Chances Alcantara sticks with the Cubs

[Sour Masher]

I have Alcantara in my minors, and I am desperate for a MIF upgrade in my 16 team mixed league with Segura and Odor under-performing, and Alcides Escobar starting to fade. I am tempted to call up Alcantara right now, but if I do, I cannot send him back to our minors until the end of the year, assuming he doesn't go over the limit by then. I can't afford to waste a major league roster spot on Alcantara if he ends up being sent back down.

I know the Cubs initially said they were sending Alcantara back down, but today's game seems to have changed their minds. But what do you think they will do? Won't keeping him up waste service time? What incentive is there for the Cubs to continue to play him? Fan excitement for finally getting one of their young guys up? Looking for a reason to promote the guy ASAP, but I don't want to be dumb about it.

[Judge Jude]

they did change their minds because of the game. how long can you wait and see?

[Sour Masher]

they did change their minds because of the game. how long can you wait and see?

As long as I like, or at least until he reaches 200 ABs, which is our cut off. But it he is swinging a hot bat, I could really use him ASAP. I guess I'll hold off until post ASB.

[Judge Jude]

yes, I would recommend that absent any new news.
actually given their wacky INF situation, might be tempted in your scenario to hold off til July 31

[overkill94]

I'd wait as long as I could - he'd have to stay hot for at least a week before he'd be given the leash to keep the job and it would be a shame to waste a year of eligibility for a couple week's worth of production.

[Sour Masher]

He had another big day today. Is it safe to call him up, or should I play it safe and wait a few more weeks?

[Sour Masher]

I called him up. I hope he sticks.

[Judge Jude]

they could trade the rarely-hot-but-is-now Barney to Reds re Phillips injury, then you're golden

[Sour Masher]

I traded Odor to make room for him, so I am royally screwed if this doesn't pan out. I probably should have been more patient with Odor. Traded Odor and Shelby Miller for Luis Severino, Michael Taylor, and Alex Avila (I needed a back up catcher).

I tried moving Shelby for a solid week and no dumpers want him at all. Odor's stock was falling too. I am hoping Severino popping up on top 50 lists gets some attention from folks and that I can flip him and Taylor for another MIF upgrade.

[Pauly]

I am in the same spot with alcantara, and I am concerned about Bonifacio's return after the All Star break. Everyone forgets but Bonifacio was the regular 2B for most of the year. I would like to wait until that gets cleared up before promoting alcantara, but his hotness is making that a difficult proposition. I would keep my ear to the ground during the break.

[cardboardbox]

I am in the same spot with alcantara, and I am concerned about Bonifacio's return after the All Star break. Everyone forgets but Bonifacio was the regular 2B for most of the year. I would like to wait until that gets cleared up before promoting alcantara, but his hotness is making that a difficult proposition. I would keep my ear to the ground during the break.

Bonifacio games played this year (CBS):
2B 22
3B 5
SS 1
OF 44

I'm not sure he was the regular 2B this year. Maybe last year. Alcantara is part of the Cubs future, Bonifacio is not, so I'd guess that at worst Alcantara is playing regularly by early Aug.

[Sharky]

I'm all in on Alcantara. Take that for what it's worth. But as far as I can tell, this kid just plain hits. Seems baseball smart, grounded, and likely to deliver value at a weak position. Bizarrely under the radar for a guy who is clearly talented. Doesn't hit HR like Baez or Bryant, but does everything else well as far as I can tell (except taking walks; ironically that helps in fantasy as he sees more AB, unless you are in an OBP league).

[Sour Masher]

I'm all in on Alcantara. Take that for what it's worth. But as far as I can tell, this kid just plain hits. Seems baseball smart, grounded, and likely to deliver value at a weak position. Bizarrely under the radar for a guy who is clearly talented. Doesn't hit HR like Baez or Bryant, but does everything else well as far as I can tell (except taking walks; ironically that helps in fantasy as he sees more AB, unless you are in an OBP league).

I sure hope you are right. Of course, I felt the same about Odor, and he also came out of the gate strong with a 4-5 game. But Alcantara seems a bit more advanced/ready for the show.

[cardboardbox]

I sure hope you are right. Of course, I felt the same about Odor, and he also came out of the gate strong with a 4-5 game. But Alcantara seems a bit more advanced/ready for the show.

Odor 263AB in AA/AAA
AA 829AB in AA/AAA

Odor may end up better long term but Alcantara's time in high minors gives him a better chance for success right away.

I cant find it but one of the prospect experts I follow back in the preseason compared AA to Jose Reyes as a potential ceiling.

AA doesnt make enough contact and doesnt walk enough to make up for it. I see him as a middling avg SB guy who has a little bit of power. BP preseason compared him to Kipnis as a ceiling.

[Pauly]

Bonifacio games played this year (CBS):
2B 22
3B 5
SS 1
OF 44

I'm not sure he was the regular 2B this year. Maybe last year. Alcantara is part of the Cubs future, Bonifacio is not, so I'd guess that at worst Alcantara is playing regularly by early Aug.

In his first game back off the DL today, Bonifacio is playing 2B and Alcantara is in CF. I have a feeling this is what it's going to be both now and in the future (with Baez at second instead of Boni eventually).