Having a hand in both of the Boston Red Sox World Series titles, new Chicago Cubs general manager has already publicly stated that he believes the Cubs success will come primarily from rebuilding their minor league system--a system that has been depleted by trades and poor drafts in recent years.
One such trade happened last off season when the Cubs parted ways with a hand full of top prospects in order to acquire a front of the rotation starter in Matt Garza.
To land the right-hander, Chicago had to give up outfielders Brandon Guyer and Sam Fuld, shortstop Hak-Ju Lee, as well as pitcher Chris Archer--all of whom were among the organizations best performers.
All four of the prospects Chicago gave up have either already made their major league debut for Tampa Bay or are very close to doing so. Garza will have to pitch much better than he did during his first season with the Cubs, or it could be a trade Chicago regrets down the road.
While that trade alone sent away four of the Cubs top prospects, Epstein is hoping a few notable names on the horizon can be the key to breaking another World Series curse in Chicago.
Here are five Cubs prospects that will be key pieces in the rebuilding effort Epstein envisions.
1. Josh Vitters (3B)
*Could be the replacement for Aramis Ramirez at third base in 2012 if he signs with another team
*Hit .283 with 14 home runs and 81 RBIs in 2011
*Right-handed hitter could see power numbers flourish in Chicago with short porch in left field
2. Andrew Cashner (RHP)
*Has been a highly regarded arm in the organization since being a first round pick in 2008
*Will be key part of Cubs 2012 rotation as he tries to improve upon mediocre start to MLB career
*Has everything needed to be one of the Cubs best starters in the near future, only experience lacks
3. Brett Jackson (CF)
*Athletic outfielder hit 20 home runs in 2011 between two minor league levels
*Former Cal standout, likely future replacement in centerfield for Marlon Byrd.
*Strong spring could entice Chicago to give Jackson a spot in the 2012 lineup
4. D.J. LeMahieu (SS/2B)
*Former second round pick out of LSU, has hit over .300 in each of last two pro seasons
*Batted .319 with five home runs and 50 RBIs between two levels in 2011
*Not likely to play shortstop in Chicago with incumbent Starlin Castro-could end up at 2B or even OF
5. Robbie Whitenack (RHP)
*Has surprised organization with development since being eighth round pick
*Ended season with injury, but was 7-0 with a 1.93 ERA between two lower minor league levels
*Has posted far better numbers than other cubs pitching prospects (Trey McNutt, Chris Carpenter etc)
Projected 2013 Cubs Lineup:
2B Darwin Barney
LF Matt Szczur
SS Starlin Castro
3B Josh Vitters
RF Tyler Colvin
CF Brett Jackson
C Gary Sanchez (via trade)
1B D.J. LeMahieu
SP (Pitchers Spot)
*If the Cubs could find a way to ship Alfonso Soriano back to New York--where he broke into the big leagues--the Yankees may part with a young catcher named Gary Sanchez who is stuck in a crowded catching situation in the New York system (Jesus Montero, Austin Romine). The Yankees always seem to acquire extra bats and are one of the few teams that could afford his contract, making this deal seem at least somewhat realistic in my mind. The Cubs need a long-term replacement for Geovani Soto and don't seem to have that player in their minor league system at the moment.
Projected 2013 Pitching Rotation:
1. Matt Garza
2. Andrew Cashner
3. Jeff Samardzija
4. Robbie Whitenack
5. Rafael Dolis
*This is what the future Cubs rotation could look like if Epstein commits to building from within the organization. I expect him to sign at least one free agent pitcher this off season, but he may stay put and pool funds to make a run at a Tim Lincecum or Matt Cain of the Giants, who both become free agents at the end of next season.
No comments:
Post a Comment