MLB.com Cubs Top 20 prospect list

Not really a lot of new information here, but it is another list to discuss.

The actual list itself (rather than the article, which is the link above) is also pretty cool. It has stats and a write-up on each guy. It also allows you to sort and easily find other prospect info at the top of the page.

Have at it.

4 months ago fsuapollo 21 comments 0 recs |

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Couple things...

For someone who knows more about the minors than I do, is 2014 really a good ETA for Baez, and will he be moving to third anytime this year? Also, out of Scuzur and BJax, which is more likely to move out of CF? Can’t have two center fielders obviously…

Supporter of Carlos Austin Boozer, and I don't want to see Dwight Howard in a Bulls uniform. Call me crazy.

by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 8, 2012 2:48 PM CST reply actions

My thoughts

2014 on Baez is a maybe, but awfully optimistic. That would basically be his JR year in college season. If he’s pushing to be on the big league club at any point that year… then that was an awfully good pick. I would think 15 or 16 would be more likely arrival dates. And if that seems like a long time (it is, in a way), it would only be one year past graduating college.

The move to 3B is a presumption that may or may not happen. A couple of schools of thought. On one hand, leaving him at SS gives him more hypothetical value. It would also let him play his ‘natural’ position so he can focus on progressing with the bat, which is what will carry him to MLB anyway.

On the other hand, anyone who thinks Baez can stick at SS seems to be in an awfully small minority. If Theo/Jed agrees, then you’re probably better off moving him sooner rather than later so he can reps at the position.

On CF… it sure seems that most believe BJax is the more likely of the two to move off CF. Some had questions about his ability to stick there anyway and MS is seen to have the better CF tool set.

"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 Feb 8, 2012 3:34 PM CST up reply actions

How hard is the switch from SS to 3B?

ARod made it in the majors, but he was a top tier SS at the time. If the switch can be done relatively quickly, may as well leave Baez at SS as long as possible. Keeps more options open.

by ClarkFan on Feb 8, 2012 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

CF

I’ve seen both BJax and Szczur play and if it were up to me, I’d leave Sxcxur in CF and move Jackson to a corner. In the handful of games I saw from both guys, I like the jump and the closing speed of Szczur just a bit better.

by Crash1207 on Feb 8, 2012 3:34 PM CST up reply actions

Szczur by all accounts would be in CF

As Crash stated, Szczur’s range is a notch above. There are conflicting reports on whether Ha is good enough to push Szczur/Jackson to the corners or if he is a light hitting RF.

As for Baez, the thought seems to be that his arm and hands can keep him at SS unless his growth diminishes his already average range for the position. I would guess 3B would be the 1st move since he has the arm/hands and it isn’t like the majors is filled with plus hitting 3B. Although he has elite bat potential, he will lose more value as a corner outfielder. A 2014 debut for him is awfully optimistic but apparently his bat could make that possible.

by boubucarow on Feb 9, 2012 8:46 AM CST up reply actions

Start him in Peoria

unless he flops in March.

10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.

by timh815 on Feb 9, 2012 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

What about Zeke.

I figured he would be top 20

by swimfan on Feb 8, 2012 3:09 PM CST reply actions

It seems that a pretty consistent consensus

among people looking at the Cub system is the talent level from 10 (or even a few spots earlier) to 30 (or even a few more spots) is basically about the same. So you can fairly throw the names in a hat and make a list. So we probably shouldn’t be too awful considered about the presence or absence of anyone in the 10-20 range on a prospect list.

"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 Feb 8, 2012 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

20-40 is

where the relative strength lies. The Cubs have a mass of guys who will play somewhere in the bigs sometime. Just not many who will bat 3/4/5 or be the SP on Opening Day.

10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.

by timh815 on Feb 8, 2012 7:13 PM CST up reply actions

I'm curious to see where Mayo will put Concepcion.

I assume the Cuban lefty doesn’t appear on this list because his deal isn’t yet official. Kevin Goldstein has stated that he’ll put Concepcion at No. 6. There’s also a couple of guys here – Candelario and Amaya – whom I know nothing about.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Feb 8, 2012 3:34 PM CST reply actions

Candelario and Amaya

were both in the Dominican Summer League last year. Many seem to like them a lot, particularly Candelario (pretty sure I’ve seen him crack a top 10 here or there). But they are really raw and a ways away… probably spending the first half of the year in XST in Mesa and then heading to Boise.

"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 Feb 8, 2012 3:38 PM CST up reply actions

Actually, Amaya was at rookie ball.

by Dcr18 on Feb 8, 2012 6:32 PM CST up reply actions

I will be interested in

whether Theo Inc thinks players are better served being challenged (over their heads sometimes) in Peoria than left in AZ the whole time. Not specifically wanting it, just wondering.

10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.

by timh815 on Feb 8, 2012 7:16 PM CST up reply actions

I am very interested in this, as well.

It seems the previous regime tended to be less aggressive most of the time (Castro being a notable exception). I hope that Theo will have a bit better mix of pushing and being conservative.

"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 Feb 8, 2012 9:40 PM CST up reply actions

I doubt a big leaguer-to-be

would get crushed by getting stopped by better pitching in Peoria, to get bumped back to AZ. Let Vogelbach and Hoilman get six starts a week in April. Or, at least 5.

10-25-2011. Theo Epstein joins the Cubs. Now, the fun begins.

by timh815 on Feb 9, 2012 8:15 AM CST up reply actions

Carpenter?

Anyone else surprised to see Chris Carpenter rated so highly? 5th? Really?

I know the kid throws hard and that is a nice tool to have, but he’s awfully hittable even in the high 90s. A pitcher needs to have better success in the WHIP and H/9 categories to be placed that high in the list.

Just my opinion…

by Crash1207 on Feb 8, 2012 3:38 PM CST reply actions

That does seem kinda high...

…for a guy who will almost certainly be a relief pitcher. I guess his ranking is basically a testament to how deep in the hole we are when it comes to really good pitching prospects.

"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach

by daver on Feb 8, 2012 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

While I agree 5 is well too high...

I look at it like this: if (and it is a big if) he can develop a bit better control and sharpen the breaking ball, then you’ve got the prototypical arsenal for a high level closer. Combine that with being very close to big league ready… and I can see how someone builds an argument for him at 5.

Again, I don’t agree with it and don’t think it is a winning argument… but given that these are just rankings, it doesn’t strike me as completely bananas.

"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 Feb 8, 2012 4:34 PM CST up reply actions