10-02-2009, 01:43 PM
Scarey asked me to post this in the baseball forum.
This list, by minor-league guru John Sickels, is a year old, so a lot has likely changed. And it's just one man's opinion. Some of you guys know a lot more than me about our farm players, so I'd like to get your opinions.
How would you rank our top 10 now, after the '09 season?
QUOTE
Chicago Cubs Top 20 Prospects for 2009
by John Sickels on Nov 29, 2008
Chicago Cubs Top 20 Prospects for 2009
1) Josh Vitters, 3B, Grade B+: Hopefully the home run power should start to come in 2009. Great contact hitting skills and still very young.
2) Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Grade B: I have no idea what to expect here. Could be great, could be horrible, track record very erratic.
3) Ryan Flaherty, SS, Grade B: Looks like a solid all-around player to me.
4) Andrew Cashner, RHP, Grade B-: High ceiling due to fastball and slider, command issues may slow progress.
5) Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Grade B-: Scouting reports look great, but want to see some numbers before ranking higher.
6) Jay Jackson, RHP, Grade B-: I LOVE this guy…good athlete, former philosophy major, throws hard, throws strikes, great pro debut. I think he is underrated by other sources.
7) Tyler Colvin, OF, Grade C+: Still worried about his plate discipline.
8) Welington Castillo, C, Grade C+: Good glove, hits well in flashes, maybe a Miguel Olivo type?
9) Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP, Grade C+: Would rank higher if not for Tommy John.
10) Aaron Shafer, RHP, Grade C+: Wichita State product with sharp command. Elbow injury cost him velocity.
11) Starlin Castro, SS, Grade C+: Intriguing toolsy infielder had strong AZL debut. A sleeper.
12) Junior Lake, SS, Grade C+: Intriguing toolsy infielder had strong AZL debut. A sleeper.
13) Dan McDaniel, RHP, Grade C+: Lots of strikeouts and grounders at Boise. Command an issue. Could rank as high as 10th.
14) Micah Hoffpauir, 1B, Grade C: Too old to rank higher but he has a major league bat. Where does he play?
15) Esmailin Caridad, RHP, Grade C: Low strikeout rate a concern, but I think he can do well in relief.
16) Don Veal, LHP, Grade C: Stock has fallen massively due to command and mechanical issues. Not protected for Rule 5, which tells you a lot.
17) Josh Kroeger, OF, Grade C: He finally learned some plate discipline and has done well in Triple-A. Getting old for a prospect.
18) Tony Thomas, 2B, Grade C: Strike zone judgment collapsed in Florida State League.
19) Chris Carpenter, RHP, Grade C: Command problems and poor health record reduce stock, but he throws very hard and has upside if he can stay away from doctors.
20) Mitch Atkins, RHP, Grade C: Possibly a fifth starter type if he can sharpen command more.
[Edit: watch the copy and paste job, homes. It has to just be a sample - and links are necessary if you're going to copy and paste anything]
This list, by minor-league guru John Sickels, is a year old, so a lot has likely changed. And it's just one man's opinion. Some of you guys know a lot more than me about our farm players, so I'd like to get your opinions.
How would you rank our top 10 now, after the '09 season?
QUOTE
Chicago Cubs Top 20 Prospects for 2009
by John Sickels on Nov 29, 2008
Chicago Cubs Top 20 Prospects for 2009
1) Josh Vitters, 3B, Grade B+: Hopefully the home run power should start to come in 2009. Great contact hitting skills and still very young.
2) Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Grade B: I have no idea what to expect here. Could be great, could be horrible, track record very erratic.
3) Ryan Flaherty, SS, Grade B: Looks like a solid all-around player to me.
4) Andrew Cashner, RHP, Grade B-: High ceiling due to fastball and slider, command issues may slow progress.
5) Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Grade B-: Scouting reports look great, but want to see some numbers before ranking higher.
6) Jay Jackson, RHP, Grade B-: I LOVE this guy…good athlete, former philosophy major, throws hard, throws strikes, great pro debut. I think he is underrated by other sources.
7) Tyler Colvin, OF, Grade C+: Still worried about his plate discipline.
8) Welington Castillo, C, Grade C+: Good glove, hits well in flashes, maybe a Miguel Olivo type?
9) Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP, Grade C+: Would rank higher if not for Tommy John.
10) Aaron Shafer, RHP, Grade C+: Wichita State product with sharp command. Elbow injury cost him velocity.
11) Starlin Castro, SS, Grade C+: Intriguing toolsy infielder had strong AZL debut. A sleeper.
12) Junior Lake, SS, Grade C+: Intriguing toolsy infielder had strong AZL debut. A sleeper.
13) Dan McDaniel, RHP, Grade C+: Lots of strikeouts and grounders at Boise. Command an issue. Could rank as high as 10th.
14) Micah Hoffpauir, 1B, Grade C: Too old to rank higher but he has a major league bat. Where does he play?
15) Esmailin Caridad, RHP, Grade C: Low strikeout rate a concern, but I think he can do well in relief.
16) Don Veal, LHP, Grade C: Stock has fallen massively due to command and mechanical issues. Not protected for Rule 5, which tells you a lot.
17) Josh Kroeger, OF, Grade C: He finally learned some plate discipline and has done well in Triple-A. Getting old for a prospect.
18) Tony Thomas, 2B, Grade C: Strike zone judgment collapsed in Florida State League.
19) Chris Carpenter, RHP, Grade C: Command problems and poor health record reduce stock, but he throws very hard and has upside if he can stay away from doctors.
20) Mitch Atkins, RHP, Grade C: Possibly a fifth starter type if he can sharpen command more.
[Edit: watch the copy and paste job, homes. It has to just be a sample - and links are necessary if you're going to copy and paste anything]
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance
