Mark

Pawelek

Pawelek, a 2005 first-round pick, was held back to start this year, but after debuting for Boise in June, he compiled a 2.51 ERA in 61 innings. He’s one of the most talented left-handers in the minors, and even though the Cubs intend to proceed with caution, he could begin moving up quickly next year.

Who would have expected a Scott Boras client to agree to a predraft deal? Pawelek, the first Utah high schooler drafted in the first round since Bruce Hurst in 1976, was 10-0 this year and did not allow an earned run over 63 innings while striking out 132. The Cubs have clocked him at 90-96 mph. ''Every time we saw him he had above-average pitches as far as his fastball and velocity,’' said Cubs scouting director John Stockstill. ''We feel he will add strength.’'

Pawelek has good stuff for a left-hander and might have gone higher if he didn’t hire Scott Boras. Very surprising is that he’s already agreed to terms with the Cubs, according to Baseball America.

Pawelek didn’t acquire a passport in time for a team trip to Canada. It’s possible that the team is just trying to teach him a lesson with the season winding down, but The Daily Herald says his stock has been down with some in the organization for a while. After a solid 2006, he posted an 8.15 ERA last season and a 6.20 ERA at this year.