It’s been a while since I’ve found myself on the NSB site — two weeks to be exact! I’ve spent a considerable amount of time moving from Columbus, OH all the way to Central Illinois and let me tell you something that I’m sure you all already know… moving absolutely blows. I hate it. It’s the worst.
Since I’ve been pretty absent from the onlines recently, I’m sure I’ll miss something here in the Mid-Week Buzz. If there’s something worth noting, send it my way on social media!
What I’m Reading
• So much happened in 2021. Like, so much. Actually, almost an unbelievable amount of Cubs prospect content.
10 Cool Stories to Follow in the Cubs’ MiLB System in 2022 https://t.co/qTJkWQSXL9
— North Side Bound (@NSideBound) January 7, 2022
• We know the Cubs’ system has strength in young, potentially high-upside talent. Baseball Prospectus played right into that with their top prospect list.
Baseball Prospectus Top 10 Cub List Goes Really Young https://t.co/EQZiJTXqL2
— North Side Bound (@NSideBound) January 7, 2022
• How appropriate is it that DJ Herz got a feature from MLB’s Jordan Bastian the same week he graced the airwaves of the Growing Cubs podcast?
Cubs 'not shocked' by DJ Herz's breakout showing in '21. A look at what went into the lefty prospect's season: https://t.co/pDABwbrCFk
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) January 7, 2022
What I’m Watching
• Tyler Schlaffer has some nasty stuff and I want to keep pushing his name out there into the world. I mean, check out that cambio!
Here’s a sampling of Tyler Schlaffer swings-and-misses on 9/15, a night where he produced a career-high 21 swinging strikes.
— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) January 6, 2022
Good combo of 4sm, 2sm, cutter, and changeup in this one shows why he’s one of my breakout candidates for 2022. pic.twitter.com/bw9CmRk8uX
• Kevin Alcantara swings? Kevin Alcantara swings.
Hadn't seen this Kevin Alcantara footage before Eric Longenhagen shared it in today's chat: https://t.co/QlsGyXDhQ7
— Brad (@ballskwok) January 7, 2022
• Finally starting to get some pitchers throwing bullpens and posting them on social media. Would you expect anyone other than Max Bain to be one of the first to do so? You love to see it.
Happy Monday 😃 https://t.co/cgf7iz5c4Y pic.twitter.com/Kcm0M0FNfi
— Max Bain (@mbain_38) January 10, 2022
What We’re Tweeting
• Jordan Wicks developing a real pretty looking curveball could be devastating on opposing hitters. It’s new, it’s already decent, and could become really good by the time the season ramps up.
There was chatter that Jordan Wicks had picked up a curveball and here’s the proof he’s adopted one from Wicks’ IG. At draft time, @OutOfTheVines, @NelliganJimmy, and I talked about what adding a curve to Wicks’ profile could do for him. Can’t wait to see what he does in 2022! pic.twitter.com/sfKqV2lgXv
— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) January 8, 2022
• There’s nothing I love more than saying “we aren’t talking about ‘player x’ enough!” Included this week are Bryce Windham (bat-to-ball king) and Jack Patterson (story of the 2019 season).
Neither guy is a “top prospect” but both of these dudes should be getting considerably more love…
— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) January 11, 2022
Non-injury category: Bryce Windham showed arguably the best bat-to-ball skills in the system last year while playing both 2B and C
Injury-induced sleeper: Jack Patterson for sure https://t.co/sB8l235Uy9
What’s Catching My Eye
• THREE days until the International Free Agency ramps up! That gives me a perfect opportunity to plug one of my favorite features at this website — the IFA database!
Baseball’s next international free agency period begins this Saturday with the Cubs linked to three high profile players. We’ll have the whole rundown as IFA signings happen, but catch up on prior IFA classes with North Side Bound’s database.https://t.co/RY6p96hElC
— North Side Bound (@NSideBound) January 12, 2022
• The Cubs have hired a new scout so I’ll be keeping an extra close eye on players out of the Carolinas for the draft class!
Cubs hired M’Lynn Dease as an area scout. She will scout amateur players in Carolinas. The daughter of NC HS coaching icon Dean Dease, M’Lynn, 23, was part of MLB Diversity Scout Development Program in the AFL. She received MS in sports management from Coastal Carolina in ‘21.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 11, 2022
• The man Sam Weiderhaft is BACK in the booth this year for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. He’s one of the best in the game and we also happened to have him on the Growing Cubs pod last month!
ICYMI: We're pleased to welcome back @sam_weiderhaft to the broadcast booth this season!
— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) January 10, 2022
Photo: Scott Changon, Marquee Sports Network pic.twitter.com/YT6ISwgR5h
Where in Central Illinois ?