Cubs Prospects Weekly Recap

Feb 20, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees Corey Black (87) during photo day at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching wise the Cubs biggest pitching prospect organizationally C.J. Edwards still is on the DL since experiencing shoulder discomfort a little over a month ago. The Cubs are clearly taking no chances with this kids health nor should they. He’s nowhere near close enough to push.

Another arm that has been impressive is the one that belongs to Corey Black. However his development is still a work in progress. He’s been nearly impossible to hit, but his command is still an issue. He’s averaging 9.4 SO/9 but also as 6 BB/9. Black has the stuff to at the very least be a high leverage situation reliever, but his control has to get better before he advances.

Pierce Johnson has had a disappointing season thus far. There’s still time to get it together and salvage the season, and get promoted a rung and get himself closer to the bigs, but there is still work to do for him as well. As with most young pitchers especially fireballer’s like Johnson command is the last thing to get fixed. With an 8.1 BB/9 he won’t be advancing anytime soon. That has to be goal number one. Fortunately the Cubs have invested a ton in their development staff, and they should get these guys fixed if they’re fixable. Right now getting off the DL is the first thing off the list. As soon as he does he needs to attack his mechanics and arm slot with diligence.