This is a really fantastic example of how the prospect industry has gotten out of control and given fans an excuse to expand into hyping some guys who really aren't worthy of being hyped.
OK, you used to have the Baseball America top-100. Those are probably top prospects.
Now you've got literally dozens of lists out there, and with honorable mentions you're getting well over 100 prospects deep. Several hundred guys will fit this qualification each season.
And then we're talking about a guy who isn't even on those lists anymore, but he used to be. Now you're probably pushing between 300 and 500 prospects in the minors who could qualify for that description. The definition of "top" prospect is being watered down severely by fans trying to hype up their guys.
Just like with Mervis, there's an obvious answer to the question "Why aren't the Cubs treating this player like the level of prospect we believe he is?"