2011 Chicago Cubs Farm System Preview

Current Young Core (Already in the Majors):

2B Starlin Castro: All star second baseman; GG, plus speed and hitting; low-medium power
C Geovany Soto: Strong hitting and defensive catcher; upside
RP Andrew Cashner: Closer of the future
OF Tyler Colvin: .270-20-80 with good defense and effort makes him a solid third outfielder

Potential Stars:

OF Brett Jackson: Plus power, speed, and defense in center; strikeouts improving but still a problem
SS Hak Ju Lee: Plus speed and defense at short; leadoff hitter with limited power; potential all star
SP Chris Archer: Very underrated pitcher with control and high K/9; No 2 upside

Potential Starters:

3B Josh Vitters: Plus power and .300-30-100 potential from 3rd but has strikeout issues and held up in D-A
SP Jay Jackson: Most polished pitching prospect in organization, plus command on 3 pitches; No 3 starter
SP Chris Carpenter: Underrated prospect; developing good command and multiple pitches

Josh Vitters at Modern Woodmen Park.
Thanks to pioneer98 at flickr.com for this photo.

Potential Platoon Players:

OF Kyler Burke: Good power and speed but development and hitting mechanics stunted in D-A
INF D.J. LeMathieu: No real position in the infield, power issues
SP Brooks Raley: Underrated with good command and demeanor; could fill out end of rotation soon
SP Dae Eun Rhee: Korean has high upside, high K/9 and developing command but Tommy John a concern
OF Matt Spencer: Plus power with good minor averages; future platoon player and starter sleeper
2B Logan Watkins: Good defense, command, and plate discipline but no power and future position taken

Kyler Burke (32), Billy Nowlin. Lakeland Flying Tigers v. Daytona Cubs. Joker Marchant Stadium.
Thanks to lakelandlocal at flickr.com for this photo.

Potential Solid Backups:

C Wellington Castillo: Sleeper with good defense and developing hitting; position taken
RP Jeff Beliveau: Great K/9; sleeper relief arm
RP John Gaub: plus pitch speed but command issues
RP Blake Parker: underrated bullpen arm, misses batters but command issues remain; minors era high
RP Casey Coleman: throws heaters but limited command impedes his development
OF Sam Fuld: Great effort backup in clubhouse; little on field value other than as a backup

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