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.