BA, BP, etc. Cubs Top Prospects List

[UMFan83]

Keith Law ranked the top 10 for each of the NL teams today. Here is the Cubs:

 

1. Javier Baez, SS (31)

2. Albert Almora, CF (33)

3. Jorge Soler, RF (42)

4. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP (64)

5. Jeimer Candelario, 3B

6. Duane Underwood, RHP

7. Juan Carlos Paniagua, RHP

8. Pierce Johnson, RHP

9. Paul Blackburn, RHP

10. Arismendy Alcantara, SS

 

And his comments on the Cubs system:

 

Chicago Cubs

Org rank: 5

 

Farm system overview

 

They've turned around substantially after trading Paul Maholm, spending lavishly on international free agents (when permitted) and drafting well in 2012, although most of what I like about this system is a good two years away, and they might need a fumigator to rid the organization of its Streptohackus plague. They're another good trade deadline and draft class away from the point where you can begin to see a turnaround in the majors. I should mention Dan Vogelbach here, since I'm so often asked about him: He has 80-grade raw power and he has a pretty good idea at the plate, but he's a brutal athlete with no position. So unless the Cubs follow the Astros to the American League, I don't see how or where they use him, assuming that pitchers don't take advantage of his lack of flexibility and limited coverage on the outer half.

 

2013 impact

 

Not much is likely to help the major league club this year. Arodys Vizcaino could surface after his rehab from Tommy John surgery, although I'm assuming his innings will be limited. Fringy guys such as Junior Lake might appear but are unlikely to be better than replacement level.

 

Sleeper

 

Aside from Jeimer Candelario, whom I discussed yesterday on the list of guys who just missed, I could see any of these guys jumping into the top 100: Juan Carlos Paniagua, who sits in the mid-90s with a plus slider but has very little pro experience after two years of suspensions; Duane Underwood, drafted at 17 and flashing velocity up to 96 with a very athletic body and quick arm; or Arismendy Alcantara, a plus runner and thrower who might end up at third but shows pop from both sides of the plate.

 

If anyone wants to see any info for other teams, let me know.

[hwmudgett]

Keith Law ranked the top 10 for each of the NL teams today. Here is the Cubs:

 

I should mention Dan Vogelbach here, since I'm so often asked about him: He has 80-grade raw power and he has a pretty good idea at the plate, but he's a brutal athlete with no position. So unless the Cubs follow the Astros to the American League, I don't see how or where they use him, assuming that pitchers don't take advantage of his lack of flexibility and limited coverage on the outer half.

 

 

I know Keith Law hates Vogelbach as a prospect, but a) isn't Vogelbach known for being pretty athletic (maybe that's just considering his size?) and b) didn't he drop a lot of weight?

 

I was under the impression that Vogelbach was doing what he needed to do as far as taking care of himself went...

[davell]

Brett had Jason Parks as a guest on BN's podcast. Excellent stuff.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

I know Keith Law hates Vogelbach as a prospect, but a) isn't Vogelbach known for being pretty athletic (maybe that's just considering his size?)

 

It seems like his athleticism is sometimes described on a curve. As in, for a guy who looks like he is the worst athlete in the minors, he's actually only really really bad.

 

I've read his range at first described as "fall down," as in he can only reach balls that he could fall down to grab.

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't see the point in noting that "unless they move to the AL I don't see where they will use him." Prospect status can't be determined by the league the parent company resides in or that team's need positions. If you think he can be a DH you don't downgrade him for not being on the White Sox instead of the Cubs.

[Guest]

I agree with both Kyle (re: Vogelbach's athletic ability is graded on a curve) and jersey's posts.

[davell]

I know Keith Law hates Vogelbach as a prospect, but a) isn't Vogelbach known for being pretty athletic (maybe that's just considering his size?)

 

It seems like his athleticism is sometimes described on a curve. As in, for a guy who looks like he is the worst athlete in the minors, he's actually only really really bad.

 

I've read his range at first described as "fall down," as in he can only reach balls that he could fall down to grab.

The fall down comment is from Law. I think he needs repeat viewings of Vogelbach. His earliest reviews said he couldn't get the bat through the zone AND had no position. He's slowly coming around on him. I think quite a bit just has to do with position to begin with, 1B is getting dinged more and more, as it is.

[Guest]

yes, you're probably right! So his 14-18 spots, are unspecified, probably populated by Szczur, Vitters, Lake, Underwood, and Maples in some order or other. Fun. Somehow, there is often some surprise....

 

Here's the rest of the BA list. Some surprises.

11. Juan Carlos Paniagua

12. Christian Villanueva

13. Alberto Cabrera

14. Matt Szczur

15. Junior Lake

16. Paul Blackburn

17. Duane Underwood

18. Dillon Maples

19. Logan Watkins

20. Marco Hernandez

21. Gioskar Amaya

22. Tony Zych

23. Robert Whitenack

24. Trey McNutt

25. Josh Vitters

26. Barret Loux

27. Matt Loosen

28. Lendy Castillo

29. Marcus Hatley

30. Trey Martin

31. Reggie Golden

 

FYI, Starling Peralta came in at #26 in BA's Diamondbacks top 30 list too.

[davell]

Craig, how does Vogelbach look at 232? Any concern it'll affect his power?

[Guest]

http://twentyeighty.net/blog/13742970/2013-top-100-prospects

 

Bradley Ankrom, formerly of BP, posted his top 100 prospects. Thanks to Bleacher Nation for posting this one.

 

 

http://twentyeighty.net/blog/13742970/2013-top-100-prospects

 

Overall Top 100 Prospects

 

1. Jurickson Profar, SS – Rangers (20)

2. Oscar Taveras, OF – Cardinals (21)

3. Dylan Bundy, RHP – Orioles (20)

4. Jameson Taillon, RHP – Pirates (21)

5. Gerrit Cole, RHP – Pirates (22)

6. Christian Yelich, OF – Marlins (21)

7. Jose Fernandez, RHP – Marlins (20)

8. Zack Wheeler, RHP – Mets (23)

9. Billy Hamilton, OF – Reds (22)

10. Wil Myers, OF – Rays (22)

11. Travis d’Arnaud, C – Mets (24)

12. Taijuan Walker, RHP – Mariners (20)

13. Tyler Skaggs, LHP – Diamondbacks (21)

14. Xander Bogaerts, SS – Red Sox (20)

15. Nick Castellanos, OF – Tigers (21)

16. Byron Buxton, OF – Twins (19)

17. Javier Baez, SS – Cubs (20)

18. Trevor Bauer, RHP – Indians (22)

19. Shelby Miller, RHP – Cardinals (22)

20. Francisco Lindor, SS – Indians (19)

21. Albert Almora, OF – Cubs (19)

22. Mike Olt, 3B – Rangers (24)

23. Kevin Gausman, RHP – Orioles (22)

24. Addison Russell, SS – Athletics (19)

25. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP – Rays (20)

26. Chris Archer, RHP – Rays (24)

27. Julio Teheran, RHP – Braves (22)

28. Jonathan Singleton, 1B – Astros (21)

29. Jorge Soler, OF – Cubs (21)

30. Miguel Sano, 3B – Twins (20)

31. Archie Bradley, RHP – Diamondbacks (20)

32. Austin Hedges, C – Padres (20)

33. Carlos Correa, SS – Astros (18)

34. Mike Zunino, C – Mariners (22)

35. Kaleb Cowart, 3B – Angels (21)

36. David Dahl, OF – Rockies (19)

37. Danny Hultzen, LHP – Mariners (23)

38. Kyle Zimmer, RHP – Royals (21)

39. Matt Barnes, RHP – Red Sox (23)

40. Casey Kelly, RHP – Padres (23)

41. Noah Syndergaard, RHP – Mets (20)

42. Max Fried, LHP – Padres (19)

43. Gregory Polanco, OF – Pirates (21)

44. Carlos Martinez, RHP – Cardinals (21)

45. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF – Red Sox (23)

46. Anthony Rendon, 3B – Nationals (23)

47. Yasiel Puig, OF – Dodgers (22)

48. Brian Goodwin, OF – Nationals (22)

49. Gary Sanchez, C – Yankees (20)

50. James Paxton, LHP – Mariners (24)

51. Justin Nicolino, RHP – Marlins (21)

52. Allen Webster, RHP – Red Sox (23)

53. Kyle Crick, RHP – Giants (20)

54. Trevor Story, SS – Rockies (20)

55. Hak-Ju Lee, SS – Rays (22)

56. Jake Marisnick, OF – Marlins (22)

57. Nick Franklin, SS – Mariners (22)

58. Aaron Sanchez, RHP – Blue Jays (21)

59. Jedd Gyorko, 3B – Padres (24)

60. George Springer, OF – Astros (23)

61. Kolten Wong, 2B – Cardinals (22)

62. Robert Stephenson, RHP – Reds (20)

63. Bubba Starling, OF – Royals (20)

64. Nolan Arenado, 3B – Rockies (22)

65. Jake Odorizzi, RHP – Rays (23)

66. Jesse Biddle, LHP – Phillies (21)

67. Rymer Liriano, OF – Padres (22)

68. Corey Seager, SS – Dodgers (19)

69. Lucas Giolito, RHP – Nationals (18)

70. Matt Davidson, 3B – Diamondbacks (22)

71. Alen Hanson, SS – Pirates (20)

72. Michael Wacha, RHP – Cardinals (22)

73. Gary Brown, OF – Giants (24)

74. Trevor Rosenthal, RHP – Cardinals (23)

75. Alex Meyer, RHP – Twins (23)

76. Yordano Ventura, RHP – Royals (22)

77. Jarred Cosart, RHP – Astros (23)

78. Mason Williams, OF – Yankees (21)

79. Aaron Hicks, OF – Twins (23)

80. Lewis Brinson, OF – Rangers (19)

81. Oswaldo Arcia, OF – Twins (22)

82. Courtney Hawkins, OF – White Sox (19)

83. Wily Peralta, RHP – Brewers (24)

84. Zach Lee, RHP – Dodgers (21)

85. Blake Swihart, C – Red Sox (21)

86. Clayton Blackburn, RHP – Giants (20)

87. Dan Vogelbach, 1B – Cubs (20)

88. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP – Cubs (22)

89. Tony Cingrani, LHP – Reds (23)

90. Robbie Erlin, LHP – Padres (22)

91. Slade Heathcott, OF - Yankees (22)

92. Kyle Gibson, RHP - Twins (25)

93. Max Kepler, OF – Twins (20)

94. Tyler Austin, OF – Yankees (21)

95. Maikel Franco, 3B - Phillies (20)

96. Martin Perez, LHP – Rangers (22)

97. Blake Snell, LHP – Rays (20)

98. Chris Owings, SS – Diamondbacks (21)

99. Jeimer Candelario, 3B – Cubs (19)

100. Drew Vettleson, OF – Rays (21)

[Guest]

BA's top 100 goes live in 35 minutes.

[KingCubsFan]

http://twentyeighty.net/blog/13742970/2013-top-100-prospects

 

Bradley Ankrom, formerly of BP, posted his top 100 prospects. Thanks to Bleacher Nation for posting this one.

 

 

http://twentyeighty.net/blog/13742970/2013-top-100-prospects

 

Overall Top 100 Prospects

 

1. Jurickson Profar, SS – Rangers (20)

2. Oscar Taveras, OF – Cardinals (21)

3. Dylan Bundy, RHP – Orioles (20)

4. Jameson Taillon, RHP – Pirates (21)

5. Gerrit Cole, RHP – Pirates (22)

6. Christian Yelich, OF – Marlins (21)

7. Jose Fernandez, RHP – Marlins (20)

8. Zack Wheeler, RHP – Mets (23)

9. Billy Hamilton, OF – Reds (22)

10. Wil Myers, OF – Rays (22)

11. Travis d’Arnaud, C – Mets (24)

12. Taijuan Walker, RHP – Mariners (20)

13. Tyler Skaggs, LHP – Diamondbacks (21)

14. Xander Bogaerts, SS – Red Sox (20)

15. Nick Castellanos, OF – Tigers (21)

16. Byron Buxton, OF – Twins (19)

17. Javier Baez, SS – Cubs (20)

18. Trevor Bauer, RHP – Indians (22)

19. Shelby Miller, RHP – Cardinals (22)

20. Francisco Lindor, SS – Indians (19)

21. Albert Almora, OF – Cubs (19)

22. Mike Olt, 3B – Rangers (24)

23. Kevin Gausman, RHP – Orioles (22)

24. Addison Russell, SS – Athletics (19)

25. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP – Rays (20)

26. Chris Archer, RHP – Rays (24)

27. Julio Teheran, RHP – Braves (22)

28. Jonathan Singleton, 1B – Astros (21)

29. Jorge Soler, OF – Cubs (21)

30. Miguel Sano, 3B – Twins (20)

31. Archie Bradley, RHP – Diamondbacks (20)

32. Austin Hedges, C – Padres (20)

33. Carlos Correa, SS – Astros (18)

34. Mike Zunino, C – Mariners (22)

35. Kaleb Cowart, 3B – Angels (21)

36. David Dahl, OF – Rockies (19)

37. Danny Hultzen, LHP – Mariners (23)

38. Kyle Zimmer, RHP – Royals (21)

39. Matt Barnes, RHP – Red Sox (23)

40. Casey Kelly, RHP – Padres (23)

41. Noah Syndergaard, RHP – Mets (20)

42. Max Fried, LHP – Padres (19)

43. Gregory Polanco, OF – Pirates (21)

44. Carlos Martinez, RHP – Cardinals (21)

45. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF – Red Sox (23)

46. Anthony Rendon, 3B – Nationals (23)

47. Yasiel Puig, OF – Dodgers (22)

48. Brian Goodwin, OF – Nationals (22)

49. Gary Sanchez, C – Yankees (20)

50. James Paxton, LHP – Mariners (24)

51. Justin Nicolino, RHP – Marlins (21)

52. Allen Webster, RHP – Red Sox (23)

53. Kyle Crick, RHP – Giants (20)

54. Trevor Story, SS – Rockies (20)

55. Hak-Ju Lee, SS – Rays (22)

56. Jake Marisnick, OF – Marlins (22)

57. Nick Franklin, SS – Mariners (22)

58. Aaron Sanchez, RHP – Blue Jays (21)

59. Jedd Gyorko, 3B – Padres (24)

60. George Springer, OF – Astros (23)

61. Kolten Wong, 2B – Cardinals (22)

62. Robert Stephenson, RHP – Reds (20)

63. Bubba Starling, OF – Royals (20)

64. Nolan Arenado, 3B – Rockies (22)

65. Jake Odorizzi, RHP – Rays (23)

66. Jesse Biddle, LHP – Phillies (21)

67. Rymer Liriano, OF – Padres (22)

68. Corey Seager, SS – Dodgers (19)

69. Lucas Giolito, RHP – Nationals (18)

70. Matt Davidson, 3B – Diamondbacks (22)

71. Alen Hanson, SS – Pirates (20)

72. Michael Wacha, RHP – Cardinals (22)

73. Gary Brown, OF – Giants (24)

74. Trevor Rosenthal, RHP – Cardinals (23)

75. Alex Meyer, RHP – Twins (23)

76. Yordano Ventura, RHP – Royals (22)

77. Jarred Cosart, RHP – Astros (23)

78. Mason Williams, OF – Yankees (21)

79. Aaron Hicks, OF – Twins (23)

80. Lewis Brinson, OF – Rangers (19)

81. Oswaldo Arcia, OF – Twins (22)

82. Courtney Hawkins, OF – White Sox (19)

83. Wily Peralta, RHP – Brewers (24)

84. Zach Lee, RHP – Dodgers (21)

85. Blake Swihart, C – Red Sox (21)

86. Clayton Blackburn, RHP – Giants (20)

87. Dan Vogelbach, 1B – Cubs (20)

88. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP – Cubs (22)

89. Tony Cingrani, LHP – Reds (23)

90. Robbie Erlin, LHP – Padres (22)

91. Slade Heathcott, OF - Yankees (22)

92. Kyle Gibson, RHP - Twins (25)

93. Max Kepler, OF – Twins (20)

94. Tyler Austin, OF – Yankees (21)

95. Maikel Franco, 3B - Phillies (20)

96. Martin Perez, LHP – Rangers (22)

97. Blake Snell, LHP – Rays (20)

98. Chris Owings, SS – Diamondbacks (21)

99. Jeimer Candelario, 3B – Cubs (19)

100. Drew Vettleson, OF – Rays (21)

Pretty interesting that Almora is ranked higher than Correa and almost as high as Buxton.

[Guest]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2013/02/2013-top-100-prospects-list/

 

16. Javier Baez

33. Albert Almora

34. Jorge Soler

83. Arodys Vizcaino

[Rex Buckingham]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2013/02/2013-top-100-prospects-list/

 

16. Javier Baez

33. Albert Almora

34. Jorge Soler

83. Arodys Vizcaino

 

love seeing Javy that high... also noticed they have Wil Myers listed as OF/3B? is that right or a mis-label?

[Little Slide Rooter]

Can't complain with the BP list at all, but the other guy's makes me happier. I'm going to go with the other guy's.

[Guest]

Can't complain with the BP list at all, but the other guy's makes me happier. I'm going to go with the other guy's.

 

The one with fewer players makes you happier?

[SABR Gamer]

Can't complain with the BP list at all, but the other guy's makes me happier. I'm going to go with the other guy's.

 

The one with fewer players makes you happier?

 

I think this is just WSR being WSR. He meant BA not BP, and I am assuming the "other guy" is Bradley Ankrom.

[Tracer Bullet]

Can't complain with the BP list at all, but the other guy's makes me happier. I'm going to go with the other guy's.

 

The one with fewer players makes you happier?

 

I think this is just WSR being WSR. He meant BA not BP, and I am assuming the "other guy" is Bradley Ankrom.

 

Yep

[Clem Fandango]

More on BA's stuff from their best tools list...

 

Jorge Soler tied for 2nd in the best power tools with a 70 grade. Tied with 4 others (Xaner Bogaerts, Bubba Starling, Wil Myers, Yasiel Puig)

Albert Almora is tied for 1st with the best defense grade at 75. One of three people tied for 2st, with one other outfielder (Jackie Bradley) and a catcher (Austin Hedges)

Jorge Soler is tied for 2nd with best arm at a 70 grade. Tied with 4 others (Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, Didi Gregorius, Aaron Hicks)

Arodys Vizcaino is 1st (by himself) for best Curveball with a 70 grade

Edited February 19, 2013 by The Logan

[Guest]

Here are each guy's tools ratings from BA...

 

 

Baez

Age: 20. ETA: 2014.

Bat: 60. Power: 65. Speed: 50. Defense: 55. Arm: 65.

 

Almora

Age: 18. ETA: 2015.

Bat: 65. Power: 50. Speed: 55. Defense: 75. Arm: 60.

 

Soler

Age: 21. ETA: 2015.

Bat: 60. Power: 70. Speed: 50. Defense: 55. Arm: 70.

 

Vizcaino

Age: 22. ETA: 2014.

Fastball: 70. Curve: 70. Changeup: 50. Control: 60. Command: 55.

[Bilbo161]

So Jr Lake has a better arm than all these guys? What is he 75?

[Cubswin11]

So Jr Lake has a better arm than all these guys? What is he 75?

Yes, 75 or 80. Lake's arm is probably better than most pitchers in the system, granted it would be much more raw than any of them if he were to take the mound tomorrow.

[Cubswin11]

Those are pretty aggressive ETA's on Baez and Almora, I'd probably bump them back a year each before they are full time guys and that's still close to best case scenario. Unless a cup of coffee in September counts in ETA (but then I'd expect Soler/Vizcaino to be moved up a year each for their ETA's).

[davell]

I'm a bit surprised Javy isn't a 70 power-wise.

[Guest]

I'm a bit surprised Javy isn't a 70 power-wise.

 

Same.