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

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I also think Chris Carpenter, who was a third round pick in that same draft is going to move pretty quick, and Jay Jackson, our ninth round pick got out of the starting blocks very well last summer.

DH: How would you rate Tyler Colvin, who was your first pick with the Cubs, and Josh Vitters, and how they’re doing so far? (This interview was conducted before their minor league seasons began.)

TW: In Colvin’s case, he’s starting to walk a little bit more and get a little more patient at the plate. His outfield play has been good. He’s a good base runner and I think he’s got a chance to hit. I think he’s got a chance to be a big leaguer.

With Vitters, when he signed a couple of years ago in August, he wanted to play, and I think it was a detriment to him because he wasn’t ready to play. He had a bout with mono right after high school and did not play the next two months.

I think when he went out last August, some people said he didn’t do too well, but you have to remember he was a young seventeen. He turned around and went to the Northwest League last spring and swung the bat very well.

The thing I was really impressed with Josh was that his defensive play had improved immensely. I saw him play in the Dominican Republic this past winter and he played very well down there.

DH: The Cubs have not done very well the last two years in the playoffs. Is one of your jobs handling advance scouting involving teams you face in the playoffs?

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