Cubs call up Nico Hoerner

[zack54attack]

With Russell and Baez out, it's Hoerner time.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1171095916570218501

 

[CSF77]

You know what. I was kinda feeling this after watching Russell get headshot for the 7th time....but who is counting. AA has no games. Iowa is in a series. So why not and what do you have to lose here.

It was a reach but I guess that means their backs are against the wall and the fangs are coming out.

 

[Omeletpants]

ANYONE GOT A SCOUTING REPORT ON HIM?

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

ANYONE GOT A SCOUTING REPORT ON HIM?

He isn't as fat as BamBam and he runs faster.

 

[beckdawg]

ANYONE GOT A SCOUTING REPORT ON HIM?

I suspect he'll be a strong batting average/on base guy though possibly not this year. In all of his time in the minors plus college he has struck out 157 times in 1694 plate appearances which is a 9.2% K rate. Obviously that's gonna go up in the majors but that's the kind of elite contact we're talking about. He's also got 112 walks over that period. He's probably more MLB average at best there right now but I suspect as he develops it'll get better. Main issue with him is his lack of power. He had a .130 ISO in the minors which isn't bad but that's not a ton of slugging. At the clip he was on in the minors over 600 PAs he'd be on pace for like 10 HRs and 25 steals.

Long story short, if he's ready he's probably something like Zobrist. That being said I'm not sure he's entirely ready. He might be but were it not for the injuries I suspect he wouldn't have been called up

 

[CSF77]

I suspect he'll be a strong batting average/on base guy though possibly not this year. In all of his time in the minors plus college he has struck out 157 times in 1694 plate appearances which is a 9.2% K rate. Obviously that's gonna go up in the majors but that's the kind of elite contact we're talking about. He's also got 112 walks over that period. He's probably more MLB average at best there right now but I suspect as he develops it'll get better. Main issue with him is his lack of power. He had a .130 ISO in the minors which isn't bad but that's not a ton of slugging. At the clip he was on in the minors over 600 PAs he'd be on pace for like 10 HRs and 25 steals.

Long story short, if he's ready he's probably something like Zobrist. That being said I'm not sure he's entirely ready. He might be but were it not for the injuries I suspect he wouldn't have been called up

To be serious about this. Why not at this point. He does have strong plate disapline so that will translate in knowing what is in zone and out. But he will be dealing with established talent vs developmental talent.

Now they could have brought up a more established talent but they choose to redlight their #1.

What to take out of this? Honestly it could just be Theo getting him some exposure. But I doubt it. This IMO is Theo getting Nico exposure now which makes Russell a trade chip. It is only natural right now.

That said we all expect him to struggle. But then again Castro made the jump and never looked back.

 

[CSF77]

I think this is the telling of why.

On April 23, however, he was hit on the left wrist with a pitch, sustained a hairline fracture and was sidelined until late June.

It took him a bit over a month to recover from a hairline. So Baez is most likely out until late Oct.

 

[CSF77]

I guess I'm watching tonight's game then. Got local coverage here. It should be interesting at least tonight. If he rakes I might catch one of the games.

Cool something to talk about instead of the Cubs blowing the year.

 

[MDB111™]

I really like this move. Hopefully Nico can gets some experience and build on that for next season. These games all matter so this is good experience if nothing else.

 

[anotheridiot]

I read something about the cubs needing to get permission from the commissioner to make this move. Dont know why.

 

[CSF77]

I really like this move. Hopefully Nico can gets some experience and build on that for next season. These games all matter so this is good experience if nothing else.

The thought was they would not have him go-to AFL now. Then hold him back 5 weeks to gain another year of control. Which is lame IMO.

What they should do is simple. Let his bat and glove make the decision. When you want to win games you play your winning hand. If he is not ready and needs time. As in he needs more than a mid May promote then it is fine. Send him down to work on some stuff.

But if he is ready then do the right thing. Sox did it with Eloy. Offered him a contract and let him play. It really should be that simple.

Now this could prove to be interesting though if he adapts and becomes lead off material. They could just trade KB and move Baez to 3B. 2B have Happ work on his skills there in winter ball. And they have Bote as a UI type. Could be a in-house solution and gives them a nice trade chip.

 

[anotheridiot]

pretty amazing with all the injuries he had to be the first 2018 pick playing in a major league game.

 

[zack54attack]

Kid was getting Nico chants in San Diego. Impressive.

 

[anotheridiot]

From MLB site:

Since the 2014 season, an injured player eligible for postseason play may be replaced by any player within his club's organization, including players assigned to the club's minor league affiliates who are not on the major league 40-man roster.

People are saying this makes Nico eligible, dont know if its that permission they were asking for, I took this rule as a player gets injured in a playoff series or game 162 and cant make the playoffs.

Anyone understand this rule? I know they have to get there first, but we already have Bote ineligible.

 

[CSF77]

Kid was getting Nico chants in San Diego. Impressive.

SD broadcast was saying Rock Star.

 

[CSF77]

From MLB site:

Since the 2014 season, an injured player eligible for postseason play may be replaced by any player within his club's organization, including players assigned to the club's minor league affiliates who are not on the major league 40-man roster.

People are saying this makes Nico eligible, dont know if its that permission they were asking for, I took this rule as a player gets injured in a playoff series or game 162 and cant make the playoffs.

Anyone understand this rule? I know they have to get there first, but we already have Bote ineligible.

Found this


It’s premature to look ahead to the postseason — the Cubs must get there first — but what they do with Hoerner will be interesting if they clinch a spot. According to MLB rules, any player on a team’s 40-man roster as of 10:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 31 is eligible for the postseason.

The Cubs didn’t add Hoerner, of course, to the 40-man roster until Monday. However, there is a loophole to the aforementioned rule, if the Cubs reach the postseason and want Hoerner on the roster.

Teams can add players in Hoerner’s position to a postseason roster via a petition to the Commissioner’s Office if:

-the player was in the organization on Aug. 31 and
-is replacing someone on the injured list who has served the minimum amount of time for activation (ex: a player on the 10-day IL who has served 10 days there)

The Cubs can get Hoerner on their postseason roster using a player such as Brandon Morrow. Morrow has been on the 60-day injured list since May 2, so he matches the above criteria.

 

[anotheridiot]

I know I read that they petitioned the commissioners office, it was never stated why though, so maybe they got the OK before they decided to burn his service time. Still think he was the smart move to even keep a chance at post season and not having Bote and Garcia and or Descalso playing shortstop.