The Chicago Cubs made three moves over the last 24 hours. Out went Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto, Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson. In comes, well, let’s find out…
Ryan Dempster To Texas Haul
Kyle Hendricks, Starting Pitcher
ESPN’s Keith Law calls Hendricks an “organizational starter,” a backhanded compliment best translated to “career minor league player.” Take it easy, Keith. Hendricks’ cut fastball may sit around 88 mph, but look at the stats! Over 130.2 IP in A+ Myrtle Beach, Hendricks owns an amazing 7.47 K/BB. That’s right, 112 Ks to 15 walks. While his 7.7 K/9 in low minor league play tempers expectations, Hendricks is a strike thrower and the 22-year-old right-handed pitcher has a 2.65 lifetime ERA over 166.1 IP. An 8th round pick in 2011, Hendricks could be a sleeper acquisition.
Christian Villanueva, Third Baseman
Villanueva is 21-years old and entered this season as Baseball America’s #100 prospect. The Guadalajara, Mexico native was a teammate of Hendricks’ in Myrtle Beach, where he held a .285/.356/.421 line. At 5’10”, 160 pounds, Villanueva possesses surprising power, with 10 home runs in 375 at-bats. Villanueva has been adding muscle since entering the Rangers farm system as an 18-year-old and hit 17 home runs with 84 RBI in Class A Hickory in 2011. Villanueva went 32-38 in stolen base attempts in 2011 but is down to 9-18 in 2012.
Geovany Soto To Texas Haul
Jacob Brigham, Starting Pitcher
Brigham, 24, currently plays for the AA Frisco RoughRiders where he has a 4.28 ERA over 124 IP. Brigham is a starting pitcher but could become a reliever in the majors, considering his 8.4 K/9. Brigham owns a 1.355 WHIP. Unlike the two form Ranger prospects listed above, the right-hander does appear to be, in Keith Law parlance, an “organizational pitcher.”
Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson to Atlanta Haul
Arodys Vizcaino, Starting Pitcher
Vizcaino is the jewel of the deadline haul. The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher has been clocked at 101 mph. Oh, he is also coming off of Tommy John surgery. Cubs General Manager Jed Hoyer addressed the unusual nature of trading for an injured player but said the Cubs medical staff examined Vizcaino’s medical records and felt comfortable acquiring him. Vizcaino has serious stuff and was ranked as the Braves number two prospect entering the season. In 2011 he rocketed from A+ ball to a cup of coffee in the bigs. His 2011 minor league numbers: 97 IP, 3.06 ERA, 100 K, 1.134 WHIP, 3.57 K/BB. Top prospect numbers. In 17 IP for the Braves, the then 20-year-old threw 17.1 IP with 17 K and a 4.67 ERA. Tommy John has become the norm for pitchers. One year off and the kids can throw fire again. Let’s hope this is the case for Vizcaino.
Jaye Chapman, Relief Pitcher
The 25-year-old righty is in his seventh minor league season. Chapman owned a 3.52 ERA over 53.2 IP in AAA Gwinnett before the trade. Chapman throws an major league changeup and averaged 10.1 K/9 last year as well as this year. Chapman is not the prospect that Vizcaino is, but he could be a future member of the Chicago Cubs bullpen.
Overall
The Cubs acquired three starting pitchers, one relief pitcher and one third baseman. Read: they addressed system needs. Vizcaino and Villanueva have the best chances to become Chicago Cubs and Chapman and Hendricks both project as potential bullpen members. The Cubs dealt a catcher hitting below the Mendoza line, a fan favorite outfielder who will be 37-years old before the Cubs seriously contend, an over-performing 35-year-old pitcher and a pretty good left-handed starter. The trades fit the rebuilding process and brought talent into a feeble farm system.
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