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.
Our newest shiny toy is ready to roll.
— North Side Bound (@NSideBound) November 26, 2021
MLB Draft Database https://t.co/J8cE7o1lys via @NSideBound @CubsCentral08
• 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.
North Side Bound Roundtable Q & A: Which Cubs MiLB Reliever’s Got Next in 2022? https://t.co/ny8g0tRJs9
— North Side Bound (@NSideBound) November 27, 2021
• 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.
A year ago, adding Nelson Velazquez to the 40-man wasn't a realistic thought. But last spring, he embraced change. A look at how data-driven player development helped get the AFL MVP on the prospect map. (Click link to take advantage of $1/month deal!) https://t.co/PLcRlkLskz
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) November 29, 2021
• 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.
Things You Missed in 2021: Cubs 2021 Draft Debuts https://t.co/GVikSMFo9G
— North Side Bound (@NSideBound) November 30, 2021
• 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.
CHAT TIME.
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) November 29, 2021
Join @KyleAGlaser as he discusses the state of the Cubs farm system. https://t.co/T9Gqzm2XSK
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!
FREE AGENT ALERT! I can CONFIDENTLY state Michael Hermosillo is a 5-tool impact player that has not had an opportunity for consistent play. GIVEN THE TRUE OPP HE WILL SHIIIIINE!!! #mlb #FreeAgent https://t.co/btR0sVwhzN pic.twitter.com/RQhj0yrGLL
— SMPLonnie (@SMPLonnie) November 30, 2021
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.
Yohendrick Pinango’s batted ball percentages in the DSL, Myrtle Beach, and South Bend 👀 pic.twitter.com/LXRZa4eogf
— Todd ⚾️🐻🦌 (@CubsCentral08) November 28, 2021
• Vogey obviously isn’t a Cubs prospect anymore, but he will ALWAYS be my favorite.
Queues up “Coming Home” by Diddy https://t.co/Ul8iOGr4CY
— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) December 1, 2021
• Miguel Amaya is down, so that means Casey Opitz might have to step his development path up a tad!
Casey Opitz Appreciation Tweet.
— Todd ⚾️🐻🦌 (@CubsCentral08) November 24, 2021
His development in 2022 is more important than ever today.
MLB ready defender right now.https://t.co/u4CA7Vjhy2
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!
Big 3-week high performance mini-camp underway today in Mesa. Chance for Cubs staff to implement good habits for prospects to take into the rest of the offseason.
— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) November 29, 2021
• This might become a weekly inclusion in the Mid-Week Buzz. Bryan has your organizational depth chart covered once again!
Updated organizational depth chart to reflect today’s 5 transactions. Will this be the group they take into the lockout? pic.twitter.com/boP4NeOMFj
— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) December 1, 2021