For the second time in a week the Cubs released a former number one draft pick. According to a report on Cubs.com, the Cubs cut ties with left-handed pitcher Mark Pawelek, the organization's number one pick in 2005 (20th overall) out of Springville High School in Utah.
Pawelek never made it past High A ball in four seasons and posted a career record of 6-12 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in 54 games, 29 starts.
Mark Pawelek was ranked as the Cubs second best prospect by Baseball America prior to the 2006 season and was still in the top 10 in 2007. Baseball America ranked the southpaw the 85th best prospect in all of baseball in 2006.
Mark Pawelek's Page from the Baseball Cube
Pawelek spent a majority of the last three seasons in extended spring training. He has reportedly dealt with maturity issues in the past and at one point was "sent home for a violation of team rules" according to a report from Scout.com. The report indicated Pawelek "angered Cubs officials for failing to obtain a passport necessary to accompany his team to Vancouver for a series."
Mark Pawelek broke his arm in June of 2007 when he tripped over his PlayStation going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
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Hey Neil, anyting new on the Cubs Video On Demand Channel that we heard was going to be ready by Opening Day?
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2009/01/cubs_channel.php
Thanks!
Crane Kenney talked about it last week but nothing new that I have heard or read.
He mentioned the Cubs are looking at the broadcast contracts they have with WGN TV, WGN Radio and Comcast SportsNet. Over the years, Kenney explained, certain things have been 'a given' and possibly overlooked.
They are trying to figure out every way possible to get every dime out of the popularity of this team.
I think the hold up is the ownership change. Once that is official, things like the channel should start to fall into place.
Was he going #1 or #2?
Jim...PRICELESS, simply PRICELESS!
Ok, so another #1 pick that didn't develop and produce as projected and had to be cut.
Perhaps it's me...but I have to ask an important question...does the Cubs scouting system suck? Actually two questions, after the scouting, does the Cubs player development philosophy and implementation suck too?
Seriously, very few position players actually develop from the Cubs system. There's something seriously wrong. I know not every pick is going to develop, but when you have #1 picks and 5-tool players who you keep cutting or shipping out...perhaps it's more than fault of the players for not putting it together. Perhaps the Cubs just have a terrible system for picking players that more realistically capable of producing what is projected for them, set unrealistic expectations, or have absolutely no idea how to develop a player.
Thoughts?
R.T. - I agree. For a franchise that is making tons of money, why can't we provide a "professional coach" to help young minor leaguers deal with issues of maturity, accountability, etc. How does a kid like Pawelek not make it based on his skill set? While we shouldn't have to baby these youngsters, the upside of having a coach/counselor/mentor (whatever you want to call it), is huge to the farm system. I just think this is another example of traditional baseball thinking in a diverse world that's now very non-traditional. Same thing for a Rich Hill and Felix Pie...we should have invested in a personal coach (almost like a Dr. Phil) to constantly work on the mental state of these "can't miss" players. Just a shame!
Too bad for Cubs, Pawelek was just signed by the Reds just a couple of days ago. A scout said they could not wait for the Cubs to let him go. Seems as if the Cubs wanted to change him from top to bottom on his mechanics. Now watch him come out of his shell and prosper, great arm with lots of talent,just needs a solid pitching program. Best thing is he is hitting mid 90's on workouts, hope it works out for the tall lefty.