The Cubs are finally looking toward more polished prospects in trade discussions. In the past, it has been clear that the Cubs sought Class A players with "high ceilings." But those prospects take longer to develop and are risky bets.
It may be a good idea to chart what the Cubs championship team blueprint may look like:
LEFT FIELD:
2013: Soriano Projected Replacement: Soler Year to MLB: 2016
CENTER FIELD:
2013: DeJesus Projected Replacement: Almora Year to MLB: 2016
RIGHT FIELD:
2013: Schierholtz Projected Replacement: Bryant Year to MLB: 2015
THIRD BASE:
2013: Valbuena Projected Replacement: Olt Year to MLB: 2014
SHORTSTOP:
2013: Castro No replacement projected; core player.
SECOND BASE:
2013: Barney Projected Replacement: Baez Year to MLB: 2015
FIRST BASE:
2013: Rizzo No replacement projected; core player
CATCHER:
2013: Castillo No replacement projected; core player
Only 37.5 percent of the starting field positions are currently on the major league roster. The total team may not come together until 2016, three years from now. The three players labeled as "core" players during the rebuild are having under par seasons.
