3 replies to this topic

[chirogerg1]

Hey y'all. Just some thoughts on the upcoming Rule 5 Draft:

Here are a couple of guys I think the Cubs could seriously consider.

Josh Fields, RHP, Red Sox Organization

Fields played the majority of the season for AA Portland, pitching in relief to the tune of 2.62 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and .185 BAA. His most impressive stat, however, is his strikeout rate. In AA, he whiffed batters at a rate of 11.88 K/9. I believe that the most important characteristic of a successful pitching staff is a lot of strikeouts, and Fields certainly would bring that to the Cubs. For any critics of power pitchers out there, Fields also commands the strikezone incredibly well, surrendering just 16 walks in 44.2 innings. When he made the jump to AAA, Fields' stats only improved, and he didn't allow a single earned run in 13.2 innings. Also, Fields allowed just 4 home runs the entire season. This mix of power and control could be a great asset to the Cubs. Fields throws a fastball that sits at 92-93 and a slow curveball (76-81) that has great depth, and could be plus. The only major problem I see with Fields, a former first-rounder, is his age. At 27, he may not fit perfectly into the Cubs plans.

Ryan Chaffee, RHP, LA Angels Organization

Chaffee pitched in the High-A California League and the AA Texas League in 2012. Chaffee is a very similar pitcher to Fields. He is an entire level below Fields, but is only 24. Chaffee also boasts a very high strikeout rate of 11.52 K/9, but has more issues than Fields. One of those is his walk total (36 in 65.2), but even that isn't horrendous. Chaffee had a 2.60, a 1.17 WHIP and a .183 BAA. Chaffee is also adept at keeping the ball in the park, giving up only 5 home runs on the season. Chaffee has had minor health problems, but throws consistently in the 92-94 range, with what Jonathon Mayo calls a "decent" breaking ball.

Other names to know:

Jose Aguilar, 22, 1B, Indians (A+/AA)-Good power hitter with a penchant for drawing walks. Unfortunately, he is exclusively a first baseman, and therefore will probably not work out with the Cubs.

Miguel Celestino, 23, RHP, Red Sox (A+)-Has the stuff and makeup to be a starter, but this makes him harder to bury in the bullpen. If the Cubs could find a way to get him enough low-pressure innings, this could be a good pickup, but he has yet to pitch in AA.

Tim Crabbe, 24, RHP, Reds (AA/A+)-Struggled in AA and was sent down to work out some finer points. Also a starter, Crabbe can touch 95, and is very aggressive going after hitters. Also a tougher guy to bury, but good potential and is only 24.

Jefry Marte, 21, 3B, Mets (AA)-Improved approach over the last season. Good walk rate and devastates left-handed pitching. There are questions about his defense, but I understand that his actual fielding has improved and have found nothing on range or arm. Good power potential.

Jarret Martin, 23, LHP, Dodgers (A/A+)-Less developed, hard throwing (97) lefty that could contribute a big league pen in the future, but still needs development time.

[Spriggs]

So is Crabbe unprotected by the Reds? I saw him start 2 games against the Mesa Solar Sox in the Fall League. He is a tall skinny guy who throws pretty hard - definitely not a blazing fast ball, but he looks good. Anyone know what he tops out at? Most pitchers looked at least OK against the Solar Sox, but in his two starts (7 innings) he allowed only 1 run, 4 hits, 2 walks, and 4 K's (I keep score). He was also the starter in the AFL Championship (Peoria Javelinas). I would be surprised if nobody takes him.

[Tommy]

Roger - that analysis was awesome. Nice write up.

[Luke]

Crabbe has a nice slider. Leaning on that, he could probably survive out of the bullpen for a season. Long term I still like him as a potential starter.