We have stated our preference that the Cubs pick a college third baseman with the #2 pick in the baseball draft. The reason is simple: the Cubs have no ready third base prospect to anchor the infield with Castro and Rizzo.
If the Astros pick UNC 3B Colin Moran first, then the Cubs could select the best power hitter in the draft in SD 3B Kris Bryant. The Cubs also lack consistent power on their major league roster. There is a glaring need to fill at third base.
But the sexy pick is always the hard throwing potential ace starting pitcher. But selecting pitchers are more prone to boom or bust. Besides, the Cubs stockpiled 17 pitchers in last year's draft and only one, Pierce Johnson, has made some progress in low Class A.
Besides, the Cubs claim a lack of depth in their pitching inventory. However, the major league roster is filled with under 30 pitchers who have a real major league track record of success: Garza, Samardzija, T. Wood, Feldman and Villanueva. If pitching is so hard to find and develop, why are the Cubs poised to trade off their most prized assets, starting pitching, for more prospects who may years away from reaching the majors (if at all). It would make more sense in "rebuilding" the franchise is to kept your quality starters, sign them to extensions, and shore up your position weaknesses.
Another critical reason why filling third base quickly with a long term solution is that third base is the anchor point for the infield. It is a power position. It is a key defensive position. You want to lock in a infield corps for long term success like the Dodgers did in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
The Cubs need to solidify their infield immediately. A college third baseman playing at a high level of competition can finish this year in AA and play part of 2014 in AAA and be ready for major league duty by next year's trade deadline. The only way to speed up the rebuilding process is the draft quality college players who are ready to make the next jump in competition.
The final reason is that it appears that there will be a run on third basemen in the first round of the draft. It is projected that Bryant will be selected by the third pick. Moran should be gone by the fifth pick. Power hitting New Mexico third baseman D.J. Peterson is projected to be selected in the 11-21 range. Notre Dame third baseman Eric Jagielo will go from 24-32. The best high school third baseman, Travis Dementte will go between 34-37. Finally, Stephen F. Austin third baseman Hunter Dozier will go by the end of the supplemental first round, between 35-39.
By the time the Cubs pick next in the second round, there will be no "ready" first round talent at third will be left to choose. The next two third basemen project to be third to sixth round selections.
Chad Pinder is a 6'2" third basemen from Virginia Tech. He is leading his team through the NCAA tournament, recently hitting 2 HRs and 6 RBIs in an ACC tournament game. He hit .325 this year with 22 doubles and 114 total bases. A converted shortstop, he is known for above average defensive tools and leadership skills. Some scouts question is batting skills at a higher level. He is a junior, so he has the option of not signing, but most scouts believe that should not be an issue. He projects to be a third to 5th round selection.
Drew Dosch is also 6'2". He plays for Youngstown. His slash line is .338/.434/.488. He is classified as a hard nose, blue collar type player with a high baseball IQ. However, he is only an average defender. Many observers think his ceiling is that of a utility infielder. Also a junior, but he plays at a small school so if drafted he will probably sign. Scouts project him to be selected from the fourth to seven rounds.
Because of the drop off of third base talent after the first round, if the Cubs want to rebuild quicker (and there is a now a glaring need with yesterday's low attendance for the Diamondbacks opener) the Cubs must draft Byrant or Moran with their first draft pick.
