Although we focus on the minor leagues through a prospecting lens, sometimes it’s nice to be presented with an opportunity to simply step back and note who performed really well in a given year, irrespective of their prospect status.
Today, MiLB.com released its Cubs Organizational All-Stars, which is a mix of prospects and dude who just had great years (but it’s mostly prospects):
Led by Brailyn Marquez, a strong group of #Cubs prospects are gusting toward the Windy City!
➡️ https://t.co/buDg7hFDlP pic.twitter.com/1sW7wzYpXD
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) October 21, 2019
Read the MiLB.com piece for the full write-up on the organization and the individual players, but here’s the team:
Catcher: Miguel Amaya
First Base: Jim Adduci
Second Base: Vimael Machin
Third Base: Phillip Evans
Shortstop: Nico Hoerner
Outfield: Brennen Davis
Outfield: Edmond Americaan
Outfield: Zach Davis
UTL: Robel Garcia
RHP Starter: Cory Abbott
LHP Starter: Brailyn Marquez
Reliever: Ryan Lawlor
The article includes thoughts from new Cubs Director of Player Development Bobby Basham, so it’s a must-read. I especially appreciated the comments on Americaan and Lawlor, because they’re not guys we’ve followed too closely or can speak on too deeply (though I know Bryan has mentioned them both at times):
Americaan, 22, was the Cubs’ 35th rounder last year, though he got a little extra cash to sign. He is a fantastic athlete – good speed, good defender – who put up good numbers in the NWL this year. Those numbers mostly came on the strength of a huge BABIP, though, which will naturally fade a bit without improvement in his plate discipline. Like Basham said, Americaan’s final two months were especially strong (.310/.365/.495, 143 wRC+ (from a speed guy)), though even in that stretch, he walked just 5.0% and struck out 22.7% against younger competition.
Lawlor, 25, washed out of the Braves’ organization in 2017 as a starting pitcher (despite really strong peripherals, albeit at a very low level for his age). The Cubs began the process of trying to reclaim him as a reliever last year, and then it seemed to click this year at High-A, as Basham said. In his 35.2 innings with Myrtle Beach, Lawlor posted a 41.8% K rate, 8.9% BB rate, and 2.02 ERA. You give him a little leeway on the age because there is work being done and he was older when he started his pro career, but obviously you’d need to see him be nearly as dominating at AA right out of the gate next year before you’d start thinking about him as a future impact reliever. He is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year, so depending on the Cubs’ internal scouting, they may have to make a decision, despite his low level.