Chicago Cubs’ Prospect Felix Pie a Rising Star

Felix Pie, pronounced PEE-ay, is currently the hottest prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization. He stands 6’2, weighs 170 pounds, is 20 years old. Hits and throws from the left side. His smile: contagious. The future of the Chicago Cubs. A five-tool talent:. speed, swing, power, fielding, glove. His speed allows him to stretch singles into doubles, and doubles in to triples with ease. His patience at the plate gives him the option of getting a hit or talking the walk and stealing second. His frame is large enough that his power numbers are already on the rise. In the outfield, where a player’s prowess is very underrated, Pie makes hard, consistent and precise throws, and doesn’t hesitate to flash the leather if necessary.

But enough about what Felix will become. Let’s talk about what he’s done. Born in the town of La Romana, Dominican Republic, Pie was signed at the young age of 16. The Dominican Republic has produced some of today’s top major leaguers like Vladimir Guerrero, Sammy Sosa, and Pedro Martinez. The town of La Romana itself has produced 10 major leaguers.

His first professional campaign, the short season Arizona Fall League, gave the world a glimpse of what Pie had to offer. The year 2002. Pie’s speed was most on display, as he paced the league with 13 triples to go along with 17 stolen bases. In 55 games Pie hit .321, was voted the Top Prospect of the Arizona Fall League, as well as sharing the Most Valuable Player honors. He was 17.

His 2003 season Pie spent playing for the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest league. Lansing is a high Class A division, which Pie was suited for. In 124 games, he hit 4 home runs, 9 triples, knocked in 47 RBI’s, and slugged .388. He was selected to play in the MLB Futures Game during the All-Star weekend. Pie also made his first appearance in a Cubs spring training game, getting a hit in his only at-bat.

In 2004, Pie played the season for the Daytona Cubs in the Florida State League. Daytona is considered Class A Advanced, so a step up for Pie. In 110 games, Pie hit .297, hit 8 home runs to go with 10 triples and 47 runs batted in. Pie also attended Cubs spring training, this time playing in five games, and getting 3 hits in 5 at-bats.

Already a minor league veteran by age 20, the year 2005 saw Felix moving up the ladder, this time to the Double A.
He again attended Cubs spring training, and played in three games. He ultimately started the season with West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. During the first half he teamed with fellow young hitters Matt Murton and Adam Greenberg to strike fear into opposing pitchers. The three sluggers combined to lead West Tennessee to the first half division crown. Murton and Greenberg where called up soon after the first half, but Pie would have to wait his turn. Not because he wasn’t wanted, or needed by the big league club. Pie’s 2005 season ended abruptly, with a stress fracture in his ankle. At the time of the injury he had played in 59 games, hit .304 with 11 homers, 5 triples, and was about to be called up. The Cubs were hoping for a September call up but it is now out of the question. Pie will be healed up in time to play Winter ball in his native Dominican Republic.

Probably the greatest attribute the Pie possesses is not a god given talent. Its his desire to win. Coaches say that he is much more concerned with whether the team is winning rather than personal glory. That is an attribute which cannot be taught. To be on a winning team is important to Felix, and hopefully he can bring some of his good attitude to Chicago as soon as possible.

With the Cubs currently being mired in a dismal season, it would be the perfect time to Pie show what he’s got, or at least get big league at bats. The point is moot however. Looking on the bright side, Pie will be back to play winter ball. Current Cubs general manager calls Pie the only real candidate in the Cubs’ system that could be a lead-off man, and it is for certain that Pie will compete for a roster spot during 2006 spring training.