Junior Lake is expected to be called up by the Cubs. He was one of the top prospects under the Hendry era.
Lake, 23, has been in the Cub system for seven years. His career minor league stats are:
619 GP, .271 BA, 47 HR, 260 RBI, 117 SB, .322 OBP.
He has a career fielding percentage of .926 which is well below average. He has played various positions including SS, 3B, 2B, 1B. This season he has played 3B then moved to the OF.
In Iowa this season, he has played 40 games. His stat line: .295 BA, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 14 SB, .341 OBP.
How Lake fits into the short term and long term plans of the Cubs is unclear. He has worked his way out of the infield and into the outfield because of his defense. The Cubs have collected a hoard of journeymen outfielders, most who are on the disabled list or pushing through minor injuries. Lake's experience as an infielder could make him a utility bench player if he has the poise for that role.
But this call up is probably his one show case. Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters, higher touted prospects, had their moment to shine last season. They failed and new management seems to written both of them off.
If Lake can play a decent outfield, get on base and steal bases then he may have an expanded role for the rest of the season. It depends on whether the Cubs will clean house and trade players like Nate Schierholtz, David DeJesus, Alfonso Soriano or even Darwin Barney.
Others have suggested that Lake's call-up may be a show case to add him in a deadline deal as a "major league ready" prospect to get higher ceiling players from other clubs. But at the same time, Lake appears to be the only "ready" AAA prospect who may be cheap and valuable for the Cubs in 2014.
