The Cubs have signed another college draftee, and there was much rejoicing.
According to the Tennessean, the Cubs have signed 11th round pick Jordan Hankins, a junior infielder at Austin Peay State. The Cubs announced Hankins as a catcher, where he’s spent on a little time, so they’re clearly intending to see what he can do behind the plate. When he’s at the plate, Hankins pretty much does exactly what you’d like to see – hitting for power, walking more than striking out, making solid contact, etc. Hankins was a member of the US National collegiate team, so he’s clearly a player.
Being the 11th round pick, Hankins was the Cubs’ first selection not subject to the bonus pool restrictions (unless his bonus is over $100,000), so it’ll be interesting to see how much he received to sign. Teams typically start trying to land some over slot types in the early rounds after the 10th round, but the initial reports don’t suggest that Hankins is that type. (Although the pick was praised when the Cubs made it.) As a junior, it wasn’t like Hankins was a no-leverage senior pick, though. I’m tentatively intrigued by him, and by the Cubs’ willingness to try and convert some catchers with draft picks.
Apropos of not much except the fact that this is a draft pick post: I keep meaning to mention the Cubs ProSportsDaily forum, which has an incredible thread on Draft pick signings/rumors/gossip/etc. going. If you can’t get enough of this stuff, and can appreciate the nuance associated with tea leaves/Twitter rumors/and gut reactions, that’s a fun thread to peruse.