Bleacher Bums Forum

Seattle has something of a reverse-Cubs philosophy.  Cubs kind of have the get-wildmen-with-stuff-and-control-might-come approach.  Seattle has a get-control-guys-and-we'll-add-velocity approach.  Both share the track record and premise that they can add velocity. 

I'd like to think that *IF* the Cubs reclaim Clarke, that maybe Seattle will have noticed some things and had some ideas to help him, and he'll be able to bring those back with him.  Of course spring-training is brief and proves/reflects little.  But Cubs have always started Clarke, as a low-velocity pitch-to-contact hittable innings-eater.  Seattle has used him just as a one-inning guy in camp.  Given all of the high-ceiling starters that the cubs have, I wonder if they'll reclaim Clarke and then put him back into rotation; or will transition him more toward a middle-reliever role? 

RH Haydn McGeary, DH drafted in 15th round out of little D2 school in colorado, got an AB and hit a solid 3-run double to right center.  Kind of fun to see a long-shot guy like that have even a single exhibition AB of success. 

Cubs had an unusual series of events today.

Alcantara hit a home run.
Next batter, Made, hit a home run.
Next batter, Pinango, hit a home run.
Next batter, McGeary, hit a home run.

https://www.mlb.com/player/chris-clarke-669247?stats=gamelogs-s-pitching-mlb&year=2023

Chris Clarke was Rule-5 selected by Seattle.  He's pitched 5.2 innings this camp for Seattle, 6K/2BB/6H.  Not sure what their competition is, or how much upside they see in him.  That kinda sounds like a guy the Cubs will likely be able to get back, *IF* they want him back. 

Clarke has been returned to the Cubs. 

https://www.marqueesportsnetwork.com/road-to-wrigley-analyzing-the-top-30-cubs-prospects/

Lance B's Cubs prospect ranking.  I especially enjoy his rankings because he's super focused on the Cubs, has access to a fair bit of data, and I think has access to some Cubs personnel. 

Craig, thanks for the link to the Brodkowski/Callis video and article. 

Who the heck knows which players will get injured, have personal problems and/or just fail to progress for some other reasons?

However, both Brodkowski and Callis are extremely knowledgeable about this topic and the article is worth a read.

It was great to hear them talk about Jackson Ferris, Drew Grey and Daniel Palencia as high-upside guys. 

Let's hope more than 1 of these 3 young pitchers ends up staying healthy, continuing to develop and pitching well for the Cubs!

Seems like Cubs still dabbling with Haydn McGeary as a possible catcher.

He caught a tiny bit in college and in ACL last year and AZ Phil reports this week that “although he has played only 1B in games, Haydn McGeary has been working out at catcher in morning drills this week and he caught Jackson Ferris two innings (30 pitches) "live" BP this morning.”

McGeary was Cubs 15th rounder who put up huge offensive numbers in small college Rocky Mountain League. He even got a handful of ABs in major league spring training this month. Big guy with maybe some offense potential. Always interesting to consider guys as a potential catcher. Who knows.

Looks like Iowa rotation will be Sampson, Kilian, Riley Thompson, Roenis Elias, Somebody Else.