Remember That Guy?

[Saul Goodman]

Hey remember when Arismendy Alcantara didn't suck and was being mentioned as part of the core? Me either.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

Hey remember when Arismendy Alcantara didn't suck and was being mentioned as part of the core? Me either.

I don't view him as ever having been part of "the core" but, rather, the palate cleansing prospect before the "real" prospects began showing up.

[Quality Start Machine]

Hey remember when Arismendy Alcantara didn't suck and was being mentioned as part of the core? Me either.

I don't view him as ever having been part of "the core" but, rather, the palate cleansing prospect before the "real" prospects began showing up.

Castro and Soler are the only guys who were ever mentioned as "core" guys who aren't still around.

But Mendy looked swell until everyone figured out he would even swing at pickoff throws.

[SKO]

I don't remember even really paying any attention to Mendy before 2014. He was a flash in the pan who topped out I think at like #87 on the top 100 prospects list. I don't remember anyone penciling him in as part of the core.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

I don't remember even really paying any attention to Mendy before 2014. He was a flash in the pan who topped out I think at like #87 on the top 100 prospects list. I don't remember anyone penciling him in as part of the core.

He sort of surged in 2014 and got called up ahead of Baez and the thought at the time was that he might become a useful everyday player.

That thought didn't survive 6 weeks.

[Saul Goodman]

Fair enough. What I should have said is being mentioned in the same breath as the core or as a likely complement to the core. Like this, for instance:

First, the rise. Not really that long ago, his name was among the prospects that Cubs fans were getting excited about, although not as excited as the top names in the system, but he was garnering a lot of attention just a year and a half ago. In the summer of 2014, he was probably up there with Jorge Soler and Javier Baez.

Or this:

Any team can have a bad century -- Alcantara might be the first of the new wave who can erase those bad memories and create new ones.

And one more:

The touted Core Four of Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora and Jorge Soler likely won't see Wrigley this season, but one of the lesser-known but perhaps just as talented minor leaguers will.

Turns out he was absolutely nothing like any of those guys. That's what I meant.

[Saul Goodman]

I don't remember even really paying any attention to Mendy before 2014. He was a flash in the pan who topped out I think at like #87 on the top 100 prospects list. I don't remember anyone penciling him in as part of the core.

Buddy, *current Cubs scout* Jason Parks would like a word.

I've always liked Alcantara, but I was too low on him coming into the season, despite a skill set that has three-way impact potential at the highest level (hit/glove/run). Now that the 22-year-old has taken his talents to Triple-A, and exceeded expectations at the plate and on base, the future first-division player has jumped the list and emerged as a top 20 prospect in the game. --Jason Parks

[CBStew]

Hey remember when Arismendy Alcantara didn't suck and was being mentioned as part of the core? Me either.

I don't think that it was his talent that drew attention, but rather the alliteration of his name. 

[Quality Start Machine]

Geez, do I have to do everything around here?

[Saul Goodman]

Innings 1-9: Rich Hill
Inning 10: Mitch Hill

This joke (C) Kurt. All rights reserved.

[Canadouche]

Innings 1-9: Rich Hill
Inning 10: Mitch Hill

This joke (C) Kurt. All rights reserved.

Just can't trust that Mitch Hill, with his top hat and curly moustache. Dastardly villain!