Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[burlingtonbandit]

I'd imagine that most teams don't because they realize that only a small percentage of these prospects will even make it to the states so they want to keep their investment down. I feel like it's similar to what Dirk said in one of his books where the pregame meal spread was a small plate of cold cuts (or was it PB&J)?

 

Shapiro said they were going to change that with the meal options being upgraded (not sure if it was actually done). It blows my mind how though that teams invest so much money into the major league team but feed these guys peanut butter sandwiches before games.

 

With prospects being worth up to $60 Million you would think spending an extra 5 or 10 Million on development is a no brainer. Sadly a lot of the owners don't want to put in $ for this kind of stuff.

[KingKat]

 

With prospects being worth up to $60 Million you would think spending an extra 5 or 10 Million on development is a no brainer. Sadly a lot of the owners don't want to put in $ for this kind of stuff.

 

They give big signing bonuses to the elite guys and those guys don't need to bother with the catered lunches. It's a very tiered work environment.

[burlingtonbandit]

They give big signing bonuses to the elite guys and those guys don't need to bother with the catered lunches. It's a very tiered work environment.

 

Huh? All players eat in the clubhouse before games, Anthony Alford is going to be eating the same thing as the backup catcher. They eat what the clubhouse has.

[KingKat]

Huh? All players eat in the clubhouse before games, Anthony Alford is going to be eating the same thing as the backup catcher. They eat what the clubhouse has.

 

O.K. Well let me phrase that differently. The players with money can eat out more and spend more on groceries, etc. They don't rely on that food as much as the other guys.

[baubau]

Looks like MLB.com has their reports on the top 50 draft picks for 2017: http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017/?list=draft

 

I know a lot can change from now till the draft, but any in-the-know prospect followers have any burning preference on a player?

 

From last year's draft, due to the Jays interest in drafting MLB bloodlines (to a degree) JJ Schwarz a potential pick if he's there? /baubau's crystal ball/

[Daniel Labude]

Looks like MLB.com has their reports on the top 50 draft picks for 2017: http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017/?list=draft

 

I know a lot can change from now till the draft, but any in-the-know prospect followers have any burning preference on a player?

 

From last year's draft, due to the Jays interest in drafting MLB bloodlines (to a degree) JJ Schwarz a potential pick if he's there? /baubau's crystal ball/

 

I want J.J. Schwarz more than any player. More so because he is a Gator, but the potential is higher than most college hitters I believe.

[Boxcar]

If Jordan Adell's stock continues to drop, would love to grab him. A real test for this team's player development.

[P2F]

From Eric Longenhagen's prospect chat earlier today:

 

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[TD=class: chat_desc]Chris : Where does Alford rank as an overall prospect?[/TD]

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[TD=class: chat_time, bgcolor: #CECECE]1:15[/TD]

[TD=class: chat_desc]Eric A Longenhagen: Probably somewhere in the back half of a top 100 based on upside. I like 70 runners with 60 raw power.

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[TD=class: chat_time, bgcolor: #CECECE]12:56[/TD]

[TD=class: chat_desc]I am the Walrus: What’s your take on Tor’s pitchers Reid-Foley and Greene? Potential #2’s or more 3/4’s?

 

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[TD=class: chat_time, bgcolor: #CECECE]12:57[/TD]

[TD=class: chat_desc]Eric A Longenhagen: More of the latter. Greene’s fastball is arguably a 70 but after that there’s little else.

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[Krylian]

Greene the reliever?

[TheHurl]

Greene the reliever?

 

I've been saying this all along. If anything happened to Grilli or Osuna I'd go to Greene first. Of course I have him as busting as a starter though.

[THANOS]

I've been saying this all along. If anything happened to Grilli or Osuna I'd go to Greene first. Of course I have him as busting as a starter though.

 

Agreed. That said, I'm not sure how much his stuff would really play up in the BP. All he really seems to have is a great FB. He's not good at missing bats either.

[burlingtonbandit]

I think Greene could improve a lot this offseason. He's in Dunedin working out with Sanchez, Tulo and a bunch of the other guys under the watch of the high performance team. We saw how much that helped Sanchez's delivery last year.

[THANOS]

I think Greene could improve a lot this offseason. He's in Dunedin working out with Sanchez, Tulo and a bunch of the other guys under the watch of the high performance team. We saw how much that helped Sanchez's delivery last year.

 

That's true. If we get reports about his stuff being more nasty, I'll be stoked.

Edited December 22, 2016 by THANOS

[Brownie19]

I think Greene could improve a lot this offseason. He's in Dunedin working out with Sanchez, Tulo and a bunch of the other guys under the watch of the high performance team. We saw how much that helped Sanchez's delivery last year.

 

25 lbs of muscle baby. Hopefully Greene adds 30 lbs of muscle and rockets up the prospect list!

[burlingtonbandit]

25 lbs of muscle baby. Hopefully Greene adds 30 lbs of muscle and rockets up the prospect list!

 

Its physically impossible to gain that much muscle in that short of a time frame. One of my biggest pet peeves is when so and so gained "x" amount of muscle in the offseason. They put on 15lbs of weight but not all muscle. Media just loves those friggen stories.

[Brownie19]

Its physically impossible to gain that much muscle in that short of a time frame. One of my biggest pet peeves is when so and so gained "x" amount of muscle in the offseason. They put on 15lbs of weight but not all muscle. Media just loves those friggen stories.

 

Well that went way over your head...

[burlingtonbandit]

Well that went way over your head...

 

I knew you were being sarcastic lol, was trying to say in general I hate when I hear that talked about on twitter, radio etc..

[G-Snarls]

New MLB Pipeline poll:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/212680084/andrew-benintendi-alex-reyes-top-prospect-poll/

 

"where general managers and scouting executives were asked to choose the game's top prospects"

 

Top vote getters position players:

 

Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox -- 10

Yoan Moncada, White Sox -- 5

Dansby Swanson, Braves -- 3

Gleyber Torres, Yankees -- 2

 

Top vote getters among pitching prospect?

 

Alex Reyes, Cardinals -- 15

Tyler Glasnow, Pirates -- 3

Lucas Giolito, White Sox -- 1

[G-Snarls]

BBREF says Reyes is 6' 3" 175 lbs but no way that's right

[Pendleton]

BBREF says Reyes is 6' 3" 175 lbs but no way that's right

 

MLB.com has him listed the same but maybe they used BBREF as a source.

[Rusty_Savage]

Fangraphs has him at the same

[G-Snarls]

MLB.com has him listed the same but maybe they used BBREF as a source.

 

His mound mannerisms remind me of CC Sabbathia

[G-Snarls]

Red Sox - best outfield in baseball in 2017??

[Brownie19]

Red Sox - best outfield in baseball in 2017??

 

That's a fairly good bet.

 

 

What are the comp's for Benintendi? Small kid without blazing speed, but one hell of a hit tool. What's this kid going to be? Paul Molitor?

 

(side note - didn't realise Molitor was a massive coke head earlier in his career).

[Pendleton]

That's a fairly good bet.

 

 

What are the comp's for Benintendi? Small kid without blazing speed, but one hell of a hit tool. What's this kid going to be? Paul Molitor?

 

(side note - didn't realise Molitor was a massive coke head earlier in his career).

 

OF (and LH) version of Pedroia?

[Bobthe4th]

Red Sox - best outfield in baseball in 2017??

 

Smoak notwithstanding, I like our infield versus the Sox, but comparing the two outfields makes me shudder.

 

Here's hoping we obtain a decent OF soon.

[P2F]

BBREF says Reyes is 6' 3" 175 lbs but no way that's right

220 seems about right.

[jays4life19]

Someone wanted this and it's too long to PM.

 

 

 

As slogans go, “When it happens” seemed fairly boastful considering the Cubs had not won the World Series since 1908.

 

That slogan was a mantra throughout the organization since Theo Epstein took over as president of baseball operations and brought general manager Jed Hoyer and assistant GM Jason McLeod from the Padres to rejoin him. The trio had helped end Boston’s misery by winning two World Series for the Red Sox and stocking the organization with many of the pieces that won Boston’s 2013 title.

 

By 2013, the Cubs were in the midst of their rebuild—they drafted Kris Bryant second overall that year—but still in tear-down mode in the big leagues. By 2015, most of the pieces were in place and Chicago won 97 times and advanced to the National League Championship Series.

 

In 2016 the roster featured Bryant coming off a Rookie of the Year season, a rotation rebuilt through deft trades (Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks) and expensive free agents (Jon Lester, John Lackey) and another year of experience for Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Addison Russell.

 

The Cubs had built baseball’s best team despite a dreadful season by high-priced free agent right fielder Jason Heyward. They moved to fortify the bullpen with two July trades, including a blockbuster with the Yankees in which they surrendered prospect Gleyber Torres to acquire closer Aroldis Chapman. Chicago won 103 games to run away with the NL Central, then won their first NL pennant since 1945.

 

Then came the World Series. The Cubs rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Indians in seven games, becoming the first team to do so with its final two victories on the road since 1979.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does the BA Organization of the Year do for an encore? The big league core is incredibly young, athletic and dynamic thanks to the growth of rookie catcher Willson Contreras, Baez, Russell and Bryant. Kyle Schwarber returned from a knee injury to show truly elite hitting ability in the World Series.

 

The Cubs cleared room for Schwarber to get at-bats and found a replacement for departing free agent Chapman by trading Jorge Soler after the season for Royals closer Wade Davis.

 

The farm system’s upper levels offer little in the way of help for 2017 other than outfielder Albert Almora and perhaps some back-end pitching help, such as lefthander Rob Zastryzny.

 

The lower levels of the Cubs system have talent, which is evident in the rosters at short-season Eugene, low Class A South Bend and high Class A Myrtle Beach.

 

The Cubs have more intriguing arms at the lower levels and armed themselves in the 2016 draft by taking 27 pitchers among their 38 picks. But the system has the ammunition for more trades if needed this offseason or during the 2017 season to bolster the rotation or bullpen.

 

The new slogan, McLeod says, is “Where it happens,” because the Cubs are positioned to win more than one championship.

 

 

1. Eloy Jimenez, of |

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Born: Nov. 27, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 205. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2013. Signed by: Jose Serra/Carlos Reyes.

 

SCOUTING GRADES

Batting: 60

Power: 70

Speed: 50

Defense: 50

Arm: 45

Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.

 

Background: Jimenez’s father Luis played and coached basketball in the Dominican Republic, so Jimenez grew up around athletes and some degree of fame. He was ready for the spotlight when his baseball career took off as an amateur and he ranked as the top talent in the 2013 international signing class. The Cubs signed both of the top players that year, Jimenez for $2.8 million and Venezuelan shortstop Gleyber Torres for $1.7 million. They have grown into exactly what the Cubs thought they were getting, with Torres the savvier, steadier middle infielder and Jimenez the high-risk, high-upside corner bat. While Torres was traded to the Yankees in the Aroldis Chapman deal in July 2016, Jimenez emerged as the Cubs’ top prospect with a breakout season at low Class A South Bend. He led the Midwest League in doubles (40) and slugging (.532) while ranking third in batting (.329). He also played in the Futures Game, where he homered and made a highlight-reel over-the-fence catch in foul ground down the right-field line.

 

Scouting Report: Jimenez was signed for his bat and his body—one club official admiringly called him “a physical animal”—and has started to deliver. His body evokes comparisons with former Cub Jorge Soler and Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, but he’s more than a power-first hitter. Some scouts rate Jimenez’s pure hitting ability on par with his power, or put 60 grades on his hitting and 70 on his power (on the 20-80 scouting scale). While his walk rate is modest, Jimenez improved his strike-zone judgment in 2016 by seeing more pitches per at-bat, identifying spin more and applying the Cubs’ selective-aggressive mantra. When he turned it loose, he barreled balls and made plenty of hard contact. He added a knee tuck and a bit of a hand pump to his swing, getting less rotational and on time more often, and it aided his ability to drive the ball to right-center field. Some scouts see long levers and a long swing, which could be exploited more by advanced pitchers. But others believe he has the aptitude to adjust quickly and laud his hitting intelligence. Jimenez’s other tools grade out as average. He’s an average runner but limited to a corner, and he mostly played left field in 2016. His weakest tool is his fringy arm. His throws lack carry, though he has become more accurate. He had only one outfield assist in 2016 and has five in his career. He has a chance for an average arm, though, if he dedicates himself to a throwing program. The Cubs are working to keep him lean and athletic physically so he doesn’t get too big. Some scouts question Jimenez’s ultimate level of athleticism, as he’s not graceful, but the Cubs believe he is still growing into his body and will gain body control with natural physical maturity and added strength.

 

The Future: While the Cubs don’t need Jimenez soon, he may force their hand if his bat continues to progress. He has polish to add against lefthanded pitchers, who handled him with a steady diet of offspeed stuff, and to his defense to be more than just a left fielder. He likely will take one step at a time, reporting to high Class A Myrtle Beach for 2017, with a big league ETA of 2019.

 

2016 Club AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

South Bend (LoA) .329 .369 .532 432 65 142 40 3 14 81 25 94 8

 

 

 

 

2. Ian Happ, 2b/of |

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Born: Aug. 12, 1994. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Cincinnati, 2015 (1st round). Signed by: Daniel Carte.

 

Background: Happ prepped at Pittsburgh’s Mt. Lebanon High, which also produced big leaguers Don Kelly and Josh Wilson. His college career at Cincinnati featured a star turn in the Cape Cod League in 2014 and the American Athletic Conference player of the year award in 2015. He signed for $3 million as the ninth overall pick in 2015 and finished his first full season in Double-A. He ended his 2016 with a 4-for-4, two-homer day in the Arizona Fall League championship.

 

Scouting Report: Happ combines power and speed offensively. He’s an above-average runner and solid basestealer who draws walks and could fit at the top of a lineup. He has present strength and plus bat speed with above-average power from both sides of the plate that plays more with line drives to the gaps for now. Happ goes deep in counts, doesn’t shorten up with two strikes and has a track record of striking out a lot. The Cubs gave him plenty of reps at second base, where scouts see stiff actions, rigid hands and below-average overall defense. His solid-average arm plays in all three outfield spots, which he also played in 2016.

 

The Future: Happ hasn’t mastered a position yet, mostly because he’s not truly average at one. He should hit enough to earn an everyday lineup spot eventually.

 

2016 Club AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Tennessee (AA) .262 .318 .415 248 35 65 14 0 8 31 20 60 6

Myrtle Beach (HiA) .296 .410 .475 240 37 71 16 3 7 42 48 69 10

 

 

3. Albert Almora, of

 

Born: April 16, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS—Hialeah Gardens, Fla., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: John Koronka/Laz Llanos.

 

Background: The sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft, Almora has starred for numerous U.S. national teams as an amateur and professional. He had his best pro season in 2016 when he stayed healthy (he played a career-high 127 games) and earned his first big league callup in June. He made the Cubs’ postseason roster, and while he went 0-for-10 at the plate, he scored the go-ahead run in Game Seven of the World Series.

 

Scouting Report: Scouts long have loved Almora’s baseball instincts and his defense. While he’s a below-average runner out of the batter’s box, he’s a smart baserunner and has 70 range in center field on the 20-80 scouting scale thanks to his ability to read hitters’ swings, position himself and get tremendous jumps. He’s a potential Gold Glover in center field with a plus arm that plays in any spot. Almora had his best offensive season in 2016 because he used the whole field and got away from his pull-oriented approach. His over-aggressiveness at the plate tends to short-circuit his solid-average power.

 

The Future: With Dexter Fowler leaving Chicago, center field is up for grabs. Almora figures to contend with free agent import Jon Jay and holdover Jason Heyward for the everyday job in 2017 but should at least earn at-bats as a fourth outfielder.

 

2016 Club AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Iowa (AAA) .303 .317 .416 320 46 97 18 3 4 43 9 44 10

Chicago (NL) .277 .308 .455 112 14 31 9 1 3 14 5 20 0

 

 

4. Dylan Cease, rhp |

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Born: Dec. 28, 1995. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS—Milton, Ga., 2014 (6th round). Signed by: Keith Lockhart.

 

Background: An Under Armour All-American in 2013, Cease already has pitched in Wrigley Field, where the event is held. He also already has had Tommy John surgery, which he had as a high school senior after hitting 98 mph that spring. The Cubs signed him for $1.5 million anyway and have handled him carefully, but they were eager to see him in short-season Eugene and he delivered, ranking fourth in the Northwest League in strikeouts (66).

 

Scouting Report: Cease fires the best fastball in the Cubs system, with reports of him hitting 103 mph in extended spring training while sitting 93-98 in the NWL. His arm is loose and he has quick hands, which also allow him to throw a power curveball that improved as the year went on. While his fastball earns 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale, Cease’s average curve has plus future potential if not better. The Cubs slowly have introduced a changeup to his repertoire, and while it’s a fringy pitch at this time, it’s serviceable when he’s locating his fastball. Hitters’ best chance for now is to work walks off Cease, because his fastball command lags behind the pitch’s velocity and life.

 

The Future: Cease has the athleticism to tame his wild ways and remain a starter. Many scouts see his raw arm strength and power breaking ball and see a closer in the Craig Kimbrel mold. He’s headed for his first full-season assignment at low Class A South Bend.

 

2016 Club W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

Eugene (SS) 2 0 2.22 12 12 0 0 45 27 1 25 66 .175

 

 

5. Oscar de la Cruz, rhp

 

Born: March 4, 1995. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 200. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012. Signed by: Jose Serra/Marino Encarnacion.

 

Background: A big-bodied infielder as an amateur, de la Cruz shifted to the mound and signed for $85,000 as a 17-year-old. It took him two years to get to the U.S. thanks to his lack of pitching experience, but he took off in 2015 at short-season Eugene. His progress was stalled in 2016 by a bout of forearm tenderness, and he didn’t pitch in games until July. However, he finished with a flourish at low Class A South Bend, including a six-inning start in the Midwest League playoff opener.

 

Scouting Report: The combination of size, stuff and ceiling makes de la Cruz exciting even though he hasn’t pitched a full season yet. He uses his size and extension in his delivery to drive his fastball downhill with above-average velocity and life. He pitches with angle at 92-94 mph at his best and touches 97, though he frequently sat 89-92 in 2016 due to his lack of consistent activity. Both of de la Cruz’s secondary pitches, a hard curveball and a developing changeup, earn future plus grades, with the curve the better present pitch. He can throw his power breaking ball for strikes, and he has improved the arm speed on his changeup.

 

The Future: De la Cruz has yet to pitch more than 75 innings in a season, but he threw in instructional league and is slated to advance to high Class A Myrtle Beach in 2017.

 

2016 Club W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

South Bend (LoA) 1 2 3.25 6 6 0 0 28 22 0 8 35 .218

Eugene (SS) 0 0 1.08 2 2 0 0 8 5 1 2 14 .167

 

 

6. Mark Zagunis, of |

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Born: Feb. 5, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Virginia Tech, 2014 (3rd round). Signed by: Billy Swope.

 

Background: Zagunis played catcher and outfield at Virginia Tech and focused on catching as a junior, when the Cubs drafted him with their third selection. After catching in his pro debut, he shifted to an outfield-only role and reached Triple-A Iowa in 2016. His season ended early when a pitch hit him on the foot, breaking his big toe and ending his season in late July.

 

Scouting Report: Cubs officials have compared Zagunis’ strike-zone judgment with Kevin Youkilis. While he still drew walks in 2016, he also became more aggressive on pitches in the zone. His ability to identify pitches early out of the pitcher’s hand allows him to lay off tough pitches and attack mistakes more confidently. He has average bat speed but good strength in his hands and wrists, giving him solid-average power potential. He’s still learning to stay on time and pull the ball in the air, which would produce more homers. An average runner with an above-average arm, Zagunis still needs reps to be an asset defensively.

 

The Future: The Cubs’ big league outfield remains crowded even after the trade of Jorge Soler, meaning Zagunis is ticketed for a full year at Triple-A. Scouts are split on his potential to become a first-division corner regular.

 

2016 Club AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Tennessee (AA) .302 .408 .453 179 30 54 13 1 4 24 30 36 1

Iowa (AAA) .274 .360 .468 179 31 49 12 4 6 25 22 42 4

 

 

7. Jeimer Candelario, 3b |

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Born: Nov. 24, 1993. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 210. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2010. Signed by: Jose Serra/Marino Encarnacion.

 

Background: In his sixth pro season, Candelario made a strong impression in big league camp during 2016 spring training, then struggled to open the season in Double-A. He still was promoted to the big leagues July 3 to replace the injured Chris Coghlan on the roster. He got his first (and so far only) hit off Noah Syndergaard, then crushed Triple-A Pacific Coast League pitchers after he was demoted five days after his promotion.

 

Scouting Report: A switch-hitter who controls the strike zone, Candelario has impressed scouts for years with a solid swing from both sides of the plate. He set a career high with 72 walks overall in 2016 and has the strength and plate discipline to get to his average raw power. He’s at his best when using the whole field and not trying to pull the ball. Candelario’s pre-pitch anticipation and consistency on the routine play have improved at third base, where he’s a solid-average defender despite modest range. His above-average arm has become more accurate as he’s cleaned up his footwork. He’s a below-average runner.

 

The Future: Candelario doesn’t run well enough to try the outfield but added some first-base experience in 2016. His only path to playing time in Chicago is as an infield extra.

 

2016 Club AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Tennessee (AA) .219 .324 .367 210 30 46 17 1 4 23 32 46 0

Chicago (NL) .091 .286 .091 11 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 5 0

Iowa (AAA) .333 .417 .542 264 44 88 22 3 9 54 38 53 0

 

 

8. Trevor Clifton, rhp

 

Born: May 11, 1995. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 170. Drafted: HS—Maryville, Tenn., 2013 (12th round). Signed by: Keith Rymon.

 

Background: Four of the first 36 players drafted in 2016 were members of the state of Tennessee’s prep class of 2013. Clifton was one of just two preps to turn pro out of the Volunteer State that year, signing for $375,000. He had his breakout in 2016, earning high Class A Carolina League pitcher of the year honors while leading Myrtle Beach to the league title. He led the league in ERA (2.72), WHIP (1.16) and opponent average (.225).

 

Scouting Report: With a body that evokes comparisons with Cubs righty reliever Justin Grimm, Clifton has filled out physically. Club officials put him closer to 6-foot-4, 220 pounds than his listed weight. With the added strength has come more consistent velocity, with an above-average fastball that ranges from 90-95 mph. While he throws both a slider and a curveball, Clifton’s solid-average curve is the better pitch, with shape and depth at its best. When his arm slot floats, though, his breaking balls do as well. He has a solid-average to above-average changeup and shackled lefthanded batters (.205/.280/.268) in 2016. He still needs to add polish, such as improving defensively and quickening his time to the plate.

 

The Future: Clifton is the best bet the Cubs have for a homegrown rotation piece, though he’s likely no more than a No. 4 starter. He heads for Double-A Tennessee, less than an hour from his hometown, in 2017.

 

2016 Club W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

Myrtle Beach (HiA) 7 7 2.72 23 23 0 0 119 97 4 41 129 .225

 

 

9. D.J. Wilson, of

 

Born: Oct. 8, 1996. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 5-8. Wt.: 177. Drafted: HS—Canton, Ohio, 2015 (4th round). Signed by: Daniel Carte.

 

Background: Signed away from a Vanderbilt commitment for $1.3 million, Wilson wowed Cubs officials with his workout before the draft and in his pro debut in 2015 between the Rookie-level Arizona League and instructional league. He got off to a slow start at short-season Eugene in 2016 before making significant progress in the second half, helping the Emeralds win the Northwest League title.

 

Scouting Report: One of the organization’s top athletes, Wilson packs power-speed swagger in a smallish frame that evokes Adam Eaton. He’s a dynamic player with bat speed who made adjustments during the season by flattening out what had been a steep bat path. Wilson failed, came to his coaches, took their advice and applied it, lashing line drives to dig out of a 12-for-76 (.158) start. Learning to hit lefthanders (10-for-57, one extra-base hit) will take reps. He has the juice to earn pitchers’ respect, though his power will play more to the gaps than over the fence. Defensively, Wilson shines with surprisingly good instincts for a former prep football star, plus speed to run balls down in the gaps and a plus arm.

 

The Future: Wilson’s aptitude and tools make him a likely future regular, and if he learns to control the strike zone better he could fit the leadoff-hitting center fielder profile. He heads for low Class A South Bend in 2017.

 

2016 Club AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Eugene (SS) .257 .320 .371 245 37 63 15 2 3 29 20 56 21

 

 

10. Jose Albertos, rhp

 

Born: Nov. 7, 1998. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 190. Signed: Mexico, 2015. Signed by: Segio Hernandez/Louie Eljaua.

 

Background: The Cubs have actively and aggressively scouted Mexico in recent years, with Albertos receiving the largest bonus among a group of signees that includes shortstop Isaac Paredes. He officially signed for $1.5 million as part of a package of players the Cubs signed from Tijuana of the Mexican League. He made his pro debut in June 2016 with four electric innings, wowing club officials, but he missed the rest of the season with tightness in his forearm.

 

Scouting Report: Albertos was well-regarded as a prospect as an amateur, but his extended spring training performance had the Cubs excited. His fastball, generally in the 92-94 mph range earlier, jumped to 94-96 and touched 98 for the duration of his debut start. Moreover, he’s shown signs of true fastball command when healthy, throwing strikes with his heater to both sides of the plate. Albertos’ changeup flashes well above-average, overmatching Rookie-level hitters and projecting as a potential 70-grade pitch on the 20-80 scouting scale. His breaking ball was considered ahead of his changeup before he signed, and he’s shown the ability to spin a slider.

The Future: The Cubs handled Albertos extremely carefully all summer and fall, hoping he can gain strength to handle his extreme arm speed and fastball velocity. He’s set for extended spring training and either a repeat of the AZL or potentially short-season Eugene.

 

Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2017-chicago-cubs-top-10-prospects/#qva4DobkCTQgpcVL.99

[jays4life19]

Just noticed Dawel Lugo (The prospect we traded for f***ing Cliff Penninton) lol is now ranked Arizona's #2 prospect. That's a little depressing.

 

 

2. Dawel Lugo, 3b |

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/bba_video_icon_red.png

bba_video_icon_red

 

Born: Dec. 31, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011. Signed by: Marco Paddy/Hilario Soriano (Blue Jays).

 

Background: Originally signed by the Blue Jays in 2011 for $1.3 million, Lugo was acquired by the Diamondbacks in August 2015 for veteran infielder Cliff Pennington. Lugo dropped 15 pounds at the beginning of 2016, and his better conditioning helped him become a more explosive in all facets of his game. He did everything well at high Class A Visalia and Double-A Mobile before finishing the 2016 season in the Arizona Fall League.

 

Scouting Report: In addition to changes to his physique, Lugo also became more disciplined at the plate by significantly improving his strikeout rate from 17.5 percent in 2015 to 11 percent in 2016. A potentially average hitter with quick hands, Lugo shows excellent hand-eye coordination and has above-average power with strong wrists. Defensively, Lugo came up as a shortstop but has moved to third base, where he has good hands and a plus arm. He improved his times to first base after losing weight but is no more than a fringe-average runner.

 

The Future: Lugo has to show he can continue his all-around improvement to become an everyday third baseman down the road. He will return to Double-A to begin 2017 and has a good chance to reach Triple-A Reno during the summer.

 

Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2017-arizona-diamondbacks-top-10-prospects/#yowXgYH2kHcbqWPm.99

[Spanky99]

Just noticed Dawel Lugo (The prospect we traded for f***ing Cliff Penninton) lol is now ranked Arizona's #2 prospect. That's a little depressing.

 

 

2. Dawel Lugo, 3b |

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/bba_video_icon_red.png

bba_video_icon_red

 

Born: Dec. 31, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011. Signed by: Marco Paddy/Hilario Soriano (Blue Jays).

 

Background: Originally signed by the Blue Jays in 2011 for $1.3 million, Lugo was acquired by the Diamondbacks in August 2015 for veteran infielder Cliff Pennington. Lugo dropped 15 pounds at the beginning of 2016, and his better conditioning helped him become a more explosive in all facets of his game. He did everything well at high Class A Visalia and Double-A Mobile before finishing the 2016 season in the Arizona Fall League.

 

Scouting Report: In addition to changes to his physique, Lugo also became more disciplined at the plate by significantly improving his strikeout rate from 17.5 percent in 2015 to 11 percent in 2016. A potentially average hitter with quick hands, Lugo shows excellent hand-eye coordination and has above-average power with strong wrists. Defensively, Lugo came up as a shortstop but has moved to third base, where he has good hands and a plus arm. He improved his times to first base after losing weight but is no more than a fringe-average runner.

 

The Future: Lugo has to show he can continue his all-around improvement to become an everyday third baseman down the road. He will return to Double-A to begin 2017 and has a good chance to reach Triple-A Reno during the summer.

 

Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2017-arizona-diamondbacks-top-10-prospects/#yowXgYH2kHcbqWPm.99

 

Ryan Schimpf, too.