Cubs Prospect Watch

[Trendy Bastard]

Another player signed today was Dominican RHP Jefferson Mejia

Mejia was 6-foot-7, 190 pounds last year and was sitting in the high-80s fastball at the time, but now he’s listed at 220 pounds (although that might be a light estimate) and his fastball has jumped along with the increase in weight. While he was ineligible to sign, Mejia pitched at the Rays’ Dominican academy in January in the International Prospect League all-star game, where he showed a 90-93 mph fastball, a swing-and-miss changeup along with a solid curveball in the mid-70s. His athleticism also improved along with his strength, which helped him get in better sync with his delivery.


Unlike other July 2 signings, who sign contracts for the the 2014 season, Mejia can begin playing immediately. However, given the problems he had with his MLB investigation last year, there’s no way to guarantee he will be approved in time to pitch this season.

[Trendy Bastard]

The Cubs promoted SS Javier Baez to AA Tenn. This is the first time we've had an impact prospect there since Castro. /facepalm

[Trendy Bastard]

First pitch, what?!

Javy Baez promoted to AA Tennessee, homers on first swing (VIDEO) « Born on Third

[Trendy Bastard]

Kris Bryant has three errors in his professional debut.

[Trendy Bastard]

.261/.326/.570 with 28 HRs, 78 RBIs, 23 2B's

Baez's line so far between A+ and AA

If I had to guess, mid 2014 he'll be up.

[Trendy Bastard]

Bryant promoted to High-A Daytona. Hopefully he gets some at bats and pushes for Tennessee next year.

[Trendy Bastard]

.285/.349/.575, 7.3BB%, 24.9K%, 31 HR 95 RBI

Baez is just absolutely killing the ball. Has me dreaming things I shouldn't.

Of course the K rate isn't pretty, but that'll come with power hitters. I hope he'll continue to improve his discipline.

[Trendy Bastard]

Add 4 hits, 2 HRs, and 4 RBIs to that

[DMBZeppelin]

Baseball America: 2014 Chicago Cubs

	Top 10 Prospects
1. Javier Baez	SS
2. Kris Bryant	3B
3. C.J. Edwards	RHP
4. Albert Almora	OF
5. Jorge Soler	OF
6. Pierce Johnson	RHP
7. Arismendy Alcantara	2B/SS
8. Jeimer Candelario	3B
9. Dan Vogelbach	1B
10. Arodys Vizcaino	RHP

	BEST TOOLS
Best Hitter for Average	Albert Almora
Best Power Hitter	Javier Baez
Best Strike-Zone Discipline	Jeimer Candelario
Fastest Baserunner	Jacob Hannemann
Best Athlete	Jacob Hannemann
Best Fastball	C.J. Edwards
Best Curveball	C.J. Edwards
Best Slider	Pierce Johnson
Best Changeup	Kyle Hendricks
Best Control	Kyle Hendricks
Best Defensive Catcher	Will Remillard
Best Defensive Infielder	Christian Villanueva
Best Infield Arm	Kris Bryant
Best Defensive Outfielder	Albert Almora
Best Outfield Arm	Jorge Soler

	TOP 15 PLAYERS 25 AND UNDER​
Player	POS	Age	Peak Level
1. Javier Baez	SS	21	Double-A
2. Kris Bryant	3B	22	High Class A
3. Starlin Castro	SS	24	Majors
4. Anthony Rizzo	1B	24	Majors
5. C.J. Edwards	RHP	22	High Class A
6. Albert Almora	OF	19	Low Class A
7. Jorge Soler	OF	22	High Class A
8. Pierce Johnson	RHP	22	High Class A
9. Arismendy Alcantara	2B/SS	22	Double-A
10. Jeimer Candelario	3B	20	Low Class A
11. Dan Vogelbach	1B	21	High Class A
12. Arodys Vizcaino	RHP	23	Majors
13. Junior Lake	OF	24	Majors
14. Justin Grimm	RHP	25	Majors
15. Kyle Hendricks	RHP	24	Triple-A

Expectations for the 2013 edition of the Cubs remained low entering the season. And the North Siders did their best to live down to them.

Not only did the Cubs improve by just five games over the 101-loss 2012 campaign, but the perceived stalwarts of the team stalled significantly on their way to being first-division starters for a contender.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo played in 160 games but hit .233/.323/.419, and his inability to hit lefthanders (.617 OPS in 320 career at-bats) remains alarming. Righthander Jeff Samardzija had his moments but also allowed 25 home runs, and veteran Edwin Jackson, brought in on a four-year deal to provide stability, lost 18 games with an ugly 4.98 ERA. Most concerning was 23-year-old shortstop Starlin Castro, who frequently lost focus and became an out machine during a disastrous .245/.284/.347 season.

Poor seasons by those core Cubs contributed to manager Dale Sveum being let go after two seasons, though communication issues and 197 losses helped grease the skids. Team president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer selected Padres bench coach Rick Renteria as Sveum’s replacement in early November.

Getting the best out of the likes of Castro, Rizzo and Samardzija will be crucial for Renteria, and Castro’s 2014 performance also will affect the farm system. The Cubs have quickly built farm depth and boast an impressive array of talent, particularly among their young hitters.

Shortstop Javier Baez ranked second in the minors with 37 home runs, and the 2011 first-round pick hit 20 of them in 54 games at Double-A Tennessee. The system’s top prospect could move off short if Castro, signed through 2019 for $60 million, bounces back. But if Castro doesn’t and Baez tones down his errors, the Cubs will have a crunch on their hands.

Baez could move to second, though the Cubs like Arismendy Alcantara, a power/speed middle infielder who moved to second in 2013. Baez could shift to third, but that’s also where 2013 first-rounder Kris Bryant, the No. 2 overall pick and BA College Player of the Year, plays.

Bryant could move to right, but that’s where Cuban import Jorge Soler, signed for $30 million in June 2012, profiles best. Baez, Bryant and Soler will have to work out where to play, but the trio gives the Cubs a unique collection of 80-power righthanded bats that other organizations envy.

Developing pitchers has been harder for Chicago, but 2012 supplemental first-rounder Pierce Johnson had a strong season, finishing at high Class A Daytona. He was joined in the second-half rotation by three trade imports, chief among them righthander C.J. Edwards. The centerpiece of the Matt Garza deal with the Rangers, the 165-pound Edwards allowed only one hit and no runs in two starts as Daytona swept to the Florida State League title, with Bryant providing the postseason thump for one of the minors’ most talented teams.

Chicago added more talent in the July 2 international signing period, signing the top two prospects available, Dominican outfielder Eloy Jimenez and Venezuelan shortstop Gleyber Torres, for a combined $4.5 million. The organization spent more than $7.6 million on its top five international signings, blowing past its international bonus pool of more than $5.5 million.

---

Scouting Reports on the Cubs Top 10 Prospects

1. Javier Baez, SS
Javier Baez has special bat speed that produces top-of-the-scale power. Baez is aggressive at the plate with tremendous plate coverage and no true holes in his swing. Baez needs to work on pitch recognition and his leg kick allows him to drift at times. Baez hits the ball so hard he doesn’t have to square it up to hit the ball out of the park. Baez showed improvement at the plate when he was promoted to Double-A. Defensively, he has the tools to play short with a 70-arm, but he has a tendency to play too fast which costs him errors on routine plays.

The Future: Baez has the power to make Wrigley look small. If Baez can mature defensively he could force the Cubs to move Starlin Castro to second or third but it is more likely that Baez will move to second or third which could shift Kris Bryant to the outfield and create a logjam with Arismendy Alcantara. Baez profiles as an All-Star caliber, 30 home run infielder.

2. Kris Bryant, 3B
Kris Bryant is tall, lean and athletic with All-Star tools. Bryant’s adjustment in the box last year made a difference. Bryant spread out in the box which lowered his head and eliminated his pre-swing movement. Bryant has the potential to hit 40 home runs and hit for average. Defensively, Bryant has the ability to stick at third with an excellent arm and solid infield actions. But his 6-foot-5 frame lends scouts to think he will end up in right field.

The Future: Bryant seems to be on a fast track to Wrigley Field.

3. C.J. Edwards, RHP
C.J. Edwards misses barrels and bats and combines great stuff with tremendous work ethic and makeup. His frame brings up long-term durability questions. Edwards can locate a 93-95 mph fastball with excellent riding life. Edwards throws a curveball which gives him a second plus pitch and his hard slider has been given plus grades. Edwards also has a changeup that he uses sparingly. Edwards needs to add strength to pitch later into games.

The Future: Edwards appears ticketed for Double-A Tennessee and if he can hold up physically, he has front of the rotation potential.

4. Albert Almora, OF
Albert Almora has good tools and maximizes them with tremendous baseball instincts. Almora projects as an above-average or better hitter with average or better power and uses the entire field. Almora is an average runner but has premium range in centerfield thanks to his breaks and reads. Almora possesses a plus, accurate arm.

The Future: Almora should move up quickly according to BA and settle in as a talented glue guy in a lineup.

5. Jorge Soler, RF
As Baseball America put it, Jorge Soler looks like a right fielder. Soler’s swing, strength and sound plate approach give him top-shelf hitting ability and power. Soler has been graded with 80 raw power and a 70 arm. Soler is average defensively in right.

The Future: A healthy, motivated Soler has special offensive potential.

6. Pierce Johnson, RHP
Pierce Johnson quietly had a very good season. Johnson has a pitcher’s frame and attacks hitters with two-plus pitches. Johnson’s fastball sites in the 90-94 mph range and can touch 96 mph. Johnson throws a power curve in the low 80s and has a good feel for when to use it. Johnson’s changeup improved last year and he can throw it to lefties and righties.

The Future: Johnson and Edwards will begin the year at Double-A Tennessee, and according to BA it will be interesting to see which one makes it to the Cubs first.

7. Arismendy Alcantara, 2B/SS
Arismendy Alcantara has a plus arm at short but is a true weapon at second base. Alcantara’s hands fit better at second base where he has above average potential. Alcantara is a plus runner with first-step quickness and is an adept basestealer. Alcantara made a lot of improvement at the plate and his changed approach led to more walks. Alcantara has a short, compact swing and ranked second in the Southern League in doubles and extra basehits with 55.

The Future: Alcantara might be the most versatile of the Cubs’ infield options. He would fit as a super-utility player and has played centerfield.

8. Jeimer Candelario, 3B
Jeimer Candelario has one of the most polished swings in the Cubs’ system. The switch-hitter stays balanced in the box and has a line drive swing. Candelario projects as an above-average power with average to above hitting ability. Defensively he has enough arm strength for third but he might grow out of the position.

The Future: With added arm strength and work, Candelario could stick at third but if he doesn’t, Candelario will be limited to first base. Candelario should start 2014 with the D-Cubs.

9. Dan Vogelbach, 1B
Dan Vogelbach can hit. Vogelbach trusts his approach, works counts and has the strength to punish pitches he’s looking for. Vogelbach is consistent and does not give up at bats. Defense remains a problem for Vogelbach. BA graded his defense at first as a 20 with minimal range.

The Future: If Vogelbach can keep his weight under control, he can hit enough to overcome his defensive shortcomings, but he would be ideal as a DH.

10. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP
Arodys Vizcaino has not thrown a pitch in a professional game since he was acquired from the Braves in the Paul Maholm deal in July of 2012. Vizcaino had Tommy John surgery in March of 2012 and suffered a setback last May when he had surgery to remove debris from his elbow. No one is sure how Vizcaino will pitch when he is able to take the mound again.

The Future: If Vizcaino can get healthy and stay healthy, the general feeling is that he would fit at the back end of a big league bullpen.

[DMBZeppelin]

If you follow Jason Parks from Baseball Prospectus on Twitter. He's in charge of their prospect stuff.

@ProfessorParks: An early draft of the BP 101 has three #Cubs prospects in the mix for top ten consideration. That's #rig.

@dixonm13 @ProfessorParks Baez, Bryant, Edwards? Can't see Almora or Soler there yet.

@ProfessorParks: Almora might be the #Cubs top prospect.

@ProfessorParks: @mqmoody Almora profiles as a legit CF at the highest level, with the chance to be a .300 hitter with power.

@mqmoody: @ProfessorParks I get that, and I love Almora, but a lot of projection. Bryant looks close and legit middle of the order terror at 3B.

@ProfessorParks: @mqmoody I see him more as a RF, but yes, the bat is very legit and he's one of the safest prospects in the minors.

@WexlerRules @ProfessorParks Outside of Buxton, which player in MiLB has the biggest overall upside?

@ProfessorParks: Baez and Giolito. Elite potential.

@brien_alley: @ProfessorParks The Cubs have a top 3 farm system!

@ProfessorParks: Easily. They might end up with the best farm.

In the past he's talked about how he thinks Bryant profiles best in RF because of his ridiculous arm. That's who he's talking about in RF in the above tweet. He seems to be higher on Almora than Baseball America. I know he's not as high on C.J. Edwards (due to his frame, which BA mentions is a concern). Just another well respected voice with his Cubs thoughts. I tweeted him the other day and his Cubs Top 10 prospects won't be out until December. So figured I'd post that to add to the banter for now.

[Trendy Bastard]

Bryant won AFL MVP. I keep hearing he's destined for AA to start 2014. If he's as far along as we're led to believe, it shoudn't be long until he's up to Iowa/Chicago.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bryant won AFL MVP. I keep hearing he's destined for AA to start 2014. If he's as far along as we're led to believe, it shoudn't be long until he's up to Iowa/Chicago.

Parks thinks he skips AA entirely and will be up in June/July.

I will be curious to see where he plays. He's got an absolute cannon. If you put him right does Soler move to left?

Either way Baez and Bryant are very very close. Honestly Alcantara could be up with them. Especially if Barney continues to do nothing at the plate.

[HollywoodLeo]

I'm getting tired of all these great baseball players coming out of San Diego and playing for somebody else.

[Trendy Bastard]

I think Bryant has to have an amazing spring to skip AA entirely. That league is miles better than the PCL.

I also think you have to keep Bryant at 3rd until he proves he can't handle it. At that point you see what he can do in RF/LF.

[Trendy Bastard]

Kris Bryant hit a 2 run shot off of Mat Latos in his first AB in AA!