Cubs' Prospects FUTUREBONER thread

[Quality Start Machine]

So Russell at 3rd, Castro stays.

I was not denigrating Castro's play at shortstop BTW.  He's MUCH improved and more consistent than when he was a kid. He's fine there.  I happen to think Baez would be a better shortstop (as would Russell) but I'd prefer not to get tangled up in it, instead appreciating for a moment the time we're in here. These are nice problems to have as they say.

Very nice problems indeed, but that doesn't mean we can't be internet GM's.

If the Cubs do keep Baez and intend to have him as part of their long term future (something I'm not 100% sure of...not like I'm sure Bryant and Russell are part of the long term outlook), then Bryant more than likely goes to LF. It appears he's going there right now, anyway.

Given that circumstance (Bryant to LF), I've run circles around what I think the futureinfield would look like (assuming, also, that Mike Olt is an afterthought). What is the BEST defensive infield given Castro, Baez and Russell? If I just use range factor, the best is Baez at 4.56 (mostly SS in the minors), then Castro at 4.28 and then Russell at 4.10. By FLD% it's Castro, Russell, Baez. FLD% is a weak measurable though, right?

If I had to make a swamp-educated guess, I'd probably assume Starlin at SS, Baez at 2B and Russell at 3B. I couldn't find much more in the way of advanced defensive statistics (I didn't really dig all that much, assuming defensive stats for minor league players would be sparse). The thinking is that the Cubs would be fine no matter who plays where on defense out of those three. They are all above average defensive infielders.

I also would find it hard to believe that Russell doesn't get called up this year.

This is why Jepstink have been stockpiling middle infielders. The odds of a 100% success rate is pretty damn remote, and in the end Castro might be the best solution at short after all. And before we have visions of Bryant patrolling LF in Wrigley Field forever (once Theo has Boras rubbed out), remember that in a year or so they'll have to find a place for SKOwarber's bat.

[Tony]

So are we writing off Olt as a possibility long term? If Bryant is in left, and Castro/Russell are at SS and 2B, and Baez turns out to be AAAA then it would be nice if he turned out to be a solid player.

[Eli]

... remember that in a year or so they'll have to find a place for SKOwarber's bat.

I don't think this one is going to catch on, Fork.

[Richard Chuggar]

So Russell at 3rd, Castro stays.

I was not denigrating Castro's play at shortstop BTW.  He's MUCH improved and more consistent than when he was a kid. He's fine there.  I happen to think Baez would be a better shortstop (as would Russell) but I'd prefer not to get tangled up in it, instead appreciating for a moment the time we're in here. These are nice problems to have as they say.

Very nice problems indeed, but that doesn't mean we can't be internet GM's.

If the Cubs do keep Baez and intend to have him as part of their long term future (something I'm not 100% sure of...not like I'm sure Bryant and Russell are part of the long term outlook), then Bryant more than likely goes to LF. It appears he's going there right now, anyway.

Given that circumstance (Bryant to LF), I've run circles around what I think the futureinfield would look like (assuming, also, that Mike Olt is an afterthought). What is the BEST defensive infield given Castro, Baez and Russell? If I just use range factor, the best is Baez at 4.56 (mostly SS in the minors), then Castro at 4.28 and then Russell at 4.10. By FLD% it's Castro, Russell, Baez. FLD% is a weak measurable though, right?

If I had to make a swamp-educated guess, I'd probably assume Starlin at SS, Baez at 2B and Russell at 3B. I couldn't find much more in the way of advanced defensive statistics (I didn't really dig all that much, assuming defensive stats for minor league players would be sparse). The thinking is that the Cubs would be fine no matter who plays where on defense out of those three. They are all above average defensive infielders.

I also would find it hard to believe that Russell doesn't get called up this year.

wanna hear an INSIDE HOT TAKE??????

Soler is a goshdarn animal.  He was swinging like a damn pussy in the cages and it sounded like a stick of dynamite going off every time he made contact.  I cant' imagine if he's really trying.  He's the one they love the most of the most.  Bryant is a close second.  And coming up third is Schwarber.  Apparently they think he's going to be the third best hitter out of all of these guys and he's going to be a legit player in the bigs.  They're just trying to find a spot in the field for him and he's working on it all spring.  Russell will be up very soon, and they're afraid of hurting Castro's feelings, so it's still kind of up in the air where he'll end up playing in the field. 

[Quality Start Machine]

... remember that in a year or so they'll have to find a place for SKOwarber's bat.

I don't think this one is going to catch on, Fork.

Like that's ever stopped me before.

[Powdered Toast Man]

So Russell at 3rd, Castro stays.

I was not denigrating Castro's play at shortstop BTW.  He's MUCH improved and more consistent than when he was a kid. He's fine there.  I happen to think Baez would be a better shortstop (as would Russell) but I'd prefer not to get tangled up in it, instead appreciating for a moment the time we're in here. These are nice problems to have as they say.

Very nice problems indeed, but that doesn't mean we can't be internet GM's.

If the Cubs do keep Baez and intend to have him as part of their long term future (something I'm not 100% sure of...not like I'm sure Bryant and Russell are part of the long term outlook), then Bryant more than likely goes to LF. It appears he's going there right now, anyway.

Given that circumstance (Bryant to LF), I've run circles around what I think the futureinfield would look like (assuming, also, that Mike Olt is an afterthought). What is the BEST defensive infield given Castro, Baez and Russell? If I just use range factor, the best is Baez at 4.56 (mostly SS in the minors), then Castro at 4.28 and then Russell at 4.10. By FLD% it's Castro, Russell, Baez. FLD% is a weak measurable though, right?

If I had to make a swamp-educated guess, I'd probably assume Starlin at SS, Baez at 2B and Russell at 3B. I couldn't find much more in the way of advanced defensive statistics (I didn't really dig all that much, assuming defensive stats for minor league players would be sparse). The thinking is that the Cubs would be fine no matter who plays where on defense out of those three. They are all above average defensive infielders.

I also would find it hard to believe that Russell doesn't get called up this year.

wanna hear an INSIDE HOT TAKE??????

Soler is a goshdarn animal.  He was swinging like a damn pussy in the cages and it sounded like a stick of dynamite going off every time he made contact.  I cant' imagine if he's really trying.  He's the one they love the most of the most.  Bryant is a close second.  And coming up third is Schwarber.  Apparently they think he's going to be the third best hitter out of all of these guys and he's going to be a legit player in the bigs.  They're just trying to find a spot in the field for him and he's working on it all spring.  Russell will be up very soon, and they're afraid of hurting Castro's feelings, so it's still kind of up in the air where he'll end up playing in the field. 

What was with the Instagram video? I haven't kept up with Dubbs in a long time, so I don't really know how or why he ended up in the Cubs weight room but I know that I want to marry him more than ever now.

[InternetApex]

So are we writing off Olt as a possibility long term?

Like a year ago.

[Quality Start Machine]

Baseball America has a Cubs' prospects FUTUREBONER as well.

[Yeti]

So Russell at 3rd, Castro stays.

I was not denigrating Castro's play at shortstop BTW.  He's MUCH improved and more consistent than when he was a kid. He's fine there.  I happen to think Baez would be a better shortstop (as would Russell) but I'd prefer not to get tangled up in it, instead appreciating for a moment the time we're in here. These are nice problems to have as they say.

Very nice problems indeed, but that doesn't mean we can't be internet GM's.

If the Cubs do keep Baez and intend to have him as part of their long term future (something I'm not 100% sure of...not like I'm sure Bryant and Russell are part of the long term outlook), then Bryant more than likely goes to LF. It appears he's going there right now, anyway.

Given that circumstance (Bryant to LF), I've run circles around what I think the futureinfield would look like (assuming, also, that Mike Olt is an afterthought). What is the BEST defensive infield given Castro, Baez and Russell? If I just use range factor, the best is Baez at 4.56 (mostly SS in the minors), then Castro at 4.28 and then Russell at 4.10. By FLD% it's Castro, Russell, Baez. FLD% is a weak measurable though, right?

If I had to make a swamp-educated guess, I'd probably assume Starlin at SS, Baez at 2B and Russell at 3B. I couldn't find much more in the way of advanced defensive statistics (I didn't really dig all that much, assuming defensive stats for minor league players would be sparse). The thinking is that the Cubs would be fine no matter who plays where on defense out of those three. They are all above average defensive infielders.

I also would find it hard to believe that Russell doesn't get called up this year.

wanna hear an INSIDE HOT TAKE??????

Soler is a goshdarn animal.  He was swinging like a damn pussy in the cages and it sounded like a stick of dynamite going off every time he made contact.  I cant' imagine if he's really trying.  He's the one they love the most of the most.  Bryant is a close second.  And coming up third is Schwarber.  Apparently they think he's going to be the third best hitter out of all of these guys and he's going to be a legit player in the bigs.  They're just trying to find a spot in the field for him and he's working on it all spring.  Russell will be up very soon, and they're afraid of hurting Castro's feelings, so it's still kind of up in the air where he'll end up playing in the field. 

What was with the Instagram video? I haven't kept up with Dubbs in a long time, so I don't really know how or why he ended up in the Cubs weight room but I know that I want to marry him more than ever now.

He was bunking with Jed Hoyer

[Tonker]

Baseball America has a Cubs' prospects FUTUREBONER as well.

7.    Pissburgh
16.  Tards
17.  Reds
19.  Brewers

Looks like it's going to be the Cubs and the Pirates battling it out for the NL Central for the next five years or so.

[Quality Start Machine]

Baseball America has a Cubs' prospects FUTUREBONER as well.

7.    Pissburgh
16.  Tards
17.  Reds
19.  Brewers

Looks like it's going to be the Cubs and the Pirates battling it out for the NL Central for the next five years or so.

Once Kevonte Mitchell becomes your favorite player, everything's jake.

[Eli]

Baseball America has a Cubs' prospects FUTUREBONER as well.

7.    Pissburgh
16.  Tards
17.  Reds
19.  Brewers

Looks like it's going to be the Cubs and the Pirates battling it out for the NL Central for the next five years or so.

Don't kid yourself; the Cardinals are going to be good forever.

[J. Walter Weatherman]

Addison looks to my untrained eye like a guy who could/will pack some el-bees on to his Juan Uribe-esque frame. In which case I could see him playing 3B.

Don't sell yourself short, my husky-jeaned friend. You've put in enough time in the bigs to be my fat guy scout.

[SKO]

Baseball America has a Cubs' prospects FUTUREBONER as well.

7.    Pissburgh
16.  Tards
17.  Reds
19.  Brewers

Looks like it's going to be the Cubs and the Pirates battling it out for the NL Central for the next five years or so.

Don't kid yourself; the Cardinals are going to be good forever.

Yeah I don't really see where anyone ever has any reason to think they can discount the Cardinals at any time in the near future. Their organization is everything we HOPE the Cubs are becoming, i.e. loaded with young prospects while having the prospect depth and payroll flexibility to fill any need (like trading for Heyward). They're not going anywhere. I'm far more worried about them than Pittsburgh, considering Pittsburgh basically has no recourse if prospects flop.

[Oleg]

Baseball America has a Cubs' prospects FUTUREBONER as well.

7.    Pissburgh
16.  Tards
17.  Reds
19.  Brewers

Looks like it's going to be the Cubs and the Pirates battling it out for the NL Central for the next five years or so.

Don't kid yourself; the Cardinals are going to be good forever.

Yeah I don't really see where anyone ever has any reason to think they can discount the Cardinals at any time in the near future. Their organization is everything we HOPE the Cubs are becoming, i.e. loaded with young prospects while having the prospect depth and payroll flexibility to fill any need (like trading for Heyward). They're not going anywhere. I'm far more worried about them than Pittsburgh, considering Pittsburgh basically has no recourse if prospects flop.

Glug-glug, vroom-vroom, thump-thump.