Picture via tjperr/Flickr
Mid-game, substantive post? Why not?
The Chicago Cubs just announced that they’ve received lefty pitching prospect Hunter Cervenka from the Boston Red Sox to complete the Marlon Byrd/Michael Bowden trade. Recall, when the Cubs sent Byrd to the Red Sox last month for Bowden, they were also due a player to be named later. Well, the Cubs have apparently scouted the list of players, and selected Cervenka.
We’ll have a bit more substance on Cervenka later, but, for now, know that he’s 22, is in A-ball, was a 27th rounder in 2008, and has mostly struggled in the low minors. Something may have clicked this year, though, as he’s striking out 13.8 per 9. Then again, he’s walking 6.9 per 9, and he’s a 22-year-old in A-ball. In other words, there may not be a whole lot here.
I’m not familiar with this guy, but those numbers suggest a guy who throws really hard, knows he throws really hard, and as a result tries to throw the ball by people and has no idea where it’s going.
He’s a project, I’m guessing.
This guy’s got Wakefield’s fastball and Verlander’s knuckleball and combines the durability of Mark Prior with the strength of Tony Campana. Beloved as much as Milton Bradley, I’m sure Hunter Whatever will be a strong part of this organization for weeks to come.
Come on now Myles… But that was pretty funny.
And the level headedness of Carlos Zambrano?
…and the calves and posture of Hunter Pence!
[blinking at photo] The Cubs traded for a one-legged pitcher???
Hey, there was a one handed pitcher that did pretty well. Its possible!!! (=
No silly, the other leg is on his back.
Here’s a scouting report…
http://www.soxprospects.com/players/cervenka-hunter.htm
Any news on the San Diego compensation? A month ago or so, people kept saying the PTBNL was going to be moved soon. What happened with that? Can’t find anything on the internet about it.
No one knows. Was supposed to be resolved at the end of ST, and then in mid/late April … never was. No updates since then. I wonder if the ownership/management change in San Diego slowed things down? Or it could be that the players from whom the Padres were choosing included an injured player or two.
Wow Good Luck Hunter ! Welcome to the Cubs Organization
If a collage kid age may be acceptable
4 years in A. Never mind.
Looks like the Cubs had a list of the players who the Red Sox planned to release June 1, and took this guy.
I have one question. Can he hit the strike zone? Apparently that has to be asked of every pitcher we bring into the organization now. I figured if they were playing professionally at any level they would be able to but our bullpen likes to prove me wrong.
He sucks!
I watched his portion of a recent combined No-Hitter for the Greenville Drive. Cervanka pitched the seventh and eighth. He walked one hitter (Rome’s only runner of the day) and fanned five of the other six.
He didn’t look deceptive at all. I didn’t get any gun readings, but he must’ve been throwing hard.
He is my Cousin and I am sure he will not disappoint. Good Luck Hunter.