Chicago Cubs prospect Javier Baez launches 37th home run of the season
By David Miniel
The Chicago Cubs are mostly known for their World Series drought of 100+ years. Although they’ve had some talent on their major league roster, it just hasn’t been enough to reach the playoffs.
Their last playoff appearance was in 2008 when they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, a series they were favored to win. Since then, the Cubs have dumped old front office personnel and brought in a group of new guys who are determined to turn the ‘Loveable Losers’ into World Series Champions.
The Cubs have had high draft picks the last couple of seasons and could be looking at another top five pick in next years draft. A prospect who has been in the spot light ever since he was drafted is shortstop Javier Baez, a player who was drafted in the first round of the 2011 Major League Draft.
It was a confusing pick considering the Cubs have Starlin Castro at shortstop right now, but it looks as if that position will soon belong to the young Puerto Rican prospect. The 20 year old right handed hitter is making some noise in the minor leagues this season, showing off some beautiful defense and displayed some head turning power with his bat.
Today the top prospect for the North Siders went 2-4 with his 37th home run of the minor league season today. The home run was his 20th since joining Double-A Tennessee back in late June. Now he leads all minor league hitters with 111 RBI’s this season, which is ridiculous for a 20 year old shortstop.
He has hands down been the hottest hitter in the minor leagues since the Double-A All-Star break with a batting line of .317/.370/.683 with 15 doubles, 17 home runs, 49 RBI’s, eight stolen bases and a 56/17 K/BB ratio in 44 games.
Overall this season he’s been hitting .285/.344/.583 with 34 doubles, 37 home runs, 111 RBI’s and 20 stolen bases and a 144/40 K/BB ratio in 129 games.
I think this kid will get his first major league audition this season. I’m not sure if he’s quite ready for the major leagues yet even though he’s posting numbers like these. I think he should spend at least one or two more seasons in the minors. That may sound like a crazy suggestion, but you don’t want to call up a prospect who’s hitting 37 home runs during the minor leagues one season, then turn into a dud in his first major league season.