2 min read Prospects

Prospecting at Cubs Park

By Tim Sheridan
February 24, 2014

Christian Villanueva at third — *Christian Villanueva game face at third*

Over the past week of Cubs camp I’ve been watching a lot of the organization’s top prospects, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora, Jorge Soler, Mike Olt, Arismendy Alcantara, and Arodys Vizciano, to name more than a few. These young kids (and others I didn’t mention) have been quite impressive. They appear very focused and hard working, and so far have shown the ability to shatter car windows with batting practice HR’s. Okay, that last part was only one bomb from Javy Baez. The point remains, these prospects are exciting to watch, and they are potentially the core players who will finally lift the Cubs to a World Series title.

Working in a group together for infield practice have been: At 3b base – Kris Bryant and Christian Villanueva, at ss – Javier Baez and Jeudy Valdez, at 2nd base – Logan Watkins and Arismendy Alcantara, and at 1st base – Mike Olt and Mitch Maier. Some observations on this group: Watkins and Villanueva both look noticeably stronger this camp; Olt, with his well-documented eyesight situation, has no issues with the glove at first, he’s very slick with the leather; and for being 5’10″ tall, Alcantara seems built low to the ground, he’s quick and powerful in his fielding.

Matt Szczur Chicago Cubs — *Matt Szczur*

Besides the Javy window shattering bomb, there’s plenty to get pumped up about these prospects. Seeing (and hearing the pop) of a 98 mph Vizcaino fastball. Watching Almora put the ball everywhere it’s supposed to be, in situational bp hitting. The power bats of Soler and Olt. We’ll get to see plenty of Rizzo, Castro, and the starters as we get into the spring games later this week, but I’m enjoying the prospecting.

All these young position player prospects can hit, or they wouldn’t be here. However, hitting at the Major League level is a whole different ballgame. The ability to rise up the ranks and continue to hit at each higher level, is what will make or break these players. Expectations do need to be tempered, after all, these guys are prospects, and the burn/failure rate is high. It’s just great to finally see a minor league pipeline that is flowing with high quality talent, not the small trickle of one hyped Felix Pie, or Corey Patterson at a time.

Here’s some of my photos from the weekend at Cubs Park. As always, click photo to see it larger. T