You must think very highly of the Cubs' farm system if you see a top 50 prospect who could be major league ready by next season as a mid-level prospect. You must think highly of the Cubs system if you consider him top 50. He had a step back, hes not top 50 until he proves something at the higher levels. Blisters are a concern, but I'm just not a fan...now that's me personally...my opinion is like all of yours it means nothing in the basis of these talks. It all depends on how these teams view the Cubs farm system. BA had him at 48 this year. I'm sure he'll drop out of the top 50 after struggling with injuries this year, but even if you amend my statement, it still holds true. You must think highly of the Cubs' system if you consider a top 100 prospect who could be major league ready next year as a mid-level prospect. When I think of a mid-level prospect, I don't think of a guy who has a very good shot at making the majors in some capacity. Im a big McNutt fan but I highly doubt he is major league ready next season. I think all in all giving up McNutt if push came to shove is something the Cubs should do. If you think about it he is now the 4th step down in negotiations supposedly. First it was Garza/Castro, we all knew that wasnt going to happen, 2nd was Bjax and justifiably so the Cubs turned that down, then there was talk of Sczur, and now the talk seems to have shifted to McNutt, would I like to get out of this without giving up McNutt.. absolutely. But, IMO at this point if the Cubs giveup McNutt for Epstein, they have won the war.