The beginning of the.....The beginning

[chibears55]

Everyone getting nervous about where this kid is gonna play.
Its game 2 of his career and none of the others are even being talked about when theyll arrive.
Everything will work itself out, just enjoy the kid play
Big 4 hit game and was main offensive threat today being involved in 5 of 6 runs with 3 rbi and 2 runs scored including game winner

 

[beckdawg]

Everyone getting nervous about where this kid is gonna play.
Its game 2 of his career and none of the others are even being talked about when theyll arrive.
Everything will work itself out, just enjoy the kid play
Big 4 hit game and was main offensive threat today being involved in 5 of 6 runs with 3 rbi and 2 runs scored including game winner

My biggest thing was always the super-utility idea. Today clearly shows the potential. I think he needs to start some where daily and stay at that position. After that it just comes down to whether or not he can defensively handle CF. If he can then it's a fine concept. I'm not sure he can but if he does believe me I'll be the first on the bandwagon because CF is WAY more valuable than 2B with his sort of offensive production.

 

[JZsportsfan]

For the time being I think Alcantara should be starting every day at CF

 

[beckdawg]

Not sure what you guys are talking about... I saw the kid make several fantastic defensive plays at 2nd yesterday, and today, the kid is 2-3 w/ 3 rbi's and he just scored the tying run. He looks quick on the bases as well.

This kid looks fine to me defensively at 2nd. He looks like a legit leadoff guy to me as well. This is a sign to come, imo, the Cubs are gonna sport a pretty fuckin good infield here real soon.

He's got really decent speed(30+ SB potential). However, I think with his power you probably want him in the #2 hole ideally. Additionally, he hits a ridiculous amount of doubles/triples so if you put someone with a really high on base in front of him that's going to be a great combo.

 

[dabears253313]

With Barney coming back, the Cubs should keep Alcantara on the roster and play him in the outfield and play Valbuena at third base. Alcantara is supposed to be the future, not Coghlan, Ruggiano or Schierholtz. Maybe they'll trade those guys soon. Now is the time, not only because they have prospects coming up but because Coghlan and Ruggiano have had some good numbers lately.

 

[chibears55]

My biggest thing was always the super-utility idea. Today clearly shows the potential. I think he needs to start some where daily and stay at that position. After that it just comes down to whether or not he can defensively handle CF. If he can then it's a fine concept. I'm not sure he can but if he does believe me I'll be the first on the bandwagon because CF is WAY more valuable than 2B with his sort of offensive production.

I hear ya..barring trade..
I think they ride barney at 2B for rest of year, especially now since he been hitting better.

Which means unless they seriously send him back down
Their going to play him in CF everyday


Just heard Rizzo made all star team unofficially

 

[Bear Pride]

He's got really decent speed(30+ SB potential). However, I think with his power you probably want him in the #2 hole ideally. Additionally, he hits a ridiculous amount of doubles/triples so if you put someone with a really high on base in front of him that's going to be a great combo.

Yeah, they were saying 20+ doubles, 10+ trips and dingers, and like 20-30 SB's I think. I loved the way he ran the bases today. I'll take the 2 spot no problem, but he looks like the first real leadoff prospect I've seen come up in a while.

 

[dabynsky]

I like Arismendy Alcantara. I really do and I want him to get full time at bats. I am just not sure that is best at the top of the order. If his walk rate is what it was in AA than sure he would be the complete package, but guessing that is probably not since that was the only point in his career he was able to do that. I am guessing he settles in as a 270/320 type hitter which would look a lot better in the lower part of an absolutely stacked lineup.

 

[Bear Pride]

I like Arismendy Alcantara. I really do and I want him to get full time at bats. I am just not sure that is best at the top of the order. If his walk rate is what it was in AA than sure he would be the complete package, but guessing that is probably not since that was the only point in his career he was able to do that. I am guessing he settles in as a 270/320 type hitter which would look a lot better in the lower part of an absolutely stacked lineup.

We'll see, it's just exciting to see some youth we've been hearing about. I haven't seen much of ACan and I like what I see. Although I'd Love that stacked lineup you speak of, I think his wheels belong higher in the lineup. I see him with a lot of runs scored, imo. I'd rather him be on base when the bombers come up.

 

[beckdawg]

I like Arismendy Alcantara. I really do and I want him to get full time at bats. I am just not sure that is best at the top of the order. If his walk rate is what it was in AA than sure he would be the complete package, but guessing that is probably not since that was the only point in his career he was able to do that. I am guessing he settles in as a 270/320 type hitter which would look a lot better in the lower part of an absolutely stacked lineup.

His walk rate is fine in my opinion. Last year he finished 10%+. He started off really slow there but since mid-may he's been around 9%. Like I said, I wouldn't bat him lead off just because I think he gives you more out of the two hole. But, I'd wager he's more than a .320 OBP type. I'd guess more in the .340-.350 range.

 

[SilenceS]

He had a great first half at AA last year and really started k'ing and not walking in the second half. He goes through stretches


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[Bear Pride]

His walk rate is fine in my opinion. Last year he finished 10%+. He started off really slow there but since mid-may he's been around 9%. Like I said, I wouldn't bat him lead off just because I think he gives you more out of the two hole. But, I'd wager he's more than a .320 OBP type. I'd guess more in the .340-.350 range.

If you put him at 2, he will have to hit the ball cuz the Cubs will eventually have a middle lineup that Pitchers will not want to pitch to, imo. They will pitch to him to avoid the meat of the order.

At leadoff, he'll be able to work the count a little better, cuz pitchers might not go right at him. All depends on what he does best and the guys behind him. Just very interesting to see his skills cause this debate. I Love it!

 

[chibears55]

Until they add a better suited leadoff hitter he it right now..

 

[beckdawg]

If you put him at 2, he will have to hit the ball cuz the Cubs will eventually have a middle lineup that Pitchers will not want to pitch to, imo. They will pitch to him to avoid the meat of the order.

At leadoff, he'll be able to work the count a little better, cuz pitchers might not go right at him. All depends on what he does best and the guys behind him. Just very interesting to see his skills cause this debate. I Love it!

Keep in mind I'm probably higher on Alcantara than some here. I honestly think he's got super-star potential. Others are more lukewarm on him but he's got 20/25+ potential and of the players who did that last year, all but one of them were in the MVP voting. Trout and McCutchen were the two big ones. Kipnis and Gomez were lessor ones. Alex Rios was the only one not in MVP voting. Might have been one other guy I forget but that gives you an idea what he could be if he gets there. I just love his potential and IMO it's not a total stretch to include him in the talk of Baez/Russell/Bryant. Baseball Prospectus put him at 18 in their midseason top 50. I think he flew under the radar because there was talk of the big three(Baez, Almora, Soler), and then the big four(Bryant) and then all the hype from trading for guys like Edwards and so on. Over the past 2.5 years though he's basically been a 15/25 guy and you'd expect his power to grow as his grows into his body. Some have thrown out Jose Reyes comparisons.

 

[Bear Pride]

Keep in mind I'm probably higher on Alcantara than some here. I honestly think he's got super-star potential. Others are more lukewarm on him but he's got 20/25+ potential and of the players who did that last year, all but one of them were in the MVP voting. Trout and McCutchen were the two big ones. Kipnis and Gomez were lessor ones. Alex Rios was the only one not in MVP voting. Might have been one other guy I forget but that gives you an idea what he could be if he gets there. I just love his potential and IMO it's not a total stretch to include him in the talk of Baez/Russell/Bryant. Baseball Prospectus put him at 18 in their midseason top 50. I think he flew under the radar because there was talk of the big three(Baez, Almora, Soler), and then the big four(Bryant) and then all the hype from trading for guys like Edwards and so on. Over the past 2.5 years though he's basically been a 15/25 guy and you'd expect his power to grow as his grows into his body. Some have thrown out Jose Reyes comparisons.

I can only go by what I see, and the last two days, I like what I see from ACan. To me, Castro is the odd man out. I can see a Baez, Russell, ACan, Rizzo infield as I can maybe see a Bryant, Russell, Baez, Rizzo infield too. I just don't see the Cubs moving two prospects to the OF, especially with Schwarber coming up.

It sure will make a much better off season if we can see these other young guys come up for some this year. It'll give us an idea of where everyone fits.

 

[dabynsky]

He had a great first half at AA last year and really started k'ing and not walking in the second half. He goes through stretches


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It's been up and down, and it has improved as of late. I am just not sure that he can be counted on to rest in that 340-350 range you want a table setter to have. He can still have a ton of value if the OBP is under that mark just not sure I want him at the top of the order if he can't.

 

[theberserkfury]

Wait, so people aren't on board with Lake leading off with his .248 OBP?

 

[chibears55]

Arismendy Alcantara looking at more playing time

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com


Cubs infielder Arismendy Alcantara will remain in the majors for the time being.

The team optioned pitcher Kyle Hendricks to the minors following Thursday's start, meaning Alcantara will get a longer run in the majors. He was expected to receive just two days in the majors while Darwin Barney was on paternity leave. Alcantara went 4 for 5 Thursday, helping his cause.



looks like he safe, by next week after the break they will most likely have another trade made or time to reshuffle roster when they add Hendricks back..

 

[JZsportsfan]

Very happy he is staying, but hopefully we can find a spot for Hendricks the rest of the season. Definitely curious to see what he can become, and he has the most potential out of any of the other pitchers in the Cubs system near the majors at this point.

 

[TL1961]

Being get to locked in on positions. He could play everyday and see time all over the diamond and OF. Its not a bad thing. I dont get why people act like versatility is a bad thing.

Silence, you keep bringing that up. Versatility is not a bad thing. A player not settling into one position is. Maybe "bad thing" is not accurate. But, bottom line, a player moving all around is a lesser player, not a star. Ranked as #18 overall prospect, I am hoping for, and expecting, much much more than a "sub".

I can not understand why you have relegated him to "fill in" status or as you call it "super sub".

I am hoping he is way too good for that, and in two games, I like what I see.

If he plays regularly at one position, and can move to another if a need arises - late inning switch, injury, etc. - that can be very valuable. If you're talking about a one day move here and there - ala Allen Craig, for example. But to picture him at 2nd two days, in CF two days, etc. just doesn't sound good for any player, and especially not a rookie getting acclimated.

I can't think of any player considered an average or above average starter in MLB who plays multiple positions regularly. And we don't need a guy trying to learn two positions defensively. We need a strong D. That is too often our weakest area. We don't need to try to "get by" with a guy moving all around. The kid can be a stud. Let's give him the best possible chance to succeed.