2. Albert Almora, of, Cubs Like Russell, Almora is a Florida high school product who went in the first round in June, signing for $3.9 million as the No. 6 overall pick. His reputation as an extreme hard worker was evident from the first day he arrived at the Cubs complex in Arizona, as he required frequent reminders from the staff to pace himself in the extreme summer heat. He drew raves for his off-the-charts makeup. "He's humble, he's willing to learn and listen," Cubs manager Bobby Mitchell said. "You don't always get that on players picked that high." Almora has the tools to match his outstanding character. With his loose swing and solid speed, he projects to hit for a high average, and he has the bat speed and raw power to hit 20 homers annually once he gets stronger. The stands out in center field with his tremendous instincts, jumps and routes, and he also has an above-average arm that combines strength and accuracy. 4. Jorge Soler, of, Cubs One of the most coveted players to defect from Cuba in recent years, Soler signed a nine-year, $30 milllion contract with the Cubs two days before the July 2 international signing period began. He hadn't played in organized games in nearly a year and the rust showed during his time in Arizona, but his talent was evident and he hit better following a promotion to low Class A. Soler has a lean, athletic body and should get stronger. He'll need to curb a tendency to overswing, but he has above-average raw power and the ball makes a different sound when it comes off his bat. He has slightly above-average speed from home to first and is better underway, and he's an instinctive baserunner who stole eight bases in as many tries in the AZL. Soler has the biggest room to improve on defense, especially with his routes and angles on balls. He has average arm strength for right field and makes accurate throws. 14. Dan Vogelbach, 1b, Cubs Vogelach played briefly in the AZL after signing for $1.6 million as a second-round pick in 2011. He returned to post a 1.078 OPS in the first month of this season before moving up to short-season Boise, where he was equally productive. There aren't many big leaguers with 6-foot, 250-pound builds and his value is tied mostly to his bat, but it has the potential to be a very special bat. Vogelbach combines raw strength, quick hands and good knowledge of the strike zone. He has a tremendous feel for hitting and plus power to all fields. He's a well below-average runner and most scouts question whether he'll ever be good enough to play a major league-caliber first base, though he does work hard on his defense. --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 1.161.38.231 Q&A Navin (Pasadena, CA): Obviously they didn't have enough innings to qualify but which of the young Cubs pitchers amongst Dillon Maples, Paul Blackburn, Duane Underwood and Ryan McNeil impressed you the most? Which one is the most advanced? Bill Mitchell: Navin, Maples and Underwood are the two pitchers from your list that stood out. Maples was 91-96 with the fastball and showed a good curveball. While the numbers weren't there in his brief appearances, Underwood impressed scouts with a fastball that touched 97 and a good easy motion. Grant (Chicago): What does Duane Underwood need to work on? Did he and Paul Blackburn get any consideration for the list? Bill Mitchell: Grant, I just addressed Underwood in the previous question. Blackburn was impressive at times, although a little inconsistent with his velocity. He's got an athletic build with smooth, easy actions. PT (IBC): Aside from Puig, anyone else who didn't qualify catch your eye? Bill Mitchell: We've got several questions about Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig in the queue so I'll handle them now. Puig is an absolute beast. I really don't think he even knows how strong he is. I saw him hit balls without solid swings that carried to the fence. He would watch the balls out of the batters box and not realize how hard he hit it. Needless to say, he's better than some of the early reports on him. His swing is much cleaner and he was in much better physical condition. I'm really intrigued by the guy --- he's one of those players that you just can't look away from when he's on the field. He would have easily been a top ten prospect if he had qualified. More than just a few AZL observers liked him better than Jorge Soler. Bob Sacamento (Ft Myers): Hi Bill, Vogelbach showed a good stick with power and eye at the plate but is that all he's ever going to be? Or can he stay at first base? I know there's not too many guys his size playing proball. Bill Mitchell: Bob, you are right on target about Vogelbach. There aren't many players his size in pro ball. He gets compared at times to Prince Fielder but it's not a good comp because Fielder is much more athletic. Perhaps the defense will develop or perhaps he'll wind up in the American League as a DH. But the bat is real. Jay (Ca.): What was your impression of the Juan Carlos Paniagua? Bill Mitchell: Paniagua looked very good in his few appearances. He was up to at least 97 (and maybe 98) with an easy delivery. ※ 編輯: Zamned 來自: 1.161.38.231 (09/26 14:20)