Draft C Mark Zagunis from Virginia Tech.


I guess the Cubs are trying to fill in a gaping hole in their system at the catcher position.

Just a comment & observation..

Cubs said they were going to "load up" on arms (pitchers) in this draft. So with the first 3 picks they end up with one c/1b, one pitcher, and one catcher. Meanwhile, division rival st. louis cardinals have picked up FOUR pitchers in the first 2 rounds!

No wonder they (st. louis) just continue to call up arms to the bigs! They actually DRAFT Them.

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5 now.

LHP Carson Sands, North Florida Christian HS

Good value with that pick.

LHP Justin Steele, George County HS

Keep posting....not because I appreciate the info...which I do, but because I like staring at your avatar!

Cubs are loading up on pitching!

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From mlb.com:

A three-year starter at Virginia Tech and a Johnny Bench Award semifinalist, Zagunis is an athletic catcher who has performed in one of the better college conferences in the nation. The ACC standout has shown a propensity for putting the ball in play and hitting for average, albeit from a slightly unusual setup. He's shown some extra-base pop in the past, though not as much in 2014. He runs extremely well for a catcher and has shown that his athleticism plays well in the outfield. His arm is average but on target, and his other skills say he could stay behind the plate full-time. The team that believes he can continue to hit might think he has the chance to be an everyday backstop in the future, and it will draft him accordingly. At the very least, Zagunis' versatility provides a team with options if catching doesn't work out.

From mlb.com:

Along with Matthew Railey, his North Florida Christian teammate and fellow Florida State commit, Sands has seen his stock increase this spring. Sands' rise has been partly attributable to the strength gains he has made over the past year. That led to a jump in his fastball velocity, and he now throws the pitch in the low 90s, regularly touching 94 mph. He also throws a solid 12-to-6 curveball and has a good feel for his changeup. He repeats his delivery well, allowing him to throw strikes with all three of his pitches. Sands' strong season, size, stuff and projectability have helped push him up Draft boards as more scouts see him pitch.

From mlb.com:

Not since 1999, when the Braves took Matt Butler in the second round, has a Mississippi high school pitcher signed out of the first five rounds of the Draft. A lefty with a loose, quick arm, Steele should end that drought this June. Steele baffled scouts at the East Coast Professional Showcase last summer, when he ran his fastball into the low 90s but later dipped to the mid-80s. He has done a better job of holding his velocity this spring, working at 88-92 mph and reaching back for 94-95 on occasion. He's better when he throws with less effort in his delivery and gets more quality life on his heater. Steele's curveball used to stick out more for its shape than its velocity, but he has boosted it from the upper 60s to the low 70s as a senior. His changeup has some movement, but the Southern Mississippi recruit tips it off by slowing his arm speed and doesn't trust it much. Though he's athletic, his lack of size and true command could have him destined for the bullpen.

RHP Dylan Cease, Milton HS

From mlb.com:

Cease is one of the hardest throwing high school pitchers in the 2014 Draft class, but he was dealt a significant setback this spring. He suffered an elbow injury that has kept him off the mound since March, leaving his future uncertain. When healthy, Cease throws his fastball from 91-95 mph, topping out at 97 mph. He doesn't have a physical frame, instead generating his velocity with athleticism and arm speed. There is some effort to his delivery, and the rest of his game may remain inconsistent until he refines it. His mid-70s curveball will range from a below-average to an above-average pitch, and his changeup shows flashes of becoming an effective offering, but he'll need to throw it more often. Cease, who plays with his twin brother at Milton High, is committed to Vanderbilt.

Looks like the Cubs draft plan is coming into focus. Many teams are now under-slotting guys leaving good value on the board. Cubs are able to get more highly rated guys in the middle round.

Seem to be following fantasy auction draft strategy.

RHP James Norwood, SLU

From mlb.com:

A year after going winless and battling an elbow strain, Norwood is poised to become the highest June Draft pick out of Saint Louis in history. He figures to go in the first three to five rounds after displaying one of the best fastballs among college starters in this year's class. Norwood's fastball has been clocked up to 98 mph, and he usually operates at 91-95 with some sinking and tailing action. He doesn't miss as many bats as that velocity indicates he should, because he lacks a quality secondary pitch to keep hitters from focusing on his fastball. He probably would be better off working on one breaking ball rather than throwing both a curveball and a hard cutter/slider, and his changeup is still a work in progress. Though he has a strong build, Norwood features enough effort in his delivery to raise questions about his long-term durability as a starter. He'll remain in the rotation for now, but his ability to refine his secondary offerings will determine his ultimate role.

5 pitchers and 2 catchers.

Worst party ever.

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LHP Tommy Thorpe, Oregon

No write up on this guy. Not listed as a top 500 prospect by BA.

RHP James Farris, Arizona

from mlb.com:

Farris has been a member of Arizona’s starting rotation for the last three years. As a sophomore, he started the clinching game of Wildcats’ 2012 College World Series championship. Farris doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but knows how to use it and commands all of his pitches well. His fastball sits in the upper-80s and he can manipulate it to add or subtract velocity or movement depending on the situation. His changeup is his best pitch and he also throws a curveball, though it’s a below-average offering. Farris was selected in the 15th round last year by the Astros, but elected to return to Arizona for his senior year. He could be a solid option this year for a team looking to save money in its Draft budget.

Bingo.

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The Cubs Reportedly Sign 4th Rounder Carson Sands for $1.1 Million, 5th Rounder Justin Steele for $1 Million.

both get well over slot... this is where the savings on first two picks go....

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