Farm System

[Kid]

Finally today Law is releasing his top 10 prospects per team.  Here's his write-up on the Cubs:

 

 

 

Top 10 prospects
 

1. Kris Bryant, 3B

2. Addison Russell, SS

3. Jorge Soler, RF

4. Kyle Schwarber, C

5. Gleyber Torres, SS

6. Billy McKinney, OF

7. Albert Almora, CF

8. Duane Underwood, RHP

9. C.J. Edwards, RHP

10. Jen-Ho Tseng, RHP

 

Overview

 

The majors' best farm system is loaded with potential, or even likely, stars, with their top six all projecting as at least average everyday players, along with a number of other prospects outside their top 10 -- e.g., outfielder Eloy Jimenez (15) and catcher/third baseman Victor Caratini (13) -- who have a decent shot to join them. The system still isn't where it should be in terms of potential starting pitchers, although Underwood took a big step forward this year, holding 94-95 mph deep into starts and showing a plus curve and plus change, just not all at the same time.

 

After taking Schwarber (whom I've listed as a catcher but don't believe will remain there) with the No. 4 overall pick this year, the Cubs pounded pitching, including three high-upside high school arms in lefty Carson Sands (16), right-hander Dylan Cease (14) and lefty Justin Steele (11). Cease blew out his elbow in the spring and won't pitch until mid- to late 2015. Lefty Rob Zastryzny (18) and right-hander Jake Stinnett (17) could end up as fifth starters or solid relievers, while Corey Black (17) now appears destined for a full-time bullpen role. Bijan Rademacher (20) sounds like he should be on the Dutch Olympic speed-skating squad, but he's a very solid fourth outfield prospect who has a little bit of everything without one plus tool.

 

2015 impact

 

Bryant should be the rookie of the year favorite in the NL, and if he's not the Cubs' Opening Day third baseman, I'm calling service time #shenanigans. Soler will be their everyday right fielder; Russell might be ready by the All-Star break, although his playing time will also depend on whether Javier Baez gets comfortable at the plate. Edwards might break in this year as a starter, but I'm skeptical he can remain a starter.

 

The fallen

 

I've never loved Pierce Johnson's (12) arm action because it puts tremendous stress on his elbow (from the valgus force exerted on the joint by his late, hard pronation), but he's also shown no improvement in his fastball command and missed half of last year with a hamstring injury. He was supposed to be a polished college pitcher who could move somewhat quickly to the majors, but walking a batter every other inning in Double-A at age 23 was a big step back, and he's still searching for an effective third pitch between a cutter and a changeup.

 

Sleeper

 

Of all of the young arms in the system, Steele made the strongest impression this summer, an athletic, 6-foot-1 southpaw with good downhill plane and some advanced feel for pitching, especially for a Mississippi high school product. His fastball is in the upper 80s now -- but should peak in the low 90s -- and where Sands has more present velocity Steele has better projection.