Cubs Farm System And Prospects Discussion Thread

[CSF77]

He still does the leg kick. I am guessing he had two strikes on him. That has been his approach with two strikes. When he doesn't have two strikes, he still has the leg kick but his swing is still quieter. He also stands on top the plate now. He basically has taken Rizzo approach but from the right side. You see how quiet Rizzo is with two strikes? Baez is trying to imitate that. He has come a long way with his approach. This is why I keep telling people throw out last year stats because he is almost a completely different hitter in the box, but still has the bat speed. I think his quote was, "A 400 foot homerun is the same as a 450 foot homerun". Thats the mind set he has now.

I hear that. Happ was promoted to South Bend. I'm not sold that is a good idea to move him from CF to 2B. They would be smarter to move Castro in a deal to net young pitching. Then push Baez to 2B and keep Happ at CF and push him up to A+ at the end of the season. Next year they would have Alcantara as a internal option at CF.

 

[CSF77]

went 1 for 3 again. I'm guessing he will be back in Iowa very soon at this rate. Good to see him able to get his timing down fast after being out that long.

 

[CSF77]

AAA SP now:

Drake Britton 6'2" 215 LHP
Clayton Richard 6'5" 245 LHP
Tsuyoshi Wada 5'11" LHP


Stacking up lefties now as depth.

Others:
Frank Batista: 5'10" 170
Dallas Beeler 6'5" 210
Carlos Pimentel 6'3" 180

I could see them bringing Wada back up and holding the deck this year. Promote Baez and let the season play out. Hoyer has said the answers lie from with in. I expect them to do nothing other than stock pile SP depth for injury.

 

[Doubledown]

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t550&player_id=664023#/career/R/hitting/2015/ALL

come check him out in S. Bend ..

 

[SilenceS]

AAA SP now:

Drake Britton 6'2" 215 LHP
Clayton Richard 6'5" 245 LHP
Tsuyoshi Wada 5'11" LHP


Stacking up lefties now as depth.

Others:
Frank Batista: 5'10" 170
Dallas Beeler 6'5" 210
Carlos Pimentel 6'3" 180

I could see them bringing Wada back up and holding the deck this year. Promote Baez and let the season play out. Hoyer has said the answers lie from with in. I expect them to do nothing other than stock pile SP depth for injury.

I have thought the hoyer statement was straight about baez


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SilenceS]

http://www.bleachernation.com/2015/...r-baez-homers-twice-in-return-to-iowa-videos/

Baez two home runs. They talk about his stance. His second homerun was annihilated. Wish I knew that exit velocity. You can never teach that bat speed.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

http://www.bleachernation.com/2015/...r-baez-homers-twice-in-return-to-iowa-videos/

Baez two home runs. They talk about his stance. His second homerun was annihilated. Wish I knew that exit velocity. You can never teach that bat speed.

Some interesting videos here. He has completely changed his approach.

http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/...e-employing-lower-leg-kick-more-consistently/

 

[SilenceS]

Some interesting videos here. He has completely changed his approach.

http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/...e-employing-lower-leg-kick-more-consistently/

Oh Ive seen it all. He has worked very hard.

 

[Parade_Rain]

http://www.bleachernation.com/2015/...r-baez-homers-twice-in-return-to-iowa-videos/

Baez two home runs. They talk about his stance. His second homerun was annihilated. Wish I knew that exit velocity. You can never teach that bat speed.

I hope the author doesn't think rolling the foot is bad. It does look a little more painful with Javy, but obviously the weight is off the foot at that moment in time. Good for him. I can't wait to see him get a second shot at Wrigley.

 

[beckdawg]

Almora had walked 16 times this season prior to today. Today he walked 3 times.

 

[CSF77]

So Baez is up to 10 SB now in AAA.

So just tossing this out there for giggles.

Why not making him the lead off in CF next year to replace Fowler.

He is showing some lead off skills. Taking walks and the ability to steal. Played CF in HS. Is fast and has a strong arm.

I would get him out there like they did with Lake then have him train in the winter leagues.

There is a spot opening up in CF anyways. That lowers payroll. Fowler was making 9 mil and Baez league min. They would be clearing 8.5 mil.

I do believe Price will be target #1 so it benefits them to find lower costs anywhere they can. Like not offering Wood arb. Too much on a MR. Etc.

 

[Boobaby1]

So Baez is up to 10 SB now in AAA.

So just tossing this out there for giggles.

Why not making him the lead off in CF next year to replace Fowler.

He is showing some lead off skills. Taking walks and the ability to steal. Played CF in HS. Is fast and has a strong arm.

I would get him out there like they did with Lake then have him train in the winter leagues.

There is a spot opening up in CF anyways. That lowers payroll. Fowler was making 9 mil and Baez league min. They would be clearing 8.5 mil.

I do believe Price will be target #1 so it benefits them to find lower costs anywhere they can. Like not offering Wood arb. Too much on a MR. Etc.

Maybe play CF, but I don't like the lead-off potential.

I might look to trade Soler and someone else to get a CF or something of use like a closer, and maybe stick Baez in RF or pick up Jason Heyward to lead-off and play RF and Javy play CF.

Heyward has already established his OBP, plays lights out defense and runs well and is young.

IF the Cubs find a TOR and pick up Heyward, I would be ecstatic.

 

[CSF77]

Maybe play CF, but I don't like the lead-off potential.

I might look to trade Soler and someone else to get a CF or something of use like a closer, and maybe stick Baez in RF or pick up Jason Heyward to lead-off and play RF and Javy play CF.

Heyward has already established his OBP, plays lights out defense and runs well and is young.

IF the Cubs find a TOR and pick up Heyward, I would be ecstatic.

I don't believe they can afford both.

Adding Price would cost 25 mil plus. Then looking forward they have Arrieta in arb 2. Do they extend? I would give him a deal that covers his arb years and pushes forward. 100 mil range.

The thing here is I do not see the Cubs going over 130 mil so finding lower resource ie: self developed answers is the best option.

They have been drafting heavy in position players and that is where you expect to see the savings.

So Hayword counters what they have been working torwards

 

[TC in Mississippi]

I don't believe they can afford both.

Adding Price would cost 25 mil plus. Then looking forward they have Arrieta in arb 2. Do they extend? I would give him a deal that covers his arb years and pushes forward. 100 mil range.

The thing here is I do not see the Cubs going over 130 mil so finding lower resource ie: self developed answers is the best option.

They have been drafting heavy in position players and that is where you expect to see the savings.

So Hayword counters what they have been working torwards

I think the payroll goes up to somewhere between $150-$160 million for 2016. They're at $121 mil now and revenues at the park are through the roof. The only salary they lose after this season is Fowler unless the deal Montero an Schwarber is not ready to catch full time. I believe they will make a move to upgrade from Fowler, find a closer and sign a TOR starter. I think Coghlan becomes that super sub they were looking for and they may well sign him to an extension.

 

[Boobaby1]

I don't believe they can afford both.

Adding Price would cost 25 mil plus. Then looking forward they have Arrieta in arb 2. Do they extend? I would give him a deal that covers his arb years and pushes forward. 100 mil range.

The thing here is I do not see the Cubs going over 130 mil so finding lower resource ie: self developed answers is the best option.

They have been drafting heavy in position players and that is where you expect to see the savings.

So Hayword counters what they have been working torwards

Does he?

He is a top of the order, OBP and good defensive player and also is 25. Maybe I am missing something here, plus, they liked him in the past when Samardzija rumors were swirling.

Who's to say they will get Price anyways.

I believe a SOLID starter that mimics a #2 is what they will go after. Could be Zimmerman, or better yet, a pitcher acquired in trade.

For instance. Lets say Heyward gets 17 million per year as an example.

Denorphia (2.6m), Fowler (9.5m), and Jason Motte (4.5m) is a wash if they don't exercise these guys. This also frees up Soler to either be moved in a trade or moved elsewhere which would also free up money and/or be used to get something back in return of need. Maybe they trade for a modest CF, and go for a free agent pitcher. Who knows?

Not to mention, the Cubs will be in the last year of E-Jax, and Wood will be in arb 3 and making 5 million which could be shifted to another team.

I would think Wood, a prospect and Soler might fetch something they could use. Two starters for 8 million, plus Castro's name looms also. So, there is a bounty of possibilities.

You make think they stand pat, but I feel this off-season is the year that they punch the pedal. They know they are still a ways behind the Cardinals, and one year of the kids maturation is just going to be an incremental change next year as far as progression goes.

They need a couple of players, and those players will have to be difference makers.

 

[CSF77]

Does he?

He is a top of the order, OBP and good defensive player and also is 25. Maybe I am missing something here, plus, they liked him in the past when Samardzija rumors were swirling.

Who's to say they will get Price anyways.

I believe a SOLID starter that mimics a #2 is what they will go after. Could be Zimmerman, or better yet, a pitcher acquired in trade.

For instance. Lets say Heyward gets 17 million per year as an example.

Denorphia (2.6m), Fowler (9.5m), and Jason Motte (4.5m) is a wash if they don't exercise these guys. This also frees up Soler to either be moved in a trade or moved elsewhere which would also free up money and/or be used to get something back in return of need. Maybe they trade for a modest CF, and go for a free agent pitcher. Who knows?

Not to mention, the Cubs will be in the last year of E-Jax, and Wood will be in arb 3 and making 5 million which could be shifted to another team.

I would think Wood, a prospect and Soler might fetch something they could use. Two starters for 8 million, plus Castro's name looms also. So, there is a bounty of possibilities.

You make think they stand pat, but I feel this off-season is the year that they punch the pedal. They know they are still a ways behind the Cardinals, and one year of the kids maturation is just going to be an incremental change next year as far as progression goes.

They need a couple of players, and those players will have to be difference makers.

Cubs are committed to 82 mil next year.

That doesn't include Arrieta and other arb cases. Arrieta should command 8 mil going upwards.

That puts payroll at 90 mil. I believe they keep it on the 120-130 range. 125 is a realistic number. So that puts it at 35 mil that they can add to the 25 man.

Now on who is out there? I prefer them going with a lefty. Keeps the rotation more balanced. So that ranks it Price1 Kaz 2. That is a big $$$ difference. Also we are talking 20 wins vs 12. So you get what you pay for.

I see Price a ace on the staff. Kaz a 4. Now if Lester and Arrieta both push 200 innings while keeping their ERA's in the low 3's to 2's I don't see a huge need to find better. If both are looking like league #2's than you think on soaking that 35 mil up mostly with Price.

The only guy who ranks as high as Price is Cueto. But he has been injured recently. So I would put him as the #2 starter out there. Then Zimmerman as 3. But IDK seems to me it will cost a lot for a #2-3 starter to sign him.

Rest fall into Kaz's talent level. Plenty of options if they go that direction.

So I believe the 5 starting pitcher will shade more torwards how Arrieta and Lester finish up. If Arrieta steps into a top 5 NL SP then you look into tying him up long term and going after Kaz in FA. Thus that leaves more payroll for depth.

If not then you look into Price. Cubs can give him 30 mil next year. That would put payroll at 120 mil. Then they would have to use Szczur as a RH 4th OF. Maybe Olt as a corner IF/OF. Ross would be expected. Schwarber LF. Baez in the mix somewhere. They have Alcantara that could compete for CF etc

So sure they would be better off with Arrieta stepping up as a league ace. I question it still. I think he is a legit 2. About equal to Lester. Price is a legit 1.

That is my take

 

[CSF77]

The way I look at it is who do you want to match up with Bumgarner or some of the other aces out there? Lester? Not feeling it. Arrieta? He is not superman every outing. Going after Price makes sense as he matches up with any #1 in the league on any given night. He will command 200 mil. That much we should anticipate.

 

[TL1961]

Does he?

He is a top of the order, OBP and good defensive player and also is 25. Maybe I am missing something here, plus, they liked him in the past when Samardzija rumors were swirling.

Who's to say they will get Price anyways.

I believe a SOLID starter that mimics a #2 is what they will go after. Could be Zimmerman, or better yet, a pitcher acquired in trade.

For instance. Lets say Heyward gets 17 million per year as an example.

Denorphia (2.6m), Fowler (9.5m), and Jason Motte (4.5m) is a wash if they don't exercise these guys. This also frees up Soler to either be moved in a trade or moved elsewhere which would also free up money and/or be used to get something back in return of need. Maybe they trade for a modest CF, and go for a free agent pitcher. Who knows?

Not to mention, the Cubs will be in the last year of E-Jax, and Wood will be in arb 3 and making 5 million which could be shifted to another team.

I would think Wood, a prospect and Soler might fetch something they could use. Two starters for 8 million, plus Castro's name looms also. So, there is a bounty of possibilities.

You make think they stand pat, but I feel this off-season is the year that they punch the pedal. They know they are still a ways behind the Cardinals, and one year of the kids maturation is just going to be an incremental change next year as far as progression goes.

They need a couple of players, and those players will have to be difference makers.

What does "or moved elsewhere" mean, in regards to Soler. I understand if you are saying move him in a trade. (I don't agree, but that statement is understandable)

But what are you referring to "or moved elsewhere"?

You have, in your scenario, I believe - Schwarber in LF, Heyward in RF.
Bryant and Rizzo on the corners.
Castro-Russell-Baez handling the middle infield in some combination.
Coghlan and Denorfia as bench players.

Are you suggesting Soler to CF? I have already seen Coghlan and Baez mentioned there, which is "out there". But Soler to CF?? Have you even seen him try to play RF? He has the physical attributes to be good defensively - speed and arm strength. But thus far, he has shown he has a lot to work on.

CF would be an unmitigated disaster. And I say that as one who realizes how poor it is defended today.

 

[CSF77]

What does "or moved elsewhere" mean, in regards to Soler. I understand if you are saying move him in a trade. (I don't agree, but that statement is understandable)

But what are you referring to "or moved elsewhere"?

You have, in your scenario, I believe - Schwarber in LF, Heyward in RF.
Bryant and Rizzo on the corners.
Castro-Russell-Baez handling the middle infield in some combination.
Coghlan and Denorfia as bench players.

Are you suggesting Soler to CF? I have already seen Coghlan and Baez mentioned there, which is "out there". But Soler to CF?? Have you even seen him try to play RF? He has the physical attributes to be good defensively - speed and arm strength. But thus far, he has shown he has a lot to work on.

CF would be an unmitigated disaster. And I say that as one who realizes how poor it is defended today.

I could see Baez in CF in 2016 with Almora in AAA. Then let Castro build up his value again to trade him. Then move Almora to CF mid season with Baez going to 2B and Russell to SS.

Soler is fine in RF. Schwarber will have limited range but I bet he will catch what is in that range. Dude works his ass off to be better but adding range with his build will be questionable. I do believe he will be able to take the best routes. But that will not help his speed.

At the end of the day I do not believe they will make a big investment into the OF. That is pretty much stacked with talent in the system. As it is they are using it to give needed hitters playing time.

 

[Boobaby1]

What does "or moved elsewhere" mean, in regards to Soler. I understand if you are saying move him in a trade. (I don't agree, but that statement is understandable)

But what are you referring to "or moved elsewhere"?

You have, in your scenario, I believe - Schwarber in LF, Heyward in RF.
Bryant and Rizzo on the corners.
Castro-Russell-Baez handling the middle infield in some combination.
Coghlan and Denorfia as bench players.

Are you suggesting Soler to CF? I have already seen Coghlan and Baez mentioned there, which is "out there". But Soler to CF?? Have you even seen him try to play RF? He has the physical attributes to be good defensively - speed and arm strength. But thus far, he has shown he has a lot to work on.

CF would be an unmitigated disaster. And I say that as one who realizes how poor it is defended today.

Not moving him to CF.

Moved in a trade, or moved to LF.

We don't know what the catcher position does next year, and we know Ross is not the answer. Anything can happen to Montero, but we have to find out if Schwarber can stick behind the plate. I don't think he can, but they may try him and see.

This would leave LF open.

And yes, personally, I would rather have Jason Heyward in RF than Soler. He has the proven OBP. is young, and a damn good defender and we could use that out there.

I would like to see Soler packaged for something else of need.

I just feel he is going to be a detriment to the team as far as injuries. Nothing for sure, just a gut feeling.