in 22 innings as Boise' closer 87. RF: Yusuf Carter (2005-12) {21yrs} Good power. Needs more hits to fall in. 88. CF/2B: Matthew Camp (2006-13){22yrs} Led NWL in hits with 87 this year. Converting to 2B 89. RHSP: Todd Blackford (2004-13) {21yrs} Acquired for Hollandsworth. Good arm but struggled at Peoria. 90.RHRP: Miguel Cuevas (2006-36) {23yrs} Tall hard thrower but lasts till 36th RD. What gives? 91. RHRP: Roger Evenson (2005-16){23yrs} 31/8 K/W in 44 IP at Peoria this year. 92. LHSP: Darin Downs (2003-05){22yrs} Career in neutral. 26/8 K/W in 28 IP at Boise. 93. LHRP: Scott Koerber (2004-FA){24yrs} pitching well in Hawaiian winter league 94. C/1B: Blake Parker (2006-16){21yrs}[AZL allstar] 1/25 after promotion to Peoria. Can he stick at C? 95. RHRP: Stephen Bronder (2005-FA){22yrs} Gave up 58H in 61 IP at Daytona. 96. RHRP: Andy Shipman (2003-FA) Dominated in AA. Struggled at Iowa. 97. RHSP: Kevin Kreier (2006-20){19yrs} Began Cub career in Instructionals this fall 98. 1B: Matt Craig (2002-03){25yrs} Led Daytona in OPS (0.842). 5th in FSL. 99. RHSP:Ryan Bicondoa (2006-FA) {27yrs} Dominated Can-Am/FSL 45/12 K/W in 44 IP at Day 100. RHSP: Chadd Blasko (2002-01) {25yrs} Injuries appear to have killed a once promising career.

I find it amusing that analysts state that Pignatiello has a new-life/is re-born as a reliever. His numbers as a starter were very good. Pignatiello was converted to reliever because Cub scouts believed he was about to hit a wall due to his below average stuff. .... He hadn't hit it yet. Of course, it could be that Pignatiello's velocity is way up after his transition to relief. That increased velocity might be the "new life" that analysts/scouts are talking about. Has Pigs velocity gone up substantially (more than expected) after his transition to relief?

Wasn't Holdzkom available because he was returning from TJ surgery or am I thinking of someone else?

What happened to Sammy Baez? He only played for a month or so this year.