We’re nearing the end of the preseason prospect rankings season (can you use season twice in a sentence like that?), but there’s yet another list to discuss.
MLB.com, courtesy of Ismail Soyugenc, offers its top 20 Chicago Cubs prospects, after previously revealing its top 100 overall prospects. The top 20 look like this:
1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
2. Brett Jackson, OF
3. Javier Baez, SS
4. Matt Szczur, OF
5. Chris Carpenter, RP
6. Dillon Maples, SP
7. Trey McNutt, SP
8. Rafael Dolis, RP
9. Robert Whitenack, SP
10. Reggie Golden, OF
11. Junior Lake, SS
12. Josh Vitters, 3B
13. Ronald Torreyes, 2B
14. Ben Wells, SP
15. Dan Vogelbach, 1B
16. Jeimer Candelario, 3B
17. Gioskar Amaya, IF
18. Marco Hernandez, SS
19. Dave Sappelt, OF
20. Pin-Chieh Chen, OF
You could probably take issue with Rizzo being on top of Jackson (after all, they were switched in the top 100), but everyone considers them very close. Whitenack seems higher than on most lists (but I do like him), as does Carpenter. The order varies, but these tend to be most of the same 20 guys you see on other lists. Then again, with the depth of the Cubs’ system, you could make an argument that guys 21 through 30 could just as easily be 11 through 20.
Soyugenc also offers a writeup on the Cubs’ system, going over some common themes. Of particular note, he’s got a predicted hitter and pitcher of the year, with the former going to Baez, and the latter going to Wells.
On Baez:
Baez has as pure a swing as there is in the organization, and he’ll get a chance to prove it in his first full year in pro ball. He gets overaggressive at times, but he’s only 19, and his plus bat speed should enable him to hit for average and power. He won’t be rushed, which means he’ll definitely be in the Minors the full year, something that can’t be said for the Cubs’ other top position prospects.
On Wells:
If right-hander Ben Wells can make it to Wrigley one day, his repertoire should play well there, as he has a sinking mid-90s fastball that’s very difficult to lift. At 6-foot-2, and 220 pounds, Wells’ frame belies his being only 19. He’s got good command and knows how to pitch, and he could move fast in a system devoid of top-flight arms at the upper levels.
It all makes for an interesting read and discussion piece, particularly knowing that we’re approaching Spring – when we’ll actually get to see some of these kids in action.