Chicago Cubs first base prospect Dan Vogelbach had a big game (on TV!) for the Mesa Solar Sox last night, including the rare bases-clearing single. You can watch that, and also a deep double here:
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Given how the ball was struck, where it landed, there being two outs, and Vogelbach’s lack of plus speed, you can understand how he was held to a single while the guy on first was able to score. Rare stuff.
It’s been a mixed AFL experience for Vogelbach after a mixed year at High-A Daytona (the power wasn’t there (it isn’t there for most guys in the Florida State League – Vogelbach’s .787 OPS was 6th best in the league, and his .429 SLG was 12th best)), but everything else looked good). He’s hitting .226/.377/.283, which means that, once again, the power isn’t there. But the guy has walked 14 times and struck out just 10 times. As folks have said about him since day one, he’s a guy who clearly understands how to hit.
Ultimately, though, Vogelbach is going to have to hit for more power to remain a relevant prospect moving through the Cubs’ system. Moreover, if he’s limited to first base/DH duties, there will always be a question on how long he’ll remain with the Cubs, given the presence of Anthony Rizzo. No, you don’t dump a guy in High-A ball because he plays a position behind a guy on the big league team, but, if Vogelbach ascends to AA this year, and if the power returns, then the question becomes a little more pressing.