Chicago Cubs' Scouting Director Tim Wilken Opens Up About the Organization

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

With the Cubs selecting Brett Jackson from Cal with their first pick, I thought it might be interesting to read an interview I did with Tim Wilken of the Cubs during the winter.

When Tim Wilken joined the Cubs, it was considered a coup by Jim Hendry, as Wilken was considered one of the top scouts in the game.

With his title as Director of Amateur and Professional Scouting, he came over in January of 2006 to resurrect the Cub farm system with a steady stream of talent expected to make its way to the big league club.

At one point with Toronto, he had 12 consecutive first-round draft picks making a major-league roster. So far things are not quite as fruitful with the Cubs.

Darrell Horwitz: What are your responsibilities with the Chicago Cubs?

Tim Wilken: I coordinate from 20 to 25 amateur scouts in the United States and Puerto Rico. Once the draft is over, I turn my attention to professional scouting, which I coordinate with Randy Bush and Jim Hendry. We talk frequently about potential deals between May and the trade deadline.

DH: When Jim Hendry hired you, what did he tell you he was looking for you to add to the system?

TW: He was looking to add overall depth to the system. We were looking specifically adding depth to the everyday players because up until the last few years, it’s kind of been a void for 15 years with the concentration being on pitching.

DH

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