2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Jorge Soler

In Commentary And Analysis, Minor Leagues by Sitrick28 Comments

Jorge Soler is a 21 year-old right-handed outfielder standing 6'3-225. Born in Cuba, Soler defected in 2011, establishing residency in Haiti. On June 2, 2012, Soler was cleared by OFAC to become a free agent, and began negotiations with clubs to sign a contract. Soler was notable in that he was the last major international prospect to become available before …

2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Christian Villanueva

In Commentary And Analysis, Minor Leagues by aisle42415 Comments

Christian Villanueva came to the Cubs in the Ryan Dempster deal at the 2012 trade deadline. A J2 signing by the rangers in 2008, Villanueva cuts a less than imposing figure, standing 5'11-160. His 2011 campaign hinted at the potential for surprising pop, however, as he ISO'd .186 for the Rangers' Low-A Hickory affiliate. Combined with his sterling glovework at third, Villanueva's …

2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Josh Vitters

In Commentary And Analysis, Minor Leagues by Sitrick45 Comments

Josh Vitters came to the Cubs with the third overall pick in the 2007 draft as the reward for their dismal 2006 campaign, a highly touted high school third base prospect with an enviable right-handed swing, tremendous raw power, and almost no glove whatsoever. After a year of demolishing both the Northwest and Midwest Leagues (slashing .328/.365/.498 in 61 games at Boise …

2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Dan Vogelbach

In Commentary And Analysis, Minor Leagues by Sitrick18 Comments

Dan Vogelbach came to the Cubs in the second round of the 2011 Rule 4 draft. Listed currently at 6'0, 250 lbs, Vogelbach was listed at 288 just before the draft, and has worked hard to drop weight and become more athletic since turning pro. Pre-draft, Perfect Game had this to say about Vogelbach as a draft prospect: Vogelbach is enormously …

2013 Cubs Prospects In Review: Zack Godley

In Commentary And Analysis, Minor Leagues by Sitrick16 Comments

RHP Zack Godley came to the Cubs as their tenth round pick in this year's Rule 4 draft. A senior out of Tennessee, Godley entered the draft coming off a 2013 season that saw him strike out 98 batters in in 108.1 innings and toss 6 complete games, posting a 3.49 ERA on the year. His signing was pretty drama-free, announced …