Ryne Stanek is a 6-3 RHSP for the University Of Arkansas. He figures to be their Friday night starter (ace) this season. Through his first 2 college years, his numbers have been impressive. Last season, his ERA was 2.82, fanning over 8 hitters per nine innings. Arkansas plays in the very rugged SEC, making his numbers still more impressive. If he advances and remains healthy, he figures to come of the board very early in the June Draft. The Astros (allegedly) have their eyes on Austin Meadows, who comps to Chipper Jones. If the Cubs brass like Stanek to be a key to the Cubs success going forward, having the second-worst record in the league might be required to nab Stanek.

I'm not advocating cheering for the Cubs to lose. I'm certainly not wishing any of the players to under-perform.. That said, three or four years from now, when the Cubs have a very good, largely home-grown team, whoever we draft first in June we possibly be among the contributors. This post is all about discussing the possibility of the Cubs winning the Stanek sweepstakes and drafting second in June.

Along with drafting second, the slotted amount to be offerable will be higher for a team finishing second in the draft than if they were third, fourth, or fifth. That helps for spreading your money out among a wider class of signees. Starting in 2014, International Spending will be linked rather directly to how bad the club's record is. If you want us to select a bouquet of prospects, or nab one or two of the top 5, either is helped by a larger draft budget.

Four teams are realistically in line for the 2nd Pick. As of this writing, Chicago holds a slight edge over olorade, but Minnesota or Cleveland could plunge in. I have posted the schedules for the 4 teams, and the Magic Number for the Cubs to eliminate the remaining teams. Feel free to comment below, or avoid this forever. Either is fine.

Cubs 3 @ Rockies 3 @ Diamondbacks 3 vs. Astros

Rockies 1 vs. Diamondback 3 vs. Cubs 3 @ Dodgers 3 @ Diamondbacks

Twins 3 vs. Yankees 3 vs. Tigers 3 @ Blue Jays

Indians 3 @ White Sox 3 vs. Royals 3 vs. White Sox

Blue Jays 3

Marlins 3

Indians 6

Twins 5

Rockies 11