The Candy Man Can Do

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 6:31pm

Jeimer Candelario singled and doubled and knocked-in a run, helping the Cubs defeat the Angels 3-1 in AZ Instructional League action this afternoon at Diablo Park Field #3 in Tempe.  



A 17-year old switch-hitting corner infielder who was born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, Candelario has had an impressive Instructs so far, hitting 298/366/459 while playing mostly 3B and occasionally 1B (as he did today).


Signed by the Cubs for a reported $500K bonus during the International Signing Period in 2010, Candelario had a smashing pro debut, hitting 337/443/478 for DSL Cubs #2 during the 2011 regular season (he ended up tied for second in the league in both walks and RBI, and was 4th in OPS, 5th in doubles, 6th in OBP, and 7th in batting average), and while it’s not likely, it’s also not totally out of the realm of possibility that he could open the 2012 season at Peoria.


Candelario is an advanced hitter, especially from the left side. He has a large frame that could eventually translate to plus-HR power as he fills out. He already has plus bat speed from the left-side, with solid gap power. The only question is if he has the glove to play 3B, or if he might have to move to another corner (1B, LF, or RF) somewhere down the line.


With Candelario playing 1B, 16-year old switch-hitting Venezuelan bonus baby Mark Malave saw his first action at 3B.


A 6’3 wide-body who received a reported $1.6M signing bonus at the start of the International Signing Period this past July (and who probably would have been a highly-sought after HS recruit as an offensive tackle had he grown up in the U. S.), Malave will likely get playing time at C-1B-3B over the next few years while the Cubs figure out if he can remain a catcher and/or if he has the bat needed to play corner infield. He has raw power and a good eye at the plate right now (although inability to make consistent contact is an issue), and even if he remains a catcher, having the versatility to play 1B & 3B will come in handy on days he is not catching.


Here is the abridged box score (Cubs players only):


LINEUP:
1. Rubi Silva, 2B-DH: 1-4 (1B, 2-U, 3-U, F-7, R, RBI)
2. Danny Lockhart, SS: 1-4 (2B, 3-U, 1-3, K, R)
3. Jeimer Candelario, 1B: 2-4 (4-3, 2B, F-9, 1B, RBI)
4. Dan Vogelbach, DH #1: 1-4 (2B, K, P-5, 3-U, RBI)
5. Jeffrey Baez, DH #2: 0-4 (K, 5-3, 6-3, 5-3)
6. Mark Malave, 3B: 0-3 (K, 4-3, 6-3)
7. Shawon Dunston, Jr, LF: 0-3 (4-3, 3-U, 4-3)
8. Neftali Rosario, C: 0-3 (K, F-9, K)
9. Garrett Schlecht, RF: 1-2 (BB, 1B, L-5, R)
10. Trey Martin, CF: 1-2 (4-3, 1B, BB, SB)
11a. SLOT WAS SKIPPED 1ST TWO TIMES THRU BATTING ORDER
11b. Carlos Penalver, 2B: 0-1 (K)


PITCHERS:
1. Luis Liria: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 20 pitches (13 strikes), 4/2 GO/FO
2. Austin Reed: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K, 32 pitches (22 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
3. Tayler Scott: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 32 pitches (24 strikes), 4/1 GO/FO
4. Starling Peralta: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 GIDP, 31 pitches (19 strikes), 3/0 GO/FO
5. Jose Arias: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 12 pitches (11 strikes), 1/0 GO/FO


ERRORS: 1
P Starling Peralta - E-1 (throwing error on sacrifice bunt attempt allowed batter to reach base safely)


CATCHERS DEFENSE
Neftali Rosario: 0-3 CS, 1 PB


ATTENDANCE: 18


WEATHER: Sunny with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the 90’s

Tags: 
Cubs Minor Leagues
Jeimer Candelario
Mark Malave
AZ Instructional League

Comments

Submitted by Cubster  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 6:37pm  
Az Phil: can we get some color on Vogelbomb's double? and Arias' 12 pitch inning?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 6:38pm  
Submitted by Cubster on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 5:35pm. Az Phil: can we get some color on Vogelbomb's double? ============================================ CUBSTER: Took an outside pitch to the opposite-field, smoking a line-drive laser into the left-center alley. It was all he could to keep from trying to stretch it into a triple.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 6:37pm  
If Candelario not a US citizen? If so, shouldn't have been draft eligible?

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 7:33pm  
Submitted by The Real Neal on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 5:37pm. If Candelario not a US citizen? If so, shouldn't have been draft eligible? ============================= REAL NEAL: RHP Tayler Scott was born in South Africa and his parents moved to the U. S. (Scottsdale, AZ) when Tayler was in HS so he could work with Pitching Guru Tom House. Tayler Scott WAS eligible for selection in the Rule 4 Draft and could not be signed as an "International" player. Albert Pujols was born in the Dominican Republic but attended HS and JC in the U. S. (Missouri), so he was not considered an "International" player and was eligible for selection in the June Draft. Jeimer Candelario (and fellow Cub minor leaguer RHP Jose Rosario, too) were born in New York City but moved to the Dominican Republic as children and did not attend HS in the U. S., so they were considered "International" players as far as MLB Rule 4 is concerned. Where there would be a problem is if a top U. S. HS baseball prospect is moved by his parents somewhere outside the Rule 4 Draft limits (that is, outside the U. S. or Canada)--sort of the opposite of what happened with Tayler Scott--to avoid the Rule 4 Draft and so he can sign when he is 16. If that were to happen (and I think Bryce Harper had actually considered trying that prior to going the GED-to-JC route), the MLB Commissioner would probably say that the player cannot avoid the Rule 4 Draft. And then there probably would be litigation.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 6:57pm  
j.verlander threw 133 pitches tonight...the world weeps...his 133rd was 100mph. his arm was supposed to fall apart after 2009.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:03pm  
Therefore all pitchers should throw 133 pitches per start, so they can throw 100 MPH.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:04pm  
obviously. also, every pitcher should throw 100mph so they can throw 133 pitches per start. ...obviously.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:39pm  
Tell Bob Gibson.

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:40pm  
also, every pitcher should throw 100mph so they can throw 166 pitches per start?

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:18pm  
Dusty Baker approved

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:29pm  
nice

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 7:21pm  
http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-i... "Day 1 of the COMPENSATION negotiation between Sox & Cubs did NOT go well today," Dennis wrote on Twitter. "Boston wants prospects. Chicago wants to pay just cash."

Submitted by Charlie  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 7:30pm  
Doesn't Chicago have all the leverage here?

Submitted by crunch  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 7:34pm  
leverage is an illusion...florida had all the leverage and gave up 2 guys they didn't want to lose even if was off-seasons for the kids. everyone knew getting involved that something would have to be given up...to change that assumption mid-game would be a dick move. but yeah, they should play as much hardball with negotiations as it takes. i hope it doesn't cost talent the cubs could have used to snag a 3rd/RF/SP/1st...amongst other real needs of the team. theo's neat and all, but he's far from immune from bad moves.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 7:36pm  
word was florida didn't want to go through the ordeal of tampering charges, hence the higher than expected price.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 7:35pm  
funny, all the Boston folks think they have all the leverage. the truth probably lies in the middle. while they certainly probably don't want to have to deal with Epstein as a lame duck GM and the circus that would certainly occur if he came back, they do have him under contract for a season and are under no obligation to let him go. on the other hand, the Cubs having to explain why they couldn't close the deal on Epstein would be its own circus and then having to settle on the ugly step sister for GM would be its own issue. it'll get done...

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:07pm  
"Jackson, Jackson and Cashner sounds good." "Sounds good for what, our three Rookie of the Year candidates?" "Well, you are getting the GM who breaks curses, I guess just Brett Jackson and Cashner so Theo has something to work with." "How about $65K and we draft someone for you in the Rule V?" etc, etc.

Submitted by George Altman  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:37pm  
I feel Theo is a game-changer, an impact performer as GM. If not the top performer at his job, then certainly in the team photo. What he can bring to the organization is worth money and players. Personally, Boston could have anyone (ideally 2 players only) except Castro and Garza. I have to agree with Rob G. that the current Cubs system doesn't have any potential stars/superstars from the 2010 draft and prior. Sure, I would prefer to keep B. Jax and McNutt but I wouldn't let that stop this deal. Look, like him or hate him Ricketts swung for the fences on this hire and is very close to putting it over. Until this move, I wasn't sure Tommy could find his ass if he bent over looking between his legs. Let's see if he can bring it home.

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:17pm  
Only this organization could f this up

Submitted by jacos  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 9:20pm  
Ryan Theriot k' s against Randy Wolf. /more things change....

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:56am  
he also made an awesome play to turn two on Fielder earlier...

Submitted by Koyies Bansaw  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:24pm  
How would you assess Scott, Urban, Jensen, Dickson, and Henrie? I'm especially curious about Dickson and Henrie because they didn't pitch until instructs. Thanks as always, AZPhil.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:37pm  
NLCS down to a best of 3 does bringing in Theo mean we as Cubs fans have to sit through a Cardinals World Series run? the torture never ends...

Submitted by Rob G.  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 10:41pm  
http://www.wgnradio.com/shows/gregjarrett/wgn... Kaplan saying what Ricketts said to convince Theo 1) commitment to spending on draft and amateur signings 2) payroll will remain the top in the division 3) other revenue streams to help reach #2 (spring training complex, Wrigley, etc) 4) help me make this single best organization in baseball Ricketts wants 2 things, win the World Series and make it the best experience for their fans. sure sounds nice at least...

Submitted by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree  on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 11:51pm  
If Ricketts can bring home a World Series title in my lifetime, then as Dave Chappelle is fond of saying, Ricketts can spray fart in my dinner TONIGHT. My fan experience will be COMPLETE at that point!!

Submitted by JoePepitone  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:44am  
Wow. Now there's a visual (an olfactory?) image I could do without.

Submitted by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:33am  
Here is a newer article from the Boston Herald which quotes the deal as (reportedly) 5/$18.5, and not much else new to report... http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/...

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:55am  
There isn’t a deadline for the negotiations, which may run into the weekend. However, MLB discourages teams from making announcements during the World Series, so both sides likely will want to have a resolution before Wednesday. reiterates that MLB doesn't want to set a precedent with a major league player being part of the deal (although Lou was traded for Randy Winn...maybe that's not considered an executive)

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:00am  
for Thursday taken from a tweet Josh Vitters (1B): 1-for-4, RBI, BB; Trey McNutt: 2R, 1ER, 2H, 3BB,0K in 2 IP (53 pitches,23 strikes)

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 7:31am  
Certainly they can pick from any of these on my list: Hill, Baker, Berg, Sori (duh), Samardzjia, LeMe, DeWitt, Vitters, LaHair, almost the entire AAA team, Clevenger, Jay Jackson, Ha, Cashner I have always liked Wilkens pick of Cash, but, honestly he may have chronic shoulder problems the rest of his career. Maybe not, but this would be the higher-risk option if the Sox want the higher-rated, everyday prospects and the Cubs could manage to hold on to a few building block youngsters.

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 7:56am  
Theo bringing medical staff? http://twitter.com/GlobeMazz/status/124620484...
Hearing rumblings about some front office types and medical folks heading to Chicago with Theo Epstein.
Tony Massarotti (Boston Globe) was on wscr this am, long interview. Tension in Boston developed because they haven't won a playoff game in 3 years. (Boo-hoo). Boston now has a management system in place so their GM is replaceable. Any dirt on Theo? When the deal is done he wouldn't be surprised that it isn't a clean breakup and some dirt is let out. Hanley quoted Bo-Dog.com odds for next cubs manager, Sandberg 3-2, Quade 2-1, Francona 2-1. http://sports.bodog.eu/sports-betting/mlb-bas...

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 8:20am  
I would imagine those odds are just to get the money 50/50 - not odds done with any sort of research or inside info.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:02am  
isn't the medical staff the dudes that misdiagnosed Ellsbury? Don't believe that was the only case... Heyman's take Sounds like theo may take 1 or 2 from bosox f. office/medical staff. But that may affect compensation package (minor leaguers)

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:23am  
Boston is a hotbed for high end doctors with several major university hospital programs competing for business such as Mass General (Harvard). The whole Curt Shilling proximal biceps tendon controversy (spaghetti-gate) with Dr. Craig Morgan makes the Red Sox and their medical staff somewhat interesting to say the least but I'm not sure taking a trainer or a strength coach would amount to much. Certainly Theo's unlikely to bring a doc from Boston to Chicago. Hmmm, maybe Northwestern is open to recruiting a higher end replacement for doc Gryzlo? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3...

Submitted by Charlie  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:24am  
Surely, from that list, the Sox would be happy to take any of Cashner, Vitters, LeMahieu, and Ha off of our hands. I personally think that either Cashner or Vitters is overpaying for a front office guy.

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 8:29am  
Sullivan updates...on the delay. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball...
Epstein and Lucchino have "co-existed" the last six years, a source said, "like Phil Jackson and Jerry Krause did, or Ozzie (Guillen) and Kenny (Williams)."

Submitted by Pell Mell  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:03am  
"...for the past six years..." During which time they WON THE WS. And Boston fans think they have it ROUGH. *stares out window for a very long time*

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:00am  
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/... The quality of those prospects could be tied to how many front office staffers are allowed to accompany Epstein to Chicago. ~snip~ Once Epstein’s move becomes official, the Red Sox will name Cherington as his replacement. Cherington has been guiding the baseball operations department for much of this month as Epstein dealt with the Cubs and worked out the details on a five-year, $18.5 million deal. The Cubs’ farm system is largely bereft of talent, but there are several players who could interest the Red Sox. Outfielders Brett Jackson and Matt Szczur are highly regarded. Righthanders Alberto Cabrera and Jay Jackson are possibilities. Chicago’s top pitching prospect, Trey McNutt, dealt with injuries this season but could be on the table. There are no indications that the Red Sox will be able to unload a bad contract on the Cubs - ahem, John Lackey - as part of the compensation package.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:14am  
I'm sure 3/44 but do you think that an "our junk, for yours" scenario could be discussed? "Yeah, Theo, you can leave, but you gotta take the trash out with you when you go."

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:25am  
It's pretty common that when higher up front office guy changes organizations some players wind up following him over. I wouldn't be shocked at all if a guy like Geo went in trade to the Sox for some prospects. Wasn't the Padres GM a Red Sox guy? The good thing is that now we have a GM who understands what the smart front offices value in players, so he won't undersell because of a low BABIP.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:01pm  
I wonder how much value Theo puts on "five tools" guys.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:55pm  
Hopefully not much given what he's inheriting. Hopefully he doesn't put much stock into four tool guys "we think we can teach to hit" - the Cubs system speciality.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:25pm  
AZ PHIL: Of the 2010 draft class, which players that you've seen do you believe have "starting MLB" aplomb? Of those, do any, in your estimation, have a shot at top-tier makeup? Thanks.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 2:33am  
Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 11:25am. AZ PHIL: Of the 2010 draft class, which players that you've seen do you believe have "starting MLB" aplomb? Of those, do any, in your estimation, have a shot at top-tier makeup? Thanks. ================================== E-MAN: From the 2010 class, Matt Szczur should be a front-line MLB OF in either CF or LF. He will probably be a #2 or #7 hitter. Reggie Golden has the potential to be a power-hitting middle-of-the-order MLB RF, but he is VERY raw and is several years away, and he could just as easily flame out in "A" ball. RHP Ben Wells is a potential Top-of-the-Rotation starter. He's a Cubs Top 15 Prospect right now, and could be the Cubs #2 pitching prospect (behind Trey McNutt). LHP Eric Jokisch could be a back-of-the rotation MLB starter. RHR Aaron Kurcz should be a quality MLB reliever with a mid-90's fastball & killer-slider. He could be a set-up guy or a closer, or a solid middle-reliever at the very least. RHP Kevin Rhoderick should be a decent MLB reliever. (Kurcz and Rhoderick could arrive at Wrigley Field as early as sometime next year). 3B Dustin Geiger is a ways away, but if he develops some HR power as he fills out and tightens up his defense he could be a solid MLB regular. He was one of the youngest players in the Midwest League in 2011. Also RHPs Matt Loosen and Dallas Beeler have quality arms and MLB-potential. And Micah Gibbs has made strides in improving his hitting and throwing at Instructs. He already is the best receiver among the catchers in the Cubs organization, and if he can continue to build on what he started at Instructs, he could develop into a solid MLB back-up catcher within a couple or three years. With Luis Flores on the Restricted List while serving a 50-game PED suspension and not eligible to be reinstated until May, Gibbs could start the 2012 season sharing the catching duties at AA Tennessee with Michael Brenly.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 12:42pm  
Hearing red sox asking price is "significant" for theo. And why not? He did win 2 WS titles. Also, #cubs are more motivated ~snip~ Hear red sox-cubs talk is now about minor leaguers going to boston. No talk of theo's guys going to chicago, but it's fluid

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:18pm  
My only untouchable is Dan Vogelbomb.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:34pm  
If Rock Shoulders goes, I'm gone!

Submitted by Charlie  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:09pm  
I said the same thing about Rocky Cherry and Rocky Roquet.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:56pm  
Rocky Raccoon checked into his room Only to find Gideon's bible Rocky had come equipped with a gun To shoot off the legs of his rival

Submitted by johann  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:35pm  
Hmm so hi Cub Reporter people! Anyone know if something big happened? Cause suddenly I'm excited again. If Rickets were willing to eat some of the salary I'd be perfectly happy to take Lackey and see if he can turn it around. Stat wise there is nothing to indicate his fall off before coming to Boston so maybe it is all the mental pressure of divorce and/or whatever else. I feel like both Crawford and Lackey's #s justified the signings (even if Crawford's contract was for too much and too long) and I'm really not down on Theo at all because they didn't succeed in Boston. The best value he can bring us is a revamp of our system at all levels allowing us to become an actual professional organization with knowledgeable people from minors to majors.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:57pm  
A Johann sighting? Are Manny and Chad next?

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:04pm  
The more I've read about Lackey, the less interested I am. First, the last few articles I've read claim neither team is talking about including Lackey. However, I also read that in 3 of the last 4 seasons he's had arm pain that was dealt with by limiting his innings. I hadn't read that before, but then again, I don't follow the AL that closely. Also, Lackey was one of the beer/fried chicken/video game scandal where the Red Sox rotation spent their time during games in the clubhouse eating fast food, drinking beer, and playing games. Supposedly they all had shockingly gained weight by the end of the season and had very negative attitudes. I'm not very interested in him after reading that.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:07pm  
well no one's interested in him, it's just whether it's fair compensation to get Theo. I might add they were probably drinking beer, eating fried chicken (didn't Wade Boggs do that every game?) and playing video games while they were going 90-3 or whatever it was.

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 3:13pm  
They would have come up with a cool nickname for them if they had won the world series.

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:53pm  
Johann!!! The Sausge king of Vienna!

Submitted by The Joe  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:36pm  
Johann!!! How's your mom?

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:50pm  
winrar.

Submitted by johann  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:17pm  
Pretty epic actually. If the Cubs do anything worthwhile I might actually stop in chat to discuss it!

Submitted by The Joe  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 12:58am  
Awesome!

Submitted by jacos  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 6:15am  
Don't be a stranger Johann

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:52pm  
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/13/2487538/th... The take away: "While Epstein and Oakland Athletics GM Billy Beane are prototypes of the modern GM who bloodlessly manages by the numbers, Hendry was the poster boy for the good-ol' boy network."

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:12pm  
that's straight up wisdom from Al Yellon (/sarcasm) that changing the culture B.S. has been around since Dusty came along, probably since Dallas Green actually. you know what will change the culture? getting good players and consistently winning...

Submitted by Rob Richardson  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:17pm  
I think the change in culture will come from a better understanding of what contributes to a baseball team winning consistently, and then building an organization based upon that better understanding.

Submitted by JD  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:34pm  
Al Yellon is a goofball.

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:31pm  
that's such a pile of shiiiii...oh, look who wrote it. people forget about signing alex coras when you got another 30-40 million to spend to distract from it... besides, pretending hendry is something he isn't is just a tool to blindly dismiss him. at the same time, pretending theo is something he isn't only sets him up for disappointment. too many people think stats vs. scouts is polarizing rather than complimentary...it's not a war...or drama...

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 1:54pm  
Sullivan tweet reminder that today is the 8th anniversary of Alex S. Gonzalez 8th inning error.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:08pm  
Sullivan needs to be re-assigned to cover parking tickets.

Submitted by Charlie  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:12pm  
Poor Alex S. Gonzalez. He did nothing for the Cubs except play better than anyone should have expected him to. It's not his fault the Cubs didn't have anything better going on at SS than him.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:17pm  
pretty incredible to be a 20-HR hitting shortstop and still be completely terrible. http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/g... 2003 was his best season with a 1.8 WAR (tied with 2001). 1.0 on offense, 0.8 on defense.

Submitted by Charlie  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:33pm  
Agree. He had one offensive tool and was barely acceptable at short. And the Cubs did nothing to try to improve themselves at that position.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:40pm  
Nomar? I think Hendry realized that giving the other team a free 1/2 inning a third of the time was a bad idea following the '03 playoffs. Just took him a while to execute his "correction". It was the original "balanced lineup".

Submitted by Charlie  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 3:25pm  
Nomar didn't come until most of the way through 2004, if I remember correctly. My main point, really, was that AGonz was better than anyone should have reasonably expected him to be (which still wasn't that good) and that reminding us all that he made an error in the playoffs without reminding us that the organization had no better option than him at that position creates the illusion that this slight overachiever who was still just a gap filler is to blame for the failure. He was no more responsible than anyone else at that team. Probably less responsible than many. (And Bartman deserves 0% of the blame.) Edit: Even with the way it turned out, I thought the Nomar trade was pretty brilliant. It was a gamble, and even though they lost, they still kind of won--certainly didn't lose very much except the expense of paying Nomar and maybe some cheap production from Brandon Harris years later.

Submitted by Tito  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 3:38pm  
Gonzalez did seem to have a knack for walkoff HRs. Relatively speaking, of course, wasn't like he hit 15 of them or anything.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:01pm  
Looking through his splits for that season, the only good one that stands out as a "pressure" situation is "high leverage" where he hit .242 .324 .581. I do remember he had a couple of early season game winners, and rode that way of fan happiness throughout most of the season.

Submitted by Eric S  on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 10:28pm  
Pretty sure Alex Gonzalez had a key HR in game 5 of the 2003 NLDS, perhaps the only post-season series win by the Cubs we'll ever see. That is, until Theo gets here.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:44pm  
totally should have signed A-Rod :) aaronb's Miguel Tejada rant is coming soon

Submitted by dc60124  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 5:11pm  
i continue to be hopeful that paul sullivan will be placed in the sidewalk underneath the bronze jim hendry statue.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:04pm  
http://twitter.com/PeteAbe won't say anything definitive on Theo

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:07pm  
More from Pete Abraham's twitter posts: "John Henry said he didn't support the Crawford signing" -- Way to throw your player and front office under the bus at the same time. Someone needs to tell the Red Sox owner that he still has Crawford under contract for 800 more years.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:10pm  
yeah, player's gotta love that.

Submitted by The Joe  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:15pm  
There's a bit more than the tweet suggests. Henry says that Crawford wasn't signed just to improve TV ratings and that it was a 'baseball' move. It sounds more to me like he's saying the baseball guys made the decision and he didn't even support it at the time. But, it doesn't sound like he was complaining about the deal, merely addressing that he doesn't interfere with baseball decisions. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111... I hate Twitter. In other news, Mel Gibson says "I...like Jews".

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:10pm  
You can, however, ear John Henry's hammer ring, Lord, Lord You can John Henry's hammer ring

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:20pm  
Henry now says that Carmine (player eval software) has a seat at the draft table. maybe that's what they're still haggling about

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:21pm  
I had never heard of Carmine before, interesting http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/Reynolds_... It’s no coincidence that there’s a story in this week’s Sports Illustrated — the one with Brad Pitt on the cover — about the Red Sox and their own version of “the new moneyball,” titled “It’s How the Red Sox Live and Die.” It comes complete with information about the baseball bunker one floor beneath street level inside Fenway, a baseball computer program called Carmine that “is the virtual brains of the Boston operation,” and the Sox having a virtually unlimited payroll to make the most out of this moneyball template. “I can’t believe Billy is letting him write this book,” Epstein said of Lewis in 2002, as reported in Sports Illustrated. “He’s handing out the blueprint.”

Submitted by jacos  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:59pm  
"Henry now says that Carmine (player eval software) has a seat at the draft table." The Cubs'have a seat for DOS.

Submitted by Newport  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:13pm  
Well I hope Theo burned a copy of Carmine.

Submitted by garsky  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:55pm  
Will Carmine run on a Commodore 64?

Submitted by Old and Blue  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 5:00pm  
They'll have to train Cubs staff which has been using OOTP Baseball 2011

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 5:22pm  
lol

Submitted by Jace  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 5:59pm  
I hear they've been using Micro-League Baseball...

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 2:27pm  
you can hear it here... http://player.radio.com/player/RadioPlayer.ph...

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:02pm  
Vitters 2 for 2 (.382) so far today, Lake (.321) with a home run. Vitters tied for league lead in RBI with 10; Lake in the lead with 6 SBs.

Submitted by Eric S  on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 10:25pm  
I'm sure they were all delayed steals (/sarcasm)

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:17pm  
beats S. Korea in first game of the day 3-1 B. Jackson 1/2 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB, 1 SF, 1 IBB they also play Venezuela which is about to start, there was a rainout this week.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 4:25pm  
Korea, Japan, Cuba, all international baseball power houses, so that is pretty cool.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 7:26pm  
win 7-4 over Venezuela as well. believe they play Canada tomorrow in the Bronze medal game this is the IBAF World Cup, still have the Pan-Am games after this

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 5:27pm  
New ESPN article up profiling 9 Cubs prospects that Epstein might like. http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/i... The last guy on the list is Jeimer Candelario.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 5:28pm  
I heard Kaplan do a sports update during the news on WGN radio about an hour ago and said he heard the compensation talks could go into next week.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 6:00pm  
MLB would prefer they not announce until Monday or Tuesday anyway

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 6:02pm  
after going 1/2 and not starting Game 2 Twitter freaks out... Muskat says he tweaked his foot though. good times...

Submitted by Charlie  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 6:10pm  
Meh. As long as he's ready for baseball by the time spring training starts, what he does this winter doesn't matter a whole lot.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 6:17pm  
I think people were freaking out that he was being pulled as part of trade to Red Sox. Since it was Team USA and not a Cubs affialiate game, that doesn't make a lot of sense, but there were some worries.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 6:27pm  
slight hip flexor was the injury...my bad.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 8:35pm  
Rival GM: "Cubs should just keep saying no (on compensation for Theo). What are the Red Sox going to do -- bring Theo back? No way."

Submitted by Rob G.  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 9:24pm  
Just spoke to a GREAT source on the Theo compensation talks. Red Sox are asking for an insane package of players. Cubs are saying no way.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:18pm  
I just think it will drag on, and either they agree to take a MLB player and a prospect, or maybe this goes away and they move on to Friedman or Hahn?

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 10:55am  
Sounds good to me. Giving White Sox fans like Phil Rogers many more opportunities to advise the Cubs to yield Brett Jackson seems like a bad idea.

Submitted by Cubster  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:07pm  
cubstats.com? discusses Brett Jackson compensation and says no...but throws Jeff Baker in the deal. I'm thinking' if Hendry's doppelgänger is sitting on Randy Bush's shoulder...The Cubs would re-sign John Grabow and then put him in the Epstein deal http://www.cubsstats.com/2011/10/brett-jackso...

Submitted by crunch  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:17pm  
he's being over-rated by some, but yeesh...law is under-rating him. he's probably going to be a top 20-30 prospect in all of baseball when the list-makers break out their numbers this offseason.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 11:17pm  
Law has an anti-hard on for any Cubs prospect. I think he tried to get a job with the Cubs and they made fun of him or something.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 1:12am  
He seems to like McNutt. Probably just being more realistic than Cubs fans want to hear about their prospects.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 11:47am  
The Cubs really don't have much of a track record of success with a lot of prospects over the last, oh, 100 years, so it's understandable someone is a little skeptical.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 3:01am  
Submitted by The Real Neal on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:17pm. Law has an anti-hard on for any Cubs prospect. I think he tried to get a job with the Cubs and they made fun of him or something. ============================= TRN: Perhaps Law didn't get along with Tim Wilken and the Old School scouts when he was with the Blue Jays, and so now he feels good dissing Wilken's work whenever possible.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 10:36am  
That could be it. He sort of like McNutt... he's pretty much the only "prospect guy" in baseball that doesn't have Jackson at least in the top 100.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 11:25am  
I don't get all the Trey McNutt love. He has been ineffective in double A since he tried to pitch there at the end of 2010. I said before that when internet scouts give someone that they have touted an "injury mulligan," they are giving themselves a mulligan. McNutt reminds me of Jay Jackson, who also hit his head at AA, though not quite as hard. So I wouldn't cry if the Cubs gave up McNutt, although I think they should have a rule against trading anyone 21 or younger in the previous season. That would protect McNutt, Vitters, Cerda, Watkins, Lake, Szczur, Ha and a bunch of pitchers including Jokisch, Antigua, Kirk, Struck, DelValle. You just don't know what you're giving up. At least with Beliveau (24) and Dolis (23), they would know what they were trading and could price them accordingly.

Submitted by Eagon  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 5:54pm  
He mentions Wilken in this: http://www.drunkjaysfans.com/2011/09/layin-do... Seems they didn't get along at the time but have made up now.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 1:09am  
solid regular actually seems about right actually, but he does have a small bit of star potential I think (by star i mean a few ASG's). Plus he's the best Cubs prospect and the Cubs shouldn't waste that bullet on a GM.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 1:37am  
I'm thinking Brett Jackson is Jim Edmonds with less power, pre-knee problems.

Submitted by Arizona Phil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 2:21am  
Submitted by Paul Noce on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 12:37am. I'm thinking Brett Jackson is Jim Edmonds with less power, pre-knee problems. ====================== PAUL N: I believe Brett Jackson has been undervalued by a lot of the so-called experts. I would compare B-Jax to Grady Sizemore circa 2007. He is a 20/20/20 guy who can play CF. Jackson will have more strikeouts and a lower batting average than a lot of MLB players, but he will also walk a lot and rack up lots of XBH.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 11:03am  
Why less power? He's 20 pounds heavier.

Submitted by Charlie  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 11:10am  
PED testing.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 11:45am  
Maybe he grows into a 30 hr guy, who knows. And I think Charlie is right. Edmonds is from the stone age PED era compared to today's prospects. Plus he always had that natural mascara thing going on.

Submitted by big_lowitzki  on Sun, 10/16/2011 - 10:05pm  
LOL - now in your world weight guarantees power. Awesome.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 12:04pm  
Obviously there's a correlation between weight and power. "Guarantees" was your word. Somehow I don't picture you laughing out loud at anything.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 1:07am  
It makes the most sense for the Cubs to pursue a cash exchange, but if they need to throw in Jeff Baker or a medium-ceiling, low-level pitcher, then so be it. so his idea is that Cubs should give up nothing of value for something of great value...cool. /maybe he was just trying to be sarcastic with that last line and I'm missing it. this is the same fella that wrote that fangraphs article the other day that the first step for Theo should be to get rid of all the Cubs bad/overpaid players.

Submitted by Newport  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 1:57am  
I think it would be awesome if they took Byrd off our hands. Byrd and Baker would be even better.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 8:44am  
From Kaplan's Blog, 1:50am CST (Kaplan is more obsessed than I thought)from one of his sources:
"Larry Lucchino is one of the most unreasonable people I have ever dealt with and because of his frayed relationship with Theo Epstein he is looking to make a point at the expense of Theo's happiness and his desire to go to Chicago. I didn't believe that ownership group for one second when they said that they wouldn't stand in Theo's way if he wanted out of Boston. They are furious that he wants out and they are trying to make a point. Theo helped bring them two World Series titles and they have no loyalty to him and his happiness. They messed with Terry Francona and that was just an incredibly pathetic move and now they are trying to make life very tough for Theo," he said.
Guy sounds like a prick if any of this is true. I am wondering what the "Plan B" is as I stated yesterday? Has there been any phone calls to other candidates? Hmmm...

Submitted by jacos  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 8:53am  
It will get done

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 9:11am  
As always, this is the Cubs you are talking about. We will see...

Submitted by The Joe  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 9:21am  
I'm sure Hendry will overpay for Epstein.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 10:32am  
I can't believe he's setting the market in the off-season for GM's. Any other team could have gotten Eptstein for 6 years at a million a per, but Hendry is way over paying.

Submitted by The Joe  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 7:49pm  
Theo's also getting a NTC and a heavily backloaded contract.

Submitted by Charlie  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 8:09pm  
And at least three reverse challupas a week by a PTBNL.

Submitted by SheffieldCornelia  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 12:45pm  
Just like the Brian Roberts and Jake Peavy deals, huh?

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 12:57pm  
One difference is we know Theo's not on PED's.

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 2:46pm  
I hear he takes ginko balboa extract.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 3:44pm  
Yo Astralagus!

Submitted by Rob G.  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 10:23am  
I obviously have no idea what his contract looks like, but I wonder if he is guaranteed the position of GM on the team and if there's any stipulation on his duties. Could they reassign him if they wanted? Name Cherington to a position above him or just circumvent him with Lucchino voiding all his decisions and letting Cherington do the job. I can't imagine Cherington would want to work under those circumstances or screw Epstein over like that, but I suppose there are some dick moves the Red Sox can still pull out of their playbook.

Submitted by JD  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 10:35am  
"I suppose there are some dick moves the Red Sox can still pull out of their playbook." Like the Nutty Professor. Always hilarious.

Submitted by Paul Noce  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 11:56am  
Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe replies to Kaplan with an article: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/... Lucchino's job is to do what's best for the Red Sox, blah blah, but then there is this: "Henry also revealed this during his radio takeover yesterday: “There was an initial conversation before formal permission was granted. I can’t go into the specifics of what’s going on.” Tampering?

Submitted by VirginiaPhil  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 1:18pm  
"In the end, a deal gets made. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts would lose all credibility in Chicago if he can't get his franchise savior in place." This was an interesting and useful perspective by P. Abraham but he couldn't resist going a little overboard at the end. Ricketts hasn't spoken one word about Epstein, or had one word leak, since he answered "I don't know" a couple weeks ago to the question, Can you get him? I don't see that his credibility concerning Epstein is at issue at all. There is a number of other prospective GMs around who would make Cub fans very happy. The real issue is Ricketts's credibility as a genial, laid-back midwesterner (not midwest as in Chicago, but as in Nebraska) playing hardball with a shrewd bunch of yankees--you'll excuse the expression. I am somewhere between hopeful and confident that Ricketts will hold his own.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 2:56pm  
maybe on the tampering, bet you it's Kenney's fault :)

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 10:35pm  
That sentence in of itself doesn't mean anything. There was an initial conversation between who, and about what?

Submitted by Jumbo  on Sun, 10/16/2011 - 10:45am  
I interpreted it as Riketts talked to Teo before permission was granted. I ae a ouple keys out on te keyboard. Typo exuse

Submitted by The Real Neal  on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 12:54pm  
Yes, but it could have been an initial conversation with Theo and Sox Exces, like "Theo, do you want that job" or among the ownership group "Do we want to extend or lose Theo?" etc. I seriously doubt that Rickett's called him up at work and asked him if he wanted the Cubs gig prior to getting permission.

Submitted by Rob G.  on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 1:36pm  
Kenney sent a Greek Orthodox priest over to Theo's office to judge his interest in the job.

Submitted by The E-Man  on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 2:26pm  
I wonder if there is any possibility that if they have to give away a plethora of top prospects to get this done, do they just walk away and sign Theo when his contract runs out? The team is not going anywhere, anyway, in 2012.

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  • jdrnym 24 min 53 sec ago (view)

    Brad Brach signs with the Mets for $850K but the Cubs are paying $500K, per Ken Rosenthal.

     
  • crunch 52 min 7 sec ago (view)

    Yeah, I've made myself familiar with a lot of the changes, but AZP's posts have both added more information and cleared up stuff I didn't fully grasp.  I appreciate the hell out of it.  Thanks Phil, thanks TCR.

     
  • bradsbeard 2 hours 34 min ago (view)

    Looks like Savant has his breaking pitch classified as a curve while Fangraphs calls it a slider. Suppose by ST he could have made everything over in the pitching lab, so who knows!

     
  • Arizona Phil 2 hours 51 min ago (view)

    Again, none of these rules (including the one that requires a pitcher to face a minimum of three batters or else record the final out of the inning) have been officially approved.  

    I think one possible caveat that might be added to the three-batter minimum rule would be that the pitcher can be replaced prior to facing three batters or recording the final out of the inning if the other team puts up a pinch-hitter. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 2 hours 54 min ago (view)

    Ptchers would also be treated differently under the new rules as far as the Injured list and Optional Assignment to the minors is concerned, with pitchers having to spend at least 15 days (up from 10 days) on the Injured List before being eligible to be reinstated and at least 15 days (up from 10 days) on Optional Assignment before being eligible to be recalled (inless the pitcher is being recalled to replace a pitcher on the 26-man roster who has been placed on an MLB inactive list).  

     
  • Arizona Phil 2 hours 55 min ago (view)

    SONICWIND: As the rule is proposed, prior to the start of each MLB regular season a club must designate all players on its Opening Day 26-man roster as either a "pitcher" or a "position player." A maximum of 13 can be designated as pitchers (14 pitchers max when rosters expand from 26 to 28 beginning on 9/1). 

    For players who come up during the season, the club must designate the player as either a pitcher or a position player when the player is placed on the MLB active list roster. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 3 hours 7 min ago (view)

    BRADSBEARD: Fangraphs shows the CT as his primary pitch in 2018 with the SL & FB (and an occasional CH) as his secondary pitches, with no CV at all. I guess I'll find out for sure in Spring Training. 

     
  • Sonicwind75 4 hours 24 min ago (view)

    AZ Phil, thank you as always for the detailed information.  How is the "cannot be a pitcher" part of the rule to be enforced?  With a few two way players and the increasing amount of mop up innings being handled by position players it seems like there could be a gray area there.  What is preventing a team from stashing an athletic relief pitcher as a "5th outfielder" that could be a pinch runner and play a passable OF when needed but could also provide them with extra relief pitcher.  Anytime I hear of a new rule I always think of how Bill Billichek would circumvent it t

     
  • bradsbeard 4 hours 24 min ago (view)

    AZ Phil, looking around Baseball Savant, it looks like Winkler now primarily throws a low 90s cutter, a 4-seamer that he throws a little harder (but is less effective), a curve and a sinker. The slider and change haven't been a major part of his repertoir the last two years. The cutter has been really effective the last two years but it looks like he lost command/effectiveness of his 4-seemer and curve last year For whatever reason  

     
  • bradsbeard 7 hours 44 min ago (view)

    They just signed this guy:

    https://twitter.com/mlbastian/status/1202973097223237632

     
  • Hagsag 9 hours 1 min ago (view)

    There seems to be a lot of player movement so far. Too bad the Cubs aren't involved.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 59 min ago (view)

    Beginning in 2019, a club must wait a minimum of seven days before it can place a player who was claimed off Outtright Assignment Waivers during the off-season back onto waivers, so because he was claimed off waivers on Wednesday 11/27, yesterday (Wednesday 12/4) was the first day the Cubs could place LHRP C. D. Pelham back onto Outright Assignment Waivers, and so tomorrow (Friday 12/6) is the first day the Cubs can send Pelham outright to the minors (if he was placed back onto waivers yesterday).

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 21 hours ago (view)

    A Competitive Balance draft slot can be traded only during a period of time starting on December 2nd and extending up until two hours prior to the MLB First-Year Player Draft (MLB Rule 4 Draft), so don't be surpised if these draft picks are traded during the off-season.

    Keep in mind that the slot cannot be traded for cash unless it is a financial adjustment made to offset the salary of one or more of the players involved in the trade.

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 21 hours ago (view)

    The active list roster limit changes scheduled to go in effect in 2020 have not yet been officially approved. Same goes for the three-batter minimum (or else record the third out in the inning) for relief pitchers. 

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 21 hours ago (view)

    And then the active list roster limit will expand from 26 to 28 on September 1st (max 14 pitchers in September). 

     
  • Arizona Phil 1 day 21 hours ago (view)

    The "26th man" who was added for doubleheaders will now be the "27th man" and he can be a pitcher. 

     
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