Cubs' Prospects FUTUREBONER thread

[R-V]

The NL Central per the Baseball Prospectus Adjusted Standings as of today:

        Actual          First order         Second order        Third order
       W%     W-L      W%       W-L        W%       W-L        W%       W-L
CIN   0.472   17-19   0.534   19.2-16.8   0.540   19.4-16.6   0.540   19.4-16.6
MIL   0.632   24-14   0.540   20.5-17.5   0.540   20.5-17.5   0.520   19.8-18.2
STL   0.487   19-20   0.509   19.9-19.1   0.506   19.7-19.3   0.498   19.4-19.6
CHC   0.351   13-24   0.488   18.1-18.9   0.484   17.9-19.1   0.477   17.6-19.4
PIT   0.432   16-21   0.464   17.2-19.8   0.446   16.5-20.5   0.460   17.0-20.0

Ranked by Third Order Winning Percentage. (First order is their Pythagorean percentage based on actual runs scored/allowed, second order their Pythagorean percentage based on underlying stats, third order their Pythagorean percentage based on underlying stats with adjustments for strength of opponents.)

Overall, the Cubs rank 19th in all of MLB in the third order projection, just behind Tampa and ahead of the Twins, Yankees, Pirates, Royals, Rangers, Dbacks, Mets, Padres, Orioles, Phillies and Astros.

So, yay?

If this keeps up, they'll get a higher draft pick than they deserve?

I don't think it will when the trade 2/5ths of the rotation. Even if guys like Hendricks and Wada show up and pitch well.

Regardless, I think what it tells me (irrespective of fears of a lower draft pick) is that they aren't as bad as their record AND they really might be a couple of those Big Four guys away from competing on a daily basis.

I don't think it's unfair to suggest that what we're seeing from Castro and Rizzo IS what they are. Do you guys?

Not unfair. For what it's worth coming from a slapdick TV-watcher, both have much better approaches this year eye test-wise - Castro has his aggressiveness back and Rizzo is just locked in against lefties - and it's backed up by the numbers. Not crazy to think that a couple of 24 year olds with BABIPs that are not outlandish, and roughly in line with career numbers, are coming into their own.

[Powdered Toast Man]

Cubs prospect 3B Kris Bryant was at it again on Tuesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI for Double-A Tennessee.

The 22-year-old slugger has five home runs and 18 RBI in his last 10 games, and he's now batting a robust .324/.425/.620 with nine doubles, 11 homers and 33 RBI through 38 games on the season. He also has 35 runs and five steals thus far, to go along with a 46/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 167 plate appearances. Bryant continues to check all the developmental boxes at Tennessee and shows no signs of slowing down until he reaches the major leagues, which looks like it will occur at some point later this season.


Cubs prospect OF Albert Almora enjoyed his best game of the season on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with three doubles and four RBI for High-A Daytona.

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

For the 7th time in 6 games Jorge Soler doubled.

Draft related stuff, two college arms in Hoffman and Fedde will undergo Tommy John surgery. That moves...you guessed it...Aaron Nola up in the prospect list for the Cubs at 4 along with high school position players Alex Jackson (C/OF) and Nick Gordon (IF). Nola is the safest pitching bet given that Rodon, Kolek and Aiken could go in the first three picks.

[Eli]

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Almora is the guy in Big 4 who I just can't get fully excited about. I still believe in Baez despite the rough start, but I just don't really see Almora's appeal. No power, very little speed and he doesn't get on base. I know he could hit for average and his defense profiles well, but I just don't see much upside beyond something like a non-PED Melky Cabrera. That's fine, but doesn't move the needle much.

On the other hand, Soler's quick start is great to see. Hopefully he can stay on the field and push himself into AAA before the end of the year.

[BH]

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Almora is the guy in Big 4 who I just can't get fully excited about. I still believe in Baez despite the rough start, but I just don't really see Almora's appeal. No power, very little speed and he doesn't get on base. I know he could hit for average and his defense profiles well, but I just don't see much upside beyond something like a non-PED Melky Cabrera. That's fine, but doesn't move the needle much.

On the other hand, Soler's quick start is great to see. Hopefully he can stay on the field and push himself into AAA before the end of the year.

He's struggled early on this year. He'll hit over .300 with great contact. He's an amazing defender, with a great arm. Works hard, is a great leader on the team. And he's 19 years old. His projected ceiling is a future all-star, gold glove center fielder. But these guys grow on trees, nice job Theo.

[Slaky]

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Almora is the guy in Big 4 who I just can't get fully excited about. I still believe in Baez despite the rough start, but I just don't really see Almora's appeal. No power, very little speed and he doesn't get on base. I know he could hit for average and his defense profiles well, but I just don't see much upside beyond something like a non-PED Melky Cabrera. That's fine, but doesn't move the needle much.

On the other hand, Soler's quick start is great to see. Hopefully he can stay on the field and push himself into AAA before the end of the year.

Like BH said - I think Almora can become a doubles, high BA guy but he's going to give you that gold glove defense up the middle. I get not being too excited but from what I remember he has the highest floor.

Soler is that wild card who could still end up being a complete monster or nothing.

[BH]

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Almora is the guy in Big 4 who I just can't get fully excited about. I still believe in Baez despite the rough start, but I just don't really see Almora's appeal. No power, very little speed and he doesn't get on base. I know he could hit for average and his defense profiles well, but I just don't see much upside beyond something like a non-PED Melky Cabrera. That's fine, but doesn't move the needle much.

On the other hand, Soler's quick start is great to see. Hopefully he can stay on the field and push himself into AAA before the end of the year.

Like BH said - I think Almora can become a doubles, high BA guy but he's going to give you that gold glove defense up the middle. I get not being too excited but from what I remember he has the highest floor.

Soler is that wild card who could still end up being a complete monster or nothing.

Eli likes dingers.

[Eli]

He's struggled early on this year. He'll hit over .300 with great contact. He's an amazing defender, with a great arm. Works hard, is a great leader on the team. And he's 19 years old. His projected ceiling is a future all-star, gold glove center fielder. But these guys grow on trees, nice job Theo.

Well, it's settled then. Everything you said will happen.

[PenFoe]

He's struggled early on this year. He'll hit over .300 with great contact. He's an amazing defender, with a great arm. Works hard, is a great leader on the team. And he's 19 years old. His projected ceiling is a future all-star, gold glove center fielder. But these guys grow on trees, nice job Theo.

Well, it's settled then. Everything you said will happen.

Well, shit, then BH should have said CHAMMENSHIP.

[Eli]

He's struggled early on this year. He'll hit over .300 with great contact. He's an amazing defender, with a great arm. Works hard, is a great leader on the team. And he's 19 years old. His projected ceiling is a future all-star, gold glove center fielder. But these guys grow on trees, nice job Theo.

Well, it's settled then. Everything you said will happen.

Well, shit, then BH should have said CHAMMENSHIP.

He sold us all short!

[PenFoe]

He's struggled early on this year. He'll hit over .300 with great contact. He's an amazing defender, with a great arm. Works hard, is a great leader on the team. And he's 19 years old. His projected ceiling is a future all-star, gold glove center fielder. But these guys grow on trees, nice job Theo.

Well, it's settled then. Everything you said will happen.

Well, shit, then BH should have said CHAMMENSHIP.

He sold us all short!

BHstink is terrible.

#FireTheo

[Yeti]

He's struggled early on this year. He'll hit over .300 with great contact. He's an amazing defender, with a great arm. Works hard, is a great leader on the team. And he's 19 years old. His projected ceiling is a future all-star, gold glove center fielder. But these guys grow on trees, nice job Theo.

Well, it's settled then. Everything you said will happen.

Well, shit, then BH should have said CHAMMENSHIP.

He sold us all short!

What about Oleg?

[Bonk]

Cubs prospect 3B Kris Bryant was at it again on Tuesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI for Double-A Tennessee.

The 22-year-old slugger has five home runs and 18 RBI in his last 10 games, and he's now batting a robust .324/.425/.620 with nine doubles, 11 homers and 33 RBI through 38 games on the season. He also has 35 runs and five steals thus far, to go along with a 46/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 167 plate appearances. Bryant continues to check all the developmental boxes at Tennessee and shows no signs of slowing down until he reaches the major leagues, which looks like it will occur at some point later this season.


Cubs prospect OF Albert Almora enjoyed his best game of the season on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with three doubles and four RBI for High-A Daytona.

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

For the 7th time in 6 games Jorge Soler doubled.

Draft related stuff, two college arms in Hoffman and Fedde will undergo Tommy John surgery. That moves...you guessed it...Aaron Nola up in the prospect list for the Cubs at 4 along with high school position players Alex Jackson (C/OF) and Nick Gordon (IF). Nola is the safest pitching bet given that Rodon, Kolek and Aiken could go in the first three picks.

I took a trip to Knoxville to watch Bryant play two weeks ago and I was beyond impressed. His hands are about as fast as I've ever seen through the strike zone. And he is one big motherfucker. He's 6-5 and listed at 215 but looks closer to 230.

[Saul Goodman]

Cubs prospect 3B Kris Bryant was at it again on Tuesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI for Double-A Tennessee.

The 22-year-old slugger has five home runs and 18 RBI in his last 10 games, and he's now batting a robust .324/.425/.620 with nine doubles, 11 homers and 33 RBI through 38 games on the season. He also has 35 runs and five steals thus far, to go along with a 46/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 167 plate appearances. Bryant continues to check all the developmental boxes at Tennessee and shows no signs of slowing down until he reaches the major leagues, which looks like it will occur at some point later this season.


Cubs prospect OF Albert Almora enjoyed his best game of the season on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with three doubles and four RBI for High-A Daytona.

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

For the 7th time in 6 games Jorge Soler doubled.

Draft related stuff, two college arms in Hoffman and Fedde will undergo Tommy John surgery. That moves...you guessed it...Aaron Nola up in the prospect list for the Cubs at 4 along with high school position players Alex Jackson (C/OF) and Nick Gordon (IF). Nola is the safest pitching bet given that Rodon, Kolek and Aiken could go in the first three picks.

I took a trip to Knoxville to watch Bryant play two weeks ago and I was beyond impressed. His hands are about as fast as I've ever seen through the strike zone. And he is one big motherfucker. He's 6-5 and listed at 215 but looks closer to 230.

How did he look at third?

[Brownie]

Cubs prospect 3B Kris Bryant was at it again on Tuesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI for Double-A Tennessee.

The 22-year-old slugger has five home runs and 18 RBI in his last 10 games, and he's now batting a robust .324/.425/.620 with nine doubles, 11 homers and 33 RBI through 38 games on the season. He also has 35 runs and five steals thus far, to go along with a 46/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 167 plate appearances. Bryant continues to check all the developmental boxes at Tennessee and shows no signs of slowing down until he reaches the major leagues, which looks like it will occur at some point later this season.


Cubs prospect OF Albert Almora enjoyed his best game of the season on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with three doubles and four RBI for High-A Daytona.

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

For the 7th time in 6 games Jorge Soler doubled.

Draft related stuff, two college arms in Hoffman and Fedde will undergo Tommy John surgery. That moves...you guessed it...Aaron Nola up in the prospect list for the Cubs at 4 along with high school position players Alex Jackson (C/OF) and Nick Gordon (IF). Nola is the safest pitching bet given that Rodon, Kolek and Aiken could go in the first three picks.

I took a trip to Knoxville to watch Bryant play two weeks ago and I was beyond impressed. His hands are about as fast as I've ever seen through the strike zone. And he is one big motherfucker. He's 6-5 and listed at 215 but looks closer to 230.

How did he look at third?

With his eyes.

[Eli]

Cubs prospect 3B Kris Bryant was at it again on Tuesday, going 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI for Double-A Tennessee.

The 22-year-old slugger has five home runs and 18 RBI in his last 10 games, and he's now batting a robust .324/.425/.620 with nine doubles, 11 homers and 33 RBI through 38 games on the season. He also has 35 runs and five steals thus far, to go along with a 46/20 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 167 plate appearances. Bryant continues to check all the developmental boxes at Tennessee and shows no signs of slowing down until he reaches the major leagues, which looks like it will occur at some point later this season.


Cubs prospect OF Albert Almora enjoyed his best game of the season on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with three doubles and four RBI for High-A Daytona.

The 20-year-old had been struggling heading into the game, with a dismal .386 OPS and one extra-base hit in his 10 previous contests, so his three-double, four-RBI performance on Tuesday was definitely a step in the right direction. Through 31 games at Daytona this season, Almora is batting .250/.280/.355 with 10 doubles, one home run, 16 RBI and a 15/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

For the 7th time in 6 games Jorge Soler doubled.

Draft related stuff, two college arms in Hoffman and Fedde will undergo Tommy John surgery. That moves...you guessed it...Aaron Nola up in the prospect list for the Cubs at 4 along with high school position players Alex Jackson (C/OF) and Nick Gordon (IF). Nola is the safest pitching bet given that Rodon, Kolek and Aiken could go in the first three picks.

I took a trip to Knoxville to watch Bryant play two weeks ago and I was beyond impressed. His hands are about as fast as I've ever seen through the strike zone. And he is one big motherfucker. He's 6-5 and listed at 215 but looks closer to 230.

How did he look at third?

With his eyes.

His dreamy, dreamboat dream-eyes.