The Chicago Cubs today named Single-A Kane County Cougars first baseman Dan Vogelbach and Double-A Tennessee Smokies pitcher Matt Loosen the organization’s minor league player and pitcher of the month for July.
The walk-up music for Dan Vogelbach says it all. Whenever the Kane County Cougars first baseman comes up to bat, the Stadium audio blares the “BIG BOY” snippet from Nelly’s “Air Force Ones” over and over. You know it well, the refrain from the 2002 hip-hop hit. This music choice shows you that the 5’11” 250 pound Chicago Cubs super-prospect has a grounded sense of self.
When interviewing Dan Vogelbach, you realize that he has an affable personality as big as his frame, potential and signing bonus. (Well, $1.6 million isn’t a huge signing bonus by MLB high draft pick standards, but it’s pretty huge for regular people like us)
Vogelbach batted .330 with four doubles, four home runs, 19 RBI, a .417 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging mark – good for a .917 OPS – in 27 July contests. The left-handed hitter drew 17 walks compared to just 12 strikeouts and scored 15 runs.
In his second full pro season, Vogelbach is hitting .290 with 20 doubles, 16 home runs and 68 RBI in 104 games for Kane County. Among Midwest League hitters, Vogelbach ranks tied for third in home runs, tied for fourth in total bases (183) and ninth in RBI.
Originally selected by the Cubs in the second round of the 2011 draft, 61st overall, Vogelbach owns a .302 batting average with 44 doubles, three triples, 34 home runs and 136 RBI in 171 career minor league contests. He has 89 walks and 117 strikeouts in 767 plate appearances while compiling a .912 OPS thanks to a .382 on-base percentage and a .530 slugging mark.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, a Fox Sports affiliate. He is also an analyst for 95.7 The Fan, and writes on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. President Obama follows his Twitter account (@paulmbanks)