I figured now was a good time to post something about the Cubs top prospects since it’s past the midway point in the full minor league seasons. The short-season teams just got under way. I’m using Sickel’s top 20. I’m breaking this into three parts. I’ll cover 11-20 here and then 1-10 while the final part will focus on players not ranked, but deserving of being discussed for one reason or another. It could be a draft pick from this season. Could just be a breakout season or something. Here we go.
20) Welington Castillo, C, Grade C: Very effective against runners, has some power, but on-base skills are sketchy.
He was injured early on and spent some time on a rehab in Daytona, which didn’t go particularly well. Since returning to Iowa all he’s done is hit. His triple slash line in just over 150 plate appearances at Iowa is .316/.386/.618. Yeah, a .302 ISO. The park-adjusted wOBA is .437, which is 20% better than league average (120 wRC+). He got 13 plate appearances with the Cubs when Geovany Soto was injured and had only 2 hits. Before you start going all crazy and stuff, he was a .344 wOBA hitter last season at Iowa and .292 the year before in Tennessee. He’s good enough to be a back-up. That’s especially true when the current back-up is Koyie Hill. John Guab would be an adequate back-up catcher when Hill is on the roster and Gaub is a left-handed reliever.
Castillo is still just 24 years old and doesn’t turn 25 until next April. That’s relatively young for a catcher. It’s hard to believe he won’t be the back-up next season, but I said the same thing last year. He’s definitely improved on his Grade C rating, but he has been in AAA for awhile.
19) Ben Wells, RHP, Grade C: Hasn’t pitched yet, but seventh round pick from Arkansas high school has potential as a hard-throwing starter.
Wells scouting report at the time he was drafted by Baseball America said this about him:
Ben Wells pitched at 84-87 mph most of his amateur career, but by the end of this spring he was throwing 90-94 mph and pitching a five-inning perfect game in the state 7-A championship game. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound righthander has a good feel for pitching, too, as he pounds the strike zone with a three-pitch mix that also includes a hard slider and splitter. He committed to Crowder (Mo.) JC and now is drawing attention from Southeastern Conference schools. Wells has the size and stuff to go in the first five rounds of the draft, though he may not have been scouted extensively enough to go that high.
Wells just joined the Boise Hawks when their season opened and he’s made 3 appearances, 2 of which were starts. He’s allowed 15 hits in 13.2 innings and walked 5 while striking out 11. Way too early to evaluate anything he’s done this season so we’ll leave it at that.
18) Jin-Yeong Kim, RHP, Grade C+: Will he be worth the big bonus?
Like Wells, Kim is at Boise and has also made 3 appearances and 2 starts. In 8.2 innings, he’s allowed 11 hits, walked 7 and struckout 3.
17) Austin Kirk, LHP, Grade C+: Breakthrough candidate for 2011.
The left-handed starter was a 3rd pick out of high school for the Cubs in 2009. So far, he has had a breakout season this year. In 84.1 innings, he’s allowed only 63 hits, walked only 20 and has struckout 72. At Peoria all season, he’s gotten roughed up in his last 3 starts, which have totaled 14 innings, 20 hits, 13 runs allowed, 5 walks and 12 strikeouts. His tRA has been 4.25, which is good for a 108 tRA+.
Kirk made the Midwest League All-Star team this year.
16) Su-Min Jung, RHP, Grade C+: Wasn’t great at Peoria, but I think he can get better faster than people anticipate.
The 6-2 righty turned 22 on April 1st. He hasn’t gotten any better either. He’s gotten worse. Last season he struckout 79 in 89 innings and walked 39. This year he has walked 20 and struckout 19 in 39.2 innings. He has a 5.40 tRA as a starter and it’s close to 8.00 as a reliever.
15) Brooks Raley, LHP, Grade C+: Was very effective in the second half.
Raley isn’t a strikeout pitcher. Last year he struckout 97 in in 136.1 innings at Daytona. This year at Tennessee he’s struckout 46 in 80 innings. If you’re not going to strikeout a lot of batters, you need to have really good control. Raley’s isn’t terrible by any means, but last year he walked 43 and this year he’s already close to that. He’s not striking out enough batters at the moment to be considered a serious candidate for the rotation in the future. He turned 23 a few days ago so it’s likely any future for Raley is as a reliever and possibly just a LOOGY.
14) Brett Wallach, RHP, Grade C+: Another one (live arm, needs polish).
The Cubs acquired Wallach when they traded Ted Lilly to the Dodgers last year. He was unimpressive in his 7 starts in the organization at Peoria last season and has been equally unimpressive this year in terms of runs allowed. He does have a pretty good tRA, which is 9% better than average in the Southern League. He does have a 5.58 ERA. He doesn’t turn 23 until December so they may as well leave him as a starter for now and see if he can reduce the hits allowed.
13) Rafael Dolis, RHP, Grade C+: Another guy in the live arm/needs polish brigade.
Dolis made 4 starts this season before moving into the bullpen full time. I thought it was a little strange at the time, but it’s proven a decent move. His numbers as a reliever aren’t all that impressive. He has just 34 strikeouts and 19 walks in 47.1 innings. He’s also allowed 45 hits. He turns 24 next January and is currently on the Cubs 40-man roster. Unless his numbers improve in the second half of the season, he’s a good candidate to be taken off the roster.
12) D.J LeMahieu, INF, Grade C+: I think people are a bit too down on him; he could surprise this year.
Ryno and I nearly killed each other over this draft pick in 2009. The Cubs used their second selection in 2009 to draft LeMahieu. Ryno wasn’t too impressed with the first pick, Brett Jackson. I was thrilled with that one and saw some upside in LeMahiue considering his young age at the time of the draft and being a college player.
Although he has no power at all, he’s still been a good hitter since the Cubs drafted him. His park-adjusted wOBA in 2009 was .356. It was .345 in 2010 at Daytona and then this season he hit everything in sight. Prior to his big league promotion, he had a .399 wOBA at AA. He rarely played for the Cubs and was recently sent to Iowa. He doesn’t take many walks and has lived on a particularly high BABIP most of his professional career. It’s worked so far for him in the minors, but it’s likely he’s going to have to become more selective or add some power in order to continue posting the quality batting lines he has so far. He turns 23 in 11 days. It’s too bad he couldn’t stick at SS. He’s played 2nd and 3rd this season in the minors. Total Zone and UZR really liked his defense in the very small sample he had at the big league level. It’s likely he’s a very good fielder at either position considering he was once a SS.
11) Marquez Smith, 3B, Grade C+: Not young, but ready to help at the major league level and can catch people off-guard.
I was stunned last year when the Cubs did not add Smith to their 40-man roster. All he did last year at Iowa was post a .416 park-adjusted wOBA. He’s not your ideal 3rd baseman in that he doesn’t have a lot of power, but he’s a terrific fielder and makes up for his lack of power. He was older than usual for a prospect, but that’s an impressive wOBA. He’s done it throughout his career, too. His wOBAs since he was drafted have been .424 (72 PA), .416 (357), .305 (146), .348 (55), .356 (450), .307 (52), .416 (342) and this year it’s .368 in 250 plate appearances. He can hit.
But apparently I’m the only one who thinks he can be a productive player at the big league level because the Cubs did not protect him and not one team took him in the Rule 5 Draft. So there’s obviously something I’m missing, which isn’t too surprising since I’ve not seen him play. There’s something in his game that scouts do not think is going to translate well to the next level. There has to be. I don’t know what it is, but it’s there.
Comments
A couple things I’ve posted on Unobstructed Views today: http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/cubs/cubs-sign-enrique-acosta-for-11-million.html
http://obstructedview.net/unobstructed-views/mlb/world-series-champions-and-biggest-payroll.html
mb21Quote Reply
Are the Cubs as bad as they seem at developing prospects, relative to other teams? And, if so, how much of that blame rests on Hendry, seeing as this system is 100% his. He’s overseen it for over a decade, and these people are his people. Of course, if he’s succeeding at about the same rate as everyone else, then there’s not much to bitch about.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Adam Dunn starting in right.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Are the Cubs as bad as they seem at developing prospects, relative to other teams? And, if so, how much of that blame rests on Hendry, seeing as this system is 100% his. He’s overseen it for over a decade, and these people are his people. Of course, if he’s succeeding at about the same rate as everyone else, then there’s not much to bitch about.[/quote]The Cubs have gotten less value out of their farm system than a lot of other teams, but imagine if Mark Prior stayed healthy. That would change everything in terms of WAR.
When Hendry was the Director of Player Development and Scouting, the Cubs had the best farm system in all of baseball. It just happened to not produce nearly as much talent as expected as some got hurt and some just didn’t progress as expected.
If we looked at prospects lists for all teams like this I’d imagine we’d see similar rates of failure. Guys who shoot up the rankings are ones who had a breakout season. Jay Jackson, Rich Hill, and even Trey McNutt. None of them should have been ranked as high as they were and I imagine it’s like that with other organizations.
The biggest reason I see for the Cubs lack of talent in the minor leauges is that they haven’t spent money. That’s not on Hendry. They were in the bottom 5 in draft signing bonuses from 2006 through 2010. I think they started to spend some on international free agents last year, but it seems like it’s been a decade since they were all that active on that front.
The Cubs are cheap. They had a cheap ass owner in the Tribune and they have a cheap ass owner in Tom Ricketts. Cubs baseball.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I like how he says he’s replacement level and then posts a number (tOPS+) that compares his OPS in that particular split to his total OPS while the other one (sOPS+) compares him to the league’s split total OPS. In other words, he’s comparing Castro’s OPS in the 3rd spot to all other number 3 hitters.[/quote]
Also that he mentioned replacement level then listed stats that compare vs average instead of replacement level
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Adam Dunn starting in right.[/quote]
Dammit, now I really want to watch this game. fucking fox. (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Bubbles=====> google chrome
Bubbles====> post at work
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
So how much money has Aramis made for himself by not sucking.
3-45?? Is that too much?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]So how much money has Aramis made for himself by not sucking.
3-45?? Is that too much?[/quote]
Probably more like 2-25 or 3-35
BerseliusQuote Reply
Cuey tossed. Is that his first ejection?
BerseliusQuote Reply
Carlos Silva ——-> released back to the ocean
BerseliusQuote Reply
The Sox apparently didn’t do their scouting on Pena. Most teams know to prepare for the bunt (especially with no outs).
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing), since Cuey was ejected so quickly Fox is going to do the manager interview with Wood instead
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing), since Cuey was ejected so quickly Fox is going to do the manager interview with Wood instead[/quote]
Gotta be better than interviewing Dempster doing his Harry Caray impression . . .
EspositoQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing), since Cuey was ejected so quickly Fox is going to do the manager interview with Wood instead[/quote]I liked how Kerry essentially said, “If they try to trade me, I will flip a fucking shit” without actually saying it.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Esposito]Gotta be better than interviewing Dempster doing his Harry Caray impression . . .[/quote]
+37 LSA Rec’d NAMBLA
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Probably more like 2-25 or 3-35[/quote]
What should the Cubs offer him before we buy him out. He can still hit….
Anyone doing DMB next weekend?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Carlos Silva ——-> released back to the ocean[/quote]
This made bubbles giggle
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Adam Dunn starting in right.[/quote](dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
kosuke has seen like 16 pitches in two at bats
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
HIT IT TO RF
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I hope Dunn makes a sliding catch in right so it reignites the “WE SHOULD HAVE SIGNED HIM NOT BRADLEY” crowd, even though a sliding catch for Dunn is a can of corn for any other RF in baseball history.
GBTSQuote Reply
Colon is pwning the Mets, despite the fact that the shadow of his ass weighs 20 lbs.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
No one going to DMB? on the southside
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]HIT IT TO RF[/quote]Or hit a bunch of double play balls. Whatever.
ACTQuote Reply
I’m surprised I don’t get the game here in NE. Usually every Cubs game is even if the yankees are playing.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
This is one reason most teams don’t like to put a groundball hitter in the 3-hole.
ACTQuote Reply
That play saved seven runs.
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Bay pulling an Edmonds. Jogs after a lazy liner in the gap just so he can make a diving grab.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]That play saved seven runs.[/quote]
I’m guessing you’re also listening to Zonk (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
GASP Zonk just said no-hit ZOMG
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]This is one reason most teams don’t like to put a groundball hitter in the 3-hole.[/quote]Quade is thinking so far outside the box, he’s thought his way back into the box.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Quade is thinking so far outside the box, he’s thought his way back into the box.[/quote]
Quade thinks so far outside the box, he’s thinking on a torus
BerseliusQuote Reply
Adam Dunn is fucking brutal right now.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Halladay ————–> 64th career CG
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’m guessing you’re also listening to Zonk (dying laughing)[/quote]No, FOX. It was just that stunningly brilliant.
GBTSQuote Reply
Garza is dope
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Holy crap, the TV radar gun has Bartolo Colon at 95 mph.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Gee just threw a Maddux-esque circle change.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Swisher is really struggling with Gee’s change.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Dillon Gee is pitching with his mind, according to Joe Buck.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Jose Reyes ———–> out with hamstring problem
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Jose Reyes ———–> out with hamstring problem[/quote]
At least it won’t hurt the Mets playoff chances
BerseliusQuote Reply
I don’t want to jinx anything but did you know…
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]At least it won’t hurt the Mets playoff chances[/quote]They need Francoeur back. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I don’t want to jinx anything but did you know…[/quote]That Bob Brenly gives free mustache rides to bad white MIF?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I just have it on MLB radio, but it sounds like Garza is dealing.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]I just have it on MLB radio, but it sounds like Garza is dealing.[/quote]45 pitches through 5
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Soto. Ugh. Dude.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Jason Bay has only 4 HR this year.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I wish I could see this Cubs game. Marvelously pitched on both sides thus far.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I wish I could see this Cubs game. Marvelously pitched on both sides thus far.[/quote]
me too. Can’t believe it’s not showing here. Garza with a no-hitter going? damn.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
ruh roh
Horny GoatQuote Reply
It would be so Cub to lose a no-hitter on a SF (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
All falling apart now. Fack.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
damn P.ierre
Horny GoatQuote Reply
(dying laughing) juan pierre
MishQuote Reply
Adam Dunn is going to HR here.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Sound like Garza has just missed so many times
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Whew. Relieved to be wrong. (dying laughing) Adam Done.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
walk Konerko? maybe not
Horny GoatQuote Reply
I would IBB Konerko to face AJ, but I don’t think it matters too much.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
AJ probably would’ve hit that HR (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
cubs with a rally. Hit it over the fence!
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Average speed!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
ah jeez!
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Pat Hughes grilling Robbie Gould about the NFL lockout
another popup
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Green Flash Hop Head Red is fucking outstanding beer.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
who’s doing the game on Fox?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Green Flash Hop Head Red is fucking outstanding beer.[/quote]
sounds like a superhero
Horny GoatQuote Reply
c’mon Byrdy
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]who’s doing the game on Fox?[/quote]Kenny Albert and Karros. Karros blows.
cwolfQuote Reply
The Cubs are so good at what they do
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]sounds like a superhero[/quote](dying laughing), I said the same thing when I first tried Green Flash. They make outstanding beer, though. Hops and malt and plenty of both. Exactly how I like it.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Kenny Albert and Karros. Karros blows.[/quote]Karros is maybe the worst announcer outside of Hawk Harrelson.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The Cubs are so good at what they do[/quote]
The best Jerry, the best!
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Karros is maybe the worst announcer outside of Hawk Harrelson.[/quote]
pretty bold statement. Hawk is probably the worst EVER, at least for homerism.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The Cubs are so good at what they do[/quote]This team is just so painfully ordinary.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]pretty bold statement. Hawk is probably the worst EVER, at least for homerism.[/quote]But at least that gives Hawk character. Karros is all the bad of Hawk without any discernible style. It’s just paradigmatically bad commentary.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Karros is maybe the worst announcer outside of Hawk Harrelson.[/quote]Grace is right up there for me too. Hawk is in a league of awful of his own.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]But at least that gives Hawk character. Karros is all the bad of Hawk without any discernible style. It’s just paradigmatically bad commentary.[/quote]
yeah. I misread what you wrote, that Hawk was the worst. That said, I can’t tolerate Hawk at all anymore even for entertainment value.
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder] Karros is all the bad of Hawk without any discernible style. It’s just paradigmatically bad commentary.[/quote]You do have a way with words, MO. Pierre
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Grace is right up there for me too. Hawk is in a league of awful of his own.[/quote]
agreed on both points
Horny GoatQuote Reply
great play by Cassie?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Colon is pwning the Mets, despite the fact that the shadow of his ass weighs 20 lbs.[/quote]I wonder why we don’t hear the same shit about Rothschild that we do Duncan.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Horny Goat]great play by Cassie?[/quote]Chopper up the middle. Nice play but I wouldn’t say great. Theriot probably doesn’t make it but most real SS would. Cassie made it look easy.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]No one going to DMB? on the southside[/quote]The only thing I know as DMB is Diamond Mind Baseball.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Dillon Gee is pitching with his mind, according to Joe Buck.[/quote]Buck should not be allowed to call Yankees games. Pairing the worst announcer in history with the greatest franchise in history is just not right.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I wonder why we don’t hear the same shit about Rothschild that we do Duncan.[/quote]Agreed. Also worth pointing out that Rothschild found out about Colon’s fucked up hammy and slightly altered his mechanics so he could keep pitching. Ol’ Larry is damn good at what he does.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Buck should not be allowed [/quote].
cwolfQuote Reply
Soto guns down another basestealer. He has been outfuckingstanding behind the dish this season.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Makes you wonder how long that shoulder had been hurting him.
mb21Quote Reply
I promise I won’t call him Fuckadome anymore (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
The Yankees are so fun to watch.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Makes you wonder how long that shoulder had been hurting him.[/quote]No kidding. 22 CS vs. 42 SB this season. Fucking nice.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
sound like Castro just missed a double twice down RF
Horny GoatQuote Reply
Cassie really battled in that AB.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Cassie really battled in that AB.[/quote]He really ought to be hitting 2nd, but I am more excited about him than ever. I think he’s a season away from being an really good player.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Garza starting the 9th. I gotta say, I’ve been impressed with Garza, after watching him the last few years as a Ray/Twin.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]He really ought to be hitting 2nd, but I am more excited about him than ever. I think he’s a season away from being a nice little player.[/quote].
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Garza starting the 9th. I gotta say, I’ve been impressed with Garza, after watching him the last few years as a Ray/Twin.[/quote]He’s been nothing short of outstanding this year. I still worry that once his HR/FB rate normalizes for Wrigley, it won’t be so good, but he’s been a great addition and fun to watch.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Garza was fucking brilliant today.
cwolfQuote Reply
it might be up to Ramirez. Pena vs Thornton doesn’t look promising. Maybe he should lay down a bunt (dying laughing)
Horny GoatQuote Reply
2 quick outs. pitching change again?
Horny GoatQuote Reply
This game has seen some utterly brilliant pitching by Garza, Humber, and Thornton.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]This game has seen some utterly brilliant pitching by Garza, Humber, and Thornton.[/quote]Good stuff, result aside. Enjoyed watching it.
MishQuote Reply
I think Garza outpitched Humber. Humber got really lucky with the sequencing of events (Garza was pretty lucky, too, but less so).
ACTQuote Reply
Was hoping they’d score a run so Garza could get off the hook. They can lose in extras (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Humber at least did a good job of keeping the ball on the ground.
ACTQuote Reply
Dunn’s SLG is 1 point higher than his OBP. And his OBP sucks.
ACTQuote Reply
Also, I love the irony that the first Cubs CG came in a loss. Sums up this team perfectly.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Dunn’s SLG is 1 point higher than his OBP. And his OBP sucks.[/quote]Adam Done.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Also, I love the irony that the first Cubs CG came in a loss. Sums up this team perfectly.[/quote]Oh, indeed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
81 strikes in 114 pitches for Garza. Wow.
mb21Quote Reply
RIDICULOUS SPECULATION ALERT: Were Cub fans more pissed off about Milton’s contract when he was here than they would be about Dunn’s if he were here now?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Joe Cowley and Lou F. Cannelis with the Fox Chicago post-game. I’d never seen Joe Cowley before – I just assumed he was a grizzled mid-50’s moron. He is actually a 30-something asshole.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]81 strikes in 114 pitches for Garza. Wow.[/quote]He was nails today.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]Joe Cowley and Lou F. Cannelis with the Fox Chicago post-game. I’d never seen Joe Cowley before – I just assumed he was a grizzled mid-50’s moron. He is actually a 30-something asshole.[/quote]Wait until you run into him at a bar. Total d-bag, in demeanor and dress.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]RIDICULOUS SPECULATION ALERT: Were Cub fans more pissed off about Milton’s contract when he was here than they would be about Dunn’s if he were here now?[/quote]Only if Dunn were black.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Only if Dunn were black.[/quote]It’s an interesting question that I think resists such a simple answer. I think Cub fans, as down as most seem to be on Hendry, would be pretty pissed off about how shitty Dunn has been. And he’d be playing the field here, which would only exacerbate his shittiness.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Wait until you run into him at a bar. Total d-bag, in demeanor and dress.[/quote]I hope that day never comes.
cwolfQuote Reply
[quote name=cwolf]I hope that day never comes.[/quote]Yes. It’s not a good time.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]It’s an interesting question that I think resists such a simple answer. I think Cub fans, as down as most seem to be on Hendry, would be pretty pissed off about how shitty Dunn has been. And he’d be playing the field here, which would only exacerbate his shittiness.[/quote]I wonder if his downfall has anything to do with switching leagues or becoming DH. I know that there is often a dip in offensive production when someone becomes a DH, but, of course, Dunn’s case is extreme.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Wait until you run into him at a bar. Total d-bag, in demeanor and dress.[/quote]Dude wears a dress?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Dude wears a dress?[/quote](dying laughing), no, but he dresses like a d-bag.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
MO, did you catch him trolling twitter yesterday? Colin and some of the Braves/Phillies bloggers took the bait and were having a fun time making fun of him.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I wonder if his downfall has anything to do with switching leagues or becoming DH. I know that there is often a dip in offensive production when someone becomes a DH, but, of course, Dunn’s case is extreme.[/quote]Yeah, Dunn’s been adamant throughout his career that he feels like he needs to play the field, and I think Ozzie putting him in the field lately is a response to that plea. But I also think we’d have to realize that even if Dunn were here hitting, the defense in RF or LF (however they would have decided to play he and Soriano) would be so bad, that his benefit at the plate would be mitigated.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]MO, did you catch him trolling twitter yesterday? Colin and some of the Braves/Phillies bloggers took the bait and were having a fun time making fun of him.[/quote]Cowley? No, but it doesn’t surprise me. He did the same shit last year.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Cowley? No, but it doesn’t surprise me. He did the same shit last year.[/quote]
(dying laughing), just read his feed.
http://twitter.com/#!/cst_cowley
It’s like a primer on how to be an asshole internet troll
BerseliusQuote Reply
This team is fucking bad
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
http://twitter.com/#!/ElioParra88/status/87270726989660162
Cubs may have signed that catcher, not sure.
GWQuote Reply
That’s what it (firmó) means. Does “7 cifras” mean “7 figures”?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]That’s what it (firmó) means. Does “7 cifras” mean “7 figures”?[/quote]Firmo means signature, and cifras, roughly translated, means numbers.
At the very least, the Cubs are spending money today, which is a sign of hope–for me, at least.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
“firmó” (with the accent) is the past tense (third person singular) of “frimar,” meaning, “to sign.” So, it means, “he signed.”
ACTQuote Reply
*firmar
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]”firmó” (with the accent) is the past tense (third person singular) of “frimar,” meaning, “to sign.” So, it means, “he signed.”[/quote]right. I speak a fair amount of Spanish, but my option key is a bit spotty nowadays. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Looks as though “cifra” can mean “figure” or “digit”: http://www.wordmagicsoft.com/dictionary/es-en/cifra.php
So, the tweet translates to: Marck Malavé signed with the Cubs for 7 figures. He already belongs to the Magallanes.
ACTQuote Reply
*By “already,” of course, I mean “also.”
ACTQuote Reply
http://twitter.com/#!/CarlosValmore/status/87230376656896000
Translation: For Marck Malavé, signed by the Cubs for 7 figures, his offensive potential stands out, because he can hit for power from both sides.
ACTQuote Reply
I’ve got one episode left in Breaking Bad Season 3 and Holy Fucking Shit!!! Insane.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Muckey]I’ve got one episode left in Breaking Bad Season 3 and Holy Fucking Shit!!! Insane.[/quote]That next to last episode in season 3 was one of the best of the series.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]That next to last episode in season 3 was one of the best of the series.[/quote]Just finished it. Fucking awesome.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yeah, Dunn’s been adamant throughout his career that he feels like he needs to play the field, and I think Ozzie putting him in the field lately is a response to that plea. But I also think we’d have to realize that even if Dunn were here hitting, the defense in RF or LF (however they would have decided to play he and Soriano) would be so bad, that his benefit at the plate would be mitigated.[/quote]
Dunn would be playing 1B for this team if they signed him. The fans would probably be really pissed and screaming about letting Hoffpauir go to Japan and not giving Colvin a real shot at first. That is a tough one, but I think the 4 yr $56 mil deal for Dunn would not get more hate then Bradley’s deal. Even with the 2 first basemen on the market this off-season and this team saying they couldn’t afford even trying for either of them because of Dunn would drive the fans mad, but not mad enough to match the Bradley hate. The thing with Bradley was the media narrative from day 1 that Hendry was taking a chance on a diva ballplayer with major personal issues but thought he would be ok in the head and mouth and produce enough to compensate for slip ups and didn’t come close to either one. The fans bought into it, Bradley started his Cubs tenure with two strikes before grabbing a bat and couldn’t fight his way out of that hole.
Bubba BiscuitQuote Reply
If we’re still talking about prospects, BJax had a pretty good game tonight…3-for-4, 2 BB, with a double and RBI.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=]Sorry, I had a source that said you were a girl
I’m still not convinced my source was wrong though. It may be that you were a girl at the time my source told me that, but that things have changed since. So I stand by my source.
by Wreckard on Jul 1, 2011 12:40 PM CDT up reply 2 recs
[/quote]
(dying laughing)
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/7/1/2254011/zambrano-leaves-game-early-but-goes-to-softball-game-later#70988181
GWQuote Reply
You know whats mildly amusing?
Aramis Ramirez could very well be our only all star. And he might be deserving of it.
He leads all NL third basemen in homeruns, OPS, Hits, and slugging. He is also second in RBI and second in batting average…
Pretty weak year at 3B in the NL..
I still think it will be Starlin BUT it would not shock me if we got two all stars in Castro and Ramirez
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/position/3b/league/nl
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=GW](dying laughing)
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/7/1/2254011/zambrano-leaves-game-early-but-goes-to-softball-game-later#70988181%5B/quote%5D
That was pretty amusing.. However i kinda like that Al has been so Pro-Z in that piece. I am very Pro-Z
However its pretty weak that on Tuesday I now have to watch Ramon Ortiz pitch. (dying laughing)
At least i will get to see Garza on thursday
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Aramis is having a solid year. I’d put Headley and Roberts ahead of him (and maybe Polanco, but it’s close).
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=GW](dying laughing)
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/7/1/2254011/zambrano-leaves-game-early-but-goes-to-softball-game-later#70988181%5B/quote%5DHoly shit does Alvin respond to that like a child.
GBTSQuote Reply
Today’s lineup is exactly the same, only with Lopez (gag) in the 9-spot.
ACTQuote Reply
I think it’s funny that once we got all the position players healthy and in the lineup the score…0 runs.
ACTQuote Reply
Carlos Marmol and Sean Marshall have both allowed 10 runs in 38.1 innings. Either of them would be fine as an All-Star selection.
ACTQuote Reply
Truly, indeed, what a sad life you must lead, Wreckard. You know you’ve gotten his panties in a major bunch when he pontificates about the meaning of your existence. (dying laughing)
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Carlos Marmol and Sean Marshall have both allowed 10 runs in 38.1 innings. Either of them would be fine as an All-Star selection.[/quote]I might also add that Marshall’s stats are somewhat biased, since Q’s been using him more against left-handed hitters (which is a good thing, of course). Also, most of Marmol’s runs are tied up in one disastrous outing. Marmol may well be having the better year of the two pitchers, though it’s probably to close to call. Flip a coin (or pick both).
ACTQuote Reply
Since Cuey is going to be on Bochy’s staff there might actually be more than one Cub on the All-Star roster. I do think it’s fairly likely Brian Wilson will be selected because he’s Bochy’s guy. I don’t expect there to be room for Marshall and Marmol both, it will probably just depend on whether or not Bochy thinks he needs a righty or a lefty.
melissaQuote Reply
Z’s replacement is Ramon Ortiz. I konw it’s just temporary but… yuck.
ACTQuote Reply
Why The Dark Knight Returns was necessary
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Z’s replacement is Ramon Ortiz. I konw it’s just temporary but… yuck.[/quote]
The #1 pick plan is working according to…plan.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I think it’s funny that once we got all the position players healthy and in the lineup the score…0 runs.[/quote]
It’s the beauty of short hops.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Sounds like Castro ——-> ASG
BerseliusQuote Reply
That or Gordo just really likes shouting his name on twitter
BerseliusQuote Reply
NL Starters
McCann
Fielder
Weeks
Reyes
Polanco
Braun
Berkmania
Kemp
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]NL Starters
McCann
Fielder
Weeks
Reyes
Polanco
Braun
Berkmania
Kemp[/quote]Nice defensive outfield! Let’s hope the AL doesn’t hit any flyballs.
ACTQuote Reply
Wow, no Paul Konerko
BerseliusQuote Reply
Combined UZR of NL outfield = -16.8.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Combined UZR of NL outfield = -16.8.[/quote]
I assume Kemp is in CF and will probably pull several muscles trying to cover the entire outfield by himself.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Anyway, the only changes I’d make to the NL starters are replacing McCutchen or Upton for Berkman and Headley for Polanco. Good job, voters!
ACTQuote Reply
Or Victorino in the OF.
ACTQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
I’m really impressed that Reyes beat out Tulo.
ACTQuote Reply
PItchers – lots of SFG
Hanrahan
Halladay
Lee
Timmay
Cain
Wilson’s Beard
Vogelsong
Clippard
BerseliusQuote Reply
Bruce Bochy’s the NL manager, but I thought Vogelsong was a bit of a stretch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Bruce Bochy’s the NL manager, but I thought Vogelsong was a bit of a stretch.[/quote]Bumgarner has been more valuable than Vogelsong, but given it’s in AZ, I don’t see how Daniel Hudson is not going.
MishQuote Reply
Position players
Upton
Chipper
Castro
Phillips
Bruce
Votto
Tulo
Gaby Sanchez
Pence
Carlos Beltran
Holliday
Yadi
BerseliusQuote Reply
If Aramis is to go it seems like he’d have to go on on that Final Ballot. Or as an injury replacement.
Who’s the super-utility guy this year?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Bumgarner has been more valuable than Vogelsong, but given it’s in AZ, I don’t see how Daniel Hudson is not going.[/quote]
Bumgarner has been super-unlucky W/L record wise so maybe they’re looking at that. So has Lincecum and Cain, for that matter, so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Cole Hamels got snubbed pretty bad.
ACTQuote Reply
I don’t think there’s much precedent for a “super utility” guy, the Infante pick last year was just weird. A lot of players just play wherever, and they’ll be enough bodies where it won’t matter. AL could have been smarter and taken Ben Zobrist though.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Bumgarner has been super-unlucky W/L record wise so maybe they’re looking at that. So has Lincecum and Cain, for that matter, so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about (dying laughing)[/quote]Unlucky to be backed by the Giants’ offense, that is.
ACTQuote Reply
New post
http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/starlin-castro-is-an-all-star.html
BerseliusQuote Reply
AL:
1B Adrian
2B Cano
3B A-Rod
SS Groundout
OFCurtis
OF Hamilton
OF Joey
DH Papi
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I don’t think there’s much precedent for a “super utility” guy, the Infante pick last year was just weird. A lot of players just play wherever, and they’ll be enough bodies where it won’t matter. AL could have been smarter and taken Ben Zobrist though.[/quote]
I thought they set up that spot just so they can stick a guy anywhere in case someone got injured or didn’t want to play anymore. He’s not so much an “All-Star” as he is just kind of there to plug a hole.
Rice CubeQuote Reply