Baseball Prospectus has its new Top 10 Cubs prospects list (with my commentary):
1. Albert Almora, OF. He was Theo's first first round draft pick. Passed up college for pros.
He is still at least three full seasons from any major league look.
2. Javier Baez, SS. He is a holdover from the Hendry regime. He is a shortstop with some power.
His development setback in fall league: dislocated thumb. He is still at least two years away.
3. Jorge Soler, OF. Theo's big international, big money signee. However, the Cubs placed him in the low minors to begin his U.S. pro career. It depends on how desperate the Cubs are to promote a big bat prospect.
4. Arodyz Vizcaino, SP. He was acquired in the Maholm deal with the Braves. The issue is that Vizcaino, though young, is in the midst of Tommy John surgery rehab. There is always a question
of whether he will return to full velocity and full control. He probably will not make the roster until
2014.
5. Dan Vogelbach, 1B. He is the beefy high school kid that hits monster home runs. And apparently, that is it. He is another Hendry hold over, so there is no time frame or need to promote him quickly since Rizzo is the cornerstone, franchise first baseman.
6. Brett Jackson, OF. Jackson's major league debut was a fizzle. There is now a question of whether there is no loyalty to Hendry's top prospects when it comes to final exams. Jackson is slated to start 2013 in Iowa, which may curse his Cub career. The Cubs have stated that they are looking for a new CF in 2013.
7. Pierce Johnson, SP. Another high Epstein draft choice. He probably will not be rushed to the majors before 2014.
8. Duane Underwood, SP. Another high Epstein draft choice. He also will not be rushed to the majors before 2014.
9. Christian Villanueva, 3B. Acquired in the Dempster trade from the Rangers, Villanueva's career was blocked in Texas. There are no road blocks in Cubs system, as Vitters debut was a disaster in 2013. Vitters will be in Iowa in 2013. The key question is whether Villanueva can make a large leap from AA ball to the majors in 2013. It is doubtful, since the front office has this arbitrary rule about prospects getting 500 AB in AAA.
10. Dillon Maples, SP. Another Hendry pick who has lanquished with slow progress in the minors. He was injured for part of last season which was a set back. With the massive emphasis on drafting pitchers in 2012, it is doubtful that the new management will hold on to aging prospects in the system.
