Cubs’ Starlin Power

I’d like to think Starlin Castro’s more patient plate approach has helped increase his power numbers this season, and maybe it has, but it’s also worth remembering the 22-year-old is just beginning to fill out his 6’0″, 190 lbs frame.

If Castro continues to mature physically over the next year or two, we might be looking at a guy who could hit 25-plus home runs per season, which would help put Starlin among the elite offensive shortstops in the game.

His solo HR to deep centerfield at Colorado last night gives him 14 long balls on the season–a career-high. It’s also the fourth best HR total among all MLB shortstops, with the Nationals’ Ian Desmond leading the way with 24 home runs.

Meanwhile, Castro’s .756 OPS ranks fifth best among all shortstops while his 77 RBI ranks first.

In addition, Starlin is the first Cub since Sammy Sosa in 1995 to record 25 stolen bases and 75 or more RBI. He also leads the club in multi-hit games (48) and has reached base safely in 122 of his 154-games played.

The fact Starlin amassed 500 career hits before his 23rd birthday only confirms what a natural talent Castro is with the bat. And it’s exciting to imagine what a finely tuned plate approach and a bigger body might turn this kid into in the coming seasons.

As frustrating as Castro can be at times, especially on defense, it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves this is a special, special player the Cubs have locked-up long-term (seven-years with the option for an eighth).

Of course, sky-high potential brings sky-high expectations. Whether or not Starlin can deliver, I don’t know. But right now I wouldn’t bet against him.

Cubs Win & Lose At The Same Time

We can take solace the Cubs gained an edge in the race for the No.2 overall pick in next year’s amateur Draft by losing 10-5 at Colorado last night. But I’d still take a series win vs. the Rockies, even if it comes at the cost of losing the No.2 selection.

I never take Cubs losses easily, and I certainly won’t root against Chicago so they can pick one spot higher next spring. Not everyone will agree, of course, but I believe you win first and worry about the Draft second.

As it stands this morning, the Cubs (59-95) hold a one-game lead over Colorado (60-94) for the No.2 overall pick. Houston (50-105) has already wrapped up the No.1 overall pick next spring.

53-MAN ROSTER: No surprise the Cubs set a new single-season franchise record by utilizing 53 different players this season. The previous mark of 51 players used was set in 2000 when Chicago lost 97-games. It’s a blatant reminder of just how much the Cubs lack overall talent at the major league level, especially on the mound.

NUMBER ONE: Congratulations to Dave Sappelt on his first big league HR, a leadoff blast in the top of the first against left-hander Jorge De La Rosa in Colorado last night. Sappelt hit .331 vs. lefties at Triple-A Iowa this season before his callup on September 1st. He finished last night’s contest 2-for-4 and is batting .265 with the Cubs through 17-games (12 starts).