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#Cubs Prospect Thread: SS Zack Short
Despite an up-and-down collegiate career the Cubs showed continual interest in Zack Short throughout, eventually making him a 17th Rd Pick in 2016. Short has rewarded their faith by exceeding all expectations.
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Despite an up-and-down collegiate career the Cubs showed continual interest in Zack Short throughout, eventually making him a 17th Rd Pick in 2016. Short has rewarded their faith by exceeding all expectations.
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Originally being groomed as a utility man, Short has positioned himself on the cusp of the 40-man roster as legitimate SS and potentially key role player. Given the uncertainty surrounding a certain SS in Chicago, Short will provide vital insurance at AAA level in 2019.
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I had some questions defensively when he struggled at times as they moved him around in a utility role in 2017, and he still suffers from occasional lazy footwork on backhand plays and getting in line on throws to 1B. Cleaning that up will take his reliability to new levels.
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But Short answered any questions about whether he could handle SS position in 2018. He settled in as the guy there during course of the season and was eventually voted the top defender at the position in the Southern League.
(Audio does more justice than video on this play):
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(Audio does more justice than video on this play):
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His athleticism and arm should translate to any IF or OF position if he ends up in utility role.
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No one personifies launch angle in the system like Short. His 25.8 GB% was 3rd lowest among all qualified full-season hitters. Raw strength may be avg but swing translates all of it into in-game power. Over the fence production to his pull side but can drive ball to all fields
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Short's offensive game is more than power though. His K rate may seem somewhat scary but he doesn't swing-and-miss as much as it would seem to indicate. Short simply works deep counts as he looks for a pitch to drive and is one of the best in the system at drawing walks.
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As a slick fielding SS with the patience, power and prowess to do damage against LHP, Zack Short is a good bet to earn a role as a Major Leaguer. His ability to hit RHP will determine if he can ultimately earn a starting role or if he settles in as matchup piece off the bench.
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