Fernando Cruz – Pic via his Instagram
You never know what is going to happen in the off-season. Last week, we saw a flurry of articles from MLB Pipeline. Most of them were reflections and assessments about the 2023 season and predictions for 2024. It’s also getting to be that time of year where MLB Pipeline, ESPN, The Athletic, and Marquee Sports Network drop their top Cubs prospect lists. For some reason this year, Kiley McDaniel’s list at ESPN is the list I want to see most of all. A lot of that comes from the fact that Jim Callis has already spoken several times over the past months on Marquee and Pipeline about his thoughts on the system. So we kind of know where he might be leaning. As for Keith Law of The Athletic, who knows where his lists are going to go. Usually there’s one selection that is out of left field when compared to other lists.
Baseball America seemed to be the place to be this week. They had a few articles that concerned the Cubs. The most notable article was by Ben Badler about the top 50 International Free Agents. Unfortunately, the Cubs only placed one upcoming in the top 50, but shortstop Fernando Cruz did come in at number three. Here is a snippet of what Ben Badler said. Click on the link to see the whole profile of Cruz. It is a subscriber article.
“Cruz has shown uncommon ability to hit for power the opposite way because he’s able to let the ball travel deep into the hitting zone or turn on the ball for extra-base damage.”
Video of the Week
Mr. Cruz in action.
Baseball America also had another article where they ranked each systems pitching in the minor leagues. Their article on pitching data ranked the Cubs at number 13. It included pitchers only from the age of 17 to 26.
IFA Thoughts
We are just a week away from international free agent signing day on January 15. I will be covering it live most of the morning. There will be a small break in the afternoon as I have to go to the dentist. It’ll be interesting to see all the types of guys the Cubs sign and from where. With Fernando Cruz taking up almost 80% of the Cubs bonus pool, I am not expecting a lot of signings to be announced that day. If I had to guess, 10 would be a nice round number. By the time opening day gets here for the DSL, they will probably sign about 20 to 25 guys, mostly for $10,000 or less. Those signings do not count against the pool of $5,152,200.
Farm System Improvement
MLB Pipeline also had an article about six farm systems that improved the most in 2023. Guess who made that compendium of six organizations?
The Cubs climbed from No. 12 in our preseason farm system rankings to No. 4 in the midseason update, thanks to nice jumps from players like Cade Horton and Owen Caissie and a debut from Pete Crow-Armstrong, and even since then, 2023 first-rounder Matt Shaw found his way into the Top 100 as he pushed his way from Maryland to Double-A in a matter of months. Chicago now boasts six MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects, putting it in a tie with Baltimore and San Diego for most in the game, and there’s a good case to be made that Moises Ballesteros, James Triantos and Jordan Wicks should get Top 100 consideration as well. The Cubs are in a position where the focus should always be on the top level, but there’s an impressive prospect base to build around here too.
North Side Bound YouTube Account
Greg Huss has been doing some short prospect profiles in video form on our YouTube account. Here is one on PCA and here is another on Kevin Alcantara. If you have not subscribed, please do so to keep up with our video only content!
Poll of the Week
I ran a poll on Friday about which prospect pair people are most excited to see at South Bend. Let’s just say I was surprised at the results. I thought the Jefferson Rojas and Pedro Ramirez would easily win. They came in a distant second to Jackson Ferris and Drew Gray. In reality, I am pumped to see all of them this spring and early summer. Thanks to those of you who participated in the poll.
Coming Up
The position ranking series returns again tomorrow with a look at first base in the system. On Wednesday, I will be back with a look at Derniche Valdez as a breakout candidate for 2024. On Thursday, I will examine guys who should be available at number 14 in the draft. And on Friday, the Myrtle Beach infield gets an affiliate sneak peek.
Picture of the Week
I love this shot I took of South Bend pitching coach Clayton Mortensen. He is an amazing person to sit and talk baseball with. I normally don’t publish a lot of pictures of coaches outside of Lance Rymel. So, enjoy!
Jam of the Week
Somedays, I can hear Eddie Vedder sing and he can take my breath away with his voice. Here is one instance of such a time on a cover of Daniel Johnston’s “Walking the Cow” on Austin City Limits. Truly, it is just a beautiful version.
