Every team goes into the Winter Meetings with a plan on how to improve their club.
There are critical needs assessments. There are target players to fill those needs.
In the last week, we have heard from various sources, including NY Post writer Joel Sherman and baseball veteran Peter Gammons, on what the Cubs may be up to this off-season.
From an outsider's perspective, here are the Cubs critical needs:
1. New CF/lead off hitter. Fowler is a free agent who will be seeking a long term contract.
2. #3 starter. As Gammons said, "an innings eater."
3. #4 starter. The starting pitching was a glaring weakness in the post season run.
4. Middle relievers: Cahill, Richard and Hunter are free agents. Wood may try to earn a starting role. This leaves have the bullpen open.
5. Back up Catcher: If the Cubs really want Schwarber to work on his catching skills (since the outfield has been questionable) he needs to spend the winter in the instructional league. If Schwarber is not going to be a serviceable catcher, then the Cubs will need to find Montero's replacement either inside the organization or outside since Ross only has one year left on his deal.
Surprisingly, Sherman and Gammons indicated that the big target for the Cubs this off season will be Royals LF Alex Gordon. Gordon can opt out of his final year, $12.5 million deal. He says he wants to stay with the Royals, but he should command a long term extension at more than the qualifying offer value of $15.8 million.
Gordon, 32, in 104 GP hit .271, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 2 SB and had a 2.8 WAR. That does not seem to be special production for the alleged "best left fielder in the game." He does not meet the critical needs of the team: center field or lead off.
The writers also agree that in order to upgrade pitching, the Cubs will have to go into the market and find several veteran, quality arms for the #3 and #4 slots. Gammons believes that the Cubs will probably trade both Soler and Castro in order to find pitchers. As discussed in a previous post, Soler's trade value is at its highest level due to his post-season performance. Power around the leagues is in short supply, and Soler appears to be a DH candidate. Castro's value was higher a year and half ago, but with a surplus of middle infielders, he is the likely candidate to be moved to another team.
If the Cubs are looking to go into the free agent pitching market, they will not be targeting the big names. Ironically, the type of innings eater (200 IP) would be a Samardzija, whose 2015 performance may have put him in the second tier of value. He may not accept what the Cubs had offered him prior to the trade to Oakland, but his year with the White Sox really devalued his position in the free agent market.
In the free agent center field market, the crop is very thin (it contains two ex-Cubs):
Rajai Davis (age, 35)
Dexter Fowler (30)
Austin Jackson (29)
Justin Maxwell (32)
Colby Rasmus (29)
Shane Robinson (30)
Denard Span (32)
Drew Stubbs (31)
Span was hurt for most of last season, and Stubbs was terrible. Rasmus has turned into a journeyman who hit 25 HR in Houston this year, but batted only .238. This is why Fowler is the cream of the CF crop this off season.
Showing posts with label Soler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soler. Show all posts
November 4, 2015
April 16, 2015
A NIGHT OF SOLER POWER
When Jorge Soler hit his first two home runs against Cincinnati, one thing was readily apparent: Soler was no longer over-torquing his back swing. He is big and strong enough to make a normal short stride swing to clear the fences.
This is in stark contrast to last season's call up where Soler (as well as Javy Baez, and then Starlin Castro falling into the habit) of overswinging to generate 16 inch softball hitter power.
Soler has made an adjustment, something hitting coach John Mallee tried with Baez.
Mallee, 45, begins his fifth season as a major league hitting coach, his first with the Cubs. He previously served as a big league hitting coach with the Marlins (2010-11) and Astros (2013-14). Overall, Mallee has 19 seasons of experience in pro baseball. Prior to moving to the big leagues, he spent eight-plus seasons as the Marlins minor league hitting instructor. A Chicago native, Mallee also served as a minor league hitting coach within the Brewers and Expos organizations starting in 1996. He spent two seasons as an infielder in the Phillies system from 1991-92.
In spring, Mallee was trying to get Baez to adjust his swing, especially during an at-bat. He wanted Baez to shorten his swing, "to allow him to stay in the hitting zone longer," as well as closing the huge holes in a long, loopy swing. Baez did make those adjustments in batting practice, but admitted that during games he would go back to his old ways. His old ways got him a surprising demotion to Iowa.
And maybe that demotion was a wake up call to the young players to listen to their coaches.
Joe Maddon has a very laid back approach to dealing with his players. He lets them prepare for games in their own ways and routines. He will only speak to them when he needs to speak to them. Maddon is more a funny uncle motivator than a hands-on teacher. He is trying to keep his team loose and relaxed even though the season started with a continuation of bad fundamentals and lack of plate discipline.
Confidence is something that has to be turned on inside a person's head. Success is the fuel for self-confidence. Being confident at the plate means a batter will get more pitches and then better pitches to hit.
If Mallee has converted Soler into a more standard hitting posture and mechanics, that bodes well for the team because Soler needs to be a confident and consistent presence in the middle of the order.
This is in stark contrast to last season's call up where Soler (as well as Javy Baez, and then Starlin Castro falling into the habit) of overswinging to generate 16 inch softball hitter power.
Soler has made an adjustment, something hitting coach John Mallee tried with Baez.
Mallee, 45, begins his fifth season as a major league hitting coach, his first with the Cubs. He previously served as a big league hitting coach with the Marlins (2010-11) and Astros (2013-14). Overall, Mallee has 19 seasons of experience in pro baseball. Prior to moving to the big leagues, he spent eight-plus seasons as the Marlins minor league hitting instructor. A Chicago native, Mallee also served as a minor league hitting coach within the Brewers and Expos organizations starting in 1996. He spent two seasons as an infielder in the Phillies system from 1991-92.
In spring, Mallee was trying to get Baez to adjust his swing, especially during an at-bat. He wanted Baez to shorten his swing, "to allow him to stay in the hitting zone longer," as well as closing the huge holes in a long, loopy swing. Baez did make those adjustments in batting practice, but admitted that during games he would go back to his old ways. His old ways got him a surprising demotion to Iowa.
And maybe that demotion was a wake up call to the young players to listen to their coaches.
Joe Maddon has a very laid back approach to dealing with his players. He lets them prepare for games in their own ways and routines. He will only speak to them when he needs to speak to them. Maddon is more a funny uncle motivator than a hands-on teacher. He is trying to keep his team loose and relaxed even though the season started with a continuation of bad fundamentals and lack of plate discipline.
Confidence is something that has to be turned on inside a person's head. Success is the fuel for self-confidence. Being confident at the plate means a batter will get more pitches and then better pitches to hit.
If Mallee has converted Soler into a more standard hitting posture and mechanics, that bodes well for the team because Soler needs to be a confident and consistent presence in the middle of the order.
September 2, 2014
BAD HABITS
The big takeaway from Labor Day baseball is that the Cubs will labor at the plate.
Everyone, including veterans like Wellington Castillo, are now in games free swinging their bats to jack homers in batting practice. These overswings are going to take a toll on player bodies.
Anthony Rizzo has been out seven straight games with a bad back. Backs don't heal like other body parts. As anyone who has had a back issue, they never really go away. A person needs to be preventative.
Javy Baez followed rookie Starlin Castro's free wheeling approach to the plate. Both started off strong with hitting balls out of the zone and out of the part. When Jorge Soler arrived, he has the same overcut that creates massive power and majestic home runs. But the torque created in the back is a contorted sight.
The home run power may dazzle the fans but may cause more problems in the future. The Cubs may hit more home runs, but actually score less because they don't get on base. It's feast or famine: homer or strikeout. This is not a consistent approach to winning.
But the Cubs are not at the point of winning, yet. They just want to revive interest in the team with their home run happy rookies. Winning will come later.
But bad plate discipline is a bad habit to break, especially in younger players. The league will quickly catch up with rookie hitters, and it is the adjustments that need to be taken will either make or break a young career.
Everyone, including veterans like Wellington Castillo, are now in games free swinging their bats to jack homers in batting practice. These overswings are going to take a toll on player bodies.
Anthony Rizzo has been out seven straight games with a bad back. Backs don't heal like other body parts. As anyone who has had a back issue, they never really go away. A person needs to be preventative.
Javy Baez followed rookie Starlin Castro's free wheeling approach to the plate. Both started off strong with hitting balls out of the zone and out of the part. When Jorge Soler arrived, he has the same overcut that creates massive power and majestic home runs. But the torque created in the back is a contorted sight.
The home run power may dazzle the fans but may cause more problems in the future. The Cubs may hit more home runs, but actually score less because they don't get on base. It's feast or famine: homer or strikeout. This is not a consistent approach to winning.
But the Cubs are not at the point of winning, yet. They just want to revive interest in the team with their home run happy rookies. Winning will come later.
But bad plate discipline is a bad habit to break, especially in younger players. The league will quickly catch up with rookie hitters, and it is the adjustments that need to be taken will either make or break a young career.
July 25, 2014
FUTURE CALLS
In the financial commodity business, there are instruments in which people can lock in a specific price for a good for delivery at a future time. These future calls are used to hedge against wild market swings in price. If you lock in a price you are willing to pay today for delivery next January, a business can budget more accurately than trying to buy the goods in January at open market prices. If you lock in lower than that market price, then you are ahead of the game.
The Cubs original plan was to have their wave of future call-ups of their top prospects several years from now, around 2017-2018, based upon the slow promotion of talent in the low minors.
But after the Samardzija and Hammel trade, there had to be a sudden budgetary shift inside the Cubs front office because the team is now moving to promote young players faster than expected.
Very few people thought Kyle Hendricks would be called up this soon, even in spot starter duty. The same was true for Dallas Beeler. But since the Cubs system is so thin on starting pitchers, the front office's hands were tied. But since they performed pretty well for rookies, it returned the near dead "hope" moniker to Cubland.
Then the call-up of A. Alcantara was a surprise to replace Darwin Barney who was on paternity leave for a couple of games. Alcantara had a blistering start (very much like Junior Lake the year before). And when Barney returned to the club, he was Wally Pipped, given his release as Alcantara had taken his roster spot.
Now, terrible third baseman Mike Olt was been sent back down (in order to get Wada on the roster for another spot start), there is speculation that the open 40 man roster spot will be filled by Javy Baez, who has been taking grounders at second in Iowa. Baez is either the Cubs #1, #1A or #2 prospect, depending on your scouting service.
With Alcantara moving the CF, Baez going to play second and Olt being demoted to open up third base, the whispers of an early Kris Bryant September call up are in the air. Bryant has hit at every level in the minors, so there is no reason to waste his at bats in AAA (even though Epstein said there was no way Bryant was making the team this year.) If Bryant does get a late season call up, the Cubs have altered their plan to try to win sooner than later.
The Cubs are so far behind (on the business side) that the baseball operations has to take the lead in order to stem the tide of red ink. Adding young, exciting prospects to the major league roster does create interest from a fan base that had written off this season.
If Bonifacio can get his legs again and hit, he will be traded before the deadline. If a team is looking for a 5th outfielder, Coghlan is gone. Or Sweeney. Or Lake. In other words, the trend is to open positions for the call-ups. Jorge Soler, who is on the 40 man roster, has been promoted to AAA ball. It is expected that he will get a September call up and play RF. Soler, who has been set back by hamstring injuries, was one of the new front office's "big" signs so they want, and need, to see some tangible results from Soler.
The view that the September Cubs will be more interesting than the April Cubs is apparent. The call-ups present a dress rehearsal for the Future Cubs. It is also possible that such a newly constructed squad will stem the tide of dropping gate and increasing no-shows which have hurt the Cubs team finances. Do not forget, no matter what is said, the Cubs and its owners are all about the money.
It is possible that a September Cub line up could be:
1. Alcantara cf
2. Castro ss
3. Rizzo 1b
4. Bryant 3b
5. Baez 2b
6. Soler rf
7. Castillo c
8. Lake lf
There are a lot of "slash" hitters in that line-up, and the possibility of high strike out rates. Is it enough "hope" to bring fans flocking back to the ball park? Only the future will tell.
The Cubs original plan was to have their wave of future call-ups of their top prospects several years from now, around 2017-2018, based upon the slow promotion of talent in the low minors.
But after the Samardzija and Hammel trade, there had to be a sudden budgetary shift inside the Cubs front office because the team is now moving to promote young players faster than expected.
Very few people thought Kyle Hendricks would be called up this soon, even in spot starter duty. The same was true for Dallas Beeler. But since the Cubs system is so thin on starting pitchers, the front office's hands were tied. But since they performed pretty well for rookies, it returned the near dead "hope" moniker to Cubland.
Then the call-up of A. Alcantara was a surprise to replace Darwin Barney who was on paternity leave for a couple of games. Alcantara had a blistering start (very much like Junior Lake the year before). And when Barney returned to the club, he was Wally Pipped, given his release as Alcantara had taken his roster spot.
Now, terrible third baseman Mike Olt was been sent back down (in order to get Wada on the roster for another spot start), there is speculation that the open 40 man roster spot will be filled by Javy Baez, who has been taking grounders at second in Iowa. Baez is either the Cubs #1, #1A or #2 prospect, depending on your scouting service.
With Alcantara moving the CF, Baez going to play second and Olt being demoted to open up third base, the whispers of an early Kris Bryant September call up are in the air. Bryant has hit at every level in the minors, so there is no reason to waste his at bats in AAA (even though Epstein said there was no way Bryant was making the team this year.) If Bryant does get a late season call up, the Cubs have altered their plan to try to win sooner than later.
The Cubs are so far behind (on the business side) that the baseball operations has to take the lead in order to stem the tide of red ink. Adding young, exciting prospects to the major league roster does create interest from a fan base that had written off this season.
If Bonifacio can get his legs again and hit, he will be traded before the deadline. If a team is looking for a 5th outfielder, Coghlan is gone. Or Sweeney. Or Lake. In other words, the trend is to open positions for the call-ups. Jorge Soler, who is on the 40 man roster, has been promoted to AAA ball. It is expected that he will get a September call up and play RF. Soler, who has been set back by hamstring injuries, was one of the new front office's "big" signs so they want, and need, to see some tangible results from Soler.
The view that the September Cubs will be more interesting than the April Cubs is apparent. The call-ups present a dress rehearsal for the Future Cubs. It is also possible that such a newly constructed squad will stem the tide of dropping gate and increasing no-shows which have hurt the Cubs team finances. Do not forget, no matter what is said, the Cubs and its owners are all about the money.
It is possible that a September Cub line up could be:
1. Alcantara cf
2. Castro ss
3. Rizzo 1b
4. Bryant 3b
5. Baez 2b
6. Soler rf
7. Castillo c
8. Lake lf
There are a lot of "slash" hitters in that line-up, and the possibility of high strike out rates. Is it enough "hope" to bring fans flocking back to the ball park? Only the future will tell.
July 2, 2014
SOLER FLARES
Oh brother.
Cubs President Theo Epstein said the organization is concerned about the two hamstring injuries top prospect Jorge Soler has had this season.
"We did a full-body assessment," Epstein said. "We tried to take a real close look in terms of his whole body anatomy and bio mechanically. We thought maybe there were some ways we could re-program his posture and muscle distribution on his body — posterior and anterior — to allow him to change the way his feet work and hit the ground.
Cubs President Theo Epstein said the organization is concerned about the two hamstring injuries top prospect Jorge Soler has had this season.
"We did a full-body assessment," Epstein said. "We tried to take a real close look in terms of his whole body anatomy and bio mechanically. We thought maybe there were some ways we could re-program his posture and muscle distribution on his body — posterior and anterior — to allow him to change the way his feet work and hit the ground.
"There are some small adjustments we can make to assure it won't happen
again, it won't become a chronic thing. He has put in the work to have
that happen and we're just kind of easing him back into full game mode
and hope it continues to go well. It won't be too long before he's at
(Double-A) Tennessee."
For those of you who believe that the front office kids are like little T-ball sluggers flaying away at the plate, this is another clue to support that belief.
Soler was THE best Cuban prospect when the Cubs signed him to $30 million contract. He was the Cubs best prospect at the time. It was a signal that this is how the new Cubs would roll.
You would think the organization would have focused on the development of Soler.
Now, several disappointing years into this situation, the Cubs come down to decision that body mechanics and gait is the key to turning Soler around?
Since 2012, Soler has only played 101 games in the minors. He has only played 12 games this year. He gets to AA, then falls back down to A/Rookie ball. Prospect scouts don't talk about him anymore.
Injuries and a mental break down or two on the field has not helped Soler. But the way the Cubs have gone about correcting the situation raises it own questions. Did Soler have an injury history in Cuba because we all assume his body mechanics have been the same throughout his life? Did the Cubs try to "change" his approach and if so, did that lead to injuries? Or did Soler start a new exercise routine that may have contributed to his problems?
But to say the Cubs need to "re-program" his posture and muscle distribution seems bizarre. It is so out there that people will not question this organizational excuse. Soler is a player and not a crashed hard drive; you don't reboot a 22 year old at the snap of a finger.
The new Cubs have not yet developed their own impact major league player. Soler was supposed to be that guy. But at it stands right now, his ceiling appears to be at Class AA.
For those of you who believe that the front office kids are like little T-ball sluggers flaying away at the plate, this is another clue to support that belief.
Soler was THE best Cuban prospect when the Cubs signed him to $30 million contract. He was the Cubs best prospect at the time. It was a signal that this is how the new Cubs would roll.
You would think the organization would have focused on the development of Soler.
Now, several disappointing years into this situation, the Cubs come down to decision that body mechanics and gait is the key to turning Soler around?
Since 2012, Soler has only played 101 games in the minors. He has only played 12 games this year. He gets to AA, then falls back down to A/Rookie ball. Prospect scouts don't talk about him anymore.
Injuries and a mental break down or two on the field has not helped Soler. But the way the Cubs have gone about correcting the situation raises it own questions. Did Soler have an injury history in Cuba because we all assume his body mechanics have been the same throughout his life? Did the Cubs try to "change" his approach and if so, did that lead to injuries? Or did Soler start a new exercise routine that may have contributed to his problems?
But to say the Cubs need to "re-program" his posture and muscle distribution seems bizarre. It is so out there that people will not question this organizational excuse. Soler is a player and not a crashed hard drive; you don't reboot a 22 year old at the snap of a finger.
The new Cubs have not yet developed their own impact major league player. Soler was supposed to be that guy. But at it stands right now, his ceiling appears to be at Class AA.
June 1, 2014
CORE UPDATE
Mark Gonzalez of the Tribune has a Cubs "core" four prospect update. Going into this weekend:
JORGE SOLER
What can we make of these stats?
First, Baez tore up two lower levels of the minors last season. But in each stage of promotion, especially at AAA, he will face stronger competition (including ex-major leaguers). He did have a minor injury, but it seems he is pressing to make a final impression. At least that is the hope. Otherwise, he may one of those players who tops out at AA ball.
Second, Bryant is the real deal. He continues to hit for average and power. One would expect him to move up to AAA late this summer. He could be on the Cub roster in 2015.
Third, Almora does appear to be stuck in A ball. He is younger than the other core prospects, but as a top draft pick one would think he would have progressed faster based upon his scouting report. He also has had a series of minor injuries, but it is too early to say he is an injury risk.
Fourth, Soler is crawling towards the "bust" bin. He has been hurt. He has not made any impact in the low minors except for his mental breakdowns. His stock is dropping fast on independent prospect ranking boards. He should have been on the same path as Baez. It is now a long shot to count Soler as a major league prospect.
JAVIER BAEZ
Shortstop, Iowa Cubs (AAA)
Friday’s game: at Memphis, 1-for-4, 1 stolen base, 2 strikeouts
Trending: 3 for 14, 6 strikeouts
Season so far: 43 games, .224 batting average, 7 home runs, 25 RBIs
KRIS BRYANT
Third baseman, Tennessee (AA)
Friday’s game: At Huntsville: 1-for-3, 1 home run, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Trending: 5 homers in past 7 games
Season so far: 53 games, .347 batting average, 17 home runs, 46 RBIs
Outfielder, Tennessee (AA)
Injured (hamstring)
Season so far: 7 games, .333 average, 0 home runs, 7 RBIs
ALBERT ALMORA
Outfielder, Daytona Beach (A)
Friday’s Game: 1-for-4, 1 double, 2 strikeouts
Trending: 1-for-12, 5 strikeouts
Season so far: 47 games, .259 average, 2 home runs, 24 RBIsWhat can we make of these stats?
First, Baez tore up two lower levels of the minors last season. But in each stage of promotion, especially at AAA, he will face stronger competition (including ex-major leaguers). He did have a minor injury, but it seems he is pressing to make a final impression. At least that is the hope. Otherwise, he may one of those players who tops out at AA ball.
Second, Bryant is the real deal. He continues to hit for average and power. One would expect him to move up to AAA late this summer. He could be on the Cub roster in 2015.
Third, Almora does appear to be stuck in A ball. He is younger than the other core prospects, but as a top draft pick one would think he would have progressed faster based upon his scouting report. He also has had a series of minor injuries, but it is too early to say he is an injury risk.
Fourth, Soler is crawling towards the "bust" bin. He has been hurt. He has not made any impact in the low minors except for his mental breakdowns. His stock is dropping fast on independent prospect ranking boards. He should have been on the same path as Baez. It is now a long shot to count Soler as a major league prospect.
May 20, 2014
SET BACK
MLBTR reports that the White Sox have placed slugger Jose Abreu on the 15-day disabled list with posterior tibial tendinitis in his left ankle.
Abreu returned to Chicago for an examination and was placed in a
boot to immobilize the ankle and help facilitate the recovery process.
He also will undergo further tests, such as another MRI, and further
treatment for at least another day. Abreu was batting .260/.312/.595 with a MLB-leading 15 home runs and 42 RBIs in 189 plate appearances.
There is no doubt that the White Sox spent their money wisely on Abreu. The rookie sensation produced immediate results on his 6 year $68 million contract.
Someone remarked over the weekend that the White Sox got production from Abreu's big deal, while the Cubs have yet to see anything from their big signee, Jorge Soler. In 2012, Soler signed a 9 year / $30 million contract with the Cubs, including a $6,000,000 signing bonus, and an annual average salary of $3,333,333.
Soler has had injury issues and a couple of mental incidents so far in the minors. He is only reached Class AA ball. Since he has been with the Cubs organization, he has only played in 97 minor league games, hitting 13 HRs and 67 RBI. Soler had been the Cubs #1 prospect when he signed, but now he has fallen down those rankings. It seems an expensive developmental player who has been slowly dropping in status. After this season, scouts and pundits will probably put the final "tag" on Soler on whether he is still a high quality prospect or just another minor league player.
There is no doubt that the White Sox spent their money wisely on Abreu. The rookie sensation produced immediate results on his 6 year $68 million contract.
Someone remarked over the weekend that the White Sox got production from Abreu's big deal, while the Cubs have yet to see anything from their big signee, Jorge Soler. In 2012, Soler signed a 9 year / $30 million contract with the Cubs, including a $6,000,000 signing bonus, and an annual average salary of $3,333,333.
Soler has had injury issues and a couple of mental incidents so far in the minors. He is only reached Class AA ball. Since he has been with the Cubs organization, he has only played in 97 minor league games, hitting 13 HRs and 67 RBI. Soler had been the Cubs #1 prospect when he signed, but now he has fallen down those rankings. It seems an expensive developmental player who has been slowly dropping in status. After this season, scouts and pundits will probably put the final "tag" on Soler on whether he is still a high quality prospect or just another minor league player.
August 29, 2013
PUIG AND A POKE
Don Mattingly played for the Yankees. When a player dons the pinstripes, there is traditional form of professionalism that goes along with the uniform. There is a dress code. There is winning attitude. There are stressed fundamentals. The aura of being a Yankee is in isolator against the harshness of the NY media. It also works, since the Yankees are consistently competitive in the AL East.
Mattingly is now the LA Dodgers manager. Things are more laid back on the West Coast. Pacific rim teams rarely get national coverage with the East Coast bias of network television. So most people failed to realize how bad the Dodgers were in the first half of this year. Injuries and underperforming star players contributed to a near historic collapse. But then things dramatically turned around when the Dodgers called up a 22 year old Cuban defector named Yasiel Puig.
He immediately sparked the team by hitting massive home runs and making diving catches in the outfield. His rookie enthusiasm helped awaken the dormant skills of the rest of the team. The Dodgers have clawed out of the cellar and now are one of the best teams in the majors.
It is quite a turnaround. And the starting point was Puig.
In his first 76 games, he has had 346 PA. He has hit 13 HR, 30 RBI, .406 OBP, .963 OPS and 4.0 WAR. He is an overnight sensation; a Hollywood script star.
And it may have gone to his head. For at least the second time this year, Mattingly has had to pull Puig from the line-up during a game. The last incident was Puig's failure to break up a double play at second by not sliding toward the bag. He also mopes to right field after striking out. He also shows a brass attitude of "me first" over team play. There are times that he just stops concentrating on the game. Mattingly, an old school Yankee professional, cannot stand a showboating non-team player.
LA gave Puig a $42 million contract, tying him up through 2018. It is life changing money for a 22 year old defector who is now living for the first time in a capitalist country with money to spend.
Defenders state that Puig has been thrown a cultural curve ball. That there are language barrier issues with teammates and his manager. That the spotlight of stardom is difficult to control at first. That the team cannot try to change the way Puig plays if it still wants his great production.
A young superstar player does not need to be pampered; he needs to be coached up to a professional level. He needs to correct the flaws in his game, whether mental or physical. The sport's history is littered with fresh hot rookies who crash and burn within a few years. It all depends on how a young foreign player handles the situation and criticism.
Some Latin players are like overgrown children. From the poor streets of third world countries, playing baseball and soccer are their only means of escape. For very good players, the games are second hand without much effort. They don't have to work at it because they are so much better than their local peers. They get stubborn in their ways and their macho heritage comes to the surface when someone tells them to change. Puig has not risen to a Carlos Zambrano phase, yet.
But it does show the beginning of a bad trend. Fellow star defector, Cub prospect Jorge Soler, has had his professional issues in Class A ball this year. The lack of hustle and a on-field altercation with an opponent led to a short suspension. The Cubs tried to write it off quickly as Soler having some emotional issues. Well, Soler is one of the front office's "core" prospects for the future. Why have a ticking time bomb of emotions at the core of your rebuild?
Time will tell if these are isolated incidents or whether there is deep cultural problem with Latin players when they begin playing baseball in America. Many teams have placed great time and resources in signing Latin players in recent years. Some teams have done so in an attempt to cultivate a new Hispanic fan base to raise their yearly attendance. Other teams believe there is a competitive advantage in signing foreign players for less cost than U.S. high school or college players. But there are new concerns assimilating foreign players into U.S. baseball organizations.
Mattingly is now the LA Dodgers manager. Things are more laid back on the West Coast. Pacific rim teams rarely get national coverage with the East Coast bias of network television. So most people failed to realize how bad the Dodgers were in the first half of this year. Injuries and underperforming star players contributed to a near historic collapse. But then things dramatically turned around when the Dodgers called up a 22 year old Cuban defector named Yasiel Puig.
He immediately sparked the team by hitting massive home runs and making diving catches in the outfield. His rookie enthusiasm helped awaken the dormant skills of the rest of the team. The Dodgers have clawed out of the cellar and now are one of the best teams in the majors.
It is quite a turnaround. And the starting point was Puig.
In his first 76 games, he has had 346 PA. He has hit 13 HR, 30 RBI, .406 OBP, .963 OPS and 4.0 WAR. He is an overnight sensation; a Hollywood script star.
And it may have gone to his head. For at least the second time this year, Mattingly has had to pull Puig from the line-up during a game. The last incident was Puig's failure to break up a double play at second by not sliding toward the bag. He also mopes to right field after striking out. He also shows a brass attitude of "me first" over team play. There are times that he just stops concentrating on the game. Mattingly, an old school Yankee professional, cannot stand a showboating non-team player.
LA gave Puig a $42 million contract, tying him up through 2018. It is life changing money for a 22 year old defector who is now living for the first time in a capitalist country with money to spend.
Defenders state that Puig has been thrown a cultural curve ball. That there are language barrier issues with teammates and his manager. That the spotlight of stardom is difficult to control at first. That the team cannot try to change the way Puig plays if it still wants his great production.
A young superstar player does not need to be pampered; he needs to be coached up to a professional level. He needs to correct the flaws in his game, whether mental or physical. The sport's history is littered with fresh hot rookies who crash and burn within a few years. It all depends on how a young foreign player handles the situation and criticism.
Some Latin players are like overgrown children. From the poor streets of third world countries, playing baseball and soccer are their only means of escape. For very good players, the games are second hand without much effort. They don't have to work at it because they are so much better than their local peers. They get stubborn in their ways and their macho heritage comes to the surface when someone tells them to change. Puig has not risen to a Carlos Zambrano phase, yet.
But it does show the beginning of a bad trend. Fellow star defector, Cub prospect Jorge Soler, has had his professional issues in Class A ball this year. The lack of hustle and a on-field altercation with an opponent led to a short suspension. The Cubs tried to write it off quickly as Soler having some emotional issues. Well, Soler is one of the front office's "core" prospects for the future. Why have a ticking time bomb of emotions at the core of your rebuild?
Time will tell if these are isolated incidents or whether there is deep cultural problem with Latin players when they begin playing baseball in America. Many teams have placed great time and resources in signing Latin players in recent years. Some teams have done so in an attempt to cultivate a new Hispanic fan base to raise their yearly attendance. Other teams believe there is a competitive advantage in signing foreign players for less cost than U.S. high school or college players. But there are new concerns assimilating foreign players into U.S. baseball organizations.
July 11, 2013
BRYANT SIGNS BUT MAY GET BURIED
Baseball America reports that the Cubs have agreed to sign their
number one pick, Kris Bryant, to the slot value of $6.7 million bonus.
It is the largest bonus in the 2013 draft and the biggest in the two years under the new draft rules, surpassing the $6.35 million that the Astros paid Mark Appel, this year’s No. 1 choice.
Bryant’s bonus also sets a Cub franchise bonus record, beating the $6 million that Chicago paid Cuban defector Jorge Soler as part of a $30 million major league contract last summer. The Cubs’ previous draft bonus standard was $4 million, which Mark Prior got as part of a $10.5 million big league deal as the No. 2 overall pick in 2001.
Bryant was the best power hitter in this year's draft. He was Baseball America’s 2013 College Player of the Year by hitting 31 homers,and leading all Division I players in runs (80), walks (66), total bases (187) and slugging (.820) while batting .329.
BA believes that his arm strength and patience at the plate are two more assets, and he’s also an average runner wtih good athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 215-pounder. He played third base at San Diego but may wind up in right field in the long run.
Bryant's season ended in early June, and once the Cubs get the third baseman signed, the team states he will report to their facility in Mesa, Ariz., to work out before being assigned to a Minor League team.
"We would need to get a feel for how rusty he is," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Wednesday. "Once we get a feel for his conditioning, we'll figure out exactly what the right path is. Certainly, he'll start out at the very low levels [in the Minors]. We're hopeful he can move quickly through those."
What?
Bryant stopped playing about a month ago. He is 20 years old. How "rusty" can he get?
Also, the Cubs plan to stick Bryant in "very low minors" which would be Rookie or short season Boise which makes very little sense. You don't pay $6.7 million to have a the best prospect in the draft sent to summer camp. Bryant played at a high level in college. He should be assigned to AAA Iowa to play third right away, or even AA Tennessee if the Cubs are going to try to make him an outfielder. There is no reason to believe Bryant could not be in the starting line up in 2014. But it is apparent that the Cubs front office is going to bury him in the low minors to impede his promotion curve from level to level. This would put Bryant on a three year apprenticeship or a 2016 Cub debut. This is to give the front office "more time" before their best prospects are "major league ready." But Bryant is as close to major league ready as any prospect in the system.
Yasiel Puig played 46 games at Rookie-A+ ball in 2012 and 40 games in AA this year when he was called up. Puig signed a big money IFA deal the same year as Jorge Soler. During that same time period, Soler continued to play in Class A ball (until he was injured). Other teams have found great success in promoting their star prospects early (example, Bryce Harper with the Nationals). Bryant should be no different.
It is the largest bonus in the 2013 draft and the biggest in the two years under the new draft rules, surpassing the $6.35 million that the Astros paid Mark Appel, this year’s No. 1 choice.
Bryant’s bonus also sets a Cub franchise bonus record, beating the $6 million that Chicago paid Cuban defector Jorge Soler as part of a $30 million major league contract last summer. The Cubs’ previous draft bonus standard was $4 million, which Mark Prior got as part of a $10.5 million big league deal as the No. 2 overall pick in 2001.
Bryant was the best power hitter in this year's draft. He was Baseball America’s 2013 College Player of the Year by hitting 31 homers,and leading all Division I players in runs (80), walks (66), total bases (187) and slugging (.820) while batting .329.
BA believes that his arm strength and patience at the plate are two more assets, and he’s also an average runner wtih good athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 215-pounder. He played third base at San Diego but may wind up in right field in the long run.
Bryant's season ended in early June, and once the Cubs get the third baseman signed, the team states he will report to their facility in Mesa, Ariz., to work out before being assigned to a Minor League team.
"We would need to get a feel for how rusty he is," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Wednesday. "Once we get a feel for his conditioning, we'll figure out exactly what the right path is. Certainly, he'll start out at the very low levels [in the Minors]. We're hopeful he can move quickly through those."
What?
Bryant stopped playing about a month ago. He is 20 years old. How "rusty" can he get?
Also, the Cubs plan to stick Bryant in "very low minors" which would be Rookie or short season Boise which makes very little sense. You don't pay $6.7 million to have a the best prospect in the draft sent to summer camp. Bryant played at a high level in college. He should be assigned to AAA Iowa to play third right away, or even AA Tennessee if the Cubs are going to try to make him an outfielder. There is no reason to believe Bryant could not be in the starting line up in 2014. But it is apparent that the Cubs front office is going to bury him in the low minors to impede his promotion curve from level to level. This would put Bryant on a three year apprenticeship or a 2016 Cub debut. This is to give the front office "more time" before their best prospects are "major league ready." But Bryant is as close to major league ready as any prospect in the system.
Yasiel Puig played 46 games at Rookie-A+ ball in 2012 and 40 games in AA this year when he was called up. Puig signed a big money IFA deal the same year as Jorge Soler. During that same time period, Soler continued to play in Class A ball (until he was injured). Other teams have found great success in promoting their star prospects early (example, Bryce Harper with the Nationals). Bryant should be no different.
June 27, 2013
BAD LUCK OR SNAKE BITTEN?
The front office has touted Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler as a near "can't miss" prospect. He started his pro career at the Cubs Class A affiliate. He was supposed to move quickly through the system.
Soler was doing well, hitting 8 HR, 35 RBI, .281 BA. But his development has come to a halt.
On the day after he was named to play in the Futures Game, Chicago Cubs prospect Jorge Soler has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left tibia, which could end his first full season in North America.
Soler, signed to a $30 million contract in 2012, is expected to be in a walking boot for four-to-six weeks, which could mean that he won't play again until he's assigned to the Instructional League or possibly the Arizona Fall League. He had been sidelined with an ankle injury but it wasn't known to be so serious.
The severity of the injury was learned before the Daytona Cubs’ doubleheader Thursday.
“It’s a huge blow for him, a disappointment for us because everyone wants him to do well,’’ Daytona manager Dave Keller told Sean Kernan of the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Soler has had some other small injuries, but is most known for charging an opponent's dugout after an on-field altercation. Keller said at the time Soler was dealing with some "emotional issues."
This injury will set back Soler for at least a year. He will probably return to Class A next season, with the hopes of a promotion by mid-year to Class AA. But since the Cubs front office wants all their players to have at least a full season in Triple-A before going to the majors, Soler's projected Wrigley debut is now mid-2016 at the earliest.
Soler was doing well, hitting 8 HR, 35 RBI, .281 BA. But his development has come to a halt.
On the day after he was named to play in the Futures Game, Chicago Cubs prospect Jorge Soler has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left tibia, which could end his first full season in North America.
Soler, signed to a $30 million contract in 2012, is expected to be in a walking boot for four-to-six weeks, which could mean that he won't play again until he's assigned to the Instructional League or possibly the Arizona Fall League. He had been sidelined with an ankle injury but it wasn't known to be so serious.
The severity of the injury was learned before the Daytona Cubs’ doubleheader Thursday.
“It’s a huge blow for him, a disappointment for us because everyone wants him to do well,’’ Daytona manager Dave Keller told Sean Kernan of the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Soler has had some other small injuries, but is most known for charging an opponent's dugout after an on-field altercation. Keller said at the time Soler was dealing with some "emotional issues."
This injury will set back Soler for at least a year. He will probably return to Class A next season, with the hopes of a promotion by mid-year to Class AA. But since the Cubs front office wants all their players to have at least a full season in Triple-A before going to the majors, Soler's projected Wrigley debut is now mid-2016 at the earliest.
April 30, 2013
ANOTHER SOLER FLARE UP
There are red flags and then there are warning signs.
Prized Cubs prospect Jorge Soler was benched on Sunday because he failed to hustle during a game.
The Daytona Beach Journal reported that manager Dave Keller was sending a message to everyone on the team. Soler did not run hard during two at-bats on Saturday night. The newspaper quotes Keller as saying “(Soler) sat (Sunday) because within the philosophy and the work ethic that we are trying to create in this organization -- and that we are trying to get our players to understand – work ethic, energy, determination, playing hard and running hard is part of the whole program. When you don't do that, then you don't get to play. That's something that has really been emphasized over the last two years.”
This incident comes after Soler's five game suspension for an on-field incident where he charged another team's dugout with a baseball bat. At that time, the team said Soler was dealing "with emotional issues."
ESPN's Bruce Levine quipped that he was not sure if the Cubs had an opportunity to really know Soler since he played in Cuba. Levine stated that the Cubs signed Soler to a $30 million contract based upon private work-outs and not based on competitive game observations.
That raises a question on how diligent the Cubs scouting department was in checking out all aspects of a player, including his mental toughness to play a professional sport. A young man can have all the physical tools to become a great player, but if there are mental or emotional issues then a promising career can implode quickly (see, Carlos Zambrano.)
Soler is 21 years old. He has moved away from his home country. Those factors could be contributing to his apparent inability to focus on his profession at this starting point for his career. But there are many other prospects throughout the majors with similar factors who have not caused so much negative attention in such a short time.
Keller is right on one thing: the only way to get through to highly talented players who don't listen is to bench them. To take an athlete off the field of play is the only punishment that will connect to their mindset of playing every day.
It is the only thing available to Dale Sveum, but he has yet to pull the trigger to bench Starlin Castro or Anthony Rizzo for mistakes on the field. Castro continues to have mental lapses in the field. But Sveum is cornered; he has to play his young players because that is the only real draw this season.
Soler's issues and Gerardo Concepcion's disappearance should be a concern to Cubs fans. These Cubans were the first two big money international signees by Theo Epstein. The team invested $36 million on two players that have not set the baseball world on fire. With the Cubs finances heavily burdened by debt, spending wisely is a critical component for any future success.
Prized Cubs prospect Jorge Soler was benched on Sunday because he failed to hustle during a game.
The Daytona Beach Journal reported that manager Dave Keller was sending a message to everyone on the team. Soler did not run hard during two at-bats on Saturday night. The newspaper quotes Keller as saying “(Soler) sat (Sunday) because within the philosophy and the work ethic that we are trying to create in this organization -- and that we are trying to get our players to understand – work ethic, energy, determination, playing hard and running hard is part of the whole program. When you don't do that, then you don't get to play. That's something that has really been emphasized over the last two years.”
This incident comes after Soler's five game suspension for an on-field incident where he charged another team's dugout with a baseball bat. At that time, the team said Soler was dealing "with emotional issues."
ESPN's Bruce Levine quipped that he was not sure if the Cubs had an opportunity to really know Soler since he played in Cuba. Levine stated that the Cubs signed Soler to a $30 million contract based upon private work-outs and not based on competitive game observations.
That raises a question on how diligent the Cubs scouting department was in checking out all aspects of a player, including his mental toughness to play a professional sport. A young man can have all the physical tools to become a great player, but if there are mental or emotional issues then a promising career can implode quickly (see, Carlos Zambrano.)
Soler is 21 years old. He has moved away from his home country. Those factors could be contributing to his apparent inability to focus on his profession at this starting point for his career. But there are many other prospects throughout the majors with similar factors who have not caused so much negative attention in such a short time.
Keller is right on one thing: the only way to get through to highly talented players who don't listen is to bench them. To take an athlete off the field of play is the only punishment that will connect to their mindset of playing every day.
It is the only thing available to Dale Sveum, but he has yet to pull the trigger to bench Starlin Castro or Anthony Rizzo for mistakes on the field. Castro continues to have mental lapses in the field. But Sveum is cornered; he has to play his young players because that is the only real draw this season.
Soler's issues and Gerardo Concepcion's disappearance should be a concern to Cubs fans. These Cubans were the first two big money international signees by Theo Epstein. The team invested $36 million on two players that have not set the baseball world on fire. With the Cubs finances heavily burdened by debt, spending wisely is a critical component for any future success.
April 11, 2013
GOAT HEAD SOUP
The Cubs season just went over a bizarre Rolling Stones in their destructive prime edge.
At 2:30 p.m. yesterday, a package arrived at Wrigley Field addressed to Tom Ricketts. Inside, it contained a severed goat's head. The police were called to the scene to investigate the "intimidating" package.
At 3 p.m., the Cubs abruptly canceled their night game with the Brewers. The cold weather was given as the reason. Some people are not so sure.
Last night, Theo Epstein's star international prospect, Jorge Soler, was ejected from a Class A ball game. There was an altercation on the field during the game. The teams were separated, but Soler went back to the bench, got a baseball bat, and then charged the opposing team. Baseball altercations are mild pushing and shoving events. But running to get a deadly weapon in a wood bat is criminal assault. Afterward, the Cubs manager Dave Keller said that Soler was dealing with some "emotional issues." Really? Every player has to deal with emotional issues.
The Daytona Beach newspaper reported the problem started at the end of the seventh inning. Soler slid into second base following the final play of the inning. The opponent appeared to have landed on Soler, and Soler took offense. Soler and Clearwater second baseman Edgar Alonso exchanged words. Teammates came out to separate the two. Then the teams headed for their dugouts. But Soler came "sprinting" out of the Cub dugout with a bat toward the Clearwater dugout. Keller said those few seconds were “kind of like a nightmare.”
Soler was the Cuban star that the Cubs invested $30 million. Now, early in his U.S. professional career, the Cubs have a Baby Zambrano on their hands. It calls into question on how the Cubs new baseball gurus failed to realize or deal with Soler's anger and emotional issues. This is a severe blow to Epstein's talent character evaluation/scouting skills.
These events come after another stormy day of counterattacks on the Wrigley Field redevelopment issues. Alderman Tunney has thrown up his hands, saying that each side keeps changing the terms of any proposal. The neighborhood associations continue to stress that they are not at the table in these discussions with the city. The rooftop owners have threatened a lawsuit to force the Cubs to honor their agreement. Ricketts admitted that the rooftop deal is "awkward" for the Cubs, i.e. has no loopholes to block the rooftop views which will occur with new jumbotron or advertising signage.
The last report was that the Cubs, who are allowed 20 night games per season, want to increase the total to 40 baseball games and 4 other events (concerts). This more than doubles the current status quo. Neighbors objected to that proposal on traffic, parking and security reasons. Then MLB injected that it wants the city to allow the league to "flex" any Cub game into a night game (which means all 81 home games and playoffs) when the team is "competitive" (which is a vague concept).
The neighborhood residents and businesses believe they are being steamrolled by the Ricketts grand plans to pour $500 million into Lakeview. Plans, they say, they have never seen so most of these "negotiations" are being conducted blindly. Which is to a developer's advantage to cloud the participants in multiple plans then in the end do what he wants to do because he will argue that everyone was aware of it and "agreed" to it.
Ricketts has said that the Cubs do not plan to move out of Wrigley Field. However, he is steadfast in saying that he won't put any of his money into Wrigley unless he gets what he wants - - - which is a significant change in the current building structure, more scoreboard/advertising signs in the outfield, and a massive hotel-retail-fitness center complex across the street. It appears that the Cubs do not want to go through the normal public zoning hearing process (where one presents a proposal, the public gets to review and comment on it, and public officials make a decision on the proposal). The Cubs just want a rubber stamp deal on their own terms. Wrigley is a unique property in a unique setting (a residential neighborhood). There are competitive interests that go beyond the Ricketts need to generate millions more in ball park revenue to fund his business and redevelopment plans.
The goat's head in a box delivered to Wrigley Field is not symbolic of lifting the curse of the baseball team, but an apparent angry response to the deteriorating situation between neighbors. It will be interesting to see how the Cubs deal with their new emotional partners, the Lakeview residents and Soler.
At 2:30 p.m. yesterday, a package arrived at Wrigley Field addressed to Tom Ricketts. Inside, it contained a severed goat's head. The police were called to the scene to investigate the "intimidating" package.
At 3 p.m., the Cubs abruptly canceled their night game with the Brewers. The cold weather was given as the reason. Some people are not so sure.
Last night, Theo Epstein's star international prospect, Jorge Soler, was ejected from a Class A ball game. There was an altercation on the field during the game. The teams were separated, but Soler went back to the bench, got a baseball bat, and then charged the opposing team. Baseball altercations are mild pushing and shoving events. But running to get a deadly weapon in a wood bat is criminal assault. Afterward, the Cubs manager Dave Keller said that Soler was dealing with some "emotional issues." Really? Every player has to deal with emotional issues.
The Daytona Beach newspaper reported the problem started at the end of the seventh inning. Soler slid into second base following the final play of the inning. The opponent appeared to have landed on Soler, and Soler took offense. Soler and Clearwater second baseman Edgar Alonso exchanged words. Teammates came out to separate the two. Then the teams headed for their dugouts. But Soler came "sprinting" out of the Cub dugout with a bat toward the Clearwater dugout. Keller said those few seconds were “kind of like a nightmare.”
Soler was the Cuban star that the Cubs invested $30 million. Now, early in his U.S. professional career, the Cubs have a Baby Zambrano on their hands. It calls into question on how the Cubs new baseball gurus failed to realize or deal with Soler's anger and emotional issues. This is a severe blow to Epstein's talent character evaluation/scouting skills.
These events come after another stormy day of counterattacks on the Wrigley Field redevelopment issues. Alderman Tunney has thrown up his hands, saying that each side keeps changing the terms of any proposal. The neighborhood associations continue to stress that they are not at the table in these discussions with the city. The rooftop owners have threatened a lawsuit to force the Cubs to honor their agreement. Ricketts admitted that the rooftop deal is "awkward" for the Cubs, i.e. has no loopholes to block the rooftop views which will occur with new jumbotron or advertising signage.
The last report was that the Cubs, who are allowed 20 night games per season, want to increase the total to 40 baseball games and 4 other events (concerts). This more than doubles the current status quo. Neighbors objected to that proposal on traffic, parking and security reasons. Then MLB injected that it wants the city to allow the league to "flex" any Cub game into a night game (which means all 81 home games and playoffs) when the team is "competitive" (which is a vague concept).
The neighborhood residents and businesses believe they are being steamrolled by the Ricketts grand plans to pour $500 million into Lakeview. Plans, they say, they have never seen so most of these "negotiations" are being conducted blindly. Which is to a developer's advantage to cloud the participants in multiple plans then in the end do what he wants to do because he will argue that everyone was aware of it and "agreed" to it.
Ricketts has said that the Cubs do not plan to move out of Wrigley Field. However, he is steadfast in saying that he won't put any of his money into Wrigley unless he gets what he wants - - - which is a significant change in the current building structure, more scoreboard/advertising signs in the outfield, and a massive hotel-retail-fitness center complex across the street. It appears that the Cubs do not want to go through the normal public zoning hearing process (where one presents a proposal, the public gets to review and comment on it, and public officials make a decision on the proposal). The Cubs just want a rubber stamp deal on their own terms. Wrigley is a unique property in a unique setting (a residential neighborhood). There are competitive interests that go beyond the Ricketts need to generate millions more in ball park revenue to fund his business and redevelopment plans.
The goat's head in a box delivered to Wrigley Field is not symbolic of lifting the curse of the baseball team, but an apparent angry response to the deteriorating situation between neighbors. It will be interesting to see how the Cubs deal with their new emotional partners, the Lakeview residents and Soler.
March 13, 2013
ANOTHER OPINION
Jim Bowden writes a baseball column for ESPN. He comes from the perspective of being a former front office guy.
He wrote this week that the Cubs minor league system has been raising eyebrows in the past year. The organization jumped ten spots to sixth in the latest ESPN baseball prospect rankings.
Many scouts have been impressed by the batting shown by Javier Baez, Junior Lake and Jorge Soler. However, Bowden stated that:
all three have some “hit” tool issues. Odds are one of them never pans out and follows Corey Patterson and Felix Pie as Cubs prospects who failed to live up to the fans’ often unrealistic expectations.
However, Bowden praises one Cub prospect as "a slam dunk: center fielder Albert Almora. He was the Cubs’ first-round selection in last year’s draft and Bowden believes looks like a future All-Star.
Yes, there is a logical inconsistency in Bowden's statements regarding the young players. All prospects have a learning curve in order to improve their skills. It is highly unusual that a drafted player begins his professional career on a major league roster. That is why training and development is so critical in a baseball organization. Having the right teachers and right philosophy will create a steady stream of quality players (i.e. the Dodgers organization).
Baez, Lake, Soler and Almora are early in the careers. Almora has the least amount of pro experience so it is hard to judge that he will be better than the other three. Only Lake has a chance to reach AAA this year. His promotion may be more need based as the Cubs are devoid of third basemen at the higher levels.
I think the team's front office has higher expectations of Baez, Lake and Soler than the average Cub fan. Since so many scouts have positive reviews of the Cub prospects so far, it is unfair to make Patterson and Pie comparisons. (The opposite is true on another Cubs' vaulted prospect, Cuban pitcher Concepcion, whom many scouts ripped last season as a poor prospect in rookie-A ball). And some observers will question why with all the emphasis on pitching in the last draft, no pitcher has been labeled by other team scouts as a can't miss prospect.
Baseball player development is a hit and miss crap game. On average, one of ten prospects reach the majors. Maybe one in twenty become quality starters (2.5 + WAR). That means the Cubs have really a chance to have four players in their minor league system contribute to the major league roster in time. Apparently, the consensus is that those four are Baez, Lake, Soler and Almora.
He wrote this week that the Cubs minor league system has been raising eyebrows in the past year. The organization jumped ten spots to sixth in the latest ESPN baseball prospect rankings.
Many scouts have been impressed by the batting shown by Javier Baez, Junior Lake and Jorge Soler. However, Bowden stated that:
all three have some “hit” tool issues. Odds are one of them never pans out and follows Corey Patterson and Felix Pie as Cubs prospects who failed to live up to the fans’ often unrealistic expectations.
However, Bowden praises one Cub prospect as "a slam dunk: center fielder Albert Almora. He was the Cubs’ first-round selection in last year’s draft and Bowden believes looks like a future All-Star.
Yes, there is a logical inconsistency in Bowden's statements regarding the young players. All prospects have a learning curve in order to improve their skills. It is highly unusual that a drafted player begins his professional career on a major league roster. That is why training and development is so critical in a baseball organization. Having the right teachers and right philosophy will create a steady stream of quality players (i.e. the Dodgers organization).
Baez, Lake, Soler and Almora are early in the careers. Almora has the least amount of pro experience so it is hard to judge that he will be better than the other three. Only Lake has a chance to reach AAA this year. His promotion may be more need based as the Cubs are devoid of third basemen at the higher levels.
I think the team's front office has higher expectations of Baez, Lake and Soler than the average Cub fan. Since so many scouts have positive reviews of the Cub prospects so far, it is unfair to make Patterson and Pie comparisons. (The opposite is true on another Cubs' vaulted prospect, Cuban pitcher Concepcion, whom many scouts ripped last season as a poor prospect in rookie-A ball). And some observers will question why with all the emphasis on pitching in the last draft, no pitcher has been labeled by other team scouts as a can't miss prospect.
Baseball player development is a hit and miss crap game. On average, one of ten prospects reach the majors. Maybe one in twenty become quality starters (2.5 + WAR). That means the Cubs have really a chance to have four players in their minor league system contribute to the major league roster in time. Apparently, the consensus is that those four are Baez, Lake, Soler and Almora.
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