Burgess is probably the real gem in the Gorzellany trade, and is easily the most likely to be a good major leaguer.

Some background on our new prospect:

- He was drafted in the 1st round 49th overall so supp. round) way back when in 2007.

- He was considered one of the top prospects in the draft, and a steal at 49 at the time. IIRC early in the draft process he was one of the top 2-3 HS players...some pre-draft profiles from high profile scouting groups:

Perfect Game scouting report: Body – stocky and strong, long arms. Offense – slightly open stance, aggressive swing, plus pull power, plus bat speed, good hands, overpowers ball, plus exit off bat, big swing, dangerous hitter. Defense – plus arm, easy exit, plus carry, RF tools.

Aflac All-American baseball profile: “lean, athletic and strong athlete who has blasted home run after home run on his way to elite prospect status. He has potential to be a starting pitcher beyond high school, but could likely blossom into a power-hitting right fielder with outstanding bat speed and an ability to drive the ball to all fields.”

Burgess is another product of the Hillsborough system that has produced the likes of Dwigth Gooden, Gary Sheffield, and Carl Everett. He has committed to Arizona State. Many experts project him as the first high school bat selected.

- In 2009 Baseball Beginnings did profile on him:

http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/07/30/michael-burgess-report#more-1965

They projected him as a solid everyday regular player and noted that his main problem was being consistent with his approach.

- Burgess will be playing his age 22 season for the Cubs in 2011.

- He made it to AA last year at 21, posting a .284/.391/.644 slash line in 87 PA. 13 of his 21 hits were for XBs, and 6 of those were HRs.

- He got 70 rookie ball plate appearances in 2010 and hit .246 according to Fangraphs.

- The reason he was probably available is because in '08 and '09 he hit .246 and .235 on the season.

- He showed good power and patience in those two years...BB's were around 10% and he had really strong ISO numbers...his career minor league ISO slugging is .207...Yep.

- 42% of his hits in the minor leagues have been for extra bases.

Anyone else seeing breakout candidate here?