If you hadn’t heard or seen Sutton Whiting’s name on any preseason prospect lists for the Chicago Cubs, there’s a good reason for that. When those lists were put together, Whiting was still in college, playing for the University of Louisville.
The Cubs drafted Whtiing in the 24th round of June’s MLB draft, but at the time no one knew what they’d gotten in the rookie infielder. It only took them a few weeks to find out. Due to injuries and players participating in the Pan Am games, the Cubs moves players around in their farm system, but to everybody’s surprise Whiting, a rookie who’d only been a pro for a couple of weeks, got sent to the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. Why did it happen? Whiting has no idea.
“I’m not real sure, but I hope it’s because how hard I play the game,” Whiting said. “I run everything out, even if I hit it just two feet or whatever. I like to bring some energy to the clubhouse and my speed. Hopefully that’s what they’ve seen. I think I can do a lot of things to help this team win so hopefully I can stay here a little bit longer.”
Sutton Whiting just recorded his first RBI of his pro career. Now batting .462 in his 8th Double-A game. Btw, he was drafted THIS YEAR
— Andrew Green (@andruwgreen) July 19, 2015
Whiting didn’t waste his opportunity in his promotion from the rookie league. In his eight games with the Smokies, he hit .438 with a triple and an RBI, mostly appearing as a designated hitter or pinch hitter. He played in the field in three games and kept a mostly clean scoresheet with just two errors.
“It’s been crazy, but I’m just trying to make the most of my time up here and do what I can to help the team win,” Whiting said. “I definitely didn’t expect it, but it’s been a blessing. It’s been a great opportunity so far. The guys have taken me under their wing and it’s been fun.”
How about Sutton Whiting? He’s not 6-for-13 to start his Smokies career. His 6th hit brings in his 1st Double-A RBI. #Cubs
— Justin Rocke (@JustinRocke) July 19, 2015
Whiting was drafted right out of Ballard High School in Louisville, Ky. by the Atlanta Braves back in 2011, but he put off his pro debut to spend four years at Louisville, starting at shortstop for three straight seasons. He finished his senior year with the Cardinals batting .302 with 12 doubles, two triples and 15 stolen bases. Whiting feels his time at Louisville and tutelage from coach Dan McDonnell helped prepare him to succeed as a professional player.
“It was the best decision of my life to go to college,” Whiting said. “I was immature, just out of high school and didn’t have a lot of experience. Playing four years under a great head coach taught me a lot. I learned a lot about the game. It helped me develop.”
Sutton Whiting has played for 4 teams in a month! From College to Rookie to A to now AA..WOW go Sutton!! @SuttWhiting http://t.co/g71MRnCTEC
— Bob Greenburg (@BobGreenburg) July 10, 2015
Whiting knows his time with Tennessee may be ending soon, but he’s doing everything he can to make that decision tough for the Cubs farm system. It worked and when the rosters began to settle early this week, Whiting didn’t get sent back to rookie ball. Instead, he was assigned to Low-A Eugene.
“I try to be the first one here and look up and learn from the guys that have been successful at this level,” Whiting said. “Whatever happens, I’m trying to make the most of any opportunity I get.”
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Prospect Watch
With the promotion of Kyle Schwarber and Taylor Davis, much of the Smokies hitting power has left the stadium, but Willson Contreres has continued his All-Star season all but ensuring he’ll be traded soon or lost in the offseason Rule 5 Draft. Contreres is batting .319 and has been the Smokies best defensive catcher all season.
First baseman Dan Vogelbach remains strong when he’s on the field, but has had trouble staying off the disabled list in the second half of the season.
After early success at the plat outfielder Bijan Rademacher has cooled considerably, but he’s put together a solid July to move his batting average up nearly 20 points.
Pitcher Pierce Johnson continues to make his case to get out of Tennessee. He’s 4-0 now since returning from extended spring training with a 1.73 ERA.
