Brett Jackson (#32) and Matt Szczur (#48) on Baseball America's Midseason Top 50 Prospects List

Bryce Harper and Mike Trout remain #1 & #2. It should be noted that the Pirates top pitching prospect, Jameson Taillon, is ranked #9, and the Pirates may be buyers at the deadline for the first time in two decades. Hak-Ju Lee is #22.

What are the chances we actually sell to the Pirates in a role reversal this year?

11 months ago SackMan 50 comments 0 recs |

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I'd venture to guess

that the Prates won’t accept a lot of phone calls for Taillon. Nor the Tigers for Turner (unfortunately).

by uptowncub on Jul 7, 2011 7:57 PM CDT reply actions

They actually can't trade Taillon

since he didn’t sign until August 16. You have to wait a year.

OK, I guess they could make him a “Player to be named later” and then send him after August 16, but they’re not going to do that. They’ll hang up on anyone who wants Taillon.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 8, 2011 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice.

A system featuring not one but two athletic potential 4+ tool CF prospects? Looks like the Cubs are recovering from the great losses of Winter 2010/2011.

All the good press this team has gotten has been because of the farm system it seems. That bodes very well for the Cubs. There’s plenty of guys just behind them.

by SenorGato on Jul 7, 2011 10:11 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Phone again...double post.

I did otoh want to comment that we have a fit with the Pirates at first base. They could use a power hitting vet, and right now they start a low tier vet at first.

I doubt we get a Taillon or Allie, but they have a decent system so a decent return can be expected.

by SenorGato on Jul 7, 2011 10:43 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Their system is

a bit Top-Heavy. Not that they don’t have a decent dozen, but much of their respect comes from those two and others in the low-minors.

I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.

by timh815 on Jul 7, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions

While true...

there’s still plenty of players we could come away with that would be interesting adds to our growing system.

by SenorGato on Jul 7, 2011 11:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Do you like posting on your phone??

I tried briefly but it drove me nuts.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Jul 8, 2011 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions

It's not so bad.

It’s great when I’m getting service, but there’s definitely times when I’m the guy Louis CK was describing on Conan that one time.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd gladly take Heredia

He’d become one of our top pitching prospects right away. We are in some dire need of pitching prospects..

by Ryno G on Jul 8, 2011 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions

trade them Pena

eat the $5 mil next year, throw in someone else…

by hansman1982 on Jul 8, 2011 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, hopefully that means ONe of them pans out, because we haven't had a quality center-fielder since we had Kenny Lofton for 3 months.

never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 7, 2011 10:24 PM CDT reply actions

Nice.

A system featuring not one but two athletic potential 4+ tool CF prospects? Looks like the Cubs are recovering from the great losses of Winter 2010/2011.

All the good press this team has gotten has been because of the farm system it seems. That bodes very well for the Cubs. There’s plenty of guys just behind them too…and then some draft picks to sign.

That said, they underrate LaHair amirite? Don’t answer this anyone. It just had to be said.

by SenorGato on Jul 7, 2011 10:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

sigh

Blake "The Franchise" DeWitt will lead us to the promised land

by jesus christos on Jul 7, 2011 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Too much?

by SenorGato on Jul 7, 2011 11:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Agreed

It’s about time someone said it. Isn’t it about time we gave LaHair a chance?

by RynoRooter on Jul 8, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions

I lawld

Maybe he can make next year’s top 50 list and bring back something nice. He’s just like Jose Bautista minus 1700 or so big league ABs before 28.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I am very excited to watch Harpers career

More then I have ever been for a non Cub

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Jul 8, 2011 12:38 AM CDT reply actions

I can see the Pirates being interested in Pena

or perhaps Jeff Baker. But they won’t give up any stud prospects for anyone.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 8, 2011 1:08 AM CDT reply actions

Baker is another one for sure.

I think a couple teams would like him…remember both the Yankees and Red Sox saw him, and both teams are always looking for bench help.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Baker is a guy I could see teams wanting

I can see him going too. He serves a purpose vs. LHP but he really is not in the Cubs future.

Interesting point too by Josh regarding the Pirates. It is just weird that in my adult life the Pirates have never been buyers.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Jul 8, 2011 1:21 AM CDT up reply actions

They shouldn't give up a stud prospect anyway...

Partially because all their potential studs are all very recent signings, and partially because there probably won’t be anyone worth a stud prospect traded. Even Beltran shouldn’t get a stud, and the guy is still an awesome player. To trade a stud prospect the MLB player has to be young, good, still cheap for a little, and still a little projectable.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 1:35 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

The Pirates are also in a weird position

They really aren’t good enough to make the playoffs without an incredible amount of luck. This team is still a couple seasons away. But for them, finishing above .500 is of great value, since they’ve set the record for consecutive losing seasons. Finishing above .500 might have big box office repercussions for next season.

So they’ve got to get players to insure they finish above .500 without sacrificing any of the future when they’ve actually got a chance to be a contender.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 8, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

If this thread wants to go places it should be retitled.

Maybe something along the lines of “Stupid Ricketts and Hendry stock the minors with talent, ignore the big club.” Something that includes the fact we’re talking about the farm system but without all the pleasantries of actually admitting we have two top 50 prospects according to Baseball America. Maybe Ed Lynch made this prospect list?

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 1:47 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah, two top 50 guys.

And our only top 100 guys. I really hope our top 5 draft pick next year is a stud pitching prospect.

by Ryno G on Jul 8, 2011 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

Context isn't one of SenorGato's strong suits.

GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.

by shoemile on Jul 8, 2011 3:22 AM CDT up reply actions

but the Cubs are on the verge of the World Series in SG's world

John Grabow: $4.8 million in 2011.

by rlpete on Jul 8, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions

They're multiple time champions actually.

Currently favorites in baseball.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions

They're our only top 100 guys?

I guess that sucks;/

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions

McNutt came in the top 100 still... somehow...

He was around 97 or 98. And they’ve said Baez would be top 100 if he signs and gets in any games this year.

by bdlugz on Jul 8, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Ah there's some context.

They continue to sleep on The LeMahieu, maybe.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

"LeMahieu is French for "The Mahieu"

MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown

by D98 on Jul 8, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

They have to draft a pitching prospect, right?

They have nothing in the system.

Come on Lisa, I'm trying to impress people here. You don't win friends with salad. ~ Homer J. Simpson

by TheBeerBaron on Jul 8, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Not obligated too but it's a definite possibility.

I hope Mark Appel or Diekroeger break out next year. KD would be for 3B, but I’m not ready for 2012 draft talk yet.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Called it.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Two out of the top 50 is ok, but nothing really to write home about.

There are 30 baseball teams. So having two top 50 prospects isn’t all that impressive. In fact, here’s the breakdown of that list:

4 prospects on the list: Texas
3: Atlanta, LAD, Arizona, NYY, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Kansas City
2: CUBS, St. Louis, Cleveland, Minnesota, San Francisco, Colorado
1: NYM, Philadelphia, Washington (Odd, I guess they didn’t list Strasburg because he was hurt, but he obviously should be on this list), Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Boston, Baltimore, Detroit, Seattle, LAA
0: Florida, Milwaukee, Houston, CWS (haha), Oakland

So in shear number of top 50 prospects, the Cubs rank in a 6-way tie for 9th, which adds up to 15 teams (exactly half) having 2 or more prospects on the list. That makes the Cubs’ list pretty average (not a bad sign of course, but not a great sign).

In terms of quality, 19 teams had at least one prospect ranked higher than the highest Cub (Jackson). The ten that didn’t: Seattle, Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Philadelphia and the five clubs who had nobody on the list. So the Cubs rank further down the pecking order in terms of high-end talent.

So this post becomes another example of how you overdramatize most everything when it comes to evaluating the Cubs. You see the Cubs having two very nice OF prospects on this list (and a nice honor for them) as evidence of the Hendry/Ricketts master plan in action… and anyone who can’t see that is just bitter.

The more realistic approach to this article is that it speaks well of the Cubs’ OF future, but shouldn’t really move the meter much in terms of comparing the state of the Cubs to the state of other clubs.

"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."

by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST

by fsuapollo on Jul 8, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs

Viciedo - I know, not Cubs related

Living in Chicago, one hears a lot about Viciedo. He’s not on this list, I think, because he’s had too many plate appearances in the majors to qualify. I know that he was on this list when he was first signed, but not on it again even when he did qualify.

Anyone know where he would have landed here if he did qualify?

by jerry morales rules on Jul 8, 2011 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

He's also allergic to walks and has next to zero defensive value

He’s not a top 50 prospect

by RynoRooter on Jul 8, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I hate to say this to White Sox fans

But Viciedo’s numbers look to me like he’s Soriano without the speed, or Soriano right now. If Viciedo can’t recognize pitches, which his numbers would indicate, he’s going to get worked over well in the majors. Sure, he’ll hit the crap out of fastballs in the zone when he’s expecting it or mistake breaking balls that hang/get too much of the plate, but I just don’t see the guy deserving all the hype he’s getting around Chicago.

by jerry morales rules on Jul 8, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Viciedo does qualify, just not a huge prospect...

He started off slow in 2008 and is finally coming around. Not many outside of the WS organization are high on him right now.

His bat will likely play, but he’s a butcher on defense… makes Soriano look like a GGer.

by bdlugz on Jul 8, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

If you listen to sports radio around here

And I honestly don’t know why I do, though even when I do it’s less than 30 minutes a day, you’d think he’s a top ten prospect.

by jerry morales rules on Jul 8, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Ha, I avoid pretty much all local sports radio.

But that explains why some of my Sox fan friends think he’s the second coming.

Don’t get me wrong, solid bat, but makes ME look like a good fielder.

by bdlugz on Jul 8, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Angels just called up Mike Trout.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)

by SackMan on Jul 8, 2011 9:48 AM CDT reply actions

Trout is from NJ, therefore he's awesome.

by SenorGato on Jul 8, 2011 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

If you disagree, you will be sleeping with the fishes.

by RynoRooter on Jul 8, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Anyone notice

that Hak-Ju Lee is at 22?

by jerry morales rules on Jul 8, 2011 11:35 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah

But this is more of a product of the minors being pretty thin right now. Once all the draft signings take place, and the 1st year guys this year get more ABs under their belts, it wouldn’t shock me if Lee goes back to around the 40 range.

by RynoRooter on Jul 8, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, but that pushes our guys down the list, too.

So if Lee is a little “inflated” right now at 22, then Jackson slides down to the late 40s or early 50s, Szczur slides into the 70s, and McNutt is well out of the top 100. Granted, we’d probably gain Baez… but that doesn’t speak all that highly of the high-end talent in the Cubs’ system.

"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."

by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST

by fsuapollo on Jul 8, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions

It was also a very very top heavy draft, so the top 100 lists will look very different.

Jackson was actually higher by a good bit after his hot start, he’s fallen back into the 30s since he’s slowed down and gotten hurt. It wouldn’t surprise me if he picks it back up in the 2nd half that he’s 30+. Szczur is also still a bit of an unknown… he’s old for A, but tearing it up. If he gets moved to AA and does well, he could possibly push out Jackson as the #1 prospect depending on how Jackson does.

Baez would be our 3rd best prospect right now, unfortunately. McNutt doesn’t deserve top 100 with his performance so far this year.

by bdlugz on Jul 8, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions