Felix Pie, OF, Chicago Cubs

June 13, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Cory J. Bonini
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Chicago Cubs rookie outfielder Felix Pie, the team's top prospect for 2007, has had an up-and-down season - literally. After being called up from Triple-A Iowa in April to replace then-injured outfielder Alfonso Soriano (hamstring), Pie stuck around for 49 at-bats. In this time, he hit .224 through Sunday, May 6, before being optioned back to Triple-A Iowa Thursday, May 10.

Sunday, June 3, Pie was recalled and has since received 41 at-bats in just one week of play. Since being recalled to the bigs, the Dominican has hit .293 with one home run and eight RBI. Pie has swiped four bags during this time, as well.

Recent reports indicate the team plans to keep Pie in center field as the starter, barring a collapse. This move helps pave the way for the team to trade outfielder Jacque Jones.

Positives

Pie has amazing bat speed. Such speed allows him the affordability to chase pitches out of the strike zone to make hard contact, but it can also hinder him (more on that later). A multi-tool player, Pie is a power-hitting center fielder that has the speed to steal bases with regularity.

Scouting reports on Pie note he has been using more strength from his legs while batting over the past couple years, which has helped him realize his power potential.

From a defensive standpoint, Pie's speed and range allows him track down fly balls in the outfield that may appear to be improbable. His arm strength is above average, so his defensive skill set should help keep him on the field as long as his batting continues to be for average.

The left-handed Pie is only 170 pounds at 6-foot-2, so there is reason to believe he could add more muscle to his frame.

Negatives

Obviously, the first negative against Pie is inexperience in the majors. He does, in his defense, have considerable experience in the Triple-A system of the minors.

Pie suffered a broken ankle in July of 2005, which resulted in a lingering bone bruise that kept him out for the remainder of the season. Some may say this was a blessing, since it afforded him the 2006 season in the minors to hone his skills, but the end result was a significant injury.

Generally playing in the No. 2 spot allows other batters to drive in Pie, which is a positive, but he isn't in a situation that will provide him a lot of opportunities to rack up RBI.

Fantasy Outlook

If Pie can continue hitting as well as he has recently he could be a valuable player to own. He is currently available in 83 percent of leagues polled, so you should be able to stash him on your bench if you have the room.

A scouting report comparison to New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran is understandable, largely due to the versatility of Pie, but you shouldn't expect Beltran-like numbers just yet.

If you are desperate for stolen bases and want to deal with sporadic, developing power, play Pie. If you have room in your utility spot, playing him there is also an option. However, if you are counting on him regularly in your lineup you may be in trouble as the season wears on, simply because he will have to acclimate himself to the rigors of playing as regularly as major league teams do.

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Cory J. Bonini

Cory J. Bonini is a senior editor at KFFL. In late 2002, Bonini joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst. He vaulted himself into one of the industry's leading fantasy analysts.

Bonini has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, he has been featured in print, on the radio and is also a published writer on scores of sites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors.

Follow him on Twitter @CoryKFFL

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