NEWSLETTER
This weekend has seen an explosion in visuals coming out of Cubs camp, both because there are a lot more players in minor league Spring Training now, and because there have been a lot of media there covering it.
I figured, if you’re at all like me, you would want whatever visuals you could get. I like seeing the physical progress in the prospects – and, frankly, seeing some that I wasn’t even quite sure exactly what they looked like until now – and I also like the faint feeling like I’m there in Arizona. Because I am not. And it is sad.
I am really enjoying getting to see Cristian Hernández taking swings:
Here's another look at Cristian Hernández's swing from BP yesterday. @WatchMarquee #Cubs https://t.co/34W2foADZ5 pic.twitter.com/tVu3dCix4L
— Scott Changnon (@ScottyChags) March 6, 2022
Top Cubs prospect Brennen Davis, looking as filled out as ever, is getting in his live BP:
Brennen Davis with a hard-hit line drive off Locke St. John today in live at-bats. #Cubs @WatchMarquee
St. John is usually 88-89 on his sinker with a slider & changeup from a sidearm lefty slot.
It was difficult for St. John to pitch inside on Davis effectively. Shocker. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/T35fbQvM9z
— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) March 4, 2022
“Is Kevin Alcántara the next Juan Soto?,” my column:
Cubs prospect Kevin Alcántara does the shuffle on takes. One early takeaway from watching minicamp has been Alcántara never stops moving, messing with teammates, keeping things loose. A lot of personality (plus a pile of potential) in this kid. pic.twitter.com/awJK8XuB59
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 4, 2022
As Stan pointed out in this grab from one of Jordan Bastian’s sets of pictures, this visual on Ed Howard gives some context on his gains:
Yo Es Howard is JACKED pic.twitter.com/IWFKBJlsY3
— Stan (@Crewsett) March 5, 2022
I think some of that is the forced perspective of the photo, but Howard does look pretty darn huge walking near Owen Caissie, who is really quite big. So, those eyeball reports that had Howard up to about 6’2″ and 200 pounds? Yeah, that’s looking pretty accurate. I had no idea that Howard that much physical projection available coming out of the draft, and although we know that the pitch recognition stuff is what will really decide his ability to contribute offensively, it’s not like being bigger and stronger is necessarily a bad thing …
Here’s how Howard is looking at the plate:
Ed Howard connects for a bouncer up the middle in a #Cubs live BP vs. righty Frankie Scalzo Jr.: pic.twitter.com/qfyHthrfBB
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 5, 2022
It’s fun to see Christian Franklin’s reaction to the get-me-over curve – it’s basically, “Ah, crap”:
Here’s a look at Jordan Wicks’ new curveball, this one of the get-me-over variety versus 2021 4th-rounder Christian Franklin. #Cubs @WatchMarqee@ScottyChags with the video from AZ. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bQeyueynCt
— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) March 5, 2022
More Wicks (and Luis Vazquez):
Lefty Jordan Wicks, Cubs’ top pick in 2021 Draft, throwing live BP this morning. Wrote about his evolving pitch arsenal: https://t.co/d7houf34en pic.twitter.com/cuIuRYYMyt
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 5, 2022
The stuff for Burl Carraway is as good as any reliever in the system, without question. The issue for him will be having enough control to be playable, and enough command to be excellent (and, yes, it’s the Dillon Maples question):
Carraway sat 95 mph last year with a 2,700-rpm curveball. Leverage relief stuff, big K rate at High-A South Bend, just inconsistent outings.
Probably starts at AA this coming season. 🔥 https://t.co/AcAeRuytxO
— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) March 5, 2022
Don’t forget that Daniel Palencia was a pure scouting play from the Cubs in the Andrew Chafin trade, and was immediately popping with Myrtle Beach after the trade. He’s gotten a lot of chatter this offseason, too:
An impressive live BP for RHP Daniel Palencia, who #Cubs acquired in deal for Chafin.
Hitters struggled to make contact vs. his fastball. Palencia struck out 3 and allowed one ball in play. pic.twitter.com/mDExDrvVYb
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 5, 2022
Reginald Preciado, shooting hoops:
Reginald Preciado is ready for #MarchMadness 🏀 pic.twitter.com/olN8gOaCzn
— Scott Changnon (@ScottyChags) March 4, 2022
Looks at Caleb Kilian and Christian Franklin:
My first opportunity to see #Cubs top pitching prospect @cjkilian97 face hitters in live BP. #CubsProspects #baseball #ST2022 pic.twitter.com/i5QdElvPep
— Rich Biesterfeld (@biest22) March 4, 2022
#Cubs 2021 4th round draft pick @CF13_ putting in the work to be prepared for the 2022 season! #CubsProspects #baseball #ST2022 #MiLB pic.twitter.com/JaKZXPDR4r
— Rich Biesterfeld (@biest22) March 3, 2022
Making fans:
Kevin Alcántara and Owen Caissie sign for fans at Cubs minicamp this morning. pic.twitter.com/1kGuLZkfY7
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 5, 2022
