What I’m Reading

• I still can’t get over the fact that Todd created an entire database dedicated to every single Cubs draft pick since 1965.

• I love when all four of us collab on a roundtable piece. The Cubs are preparing to churn out a huge list of relievers in the next couple years.

• I know this piece from Sahadev is mainly about Nelson Velazquez, but my big takeaway was actually the incredible work from Justin Stone. We should be talking about him in a similar tone as we do with Craig Breslow, because so far he’s been terrific.

• This piece is fascinating. Eight Cubs 2021 draft picks made their full-season debut this past season. Jimmy digs into the details on everyone not named Jordan Wicks.

• Baseball America put together a chat to talk about their newly released prospect list. The conversation was… interesting. Lots of really good questions, not a whole lot of positivity going around.

What I’m Watching

• Not a prospect and now not even a Cub, but I’ve gotta show some love for Michael Hermosillo. What better way to do it with this moonshot from late in the season? If he can latch back on with the Cubs, awesome. But I really hope he gets a legitimate shot to showcase his talents in the bigs in 2022. Super talented guy and a hell of a human being, too!

What We’re Tweeting

• Yohendrick Pinango is constantly improving and that’s made apparent by his spray chart. He was once a slap hitter and now he is quickly learning how to properly turn on pitches. Next step: getting the ball in the air a bit more.

• Vogey obviously isn’t a Cubs prospect anymore, but he will ALWAYS be my favorite.

• Miguel Amaya is down, so that means Casey Opitz might have to step his development path up a tad!

What’s Catching My Eye

• There are prospects in Mesa and they are learning stuff. That’s all I know. Well, I guess I also know that only good things can come from the work these guys are putting in down in the Spring Training facility. You should view it as Fall Training, but only for certain prospects!

• This might become a weekly inclusion in the Mid-Week Buzz. Bryan has your organizational depth chart covered once again!