the Cubs built an elite farm system out of scraps. Here’s how

[@madxD144]

6:10 what the hell was that

[@moyst.j]

Someone that isn't necessary the most productive but someone I've kept an eye on who'd I consider to be somewhat of a minor league journeyman (although only I think 25/26 but one of those random flyer trade piece) is Hayden Cantrelle; who landed in the Cubs system via the rule5 going into this season from the Giants. Started in Dohbla A tenesse and they seemingly gave him the bump to Iowa playin him at SS but splitting equal time in 2B (although in prev farm systems he was sorta utility in the OF due to his plus speed). Not a huge power guy, typical "just a guy" type issues in terms of seeing breaking stuff w more advanced pitching, but also is a bit of speedster and has had decent obp numbers so may have potential if he can lower his SOs at the plate while making relatively decent contact (switch hitter and can hit to all fields). Nothing crazy and likely wouldn't be more than utikity/bench if he does see the majors unless he taps into something power/contact wise but kinda cool to watch him as he was seen initially as a 35+ FV which basically gave him the odds of not even making past double A and being a "clubhouse guy".

[@fredreickweaver809]

What's crazy is they did this with presumably arcane pitching evaluation given they DFA'd Jeremiah Estrada, interesting organization.

[@nickferro6627]

Feels like harvest time to me

[@MustacheDLuffy]

I agree with your process comments when it comes to what teams can learn but less so with your lottery ticket comment. It seems the cubs have gone from the lottery ticket process they had done trading for 4 different 17-18 year old prospects for yu Darvish to only acquiring 1-2 players who were better prospects they were very certain on would develop, opting to get Single A players with higher ceilings such as with PCA and Alcantara as you’ve mentioned vs AA/AAA with lower ceilings David Robertson for Ben brown Scott Effross for Hayden Wesneski Rizzo for Alacantara + Vizcaino Bryant for Canario + Killian Baez + Trevor Williams for PCA

[@AndItsGone]

my point on the lottery ticket prospects wasn’t that the cubs were right in perusing that strategy but rather that the strategy does hold some merit especially when the development squad is good. i’m not advocating for the use of any particular trade strategy

[@Adam_Flanagan]

Like the commentary. Great work.

[@josephgnatek5984]

wonderful job

[@Evanvlr]

Absolutely love your videos man. I’m a big farm system pipeline guy so this channel was an awesome find ❤

[@willSelt]

Luis Vazquez has mlb ready defense, maybe even gold glove defense. If he could hit he would be a top 15-20 prospect. Forgot about him in this video but he’ll be in the show replacing Madrigal

[@markyacullo2389]

Watching this video with where the Cubs are now… The main difference is that they have deep depth in their farm. But none of those top 100 prospects where top 10 picks in the draft (outside of Cade Horton #7 in 2022). Some of them have developed nicely, but most of them are TBD on if they are difference makers/potential star players. The Theo/Jed Cubs had Bryant, Schwarber as their main lottery guys. However, right now, none of their top prospects reached or are gonna reach top 10 prospect in baseball status. Which shows why they have been so underwhelming this year. They have depth, but none of these prospects are developing to be nothing more than depth pieces on a MLB roster instead of star players. That’s a systematic issue on Hoyer/Hawkins.

[@rds990]

Excuse me....Pete Crow Armstrong is hitting .207, and cannot hit big league fastballs. He cannot catch up. He is the most over-hyped player to come along in ages. The press love him, and cover his every breath. Not sure why. He is fast....that's really it.

[@MustacheDLuffy]

It’s called projectable traits which might not be visible after not even 100 at bats

[@johngoddard3069]

Mets maybe correct

[@rickandrewsschlegelvideoch2045]

100% correct. when he has 2 strikes, pitchers just groove a fastball and he swings through it almost every time. Pitchers don't consider him a threat. He's got 1 more home run than me. 5 tool player?? No.... only 1 tool. Has no idea where to throw the ball once he catches it. major mental mistakes every game. Once upon a time, players didn't get called up on "potential", they got called up because they were ready to play every day. You cannot afford a player to "develop" at the big league level.. they have to hit the ground and be productive. He's well under .200 for the last 30 games. one way ticket to the minors or trade bait... he's never going to hit for power.

[@patricklee4316]

Yet they don’t have a star

[@charlesfinnegan7930]

Elite farm system but they cannot win a series

[@rickandrewsschlegelvideoch2045]

how the heck can anybody say the Cubs have built an elite farm system, when every damn player that comes up immediately shows they're not ready, and totally incapable of playing at the big league level... if the farm system was any good the holes at the big league level would be getting plugged. DFA Neris before he makes it back to the showers.. SEND A MESSAGE! Ship PCA back down immediately until he can hit, figure out how to run the bases and where to throw the ball after he hot dogs the catch. Where's the replacements to come up and play 3rd, or1st, or be a swing outfielder and or utility infielder... a catcher than can hit, and a reliever that can throw strikes and get anyone out. Cut/trade Wisdom and Bote for a bag of balls... they've both spent far too long in this organization and had their chances. Trade Happ NOW while he has any small amount of value. This dumpster is on FIRE.

[@billpatterson9361]

Yet none of them can get the call and when they do, they suck in the show. Pretty elite! 🤦‍♂️