Howard ‘a sponge’
2020 first-round pick from Mount Carmel turning heads in Instructional League
2020 first-round draft pick from Mount Carmel turning heads in Instructional League.
The Instructional League was supposed to be a careful introduction to professional baseball for Ed Howard IV, who hadn’t played competitively for more than seven months.
But the Chicago Cubs’ first pick in the 2020 draft, who lost his senior season at Mount Carmel because of the COVID-19 pandemic, made an indelible impact during his fall stint in Arizona.
“He made a huge impression,” said Matt Dorey, Cubs senior director of player development.
The lack of a 2020 minorleague season caused teams to dispatch scouts to Arizona for evaluations, and Howard’s fluid style made an overwhelming impression on a veteran American League scout.
“This kid has appeal,” the scout said of the 6-foot-2, 170pound Howard. “He could come quickly (to the majors). This kid has an idea.”
The Cubs have been careful not to rush top picks selected out of high school. All-Star shortstop Javier Baez, the ninth overall pick in 2011, did not reach the majors until August 2014, returned to the minors in 2015 and did not rejoin the Cubs until September 2015.
Outfielder Albert Almora Jr. was the No. 6 pick the following June (and the first pick of the Theo Epstein regime) but did not reach the majors until midway through the 2016 season. He was not tendered a contract two weeks ago.
Despite his lack of pro experience, Howard was ranked as the Cubs’ fourth-best prospect by Baseball America, trailing only left-hander Brailyn Marquez, outfielder Brennen Davis and catcher Miguel Amaya.
Part of Howard’s appeal is his decorated history, from playing on the Jackie Robinson West team that reached the 2014 Little League World Series, playing for the White Sox’s Amateur City Elite (ACE) program and Mount Carmel’s competitive program.
However, Howard missed valuable experience by not playing in a short season, and the Cubs’ Mesa complex will not reopen until teams receive clarity from Major League Baseball on spring training and COVID-19 protocols.
Based on Howard’s ability to stay sharp despite the lack of team-oriented supervision until late September, there’s little doubt he will continue to improve.
“It was fun,” Howard said of his introduction to pro ball. “Finally getting back to playing baseball, that was the best thing about it. Getting on the field every day, finally seeing what pro ball is like, getting to know the coaches, trainers and teammates, itwas a special time down there.
“Getting back in the sun, getting back on the field, getting dirty. Itwas fine.”
The Cubs treated Howard with kid gloves because of his lack of in-game competition. They monitored his at-bats, but he did face older pitchers who threw hard with sharp breaking pitches.
“The game didn’t look fast to him,” Dorey said. “We were mindful he hadn’t played a ton.”
During his stint in Arizona, Howard said he learned “how to be a pro every day.”
That process started before he signed with the Cubs, when former UIC standout and 16year major-league outfielder Curtis Granderson served as one of his mentors. And during his participation in The Players Alliance’s distribution of goods to families on the South Side, Howard gained some wisdom from Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward.
In between those visits, Howard was appreciative of the Cubs’ minor-league coaching staff.
After Instructional League ended in early November, Howard participated in the Cubs’ high performance camp and became more committed to nutrition.
“His parents did a great job with him,” Dorey said. “He loves being from Chicago. Everything is in the right place for him.
“He’s a sponge who wants it all. He knows you just can’t let your natural ability take over.”
Howard will work with Cubs hitting director Justin Stone at indoor facilities during the winter.
And the transition from amateur to professional ball has allowed Howard to fully employ wood bats.
“I’ve been swinging them (in selected tournaments),” Howard smiled. “But I can finally throw away all the metal (bats).”