We are now about one third of the way through the minor league season and its time to take a look at some of the performances for the Cubs minor leaguers that have exceeded expectations. These are either players who appear to on their way to a breakout season or who are showing skills they have not shown in the past.
Here are the early surprises to date:
Ryan Flaherty, OF, Tennessee – the 41st overall pick in the 2008 draft, Flaherty’s name should be familiar to many of you who follow Cubs’ prospects. He has had a couple good years in the minors, but nothing spectacular. His best year came in 2009, when he hit .276/.344/.470 with 20 homeruns in class A Peoria. However, this year it appears to all be coming together for Flaherty. He is hitting .317/.389/.599 with 11 homeruns in just 167 AB’s. This is by far the most power he has shown in his young minor league career. A top 10 prospect (by Baseball America) after his 2009 season, he dropped out of the top 10 after 2010. But, if he keeps this up, he could very well push himself into the top 5.
Rebel Ridling, 1B, Tennessee – Ridling has never been highly thought of as a prospect. He was selected in the 25th round in 2008 and has remained unranked by Baseball America, despite a solid year at Peoria in 2008 (.310/.357/.466 with 16 homeruns). However, he too is having a breakout year with AA Tennessee, hitting .329/.395/.544 with 9 homeruns in 158 AB’s. He is a little old for a prospect (25 as of May 22nd), but could still push himself into true prospect status.
Robert Whitenack, P, Tennessee – An 8th round pick in 2009, Whitenack has not posted an ERA below 4.15 in his brief minor league career, until now. So far this year, he has posted a combined 7-0 record with a 1.93 ERA across 2 levels. He was lights out for high A Daytona, with a 1.17 ERA and just 12 base runners allowed in 23 IP and followed that up with a 2.37 ERA in 7 starts at Tennessee. He is not a high strikeout pitcher (only 7 K’s per 9 this year), but keeps the ball on the ground (a career GO/AO ratio over 2.0).
Justin Bour, 1B, Daytona – In just 191 AB’s, Bour has already surpassed his career high in homeruns with 13 (surpassing last year’s 12). Bour is another player who has been under the radar so far in his career, but with a slash line of .330/.390/.623, so far, he should be getting some attention now.
Junior Lake, SS, Daytona – Lake has gotten some attention from Baseball America in the past, ranking as the Cubs’ 29th best prospect prior to the 2010 season and 27th this year, however he has not produced on the field, until now. In 49 games with Daytona, Lake has hit .315/.336/.498. He leads the team with 19 stolen bases, while also smacking 6 home runs. He is not a very patient hitter, as his 49/6 K/BB ratio can attest, but he has the ability to be a 5 tool player.
Austin Kirk, P, Peoria – Kirk, a 3rd round pick in 2009, has had trouble staying healthy, only pitched 64.1 innings last year, but he is making up for lost time this year. In 52.1 IP so far, he has a 2.06 ERA and 45 K’s. He has also allowed only 34 hits and 10 walks. Although he is one of the higher draft picks on this list, he has yet to crack Baseball Ameirca’s Top 30 prospect list for the Cubs. However, that should change after this year.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Could Marlon Byrd's injury open the door for Tony Campana?
After being hit in the face by a Alfredo Aceves pitch on Saturday, leaving him with multiple facial fractures and blurred vision, Marlon Byrd doesn't know when he'll be back, but he hopes to return this season.
His absence leaves a hole in centerfield and early indications are that Reed Johnson is the favorite to start there. However, the are a few factors that could give Tony Campana the edge over Johnson:
His absence leaves a hole in centerfield and early indications are that Reed Johnson is the favorite to start there. However, the are a few factors that could give Tony Campana the edge over Johnson:
- Speed - Campana has the one thing that the Cubs sorely lack. Speed (and lots of it). After stealing 22 bases in 25 games during his minor league debut in 2008. Campana followed that up with 66 steals in 2009 and 48 last year. In addition, he knows how to get on base. He has a career OBP of .359 in the minors and actually improved his OBP over the last 3 years (.336 in 2009, .378 in 2010 and .383 this year before his callup). He could be the prototypical leadoff man the Cubs lack.
- Johnson is right handed, Campana is not - throughout his career, Reed Johnson has hit well against lefthanders, but not so much against righties. He has a career line of .313/.373/.464 against lefties, while hitting a more pedestrian .264/.323/.382 against righties. The fact that Campana hits left handed could give him the lion's share of a platoon with Johnson.
- Mike Quade - in his brief managerial career, Quade has shown that he is not afraid to go with youth over experience (although Quade's fondness for Koyie Hill would say otherwise). Darwin Barney got a lot of playing time at the end of last year and beat out "veteran" Blake DeWitt for the second base job this year. If Campana shows that he can hit in the bigs, he will play.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Minor League Monday: Cubs Draft Preview
The 2011 First Year Player Draft is just two weeks away and Baseball America (premium article) is calling this one of the deepest drafts since 2005, which produced 26 major leaguers in the first 30 picks. Thanks to their poor showing in 2010, the Cubs will have the 9th overall pick in this year's draft. After making a controversial pick last year in Hayden Simpson, I expect the Cubs to secure the best available player this go around.
Who might that be? Well, here's how Baseball America ranks the Top 10 prospects (out of their Top 50 list):
With that said, I think the Cubs will go in one of two directions: (1) They will pick Bubba Starling, a 5-tool CF prospect, or (2) they will take a "safe" college pitcher.
Both Jim Callis of Baseball America and Johnathan Mayo of MLB.com predict that the Cubs will go with Starling, a pick that I'm sure many Cubs' fans would be happy with (including myself). However, as we have seen this year, you can never have too much pitching. Bleacher Report predicts that the Cubs will try to make up for the loss of Chris Archer by selecting Dylan Bundy (rhp, Oswasso HS, OK). Of course, the Cubs could always go against the grain again and select someone like shortstop Francisco Lindor (Monteverde Academy HS, Fla), as Minor League Blog suggests.
With the depth of talent this year, especially in pitching (one GM was quoted as saying they would be talking about pitchers throwing 97-98 mph even in the SECOND round), I think the Cubs should select Bubba Starling first (if someone else doesn't snatch him up before then). In the second round, the Cubs might get lucky and land Matt Purke, a first-round talent who may fall to the second round due to concerns about his shoulder. Purke recently came back from the injury, pitching 3 scoreless innings on May 19th.
A one-two punch of Starling and Purke could make this a highly successful draft for the Cubs and help keep the momentum going for an already improving farm system.
Who might that be? Well, here's how Baseball America ranks the Top 10 prospects (out of their Top 50 list):
- Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
- Gerrit Cole, rhp, UCLA
- Matt Purke, lhp, Texas Christian
- George Springer, of, Connecticut
- Sonny Gray, rhp, Vanderbilt
- Taylor Jungman, rhp, Texas
- Jackie Bradley, of, South Carolina
- Matt Barnes, rhp, Connecticut
- Archie Bradley, rhp, Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS
- Bubba Starling, of, Gardner-Edgerton HS, Gardner, Kansas
With that said, I think the Cubs will go in one of two directions: (1) They will pick Bubba Starling, a 5-tool CF prospect, or (2) they will take a "safe" college pitcher.
Both Jim Callis of Baseball America and Johnathan Mayo of MLB.com predict that the Cubs will go with Starling, a pick that I'm sure many Cubs' fans would be happy with (including myself). However, as we have seen this year, you can never have too much pitching. Bleacher Report predicts that the Cubs will try to make up for the loss of Chris Archer by selecting Dylan Bundy (rhp, Oswasso HS, OK). Of course, the Cubs could always go against the grain again and select someone like shortstop Francisco Lindor (Monteverde Academy HS, Fla), as Minor League Blog suggests.
With the depth of talent this year, especially in pitching (one GM was quoted as saying they would be talking about pitchers throwing 97-98 mph even in the SECOND round), I think the Cubs should select Bubba Starling first (if someone else doesn't snatch him up before then). In the second round, the Cubs might get lucky and land Matt Purke, a first-round talent who may fall to the second round due to concerns about his shoulder. Purke recently came back from the injury, pitching 3 scoreless innings on May 19th.
A one-two punch of Starling and Purke could make this a highly successful draft for the Cubs and help keep the momentum going for an already improving farm system.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Cubs News & Analysis: Tyler Colvin's demotion and Andrew Cashner's setback
In case you haven't been following the Cubs much lately (which is understandable considering their record and the Bulls being in the conference finals), there were a couple big news items to hit the wire in the last few days.
First off, the Cubs demoted Tyler Colvin to AAA Iowa. It was a move that was long over due and that I discussed as a possibility a few weeks ago. Colvin had been banished to the end of the bench by manager Mike Quade and needed some regular playing time to work out of his slump. He will get that at Iowa.
To take his place, the Cubs called up speedster Tony Campana, who I featured in the sleeper prospect update on Monday. I'm excited to see what Campana can do in the bigs. Unfortunately, I don't think he will see a lot of playing time as the 5th outfielder. He will likely be used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement, while getting a start maybe once every couple weeks.
The other big news was Andrew Cashner's setback in his rehab. Cashner re-aggravated the muscle strain in his shoulder and is likely out until after the All-Star break.
The good news is that Randy Wells made his first rehab start for class A Peoria yesterday. He will make another start this weekend and could possibly be activated next week.
The bad news is that the Cubs will have to make due with either Casey Coleman or Doug Davis as their 5th starter for the next two months, at least. For his part, Davis looked pretty good in his Cubs debut on Saturday, giving up only 1 earned run (3 total) in 5 IP. However, Coleman was knocked around by the Cardinals his last time out (May 12th) and will have only one or two more starts to make his case to stay in the rotation before Wells returns.
In either case, the Cubs probably do not feel very confident in their 5th starter spot and are probably hoping that one of their top prospects (Jay Jackson, Trey McNutt or Rafael Dolis) shows that he is ready for the 5th spot.
First off, the Cubs demoted Tyler Colvin to AAA Iowa. It was a move that was long over due and that I discussed as a possibility a few weeks ago. Colvin had been banished to the end of the bench by manager Mike Quade and needed some regular playing time to work out of his slump. He will get that at Iowa.
To take his place, the Cubs called up speedster Tony Campana, who I featured in the sleeper prospect update on Monday. I'm excited to see what Campana can do in the bigs. Unfortunately, I don't think he will see a lot of playing time as the 5th outfielder. He will likely be used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement, while getting a start maybe once every couple weeks.
The other big news was Andrew Cashner's setback in his rehab. Cashner re-aggravated the muscle strain in his shoulder and is likely out until after the All-Star break.
The good news is that Randy Wells made his first rehab start for class A Peoria yesterday. He will make another start this weekend and could possibly be activated next week.
The bad news is that the Cubs will have to make due with either Casey Coleman or Doug Davis as their 5th starter for the next two months, at least. For his part, Davis looked pretty good in his Cubs debut on Saturday, giving up only 1 earned run (3 total) in 5 IP. However, Coleman was knocked around by the Cardinals his last time out (May 12th) and will have only one or two more starts to make his case to stay in the rotation before Wells returns.
In either case, the Cubs probably do not feel very confident in their 5th starter spot and are probably hoping that one of their top prospects (Jay Jackson, Trey McNutt or Rafael Dolis) shows that he is ready for the 5th spot.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Minor League Monday: Update on Cubs sleeper prospects
Back on Valentine's Day, I put together a list of 5 prospects that I thought had a chance to have a breakout season this year.
Here's a look at how they have performed so far:
Jae-Hoon Ha - after hitting .317/.334/.468 in 2010, Ha has continued to swing a hot bat so far this year with a .311/.344/.523 line and was just recently was promoted to AA Tennessee. While he still has not shown a lot of patience at the plate (only 7 walks in 151 AB's), he has already shown more power this year (6 HR's vs. 7 in 293 AB's last year). He was ranked only 28th on the Cubs Top 30 Prospect List by Baseball America, but if he keeps this up, he will surely move up the charts.
Jeff Beliveau - another player who recently earned a promotion to Tennessee, Beliveau appears to be getting better as he progresses. So far this year, he has posted a 0.81 ERA with a 30/9 K/BB ratio in 22.1 IP. Walks have been an issue for Beliveau in the past (career 4.7 BB/9), thus its good to see that ratio decreasing. The lefty could be a cheap replacement for John Grabow in 2012.
Dae-Eun Rhee - coming off of Tommy John surgery that cost him most of the 2009 season, Rhee struggled in 2010. However, he is starting to show signs of regaining his form this year. He has a 3.75 ERA with 11 K's in 11 IP. What's concerning is the 9 walks he has given up. If he can harness his stuff, he could be a good one.
Tony Campana - my pick to be the next Brandon Guyer, Campana does not have as much pop as Guyer, but he can hit (.342/.383.442 at AAA Iowa) and has more pure speed (8 SB's, while only being caught once). One of the few players that I'm actually taller than (he's listed at 5'8"), Campana may never be more that a 4th or 5th outfielder. But with speed and the ability to hit for average, his upside could be that of Juan Pierre or Scott Podsednik.
Charles Thomas - drafted as an infielder, Thomas is being converted to a reliever to take advantage of his strong arm. He is expected to start the season in short-season ball.
Overall, Jae-Hoon Ha, Jeff Beliveau and Tony Campana appear to be well on their way to breakout seasons. Dae-Eun Rhee has had mixed success so far and Thomas' season has yet to get started.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season.
Here's a look at how they have performed so far:
Jae-Hoon Ha - after hitting .317/.334/.468 in 2010, Ha has continued to swing a hot bat so far this year with a .311/.344/.523 line and was just recently was promoted to AA Tennessee. While he still has not shown a lot of patience at the plate (only 7 walks in 151 AB's), he has already shown more power this year (6 HR's vs. 7 in 293 AB's last year). He was ranked only 28th on the Cubs Top 30 Prospect List by Baseball America, but if he keeps this up, he will surely move up the charts.
Jeff Beliveau - another player who recently earned a promotion to Tennessee, Beliveau appears to be getting better as he progresses. So far this year, he has posted a 0.81 ERA with a 30/9 K/BB ratio in 22.1 IP. Walks have been an issue for Beliveau in the past (career 4.7 BB/9), thus its good to see that ratio decreasing. The lefty could be a cheap replacement for John Grabow in 2012.
Dae-Eun Rhee - coming off of Tommy John surgery that cost him most of the 2009 season, Rhee struggled in 2010. However, he is starting to show signs of regaining his form this year. He has a 3.75 ERA with 11 K's in 11 IP. What's concerning is the 9 walks he has given up. If he can harness his stuff, he could be a good one.
Tony Campana - my pick to be the next Brandon Guyer, Campana does not have as much pop as Guyer, but he can hit (.342/.383.442 at AAA Iowa) and has more pure speed (8 SB's, while only being caught once). One of the few players that I'm actually taller than (he's listed at 5'8"), Campana may never be more that a 4th or 5th outfielder. But with speed and the ability to hit for average, his upside could be that of Juan Pierre or Scott Podsednik.
Charles Thomas - drafted as an infielder, Thomas is being converted to a reliever to take advantage of his strong arm. He is expected to start the season in short-season ball.
Overall, Jae-Hoon Ha, Jeff Beliveau and Tony Campana appear to be well on their way to breakout seasons. Dae-Eun Rhee has had mixed success so far and Thomas' season has yet to get started.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Time for Ryan Theriot to face the (chin) music
Its hard to believe that just a couple of years ago Ryan Theriot was a fan favorite. Coming off a 2008 season in which he hit .307/.387/.359 to help spark the league's best offense, "The Riot" shirts were everywhere.
However, with an ever shrinking OBP and a rising star, Starlin Castro, waiting in the wings, the Cubs traded him to the Dodgers last year.
A free agent after last season, Theriot ended up signing with the rival Cardinals and had some choice words for his former club, saying that he was "finally on the right side" of the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry and that it was good to be with an organization that values championships instead of them being an "afterthought".
This prompted Cubs catcher Koyie Hill to say that "there's probably a decent chance he's going to feel how hard the dirt is around the home-plate batters' box." Carlos Zambrano called Theriot "the enemy".
So, with the Cardinals visiting the friendly confines tomorrow, its only fitting that Zambrano will be on the mound. Its not a question of if Theriot will be thrown at, but when and how often.
Of course, Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa is old school and won't take this sort of thing sitting down, so we should expect some sort of retaliation, but its a small price to pay for putting Theriot in his place.
However, with an ever shrinking OBP and a rising star, Starlin Castro, waiting in the wings, the Cubs traded him to the Dodgers last year.
A free agent after last season, Theriot ended up signing with the rival Cardinals and had some choice words for his former club, saying that he was "finally on the right side" of the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry and that it was good to be with an organization that values championships instead of them being an "afterthought".
This prompted Cubs catcher Koyie Hill to say that "there's probably a decent chance he's going to feel how hard the dirt is around the home-plate batters' box." Carlos Zambrano called Theriot "the enemy".
So, with the Cardinals visiting the friendly confines tomorrow, its only fitting that Zambrano will be on the mound. Its not a question of if Theriot will be thrown at, but when and how often.
Of course, Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa is old school and won't take this sort of thing sitting down, so we should expect some sort of retaliation, but its a small price to pay for putting Theriot in his place.
Minor League Monday: Catching up with the Cubs' Top Prospects
With the minor league season already a little over 1/5th complete, I thought now would be a good time to check in on how the Cubs' Composite Top 10 Prospects are faring:
- Brett Jackson - Although he's cooled off some lately (.257/.409/.429 in his last 10 games), Jackson has still put up some impressive numbers at AA Tennessee. So far he is hitting .301/.425/.524. With 22 walks and 11 stolen bases (in 13 attempts), it looks like we may have finally found the answer to our leadoff questions. Jackson should earn a mid-season promotion. Whether that promotion is to Iowa or Chicago remains to be seen.
- Trey McNutt - After dealing with blister issues after his first minor league start, McNutt has ramped back up over the last few starts. On the season he is 1-2 with a 2.55 ERA in 17.2 IP and sports a 14/5 K/BB ratio. The blister issues may delay his progress slightly, but I still expect to see him reach AAA before August and possibly get a September call up.
- Josh Vitters - In what many consider a make-or-break year for Vitters, he seems to be continuing his struggles from last year. Although he started off the season well, he has hit only .182/.229/.333 in his last 10 games and is hitting only .232/.283/.424 on the season. On the plus side, he continues to make good contact (only 6 K's in 99 AB's). However we have yet to see that good contact rate translate into a higher average.
- Christopher Carpenter - Converted to a reliever this year, Carpenter has struggled a little bit with a 4.50 ERA and 11 walks in 16 IP at Iowa. He will need to cut down on the walks if he hopes to get promoted to the Cubs this year.
- Jay Jackson - Jackson was slowed by an injury and held back in extended spring training to start the season. Upon his return to Iowa he has made two good starts followed by two bad ones, leaving him with a 5.31 ERA in 20.1 IP. At one point he was considered an option for the 5th starter slot for the Cubs, however that ship appears to have sailed. He will have to hope that he can turn things around and earn a September call-up.
- Hayden Simpson - Simpson is still getting his feet wet in his first taste of the minors. He has had mixed results so far, with a 4.15 ERA in 26 IP at class A Peoria. He has a good 21/8 K/BB ratio, but has given up 33 hits, including 4 homeruns. Its likely that he'll spend the entire year at Peoria.
- D.J. LeMahieu - LeMahieu has not posted an average below .300 at any stop in his short minor league career and this year is no exception. He is currently hitting .324/.355/.468 at AA Tennessee and could give the Cubs another middle infield option in the not-to-distant future.
- Rafael Dolis - Dolis had been one of the Cubs better starters in the minors (2.70 ERA in 4 early season starts), but was recently moved to the pen. With the ability to induce groundouts (1.82 GO/AO ratio), as well as strike people out (17 K's in 21.2 IP), he could become an effective reliever in the majors.
- Reggie Golden - Golden has yet to play this year as he is expected to start the year in short-season ball. (Games start in June).
- Matt Szczur - If Brett Jackson doesn't become the Cubs leadoff man of the future, then its because Szczur is better suited for the role. So far this year, Szczur is hitting .309/.389/.362 with a 12/10 K/BB ratio and 9 SB's (in 9 attempts). Szczur is a pure hitter (he hit .443 in his senior year at Villanova) with plus speed. After signing a baseball-only contract in the offseason, Cubs fans can enjoy watching this guy develop over the next few years.
- Jae-Hoon Ha - Ha tied with Szczur for the 10th spot on the Top 10 list and has enjoyed a breakout season so far, hitting .331/.359/.562 with 6 HR's. He leads Daytona with 26 RBI's in 28 games and should earn a promotion to AA Tennessee in short order.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Is it time to let the cameras take over calling balls and strikes?
While watching a live cut-in of the Rays/Jays game last night on the MLB Network, I saw something that really got under my skin.
With B.J. Upton up in the 9th, umpire Chad Fairchild called a pitch that was clearly outside for strike two. Upton took it in stride, as a lot of umpires give pitchers that strike, especially when they are set up over inside shoulder of the catcher. However, on the very next pitch, Fairchild rang Upton up on a pitch that was about 6 inches inside.
Upton, who was understandably upset, had to be restrained by coaches Tom Foley and George Hendrick and likely is facing a fine and/or suspension. However, Rays manager Joe Maddon, who was ejected earlier in the game, had this to say:
Pitch f/x has been around since 2006 and is currently used to grade umpires, but it could just as easily be used to replace umpires for calling balls and strikes. The ATP and WTA professional tennis tours currently use the Cyclops system to help determine whether a serve is in or out. If a serve is out, an audible signal is heard. Surely a similar audible signal can be incorporated with the Pitch f/x systems to call balls and strikes.
To me the benefits of installing such a system far outweigh any negatives (mainly repercussions from the umpire's union).
First of all, umpires are human and can make mistakes. You only need to look back at last year's Armando Gallaraga perfect game that wasn't to realize that umpires make mistakes. Using the Pitch f/x system would eliminate at least some of those mistakes.
Second, umpires are inconsistent. Each umpire seems to have a different strike zone. Whether its knees to belt, knees to armpits, two inches outside or two inches inside, no two umpires are the same. Pitch f/x would bring consistency to the game and call strikes based on what the rules say, not each umpire's interpretation of the rules.
Finally, it would eliminate personal bias. Computers don't hold grudges and will not ring up a player just to piss him off. If you think that umpires are above this, watch a replay of Upton's at bat (or just ask Milton Bradley, who's been claiming that umpires are out to get him for years).
Bud Selig and MLB continue to hide their heads in the sand by not expanding the use of instant replay, so its unlikely that this logical step will come in the near future (or even in our lifetimes). But when the human element continues to take away from our enjoyment of the game, perhaps its time to let the machines take over.
With B.J. Upton up in the 9th, umpire Chad Fairchild called a pitch that was clearly outside for strike two. Upton took it in stride, as a lot of umpires give pitchers that strike, especially when they are set up over inside shoulder of the catcher. However, on the very next pitch, Fairchild rang Upton up on a pitch that was about 6 inches inside.
Upton, who was understandably upset, had to be restrained by coaches Tom Foley and George Hendrick and likely is facing a fine and/or suspension. However, Rays manager Joe Maddon, who was ejected earlier in the game, had this to say:
"I actually had the privilege of watching it on television at that point and those were pretty egregious calls,'' Maddon said. "So I can understand why he was so upset. I really believe that particular at bat should be reviewed by the umpiring higher ups as opposed to being all over B.J. Upton right now.''Which got me thinking. Did Fairchild "miss" the call on purpose? Upton had grumbled about a called strike in a previous at bat. Perhaps this was the umpire exacting his revenge on Upton for "showing him up" before. If so, then Fairchild should be punished just as severely as Upton (if not more so). But it also begs the question, why does MLB continue to allow this stuff to go on, when they have the technology to do something about it?
Pitch f/x has been around since 2006 and is currently used to grade umpires, but it could just as easily be used to replace umpires for calling balls and strikes. The ATP and WTA professional tennis tours currently use the Cyclops system to help determine whether a serve is in or out. If a serve is out, an audible signal is heard. Surely a similar audible signal can be incorporated with the Pitch f/x systems to call balls and strikes.
To me the benefits of installing such a system far outweigh any negatives (mainly repercussions from the umpire's union).
First of all, umpires are human and can make mistakes. You only need to look back at last year's Armando Gallaraga perfect game that wasn't to realize that umpires make mistakes. Using the Pitch f/x system would eliminate at least some of those mistakes.
Second, umpires are inconsistent. Each umpire seems to have a different strike zone. Whether its knees to belt, knees to armpits, two inches outside or two inches inside, no two umpires are the same. Pitch f/x would bring consistency to the game and call strikes based on what the rules say, not each umpire's interpretation of the rules.
Finally, it would eliminate personal bias. Computers don't hold grudges and will not ring up a player just to piss him off. If you think that umpires are above this, watch a replay of Upton's at bat (or just ask Milton Bradley, who's been claiming that umpires are out to get him for years).
Bud Selig and MLB continue to hide their heads in the sand by not expanding the use of instant replay, so its unlikely that this logical step will come in the near future (or even in our lifetimes). But when the human element continues to take away from our enjoyment of the game, perhaps its time to let the machines take over.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
James Russell moving back to pen. Who's got next?
With two off days coming up, Cubs manager Mike Quade has decided to go with a 4 man rotation, moving James Russell back to the pen. The Cubs will not need a 5th starter again until May 14th.
The question is, who will make the start on that date?
Both Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells are progressing well. They both recently threw off a mound and are heading to Arizona to continue their throwing program. However, even though they have not had any setbacks, its unlikely either of them will be ready by May 14. They will both need to make at least 2-3 minor league rehab starts and will likely not be ready until the end of the month, at the earliest.
Todd Wellemeyer, who is recovering from a hip injury suffered in spring training, will make his first minor league rehab start for Iowa tomorrow. He could possibly ramp up in time for the May 14 start. However, pitching every 5th day would put his 3rd start on May 15, so he is unlikely to be the man.
Another option, Doug Davis, is also scheduled to make his first rehab start tomorrow for class A Daytona, which puts him in the same boat as Wellemeyer. So he is probably not an option.
Prospect Jay Jackson has made just 3 starts for AAA Iowa and was roughed up a bit in his last start (4 runs in 4.1 IP). He last started on May 1, so if he makes his next start on May 6, he could be held out of his May 11th start to pitch on the 14th, however the Cubs probably wouldn't want to take him out of his normal routine.
Which brings me to my pick for the guy most likely to make the start on May 14: Ramon Ortiz.
Ortiz, who turns 38 on May 23rd, started tonight for Iowa and held Round Rock to one run over 7 IP, striking out 5. On the season he is 1-1 with a 3.45 ERA and a 26/6 K/BB ratio in 28.2 IP. He has made 3 straight quality starts and is lined up perfectly to make the start on May 14.
Ortiz pitched for the Dodgers last year and posted an ugly 6.30 ERA in 30 IP. If he makes the start, we should not expect miracles, but if he could get us a couple decent starts before the reinforcements are ready, we'll take it.
Of course, Quade could always trot Russell out there again on May 14. But, for sake of the Cubs and their worn out bullpen, I hope he gives Ortiz a shot.
The question is, who will make the start on that date?
Both Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells are progressing well. They both recently threw off a mound and are heading to Arizona to continue their throwing program. However, even though they have not had any setbacks, its unlikely either of them will be ready by May 14. They will both need to make at least 2-3 minor league rehab starts and will likely not be ready until the end of the month, at the earliest.
Todd Wellemeyer, who is recovering from a hip injury suffered in spring training, will make his first minor league rehab start for Iowa tomorrow. He could possibly ramp up in time for the May 14 start. However, pitching every 5th day would put his 3rd start on May 15, so he is unlikely to be the man.
Another option, Doug Davis, is also scheduled to make his first rehab start tomorrow for class A Daytona, which puts him in the same boat as Wellemeyer. So he is probably not an option.
Prospect Jay Jackson has made just 3 starts for AAA Iowa and was roughed up a bit in his last start (4 runs in 4.1 IP). He last started on May 1, so if he makes his next start on May 6, he could be held out of his May 11th start to pitch on the 14th, however the Cubs probably wouldn't want to take him out of his normal routine.
Which brings me to my pick for the guy most likely to make the start on May 14: Ramon Ortiz.
Ortiz, who turns 38 on May 23rd, started tonight for Iowa and held Round Rock to one run over 7 IP, striking out 5. On the season he is 1-1 with a 3.45 ERA and a 26/6 K/BB ratio in 28.2 IP. He has made 3 straight quality starts and is lined up perfectly to make the start on May 14.
Ortiz pitched for the Dodgers last year and posted an ugly 6.30 ERA in 30 IP. If he makes the start, we should not expect miracles, but if he could get us a couple decent starts before the reinforcements are ready, we'll take it.
Of course, Quade could always trot Russell out there again on May 14. But, for sake of the Cubs and their worn out bullpen, I hope he gives Ortiz a shot.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Carlos Pena, Aramis Ramirez and thumb injuries
You would think that the Cubs would know better.
Last year, after battling a slump through all of April, Aramis Ramirez injured his thumb on May 10 and eventually had to go on the disabled list on June 10th. Ramirez suggested that his slump was related to his thumb injury.
Flash forward to this year and you see the same situation developing. Carlos Pena sprained his thumb early in the year and it has been bothering him ever since. To his credit, Pena is trying to "tough it out", but at some point you have to say "what is the best thing to do for the team?"
In 25 games played this year, Pena has hit only .157/.286/.171 in 70 AB's. No one expects him to hit .300, especially after last year when he only hit .196, but everyone expected more power from the big first baseman. To date, Pena has only one extra base hit, a double, which came way back on April 3rd.
If Pena continues to try to play through the injury, it will prolong the healing process. All it takes is one check swing and you are back to square one. However, if he takes a couple weeks off and allows his thumb to properly heal, he can come back and (hopefully) be a productive hitter.
Last year, after battling a slump through all of April, Aramis Ramirez injured his thumb on May 10 and eventually had to go on the disabled list on June 10th. Ramirez suggested that his slump was related to his thumb injury.
Flash forward to this year and you see the same situation developing. Carlos Pena sprained his thumb early in the year and it has been bothering him ever since. To his credit, Pena is trying to "tough it out", but at some point you have to say "what is the best thing to do for the team?"
In 25 games played this year, Pena has hit only .157/.286/.171 in 70 AB's. No one expects him to hit .300, especially after last year when he only hit .196, but everyone expected more power from the big first baseman. To date, Pena has only one extra base hit, a double, which came way back on April 3rd.
If Pena continues to try to play through the injury, it will prolong the healing process. All it takes is one check swing and you are back to square one. However, if he takes a couple weeks off and allows his thumb to properly heal, he can come back and (hopefully) be a productive hitter.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Minor League Monday: Cubs' April minor league player and pitcher of the month
The first month of the minor league season is in the books and all of the Cubs' full-season teams are off to good starts. All teams finished the month with .500 or better records, with Daytona (16-6) and Tennessee (15-8) leading the way.
With all the teams playing well, it made my decision for the minor league player and pitcher of the month all the more difficult, as there were many deserving players. However, after much internal debate, here are my selections for the player and pitcher of the month:
Minor League Player of the Month: Lou Montanez
Montanez (.416/.471/.688) narrowly edged out Rebel Ridling (.403/.463/.681) for the April honors. What set Montanez apart was his 27 rbi's in just 21 April games. While Ridling showed a little more power than Montanez (5 hr's to Montanez' 3), Montanez had a better overall line.
Honorable Mention: Rebel Ridling, Brett Jackson (.317/.424/.537, 8 sb's), Ryan Flaherty (.350/.407/.675, 7 hr's), Jae-Hoon Ha (.370/.385/.598) and Greg Rohan (.357/.409/.583, 21 rbi's).
Minor League Pitcher of the Month: Robert Whitenack
The choice for Minor League Pitcher of the Month was a little easier due to the utter dominance of Robert Whitenack. Starting at High A Daytona, Whitenack posted a 1.17 ERA in 4 starts, including an incredible 25/1 K/BB ratio and just 11 hits in 23 IP. This earned him a late April promotion to AA Tennessee, where he proceeded to throw 6 shutout innings in his first start.
An 8th round pick in 2009, Whitenack is certainly a pitcher to keep an eye on this year.
Honorable Mention: Austin Kirk (2.00 ERA and 18 K's in 18 IP), Rafael Dolis (2.41 ERA and 16 K's in 18.2 IP)
With all the teams playing well, it made my decision for the minor league player and pitcher of the month all the more difficult, as there were many deserving players. However, after much internal debate, here are my selections for the player and pitcher of the month:
Minor League Player of the Month: Lou Montanez
Montanez (.416/.471/.688) narrowly edged out Rebel Ridling (.403/.463/.681) for the April honors. What set Montanez apart was his 27 rbi's in just 21 April games. While Ridling showed a little more power than Montanez (5 hr's to Montanez' 3), Montanez had a better overall line.
Honorable Mention: Rebel Ridling, Brett Jackson (.317/.424/.537, 8 sb's), Ryan Flaherty (.350/.407/.675, 7 hr's), Jae-Hoon Ha (.370/.385/.598) and Greg Rohan (.357/.409/.583, 21 rbi's).
Minor League Pitcher of the Month: Robert Whitenack
The choice for Minor League Pitcher of the Month was a little easier due to the utter dominance of Robert Whitenack. Starting at High A Daytona, Whitenack posted a 1.17 ERA in 4 starts, including an incredible 25/1 K/BB ratio and just 11 hits in 23 IP. This earned him a late April promotion to AA Tennessee, where he proceeded to throw 6 shutout innings in his first start.
An 8th round pick in 2009, Whitenack is certainly a pitcher to keep an eye on this year.
Honorable Mention: Austin Kirk (2.00 ERA and 18 K's in 18 IP), Rafael Dolis (2.41 ERA and 16 K's in 18.2 IP)
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