Top 10 Prospects

Updated 4/1/10

1. Starlin Castro – Needs to get experience in the minor leagues before being rushed to the spotlight of Wrigley Field. On Base % also needs improvement. He’s seen his drop in each of his three seasons with the Cubs farm system.

2. Josh Vitters – Air apparent to Ramirez at the hot corner. High ceiling with the bat, but has questions marks in the mind of some scouts in regard to his plate discipline and fielding.

3. Andrew Cashner – He’s taken a little longer to develop than many had figured coming out of college. Some had him making an immediate impact with the bullpen the summer he was drafted. The Cubs needs to decide if his role with the organization is as a starter or back of the bullpen type guy and stick with it. My preference is a late inning potential closer.

4. Jay Jackson – Moving quickly and quietly through the rotation, he appears poised to at least sniff some time in the majors if his development continues in ’10 as it has the past two years. Some of the bigger names in the organization cause Jackson to fall under the radar in terms of media attention.

5. Hak-Ju Lee – Debut season with Boise was a smashing success. Many consider him more talented with a higher ceiling than Castro. Quite possibly half of the middle infield of the future that also contains Castro.

6. Tyler Colvin – Strong spring has vaulted the former MiLB top 50 prospect back to the spotlight. Should have rookie issues, but new body type has helped raise the eyebrows of the Cubs staff as well as the fans. He figures to be this year’s version of Jake Fox in terms of fan support.

7. Brett Jackson – First round pick out of UC Berkley makes good contact and has a fairly patient approach to the plate. Expected to man CF with Colvin playing one of the corners in the next few years.

8. Kyler Burke – One of my favorite prospects in the system. Had a breakout year that earned him player of the system honors last year. Question marks will continue to be there unless he shows last year was not a fluke. If he can continue to develop, getting him for next to nothing in the Michael Barrett trade could turn out to be a steal.

9. Ryan Flaherty – Good power, but doesn’t have a natural position in the infield. Odds are he’ll see most of his time at 2B, but a shift to 3B would probably be in his best interest if he could pull it off. He’s a smart ballplayer that plays the game right.

10. Chris Carpenter – Will need to harness his control to be a factor. Has had Tommy John surgery in the past.