Compiled and edited by Outshined One

With the end of the 2009 season and the Arizona Fall League wrapping up, a handful of the NSBB Minor League Forum regulars (Tim, Transmogrified_Tiger, CaliforniaRaisin, Outshined_One, UK, toonsterwu, and craig) got together to have a chat about their personal top 30 prospect lists for the Cubs’ system. In the process, those posters created a composite top 10 list based on a comparison of our lists.

This is part one of a two part article. The first part is the composite top ten prospects list. Each entry will provide an overview and various comments from the chat, which have been edited to fit this format. The second part will cover a number of the prospects who did not make this list, but merited discussion.

NSBB Composite Top 10

#1 - SS Starlin Castro

Bio

Born: 03/24/1990
Birthplace: Monte Cristy, Dominican Republic
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 160
Bats: R
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 1, Transmogrified_Tiger - 1, CaliforniaRaisin - 1, Outshined_One - 2, UK - 1, toonsterwu - 1, craig - 1

Overview

An international signing out of the Dominican Republic, Castro received little fanfare when he was signed and when he began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League as a 17 year old in 2007. In 2008, Castro had spent his season in the Rookie-Level Arizona League, posting strong numbers (.311/.364/.464). Baseball America named him the #14 prospect in the Arizona League, but despite his success, he did not receive much publicity or hype in a bereft Cubs system. His assignment to High A Daytona came as a shock to many followers of the Cubs' system. From that point onward, Castro blazed a path through Daytona, Tennessee, and the Arizona Fall League that vaulted him among the top shortstop prospects in baseball. Castro will likely be named the Cubs' top prospect in numerous publications and also will garner strong consideration for being among the top 30-40 prospects in baseball today.

The Good: An exciting legitimate five tool talent, Castro displayed an advanced approach at the plate for someone his age, hitting for a high average and keeping his strikeouts low. Although he did not show much power last season, most observers think Castro could add muscle to his wiry frame. Castro showcased an excellent arm and range, allowing him to make difficult plays at SS. A strong showing next season could have Castro in the majors at the end of the 2010 season.

The Bad: There are three primary concerns about Castro. First, while Castro could conceivably add muscle to his frame, there are questions about how much power he could develop as he ages. Second, despite Castro's low Ks and high batting average, his walk totals have caused some concern about how effectively Castro will be able to handle more advanced pitching. Finally, Castro's 39 errors last season have caused some consternation about how effectively Castro can play SS long-term.

Comments

Craig: How good he'll be depends on whether or not he adds power, and reduces his errors enough defensively. Ceiling: Some say he may add power with age and maturation, and if so he could be a star. Floor: Perhaps somewhere in the Neifi/Theriot type area.

Transmogrified_Tiger: Defensively, his future is at shortstop. Couple that with his contact and ability to keep his strikeouts down and he has a high enough floor to rank him over more risky guys like Vitters.

UK: Castro has the complete package at a difficult position.

Toonsterwu: Castro's status has jumped substantially as a result of the Arizona Fall League. However, even before the Arizona Fall League, his potential as a shortstop along with his performance merited giving him the top spot in this system.

#2 - 3B Josh Vitters

Bio

Born: 08/27/1989
Birthplace: Anaheim, CA
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 200
Bats: R
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 2, Transmogrified_Tiger - 3, CaliforniaRaisin - 2, Outshined_One - 1, UK - 2, toonsterwu - 2, craig - 3

Overview

After being selected third overall in the 2007 draft, Vitters has vacillated between moments of brilliance and troubling struggles. Vitters began the 2009 season in Low A Peoria. Following a slow start in April, Vitters had a scorching hot month of May, posting a .386/.417/.754 line for the month and, at one point, hitting 8 HRs in 10 games. Vitters was eventually moved up to High A Daytona at the very end of June, where he struggled at the plate and battled injuries through the rest of the season.

The Good: Vitters has a lightning-quick and powerful swing. He jumps on pitches in the zone, which should allow him to hit for power and average as he progresses in his career. It is easy to dream on Vitters as a potential 25-30 HR threat as a major league hitter. In spite of his aggressive approach, Vitters usually does not expand his zone at the plate. Vitters also displayed good hands and a strong arm at 3B.

The Bad: There are legitimate concerns about his ability to stay healthy resulting from hand and wrist injuries Vitters has sustained over the past two years. Along with his health problems, Vitters also has had problems being over-aggressive in the zone, causing him to swing at pitchers' pitches in his zone and keeping him from working deep counts and drawing walks. Finally, a move off of 3B may be in Vitters' future if he cannot translate his physical tools into performance on the field. He most likely would have to move to 1B or the OF, where his value as a hitter will decrease.

Comments

Tim: While Vitters has a higher ceiling than Starlin Castro, he has less of a chance to get there. He should stay at 3B, but he has too many holes in his offensive game at a position where he needs to be a good hitter.

CaliforniaRaisin: His injuries are his biggest problem. He also has issues laying off tough to hit strikes, where he gets himself out. However, he is a hard worker and could be an average 3B. He also was younger than most 2007 draftees, which means he still has room to mature.

Craig: Lots of problems could sink him: breaking balls, no walks, defense, injuries, brains. He has enough upside to get him this high, but enough concerns to keep him behind the safer prospects.

Outshined_One: The bat is good enough that he could still be a very good first baseman. Compared to Castro, he has a higher floor simply because his bat is that much better.

#3 - RHP Andrew Cashner

Bio

Born: 09/11/1986
Birthplace: Conroe, TX
College: Texas Christian
Height: 6' 6"
Weight: 210
Bats: R
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 4, Transmogrified_Tiger - 2, CaliforniaRaisin - 3, Outshined_One - 4, UK - 3, toonsterwu - 4, craig - 2

Overview

The 19^th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Andrew Cashner showcased two plus pitches in his fastball and slider as a relief pitcher with Texas Christian. The Cubs moved Cashner to the rotation after signing him. During spring training in 2009, Cashner suffered an oblique injury. As a result, the Cubs were cautious with Cashner during his stints in High A Daytona and AA Tennessee, with Cashner logging a little over 100 innings over the season.

The Good: Cashner has three potential plus pitches in his fastball, slider, and changeup. His fastball has been clocked up to 99 mph. His slider can resemble a plus curveball, with excellent movement and able to reach the low to mid 80s. Over the course of the season, Cashner focused more extensively on his changeup, with positive results. He does a very good job of keeping the ball in the park, only giving up 1 HR between Daytona and Tennessee.

The Bad: Over the course of this season, reports came in about Cashner having trouble maintaining his velocity over the course of his starts. He had similar problems in his amateur career, leading to speculation that he might have to move to the bullpen. Also, Cashner had occasional control problems, leading to him walking 42 batters over the course of the season.

Comments

UK: He's everything the Cubs expected out of Samardzija. Plus plus fastball, plus plus slider. Even if he is not in the rotation, he could be a star closer.

Transmogrified_Tiger: Even if he ends up in the bullpen, he should end up as a wipeout reliever. Keep in mind that some of his stuff degradation can be attributed to 2009 being his first full professional season.

Toonsterwu: He arguably has the most upside in the system. He could be a dominant starter or a dominant closer, depending on how deep into games he can work.

Craig: Barring injury, he will make it. He's a safe major leaguer in one role or another. Whether or not he'll be an excellent starter or an excellent reliever remains to be seen.

#4 - RHP Jay Jackson

Bio

Born: 10/27/1987
Birthplace: Taylors, SC
College: Furman
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 195
Bats: R
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 3, Transmogrified_Tiger - 4, CaliforniaRaisin - 4, Outshined_One - 3, UK - 6, toonsterwu - 3, craig - 4

Overview

The Cubs tabbed Jay Jackson, an athletic two way player from Furman, in the 9^th round of the 2008 draft. After converting him to pitching full-time, Jackson quickly made his name known with strong showings in Boise, Peoria, and Daytona in 2008. Jackson made his 2009 debut with AA Tennessee, where, after some initial struggles, he righted the ship and was named to the Southern League All Star team. Jackson suffered a setback during the summer, when the Cubs demoted him to Daytona for disciplinary reasons, where he overmatched hitters. At the end of the season, the Cubs promoted him to AAA Iowa for his last start of the year.

The Good: Jackson has an arsenal of four pitches: fastball, slider, curve, and changeup. Each pitch could be average or better. His bread and butter are his fastball, clocked in the mid-90s, and a solid slider. Jackson also benefits from his excellent athleticism, which has aided him in his transition to pitching full-time and in fielding his position effectively.

The Bad: His demotion raises some concerns about Jackson's makeup and maturity. A move to the bullpen would also hurt Jackson, as he has a number of offerings, but none of them project to the same level as Cashner's slider and fastball. Jackson also needs to work on refining his pitches and honing his control.

Comments

Transmogrified_Tiger: Decent BB and HR rates, great K rate, and an excellent depth of repertoire make him a personal favorite.

Toonster: The demotion was a non-issue. While he has some control problems, Jackson did not have any problems that seemed particularly worrisome. Even if he becomes a reliever, he still could be a dominant closer.

Outshined_One: He's a proven starter who has the potential to be a 2-3 in the majors. Even if he ends up being a good, but not great, starter in the majors, that is still more valuable than a great reliever.

Craig: He gives up a few too many HRs, but he's a safe big league talent. Whether or not he is special remains to be seen.

#5 - SS Hak-Ju Lee

Bio

Born: 11/04/1990
Birthplace: Jeonju, South Korea
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 170
Bats: L
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 5, Transmogrified_Tiger - 5, CaliforniaRaisin - 6, Outshined_One - 6, UK - 5, toonsterwu - 5, craig - 5

Overview

The crown jewel of the Cubs' 2008 Pacific Rim signings, Hak-Ju Lee received a $725,000 bonus along with an enormous amount of hype coming into 2009. Lee received rave reviews in extended spring training for his speed and defensive skills, which he put on display when he made his 2009 professional debut with the Boise Hawks. After posting excellent overall numbers, Baseball America saw fit to name Lee the number one prospect in the Northwest League.

The Good: Much like Castro, Lee is a legitimate five tool shortstop. He is one of the fastest runners in the system, which allows him to sprint out of the left-handed batter's box on bunts and infield hits. He gave defenses fits, successfully stealing 25 bases in 33 attempts. Lee also showed a solid grasp of the strike zone, posting a 50/31 K/BB in a little over 300 Abs. Defensively, scouts and teammates raved about his skills at shortstop.

The Bad: The most noteworthy flaw in Lee's game is, also like Castro, Lee had troubles with errors, accumulating 27 over the course of the season. This should be resolved through coaching and repetitions. Lee's other problem is that he likely will not become much more than a gap to gap power hitter

Comments

Tim: Lee plays a premium position and should become steadier as he ages. He has the arm and the range to stay at short, plus he has difference-making speed.

CaliforniaRaisin: He has plus speed, good contact skills, good range, and a great arm. That said, he's too far away to rate him any higher.

Craig: He could easily rise, but there are too many questions that need to be answered. Will the errors drop as he ages? Will he ever have any power, or be more Theriot-like offensively? Will he still fit SS as he fills out?

#6 - OF Brett Jackson

Bio

Born: 08/02/1988
Birthplace: Berkeley, CA
College: UC Berkeley
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 210
Bats: L
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 6, Transmogrified_Tiger - 6, CaliforniaRaisin - 5, Outshined_One - 5, UK - 4, toonsterwu - 6, craig - 7

Overview

The Cubs selected Brett Jackson 31^st overall in the 2009 draft. A number of NSBB posters were adamantly against the selection, as there were a number of concerns about his strikeouts and whether he would stick in center field as he filled out. Brett Jackson started his season with the AZL Cubs and quickly moved up to Boise, where he posted very good numbers overall. After his promotion to Peoria, Jackson put on a show at the plate, belting 7 HRs in 26 games and showing very good patience. A minor injury hindered the end of a successful debut season, but by that point, Jackson had silenced a number of his doubters.

The Good: Jackson projects to be a middle of the order hitter at the plate, where he works deep counts and has power to all fields. He also is a plus runner, which allowed him to steal 11 bases in 13 attempts with Peoria. Defensively, Jackson projects to be a plus defender in center field, where he takes good routes and uses his speed to make difficult catches. Coaches also loved his fundamentals and hard working attitude.

The Bad: What allowed Jackson to fall as far as he did was that he racked up an alarming number of strikeouts in his junior season at Cal. While Jackson reduced his strikeout numbers upon joining the Cubs, he still strikes out at a high rate. There was also speculation that Jackson was pressing hard his junior year in front of scouts, which raises minor makeup concerns. Finally, Jackson's arm is merely average in center field.

Comments

Outshined_One: He'll be a huge fan favorite for playing his rear off in the field. Between his power, patience, and effectiveness in CF, he should vault onto Top 100 lists next year after a full season of playing in the minors.

UK: Jackson will be a plus defender in CF. His arm will not be better than average in CF, but it definitely will not be a weakness. Also, while his plus speed is not as useable as Lee's speed, his power separates him from Lee.

Tim: He has a well-rounded skill set and people should get excited for him. However, his contact problems might come back to haunt him at higher levels.

#7 - RHP Chris Carpenter

Bio

Born: 12/26/1985
Birthplace: Bryan, OH
College: Kent State
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 215
Bats: R
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 7, Transmogrified_Tiger - 7, CaliforniaRaisin - 8, Outshined_One - 7, UK - 7, toonsterwu - 7, craig - 6

Overview

A 3^rd round selection in the 2008 draft, many publications and observers felt that Carpenter had the talent to be taken in the first round, but that his long and unfortunate injury history caused him to fall to the Cubs in the 3^rd round. Carpenter posted a respectable season in 2008 with the Boise Hawks, although he did not attract much attention for doing so. In 2009, Carpenter began the season with the Peoria Chiefs. Following his selection to the Midwest League All Star team, Carpenter moved up to Daytona and, shortly thereafter, moved up again to Tennessee, where he helped the Smokies in their playoff run at the end of the season.

The Good: Carpenter boasts a strong arsenal of pitches, including a fastball that he works with in the low 90s and can touch the mid-90s with movement and a plus breaking pitch (described as a slider or a curve, depending on whom you ask). His changeup is also coming along effectively. Carpenter also has received positive reviews for his calm, workman-like demeanor on the mound.

The Bad: Carpenter's injury history is a major cause for concern. This was particularly noted on NSBB during an infamous incident during his stay in Daytona, where Carpenter was put back into a game after a 45 minute rain delay. He finished the season without any major injuries, but the Cubs will have to keep an eye on him in the future. Moreover, with his injury history and two plus pitches, a move to the bullpen could be in his future.

Comments

Toonsterwu: He's an upside pick here. He stayed healthy all year, but even with his stuff, he could be a very good late inning reliever.

Craig: The stuff and desire to be good are both there. However, he has a tendency to give up big innings. His health and control are also some cause for concern.

#8 - OF Kyler Burke

Bio

Born: 04/20/1988
Birthplace: Chattanooga, TN
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 205
Bats: L
Throws: L

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 8, Transmogrified_Tiger - 9, CaliforniaRaisin - 7, Outshined_One - 10, UK - 8, toonsterwu - 8, craig - 9

Overview

The San Diego Padres selected Kyler Burke with the 35^th pick in the 2006 Draft out of high school in Tennessee. In 2007, after Burke struggled for a year and a half, the Padres traded Burke to the Cubs in the Michael Barrett deal. Burke had a good enough showing with the Boise Hawks in 2007 that the Cubs assigned Burke to Peoria at the start of the 2008 season. Burke once again struggled in the Midwest League, earning a demotion to Boise, where he once again made a respectable showing. In 2009, Burke began the season in Peoria once more, where he spent the entire season and posted very strong numbers across the board.

The Good: Burke had a five tool reputation coming out of high school. He tapped into those tools this season, hitting for average and power from the left side. He also displayed a willingness to take walks. Burke is not a speed demon, but he is effective on the basepaths, where he successfully stole 14 bases out of 16 attempts. Defensively, Burke likely will end up as a corner outfielder who can play CF in a pinch, as he has very good foot speed for a corner OF and has one of the best outfield arms in the system.

The Bad: The main question with Burke is whether this is a legitimate break out season for him or whether he will once again struggle when he advances. Despite being only a few months older than Brett Jackson, this was Burke's third go-round in the Midwest League. His power is also much more in evidence against right handed pitchers than left handed pitchers, although he handles lefties reasonably well.

Comments

Craig: >.300 average, >.900 OPS, >.500 slugging, >.400 OBP, 15 HR, outstanding defensive RF, walks a ton. There's a lot to like. His strikeouts will be the key to whether he can succeed against better pitching.

Outshined_One: Burke's 2008 and 2009 were like night and day. He's a much better hitter now, although his BABIP is a tick higher than average and there are legitimate questions about how he will handle more advanced pitching as he advances.

#9 - IF Ryan Flaherty

Bio

Born: 07/27/1986
Birthplace: Portland, ME
College: Vanderbilt
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 200
Bats: L
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 10, Transmogrified_Tiger - 13, CaliforniaRaisin - 12, Outshined_One - 9, UK - 18, toonsterwu - 9, craig - 11

Overview

The Cubs selected Ryan Flaherty 41^st overall in the 2008 Draft out of Vanderbilt. Flaherty profiled as a left-handed hitter whose primary value was in his bat. Flaherty made his debut with the Boise Hawks, where the Cubs kept him at shortstop. He struggled defensively at SS, but hit .297/.369/.511. In 2009, Flaherty spent the entire season in Peoria, where he frequently moved between 3B, SS, and 2B. Flaherty struggled mightily in the first half of the season, hitting .236/.308/.435. Following the Midwest League All Star Game, Flaherty bounced back and hit .309/.372/.498 the rest of the season.

The Good: Flaherty lives up to his reputation as an offensive-minded middle infielder. He has an effective swing from the left side that allows him to hit for power and average. While Flaherty is not stellar with the glove, he only had 15 errors between 3B, SS, and 2B this season, which is a substantial improvement from his 16 errors at SS with Boise last season. Flaherty will likely end up at 2B, where his defensive shortcomings will be downplayed and his bat will be an asset.

The Bad: Flaherty's first half of the season was abysmal. The low line drive rates were of particular concern. Flaherty also had trouble with strikeouts, which could be cause for concern as he advances and faces better pitchers. Of particular concern, Flaherty was too old for his level, as he turned 23 at the end of July.

Comments

Tim: The power production was very nice, plus he hit into some terrible luck this season, which should be taken into account.

Transmogrified_Tiger: When he kept his strikeouts down, he killed the ball in Peoria. However, he only did that a third of the time.

#10 - RHP Dae-Eun Rhee

Bio

Born: 03/23/1989
Birthplace: Seoul , South Korea
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 190
Bats: L
Throws: R

Stats

Rankings

Tim - 24, Transmogrified_Tiger - 8, CaliforniaRaisin - 10, Outshined_One - 11, UK - 7, toonsterwu - 10, craig - 22

Overview

Dae-Eun Rhee was one of the first big names to come out of the Cubs' recent foray into the Pacific Rim, signing out of South Korea in 2007 for over $700,000. Rhee began his professional career in Peoria in 2008, where he dominated the competition to start the season. After 10 starts, Rhee went down with an arm injury that required him to undergo Tommy John Surgery. Rhee spent 2009 focusing on rehabilitation, rather than on in-game performance. He saw in-game action in the Arizona League and the Northwest League, although he struggled during his outings.

The Good: Rhee features four pitches, the most noteworthy of which is a change/splitter that is a wipeout pitch. His fastball, curve, and slider all project as average or better. When healthy, Rhee showcased fantastic control, command, and maturity for a pitcher of his age.

The Bad: Rhee's rehab has taken longer than most people expected. Rhee has struggled with his command and control in his rehab outings, plus he has not thrown his change/splitter in-game during his rehabilitation yet.

Comments

Toonsterwu: Talent-wise, he could be a top 5 prospect in this system. When he's healthy, he might have the top arm in our system among starters.

Tim: His Tommy John rehabilitation is taking too long to merit ranking him this high. His rehabilitation was terrifying this season.