The Cubs organization liked what the saw in Michael Brenly so much they drafted him twice. The Cubs picked Brenly the first time in the 43rd round back in 2005 then took him again in the 36th round three years later.
Brenly is the son of Len Kasper's broadcast partner and one of the candidates to succeed Lou Piniella in the Cubs dugout. Michael's father Bob, a former Major League catcher and part-time third baseman, is currently in his second stint in the Cubs broadcast booth.
Michael Brenly is currently with the Daytona Cubs (High-A) in the Florida State League. Brenly has spent time of late as the D-Cubs' DH ... and outside of catcher, Brenly has played a little first base as well.
Brenly had his 21-game hitting streak come to an end last week, as well as his stretch of reaching base in 25 straight. Brenly's line this season: .313/.374/.405/.779 with 11 doubles and four home runs. Brenly is solid defensively and has caught 31% of would be base stealers in his three seasons behind the plate.
Brenly is not a power hitter, despite his 6'3 210-pound frame. He can hit the long ball from time to time and the occasional double, but he is more of a singles hitter with decent plate discipline. Unless he develops more of a power stroke he projects to be a back up catcher ... if he makes it to the big leagues.
If he possesses half the baseball knowledge of his father he has the potential to be a solid back up, backstop someday.
Full Name: Michael Brenly
Age: 23 (October 14, 1986)
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 210
Position: Catcher/First Base
Bats/Throws: R/R
Michael Brenly's Page on Baseball Reference.com
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Longshot. You got it right. But Mark Grace was a long shot, too.
There's nothing about this kid not to like: he's got a pedigree for baseball KNOWLEDGE rather than talent which means that there aren't going to be unreal expectations, he seems to be able to hit very well, and he's branching out position-wise.
Of course, if Bob takes the managerial job, then Michael isn't going to be a Cub (Bob said that he'd never manage his son because of favoritism). But I don't see Bob leaving the booth to manage the Cubs just yet, so we'll see.
Good for Michael Brenly. Solid back up players is what the Cubs need. Sometimes backup players become starters, pending on the need. Hang in there Michael. Your day is coming.
Great profile Patrick. However, Brenly may not as big of long shot as people think. Organizations usually like to stick with good defensive catchers that can still contribute offensively. He reminds me in ways of Joe Girardi, who beat out several more highly touted prospects (Damon Berryhill, Rick Wilkins, and Matt Wallbeck)and was a solid player for many seasons.