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The industry glorifies the amateur draft and it shows in rankings and trade analysis. Mena and Preciado haven’t debuted yet so they aren’t ranked as highly by primarily white authors on a “ranking system” that is biased against young brown players (especially international). 1/7
It doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. It means the “ranking system” and how players are talked about is flawed and biased. The irony is it’s often young brown international players that ascend to these highest prospects ranks once they far outplay the “touted” US draft picks. 2/7
Cubs pounced on a unique window to acquire these uber talented players before they debut. Otherwise it takes years until they’re deemed to not hit their ceiling by smart clubs like SD (see Jeisson Rosario). Good on the Cubs for targeting these dynamic players in a unique 2020 3/7
where they otherwise would have debuted and likely not have been dealt.
Not that these guys will become these superstars, but rewind to ‘14 and tell me if you wouldn’t want Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres from the ‘13 class who got very similar bonuses to Mena and Preciado. 4/7
Not that these guys will become these superstars, but rewind to ‘14 and tell me if you wouldn’t want Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres from the ‘13 class who got very similar bonuses to Mena and Preciado. 4/7
(bonuses aren’t everything, like amateur draft slot). Just because information is harder to find on international prospects from Latin America doesn’t make them lesser. Caissie is also int’l but regarded bc he was a drafted Canadian with footage and a familiar comp (Gallo).
5/7
5/7
The Cubs did well for shipping an aging (albeit very productive and elusive “ace” in this snapshot of time) pitcher with a burdensome contract for risky (by ETA, amateur draft prospects bust too) but legitimate talent. They can also still win the brutal NL Central w/out YD.
6/7
6/7
The Cubs acquired some very interesting prospects who aren’t household names or from Vandy. It’s billed a “salary dump” because they’re covered by an industry that doesn’t know them yet.
The industry needs to be more aware of their biases and fans as they consume analysis. 7/7
The industry needs to be more aware of their biases and fans as they consume analysis. 7/7
