More on Cales and Odegaard

David Cales is a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan. But he’s not complaining about drafted by the other Chicago team, the Cubs.

“You know what, it’s just a privilege to get picked by anybody,” Cales said. “I don’t have any disgruntles. I’m glad I am a Cubbie. I’ll still hold a soft spot for the White Sox, that’s for sure.”

Cales, a first baseman/reliever for the Eau Claire Express, was taken by the Cubs in the 24th round of last week’s Major League Baseball draft. He’s batting .240 with five RBIs and has shown a good glove in the field. But Cales’ professional future is as a reliever. The righty closer throws in the high 80s to low 90s and has a good slider. This season he has no record, a perfect 0.00 ERA and one save in 3 2/3 innings. Cales hasn’t pitched since a three-inning outing last Monday against Battle Creek at Carson Park. That outing – which Cales said was one of the longest he’s thrown – happened to take place with Cubs representatives in attendance.

“Three innings is a lot for me,” Cales said. “I’m usually a one-to-two (innings) guy.”

Cales will have another chance to impress the Cubs – and make a case for them to sign him – Thursday.

Chris Odegaard would like to sign with his hometown Minnesota Twins. But he doesn’t have to.

The Glencoe, Minn., native was a 23rd-round draft pick of the Twins last week, but he has some leverage in negotiations. He’ll be a redshirt junior next season, so he has two more opportunities to test his luck in the draft. Should he return to Minnesota State-Mankato, he’d also have the chance to play with his younger brother, Matt.

“The team’s going to be pretty good next year and my brother’s going to be there. So it will be pretty fun if it doesn’t happen this year to just go back and play again.”
Odegaard is 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts this summer. He’s struck out 17 batters in 11 innings, but also has issued a somewhat-troubling 12 walks. Like Cales, he’ll be trying to showcase his arm Thursday with the Twins in attendance.

“My arm’s feeling good, but the walks are up, obviously,” Odegaard said. “That’s my biggest thing right now, is the walks.”

- Joe Ziemer