Castro
Cashner
Vitters
Jackson

for top 4. I’d almost drop Vitters to 4th. I just HATE that walk rate.

First off, excellent work Marc.

Minor quibble, but Brett Jackson wasn’t a big surprise. Everyone was anticipating a college CF. I was very glad when the D-backs took AJ Pollock. I wasn’t sure if the Cubs were going to go Brett Jackson or Tim Wheeler, but a college OF bat was the expectation.

LeMahieu is likely going to be slated for 2nd base. He could be fine at short, but his better spot would be at 2nd. I’m not sure the power will ever develop … but I’m not sure it’s absolutely necessary for it to. If he can continue his high contact rates, I think I could live with the profile for 2nd base.

There’s an outside chance that the Cubs push Raley to A+. Something to watch.

I completely agree on the “cautiously optimistic” aspect to Chris Carpenter. I was honestly just hoping he would stay healthy this year. Anything else was gravy, and as such, I’m very excited.

Fyi, Cerda has been moved to 3rd. An arm to watch is Justin Bristow. He was working his way back to full health, so I had minimal expectations, but late in the year, the stuff was showing well (fastball was getting to the mid-90′s range). Good athleticism (former prep SS I think).

I still don’t recall the exact details as to why Ryan Acosta was released. He missed time due to some personal issues, and I think they just decided to cut the ties. James Russell is a frustrating guy to follow, as a Cubs fan. With a plus change, a good curve, and a low 90′s fb, that’s a deep, solid arsenal. Plenty of lefties have succeeded with less. It’s been fb command that’s been the issue. I think they’ll give him another go as a starter next year, although his future might be in the pen.

Darwin Barney’s a fairly decent shortstop prospect who could probably make a career as a borderline starter/utility type. He just happens to be in a system that is current loaded with middle infield talent. Brandon Guyer has to show some power, otherwise he’s a depth OF type. He has the frame and physical capability to, as his Low A stats from last year showed.

Drew Rundle, IIRC, was moved to pitching. I really hope Chris Huseby gets a shot to start again. The profile (low 90′s fb, plus slider, cutter) doesn’t strike me as a closer, but it could really work as a starter. He had terrible control problems last year that slowed down his progress (he was showing positive signs in Boise 2 seasons ago) and there was some thought that the Cubs put him in the pen to slowly ease him back.

I’ll be curious what your Cubs top 10 prospects are. Mine goes Castro, Vitters, J Jackson, Brett Jackson, Cashner, Carpenter, Lee, Burke, Flaherty, Rhee.