*****Official Cubs 2023 thread*****

[hawkifann]

Very interesting work here by Greg Huss of Northside Bound, working on a new baseball metric to essentially take the basis for wRC+ and add to it a baserunning/stolen bases factor, park factors for the Cubs minor league fields and an age factor (bonus for being young for a level and a slight penalty for being older). I like the effort and the thought process here to try to come out with a metric that can allow for more easy comparison of players in the Cubs system across different levels. Owen Caissie really stands out here. I’m going to have Greg back on my show in the next few weeks, so we’ll likely spend some time talking about this.

 

[lucas80]

The Cubs land 3 prospects in one top 50 list. They are all position players. PCA, Brennan Davis, and Kevin Alcántara. It will be interesting to see as the season moves along which pitchers might slide into top 100 lists.
https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs...inside-the-top-50-of-the-latest-top-100-list/

 

[lucas80]

Episode 25 is up:

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Again, I am not an alt handle of hawkifann, but there is some very interesting content in this episode. Great stuff about how the Cubs are approaching mental skills. I love the part of working with basically kids who have always been the best player on the field, and all of a sudden they are grinding against equally talented players. I liked the superstition versus ritual segment, too. I suppose repetition could be substituted for ritual.
Give it a listen. If you can spend an hour on GIAOT, you can listen to a podcast.

 

[hawkifann]

The Cubs land 3 prospects in one top 50 list. They are all position players. PCA, Brennan Davis, and Kevin Alcántara. It will be interesting to see as the season moves along which pitchers might slide into top 100 lists.
https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs...inside-the-top-50-of-the-latest-top-100-list/

Keith Law put a list out today and he’s ranked more than just 100. The Cubs have Owen Caissie and Mash Mervis also pretty close to the top 100. On top of that, There’s still reason to get excited about other players. I think we’re all excited about Wesneski. There’s reason to be very excited about Jordan Wicks, Jeremiah Estrada and others. If DJ Herz can re-discover his command, he’ll start jumping up quickly also.

If Kevin Alcantara opens in South Bend, it’s going to be really interesting to watch his numbers. He was ridiculously good at Myrtle Beach in a well-established pitcher’s park due to the winds that blow in off the ocean. He’s one of those prospects that could absolutely explode this year.

 

[hawkifann]

Again, I am not an alt handle of hawkifann, but there is some very interesting content in this episode. Great stuff about how the Cubs are approaching mental skills. I love the part of working with basically kids who have always been the best player on the field, and all of a sudden they are grinding against equally talented players. I liked the superstition versus ritual segment, too. I suppose repetition could be substituted for ritual.
Give it a listen. If you can spend an hour on GIAOT, you can listen to a podcast.

Thanks for the shoutout. I really enjoyed doing the interview. It’s fun to be able to step out and talk to someone different and I think there’s a lot being done in mental skills across sports that doesn’t get enough attention. I think my 2 favorite segments were the routine/ritual/superstition discussion Lucas referenced and then also how he talked about being present in the moment and tying it into David Bote’s walk-off slam.

 

[lucas80]

Keith Law put a list out today and he’s ranked more than just 100. The Cubs have Owen Caissie and Mash Mervis also pretty close to the top 100. On top of that, There’s still reason to get excited about other players. I think we’re all excited about Wesneski. There’s reason to be very excited about Jordan Wicks, Jeremiah Estrada and others. If DJ Herz can re-discover his command, he’ll start jumping up quickly also.

If Kevin Alcantara opens in South Bend, it’s going to be really interesting to watch his numbers. He was ridiculously good at Myrtle Beach in a well-established pitcher’s park due to the winds that blow in off the ocean. He’s one of those prospects that could absolutely explode this year.

Wicks and Wesneski have to be right on the cusp of 100 lists. I should be able to see them both in Des Moines this year if I time my trips right.

 

[hawkifann]

Wicks and Wesneski have to be right on the cusp of 100 lists. I should be able to see them both in Des Moines this year if I time my trips right.

My bold prediction is that Wesneski will never make a top 100 list because he’ll have graduated off prospect status by the trade deadline…but would agree, he can’t be too far off 100 lists based on what he showed last year. Watch out for Ben Brown, too. He could really pop this year.

 

[dgordo]

Wicks and Wesneski have to be right on the cusp of 100 lists. I should be able to see them both in Des Moines this year if I time my trips right.

Perfect opportunity to get to tasty tacos.

 

[lucas80]

My bold prediction is that Wesneski will never make a top 100 list because he’ll have graduated off prospect status by the trade deadline…but would agree, he can’t be too far off 100 lists based on what he showed last year. Watch out for Ben Brown, too. He could really pop this year.

I like your optimism. Brown has stuff. That's finally the difference in the Cubs system, particularly when it comes to pitchers. They have guys with stuff.

 

[lucas80]

Perfect opportunity to get to tasty tacos.

Sure, right after we hit Perkins for lunch.
I'm guessing Mrs. Lucas would find the menu lacking at Tasty Tacos.

 

[hawkifann]

Sure, right after we hit Perkins for lunch.
I'm guessing Mrs. Lucas would find the menu lacking at Tasty Tacos.

I miss Perkins.

 

[lucas80]

I miss Perkins.

It's just a less depressing Denny's that smells a little better and has pies and muffins up front.

 

[lucas80]

Article from the Cubs site with comments from the VP of International Scouting on this year's signings.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-international-prospect-signings-for-2023

 

[hawkifann]

It's just a less depressing Denny's that smells a little better and has pies and muffins up front.

I hate Denny’s. I don’t miss Perkins because it’s amazing, I miss it because it was such a hangout in HS and college.

 

[hawkifann]

Article from the Cubs site with comments from the VP of International Scouting on this year's signings.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-international-prospect-signings-for-2023

Cubs have done some good work on the international front, hopefully some of these guys develop.

 

[hawkifann]

I have tentative plans for a few more guest episodes before the season starts, let me know which you might be most excited about:

• An episode with a hitting coach on power philosophies and potentially a walk through of how the Cubs stack up on power in the NL Central
• Pitching development and what goes into a pitch lab
• A 2nd appearance by Greg Huss to talk about Cubs prospects
• Baseball science - what is it and what are the Cubs doing?

 

[lucas80]

I have tentative plans for a few more guest episodes before the season starts, let me know which you might be most excited about:

• An episode with a hitting coach on power philosophies and potentially a walk through of how the Cubs stack up on power in the NL Central
• Pitching development and what goes into a pitch lab
• A 2nd appearance by Greg Huss to talk about Cubs prospects
• Baseball science - what is it and what are the Cubs doing?

Get a question in on Daniel Palencia. Dude could explode this season.

 

[hawkifann]

Get a question in on Daniel Palencia. Dude could explode this season.

Shit, one question for Huss on Palencia could be a 35-min segment. Definitely will do. He is confirmed to come back, just working out timing.

 

[hawkifann]

Shit, one question for Huss on Palencia could be a 35-min segment. Definitely will do. He is confirmed to come back, just working out timing.

I also want to talk to him about the BASH stat he developed that I linked previously.

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[hawkifann]

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It seems the Cubs have a lot of vet guys taking this stuff very seriously. We’ve seen Taillon throwing in AZ, Bellinger has been down there. Tucker Barnhart has already spent a lot of time watching film on all the Cub pitchers.

I don’t know how good this Cubs team can be, but I’m feeling better and better about this team not sucking. Sure, that’s not the ultimate goal, but it’s a big step to get back into post-season contention.

 

[lucas80]

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He’d better be taking this year as make or break for his career. If he doesn’t produce this year he’ll be getting 1 year deals for barely above league minimum.

 

[hawkifann]

If any of you listen to the ”Son Ranto” podcast, I’ll be on as a guest tomorrow night.

 

[hawkifann]

If any of you listen to the ”Son Ranto” podcast, I’ll be on as a guest tomorrow night.

Here’s the live link to tonight’s Son Ranto show on YouTube for my guest appearance. It’ll also be available later on YouTube and in most podcast feeds. Live show starts at 8pm Central:

Son Ranto Live on YouTube

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[ZachJump]

I have been watching the end of 2016 the last few days. Started with game 6 of the NLCS.

Noticed one thing we have been missing since. They were just having so fun. Smiling as they were swinging the bat.....just reminded of what was so much fun and special that year. Body laguage reminded me of kids playing a sandlot game.

 

[hawkifann]

I have been watching the end of 2016 the last few days. Started with game 6 of the NLCS.

Noticed one thing we have been missing since. They were just having so fun. Smiling as they were swinging the bat.....just reminded of what was so much fun and special that year. Body laguage reminded me of kids playing a sandlot game.

Kris Bryant talked about that a couple times later in 2018/2019. They had such a cool mix in 2016 - they had all the young guys with energy and vibe and fun, but then they also had a good mix of pro’s pros like Fowler, Zobrist, Ross, Heyward who all had been on winners before and helped set some boundaries, I think. Add in a few bulldog types like Lester, Lackey and Arrieta and they kind of had everything. I remember Tommy LaStella getting sent down mid-season and almost refusing his assignment because he only wanted to be in that Chicago Cubs clubhouse.

This year’s team is not going to be anywhere near as talented, but I think they’re going to be back to more of that player type mix. There are young and hungry guys on the roster and more coming, but now they have Swanson, Bellinger, Hosme and Mancini who all have rings and some other vets like Happ, Taillon, Gomes and Boxberger who have definitely been a part of winners as well. I think it sets a pretty high floor for this team and it seems at this point that a lot of guys are rolling into camp early and really wanting to get together and get to know their new teammates. I’m excited for the improvements the Cubs can make this year.

 

[hawkifann]

 

[blhawk]

Kris Bryant talked about that a couple times later in 2018/2019. They had such a cool mix in 2016 - they had all the young guys with energy and vibe and fun, but then they also had a good mix of pro’s pros like Fowler, Zobrist, Ross, Heyward who all had been on winners before and helped set some boundaries, I think. Add in a few bulldog types like Lester, Lackey and Arrieta and they kind of had everything. I remember Tommy LaStella getting sent down mid-season and almost refusing his assignment because he only wanted to be in that Chicago Cubs clubhouse.

This year’s team is not going to be anywhere near as talented, but I think they’re going to be back to more of that player type mix. There are young and hungry guys on the roster and more coming, but now they have Swanson, Bellinger, Hosme and Mancini who all have rings and some other vets like Happ, Taillon, Gomes and Boxberger who have definitely been a part of winners as well. I think it sets a pretty high floor for this team and it seems at this point that a lot of guys are rolling into camp early and really wanting to get together and get to know their new teammates. I’m excited for the improvements the Cubs can make this year.

Meant to ask before season gets going but did you happen to play on that 92 AHS state championship team?

 

[hawkifann]

Meant to ask before season gets going but did you happen to play on that 92 AHS state championship team?

I did, but I’ll use the word “play” loosely. I was a bottom feeder on a really talented team. I practiced hard and got a little bit of game action behind all-conference players. Not sure I’ve ever had more fun in my life than that run to the state championship. That team was phenomenal.

 

[blhawk]

I did, but I’ll use the word “play” loosely. I was a bottom feeder on a really talented team. I practiced hard and got a little bit of game action behind all-conference players. Not sure I’ve ever had more fun in my life than that run to the state championship. That team was phenomenal.

I probably know of you then, I grew up across the backyard from Bill Sukup who was kind of my idol so I went to a lot of his games from late little league through his varsity career. Bob helped hone in my pitching mechanics on the mound they had in the backyard. Was very fortunate to have them right there

That was one magical run, crazy the amount of talent that was on that team. Lots of fun to watch

 

[kzoohawk80]

I did, but I’ll use the word “play” loosely. I was a bottom feeder on a really talented team. I practiced hard and got a little bit of game action behind all-conference players. Not sure I’ve ever had more fun in my life than that run to the state championship. That team was phenomenal.

Modesty and honesty are not allowed on this board. You where the star on that team and you got all the girls. You also now have more money then you know what to do with just like all of us on here.

 

[hawkifann]

I probably know of you then, I grew up across the backyard from Bill Sukup who was kind of my idol so I went to a lot of his games from late little league through his varsity career. Bob helped hone in my pitching mechanics on the mound they had in the backyard. Was very fortunate to have them right there

That was one magical run, crazy the amount of talent that was on that team. Lots of fun to watch

Bill is great - great choice to have as an idol. Yeah, that team was pretty loaded for an Iowa HS baseball team in that era, with two guys on that team eventually playing in the bigs. We probably under-achieved through that season for the most part (good record, but not elite), but yeah, we just found another gear in those playoffs - so many close games and that championship was a thriller.

 

[blhawk]

Bill is great - great choice to have as an idol. Yeah, that team was pretty loaded for an Iowa HS baseball team in that era, with two guys on that team eventually playing in the bigs. We probably under-achieved through that season for the most part (good record, but not elite), but yeah, we just found another gear in those playoffs - so many close games and that championship was a thriller.

I was in 8th grade and had a good friend whose brother was on the team so we went to most of the home games that year. We used to joke about Murken finding a way to lose 15 games (or whatever it was) that regular season with all that talent. I remember my dad waiting to get in the caravan to follow the team bus back home after the championship. Great memories

 

[hawkifann]

I was in 8th grade and had a good friend whose brother was on the team so we went to most of the home games that year. We used to joke about Murken finding a way to lose 15 games (or whatever it was) that regular season with all that talent. I remember my dad waiting to get in the caravan to follow the team bus back home after the championship. Great memories

That was probably the best summer of my life. I was a senior along with Bill, so it was a helluva way to go out. Sampson had some stints with the Twins as both a starter and reliever before injuries piled up. It was a shame, as he seemed to be settling into a bullpen role before getting hurt. Sears also had injuries. A couple interesting facts on him, though, he was traded for Todd Walker (he was blocked by some dude named Todd Helton, quite the confluence of Todds) and he hit his first MLB HR off Pedro Martinez..and then 2 days later he hit his 2nd to walk off a win. CSB

 

[lucas80]

11 days until pitchers and catchers report, but, a bunch of dudes are already in Arizona!!
https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs...erner-suzuki-steele-horton-davis-mervis-more/

 

[blhawk]

That was probably the best summer of my life. I was a senior along with Bill, so it was a helluva way to go out. Sampson had some stints with the Twins as both a starter and reliever before injuries piled up. It was a shame, as he seemed to be settling into a bullpen role before getting hurt. Sears also had injuries. A couple interesting facts on him, though, he was traded for Todd Walker (he was blocked by some dude named Todd Helton, quite the confluence of Todds) and he hit his first MLB HR off Pedro Martinez..and then 2 days later he hit his 2nd to walk off a win. CSB

I'm pretty sure I've got a vhs tape at my parents' somewhere of the sportscenter or baseball tonight with that Pedro dinger. That would be cool to find one day, although the vision I have in my head of it is still pretty crisp. That was awesome

 

[hawkifann]

11 days until pitchers and catchers report, but, a bunch of dudes are already in Arizona!!
https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs...erner-suzuki-steele-horton-davis-mervis-more/

We’ll see what this team’s ceiling is, but I do think they’re going to have a really hungry team with a lot of veteran guys who are really invested. There’s a lot of potential for upside with this group.

 

[hawkifann]

I'm pretty sure I've got a vhs tape at my parents' somewhere of the sportscenter or baseball tonight with that Pedro dinger. That would be cool to find one day, although the vision I have in my head of it is still pretty crisp. That was awesome

I just ran a quick Google search on Todd Sears Pedro Martinez and this was the first hit. Apparently there was an episode of the Moonlight Graham podcast talking about him as ”The Twin who hit .500 against Pedro”. I’ll have to give it a listen. I need to get Todd and/or Benj on my podcast at some point. I know Todd does a lot of baseball training in KC.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-minnesota-twin-who-hit-500-against-pedro-martinez/id1184500442?i=1000393276273

 

[HawkRugged17]