Chicago Cubs Top 5 Prospects
This is one ranking I was really dreading - a team without a single prospect in my Top 100. The Cubs could certainly be in the lead in the race for “worst farm system in baseball”. Real slim pickin’s here.
1. RHP Jeff Samardzija
Who?: A really, really bizarre revelation. Samardzija signed a big-money deal with the Cubs to lure him away from football, and since then he’s been a monumental bust. Before being promoted to AAA this year, Samardzija had a career 126 Ks, 98 BB, 270 H and 24 HR allowed in 247.2 IP. Scouts and statheads alike just about gave up on him - then he was promoted to AAA, where he reminded people just why he had been given a $10m deal. He had 40 K and 16 BB in 37.1 IP, leading to a major league promotion where he has been quite dominant as a reliever. He throws a really really hard fastball and a really really hard slider, mostly. He mixes in a change as well.
Projection: Samardzija has enough potential as a starter that he’s likely to be given a chance there, but he could definitely also have a future as an ace reliever. What a unique career path this guy has.
2. RHSP Aaron Shafer
Who?: The Cubs’ second round pick this year. He’s mostly a control/pitchability college type, throwing a high-80s/low-90s sinking FB with a plus CU and a breaking ball. These types of pitchers are supposed to succeed at the low levels, and he has. The real questions will be answered around AA or so.
Projection: Back-of-the-rotation starter.
3. 3B Josh Vitters
Who?: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that Vitters, the 3rd overall pick last year, has broken out. Yes, he’s hitting .335/.370/.514, but don’t be fooled - that’s hugely inflated by a .391 BABIP. Vitters still fails to show any kind of plate discipline or power.
Projection: He’s still got real ceiling, because he’s got some raw hitting ability - excellent bat speed - but he has a very, very long way to go, and I don’t have a lot of faith in him. I would love for him to prove me wrong.
4. RHSP Casey Coleman
Who?: Technically a 15th round pick, although he signed a little above slot. He’s a 3rd generation pitcher, as he is grandson and son of Joe Coleman and Joe Coleman Jr., respectively. He throws a 91-94 MPH FB with an average CB and CU and very good command. He’s not lighting the world on fire, but he’s certainly exceeded the expectations of a 15th-round-pick, as he’s put up 42 K and 11 BB in 50 IP with a good GB%. Certainly worth watching.
Projection: Another back-end starter.
5. RHSP Dae-Eun Rhee
Who?: A 19-year-old South Korean pitcher who’s pitching decently in Low-A ball with a 2:1 K:BB ratio and a 60.5 GB%. He has a ~90 MPH fastball with a slider and a change, all down in the zone with good movement. He’ll have to make his living by getting hitters to pound the ball in the ground.
Projection: A legit ace - nah, another back-end or reliever type.
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