CHC Thread | Javy Breaks a Finger | Off Day

It really looked like Javy Baez was making tremendous strides at Iowa (.314/.386/.536/.922 8 HR, 7 2B, 11 BB and 40 K) while transitioning over to 3B. His callup to Chicago was going to be imminent--if not this two game set against Detroit, he'd probably be called up to start the road interleague trip starting in Cleveland next week.

But, he broke his finger sliding into second base on a steal. As of now, he's on the disabled list and is expected to miss 4-8 weeks with a nondisplaced fracture in his his left ring-finger. It's terrible timing for Javy and the Cubs. His K rate was leveling out at a career best 25% this season and his walk rate was starting to climb with his adjustments in Iowa.

What does this mean for the Cubs? I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is that Kris Bryant will remain at 3B. I'm also going to assume that this could delay any callup for Baez until at least August...maybe even September when rosters expand.

This is great news for Mike Olt, who's progressing with his own broken hand rehab. Olt tweeted this morning: Another day closer

Also, Jacob Turner has been throwing simulated games in extended spring training and is apparently throwing with good effort, good velocity and sharp break. That's encouraging news. Let's just say we expect nothing from Jacob Turner (who's just 24) in 2015. If he manages to reach the MLB roster and can contribute in the bullpen later this year, that's a real nice win for him personally and the Cubs in 2015 and beyond.

The Cubs took 3 of 4 from the Nats this weekend. Kris Bryant finished a HR short of the cycle yesterday and Anthony Rizzo mashed two dongs (almost three) in one game over the weekend.

The first day of the MLB Draft is today. There isn't a clear cut #1 pick this year, so who really knows what could happen. Since this is an LSU-centered forum, I know I'll be watching closely where Alex Bregman lands and if he slides to the Cubs at 9. The Houston Astros have two picks in the top 5 I believe...so the rich will get richer.

The Cubs are also believed to show very serious interest in two of the top three international free agents, Eddy Julio Martinez and Lucious Fox. Martinez is 20 and eligible to sign now, but he hasn't which leads us to believe he can have a deal in place in principle with a team that has to wait until July 2...the most aggressive teams in international signing that have to wait until July 2 (because of overspending penalties last season) are the Cubs and Dodgers. Fox has to wait until July 2 to sign.