but was busy this past week. Anyhow, this is my top 10, which is fairly solid in terms of I don’t expect to change my mind anymore on it.

1. Josh Vitters, B+: The one prospect in our system with apparent superstar potential. Has power that the system lacks. He showed signs in late 2008 that he might be able to stick at 3rd, and that is where he would have the most value for us. I expect him to start 2009 in Peoria, with a shot at Daytona/Tennessee depending on how things go. ETA to Wrigley guess? 2011, putting him potentially on track for a job after Derrek Lee leaves.
2. Jeff Samardzija, B: I’ve downgraded him to a B after further consideration. Just too much inconsistency to really merit a B+. He still has quality upside, although I think some overstate his abilities right now. It’s a matter of being more consistent, particularly with his secondary pitches. There is still some question if he is a starter. If he is, I see him more as a 2/3 type than an ace caliber pitcher. Personally, you try a guy as a starter until he can’t, and as such, I’d rather see him in AAA starting every 5th day, with the chance at a midseason promotion and a rotation shot in 2009. Realistically, I expect him to open the season in the pen as one of our primary setup arms.
3. Wellington Castillo, B: For the life of me, I don’t know why he doesn’t get more attention. Potential plus defense, enough bat, shows the potential for a bit more power. He’s a good one for the position, and if it wasn’t for the fact that we had Soto, we’d be talking about Castillo as a possible catcher of the future. With Soto in tow, he’s trade bait, particularly considering our system’s depth at catcher. If he’s with us, I see him starting the year at AA again, with Koyie Hill likely snapping the AAA spot. Of course, if Blanco leaves, then both could be bumped up a spot. That said, Castillo’s bat got off to a hot start in AA before struggling in July and August, so I prefer him to be in AA personally. In an ideal world, he’s a plus receiver that offers above average offense for the position.
4. Andrew Cashner, B: Some folks think this is high (see old thread over at Sickels). I think it’s fine. His small sample size last year shouldn’t be judged too harshly. The upside is still there, particularly in the pen. He could follow Ceda’s 2008 path in 2009. That said, the Cubs have said they’ll fast track him, so don’t rule out Cashner from appearing in the bigs. He has some control issues that need to be ironed out, because if not, he’s more Kevin Gregg than people might be willing to admit. ETA to Wrigley: My honest guess is that the Cubs will bring him to the bigs at some point in 2009 unless he falls apart, but at the very least, I think he’ll see the bigs in 2010..
5. Jay Jackson, B-: The grade hasn’t changed, but I’ve slid him up a bit. After awhile, I just couldn’t think of a reason not to place him here. Loose arm, in a good way, good delivery and mechanics should lessen the burden on the arm. He’s a good athlete, which is always nice. Had success in A+ when he moved up. Shows advance secondary pitches, and is still very much raw to full-time pitching. Some have suggested that he’s somewhat the righty version of Rich Hill (that is, living off one pitch, in this case, the slider). I disagree, as he has more life on the fastball (and could potentially add a few more ticks), and he has shown that the change/curve could eventually be a solid third pitch. The fastball already runs in the low 90’s. Has some minor issues to iron out, but I think it’s more consistency issues. One of the higher upside starting arms in the system, Jackson likely starts 2009 in Daytona, with a shot at Tennessee sometime midseason. ETA to Wrigley: Competing for a rotation spot in 2012. Worst case scenario is that he’s a late inning pen arm.
6. Tyler Colvin, B-: Was it really due to the injury? The ultimate Tim Wilken-type pick, Colvin’s tools are undeniable. He had a strong finish to finish the year, but struggled for most of the year. The surgery offers some hope that he was struggling as a result, although I’m not completely sold. I think he starts the year in AA when he is ready, with the potential for a quick bump to Iowa. He’s not a CF, and he’s probably not a RF either. ETA to Wrigley: Well, with RF now open, there’s a shot that Tyler could get a look in 2010 if he plays well… but with the Cubs likely to add an OF, the realistic assessment is that he’s potential trade bait unless he steps up big time. Grade is likely higher than what others will give him.
7. Ryan Flaherty, B-: PaulThomas of AthleticsNation made enough of a case that Flaherty should be a C+ that I gave long thought to it. He’s not sticking at shortstop, barring a surprise, but he could be a great 2nd base option. The system is so deep in 2nd base options, though, so I’ll be curious what the Cubs do. Maybe they keep him at short for another year, sliding him to Peoria. Or could they jump him to Daytona and switch him to 2nd? ETA to Wrigley: Could get a look in 2011, although 2012 is more likely.
8. Jovan Rosa, B-: I think he goes under the radar quite a bit. He’s got some defensive liabilities, but he likely can be fine at first base in time. There’s power potential there, as evidenced with the doubles, and his body may mature some more. He’s got a smooth stroke that should make contact consistently. He posted an solid line in the Midwest League. I think he plays mainly first base at Daytona to start 2009. ETA to Wrigley? If he develops, 2011, offering an option to replace Lee.
9. Mitch Atkins, C+. End of the rotation type, but he’s up in AAA and he’s coming off a solid year. Low 90’s fastball combined with the breaker and change gives him a shot. Should start 2009 as a stretched out arm in Iowa, and could see the bigs at some point.
10. Dan McDaniel, C+. Power righty arm runs it up there in the mid-90’s. Has a decent to solid curve I think and a usable change and slider. I want to see us try him as a starter (started at Chabot a bit) but I don’t expect it. Strong season at Boise, looking for him to start 09 in Peoria. I don’t see a huge difference between Cashner and McDaniel to justify separating them by too much (not saying that they are equals right now, as Cashner has the better stuff, but just that I don’t think they are far apart).

Hasnt a year really changed his status? Last year there were people that dropped him off their Top 10 lists and others who had him on the back of their lists and really questioning why the Cubs gave him that money. It just took him getting more experience to get better and get more consistent with his delivery. I wish I had a dollar for everyone @ Baseball America questioned. Just let these players develope, the list is better than some people think and look back on it in a few years and I’ll bet you’ll be suprised, look its already happened with Vitters and Samardzija, lots of people were hammering Vitters for his poor start last year.