Javier Baez is really, really good

[GYBE]

Baez needs his own thread.

He's played 45 games this year for Peoria.

His line is .341/.397/.623 for a 1.019 OPS

He's hit some crazy long homers too. Plus power, plus contact already. And 19 steals, caught only 3 times.

Already easily a top 25 prospect in baseball at this point, I could see him around 10-15 after the seasons done. Possible superstar in the making.

Rizzo, Castro, Baez, Soler, Almora...the offense in a few years could be largely homegrown and insanely good.

[Howling Mad]

Thanks, GYBE. Still here, just busy.

[Howling Mad]

Your trademark avy is changed. Does this mean you had a kid? If so, congrats Papa!

[Howling Mad]

So what's our lineup and defense look like in the few years. I still think we're missing what we're always missing, a lead off man. Not sure if Brett Jackson is an Epstein/Hoyer type leadoff man. His avg and obp is too low, but he does steal a lot of bases.

Where does Baez play? Does he play the hot corner or does Castro slide over. Wouldn't mind Castro at 2nd, his defense has really disappointed me.

What's up with Vitters? He's kinda rebounded from a disappointing year last year, but still not quite wowing me.

Is Wellington Castillo our future catcher? He's kinda old for a triple A guy

What do we do we Dan Vogelbach? He seems like a perfect pinch hitter, but we also have LaHair. The 1st base position is clogged up. No way Vogelbach plays 3rd. Dude lost a bunch of weight and he's still pretty big.

lineup

1-Jackson OF
2-Castro SS/2B
3-Rizzo 1B
4-Soler OF
5-Baez SS/2B
6-Vitters 3B
7-Almora OF
8-Castillo C

[GYBE]

As far as I know, I'm not a dad yet. That's a shot from Tree of Life, a movie I was obsessed with for a bit. I'll probably change it sometime.

I'm really souring on Brett Jackson. He's striking out over 30% of the time in AAA. That's just way too much. His best case scenario is probably average starter, but I'm losing faith he'll even get that. I think Sczcur has just as much of a chance to be a fixture in the lineup.

Reports actually have Baez's defense at SS to be pretty good. I don't expect him to move anytime soon. Looking ahead, 3rd looks like the most likely option for him to move to. But if Castro bulks up for power, Baez could be our SS for a few years.

Vitters feels like he's been around forever, but he's only 22. He's improving, but very slowly. I think it's 50/50 that he becomes a regular at this point.

I think Castillo will be a fantastic backup or a below-average starter.

Vogelbach may be a DH only. Apparently he struggles even with 1st. He's probably dealt at some point if he hits well, or just fades away if he doesn't.

Remember, we're still the Cubs. I'm hoping for a couple big FA signings or trades to help the lineup. Right now I see Rizzo, Castro, Soler, Baez and Almora as guys who SHOULD be regulars for us. That leaves C, one IF and one OF. Those could be filled internally (Castillo, Vitters, Jackson/Sczcur for example), but hopefully we can acquire true impact bats with our money/prospects to make the lineup scary throughout.

[karch34]

Agree we could have a very potent home grown offense. Forgot Vitters is only 22 so guess we can still be patient. Baez is going to give us a nice problem very soon. I've seen Junior Lake discussed as 3b option as well down the line, but maybe he's SS or 2B depending on Castro and Baez.

[karch34]

Really really really good.

[GYBE]

He may see the bigs this year with what he's doing. Ridiculous power.

[karch34]

Any word on them working with him on another position in the minors? I know they talked 2B, but would rather him look at 3B. Thought Lake was working on 3rd and OF.

[Air Poohdini]

I'm very excited about Javy's production in spring training, he could be a very promising hitter for us.

[Air Poohdini]

I'm very excited about Javy's production in spring training, he could be a very promising hitter for us.