The Cubs appear to have locked the second overall selection in the June 2013 draft. The Astros pick first. It is uncertain who at this point the Astros, now in the AL West, will choose. The scouting services will probably retain pitcher Mark Appel, who did not sign this year, to be the number one draft prospect.
But the choice the Cubs must make is simple. The most glaring long term need is at third base. The Cubs should select San Diego junior Kris Bryant. Scouts are impressed by his patience, batting and power ratings, which top the charts. He hit 14 HRs, 57 RBIs, batted .366, .483 OBP and 9 SB. He projects as a long term power hitting corner (third base or RF).
Other third base prospects include North Carolina junior Colin Moran (3 HR 35 RBI .365 BA .434 OBP) and Virginia Tech junior Chad Pinder (7 HR, 37 RBI, .325 BA, .380 OBP, 6 SB).
The reason for drafting a college third baseman is critical. The obnoxious philosophy of a player needing 500 AB at AAA is an artificial boundary which limits the options at the major league club level. A college third baseman has many more quality at-bats than high schoolers, who will wind up in the rookie league. Bryant could start in AAA in 2013. If Josh Vitters cannot bounce back from his weak debut, then there is a player in Bryant that can compete for the job right away.
The Cubs lack power in the infield and players who can consistently drive in runs. Bryant fills the long term need at third base.
