For
the week of :
June 10, 2002
An
interview with Alfredo Amezaga
First day of school for Cubs draftees
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Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.
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Cubs
welcome new players to camp
It was like watching kids on the first day in a new school as the Chicago Cubs opened a mini-camp at their Fitch Park complex in Mesa, Arizona last Sunday for early signees from the recent Major League Baseball free agent draft. About eight new Cubbies were joined by remaining players from the recently-ended extended spring training season. More new players were expected in camp as the week progressed. Steve O'Sullivan, an infielder from Marist College taken in the 23rd round, enthusiastically stated it felt good to be back on the field. He was also experiencing quite a change in the weather, coming to Arizona from Bronx, New York the previous day. "It was 55 when I left home yesterday," remarked O'Sullivan as he sought refuge from the 100+ degree heat during a water break. O'Sullivan already looks like a throwback to an old-time style player, as he was one of the few players wearing his pants legs up to his knees.
A dozen members of the Cubs minor league coaching organization were on hand to greet the newcomers, including former major leaguers Richie Zisk (minor league hitting coordinator), Jeff Huson (infield instructor) and John Cangelosi (outfield & baserunning instructor). The team went through hitting, bunting and fielding drills for the first half of the morning, with the newer position players grouped together on one field. Later, the individual groups converged for a simulated game held in order to give a few of the extended spring training group of pitchers their daily work.
The new players were primarily observers during this game, although the coaches took the opportunity to get in a little extra work with the draftees. Huson took them to an adjacent field for bunting instruction, while Cangelosi individually shared baserunning tips with several players. The diminutive former outfielder spent extra time talking with 6th round pick Chris Walker, a 5-8 outfielder from Georgia Southern University. Watch this space for another update on the Cubs mini-camp later this week, as the players will be split between the Northwest League Boise team and the rookie level Arizona League. --- UPDATE / 6-15-02 --- The team broke camp on Friday of this week with a final scrimmage. With the rosters for the Boise and Arizona League teams being mostly set, it was time for one final tune-up. Right-hander Jae Kuk Ryu and southpaw Carlos Vazquez, both slated for the Boise team, squared off on the mound. Looking good at the plate was three-year veteran first baseman Kevin Collins, who slammed a triple to right center off Ryu. The Cubs organization was pleased with the results of the mini-camp. "We try to get a good base for these guys," said Oneri Fleita, Chicago's Director of Player Development, "introduce them to the organization and get them accustomed to the fundamentals that we expect from them."
While none of the top 10 picks have signed with the Cubs yet, Fleita is excited about this year's group of players. He commented, "This is the first time in Cubs history that we were fortunate to have six supplemental picks in the first three rounds. The scouts have signed some good kids that have great work ethics and we have something to work with." While the younger players participated in the game, major league veteran closer Flash Gordon worked out on an adjacent field with an eye towards returning to the major league team soon. The Boise Hawks start their Northwest League season on Tuesday at Salem-Keizer, while the Arizona League team begins play next Saturday at home against the White Sox. --- Bill Mitchell
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