Early top prospect list:

[poodski]

2011 Cubs Top 15 Prospects | The Cub Reporter (TCR) | A Chicago Cubs Blog

 

[waldo7239117]

I saw this, but I think Jackson should be one. McNutt ahead of him, I don't see how. Archer 2 maybe.

 

[cubsneedmiracle]

Didn't know McNutt was rated that high..

 

[poodski]

Yeah I think BJax should be number one. Regardless I really like our top 4, and for that matter like our top 10.

I am a big Lee fan though.

 

[waldo7239117]

Didn't know McNutt was rated that high..

He was promoted last year from High A to Double A, but stuggled a little. He should be in the top 5, but 2...I don't think so.

 

[waldo7239117]

Yeah I think BJax should be number one. Regardless I really like our top 4, and for that matter like our top 10.

I am a big Lee fan though.

I hope Lee shines and gets called up in a year or so. He's expected to start at AA and he should. We just have to wait and see how he performs.

 

[cubsneedmiracle]

Yeah I think BJax should be number one. Regardless I really like our top 4, and for that matter like our top 10.

I am a big Lee fan though.

:win:

 

[Jntg4]

People claim we had a horrible a horrible draft, but Kurcz was a pleasant surprise, and I've always liked Golden. And now they are top prospects.

1. Chris Archer
2. Trey McNutt
3. Brett Jackson
4. Brandon Guyer
5. Josh Vitters
6. Jay Jackson
7. Welington Castillo
8. Hak-Ju Lee
9. Chris Carpenter
10. Ryan Flaherty
11. Jae-Hoon Ha
12. Aaron Kurcz
13. D.J. Lemahieu
14. Reggie Golden
15. Darwin Barney

I have this instead:
1. Brett Jackson
2. Chris Archer
3. Trey McNutt
4. Hak-Ju Lee
5. Jay Jackson
6. Welington Castillo
7. Chris Carpenter
8. Josh Vitters
9. Brandon Guyer
10. Ryan Flaherty

 

[Jntg4]

Apparently Lee will be the A+ (Daytona) Shortstop, and Lake the AA Shortstop. And that piece of crap, Evan Crawford, we got for Fontenot, is apparently our #21, and is even faster than Lee and Castro. He bats pretty bad though from the stats I last saw from the Giants system. Anyone know how he did this season.

 

[Northside_slugger]

I didn't realize McNutt has climbed so high up. I know he had a very strong year, despite his struggles in Tennessee but i still thought he had a long ways to go before being considered a serious major league prospect. Guess I was wrong.

As for the Brett Jackson and Chris Archer ranks, not sure if it matters if they're 1 or 2, because I don't think they are too far apart, however, obviously i'm in the minority here but I think Archer is the better prospect. Jackson has been consistently good throughout his career, but hasn't had a "wow" season yet. Archer, while struggling earlier on in the Indians system, has pitched very well since coming to the Cubs for Mark DeRosa. This past year in the minors he was almost unhitable and then what he did for USA in that tournament was very nice. I think Archer could be an ace to a team.

 

[Jntg4]

The Cubs have like 5 aces coming up, lol.

 

[poodski]

The Cubs have like 5 aces coming up, lol.

If even one of them turns out to be a front line starter I will be happy.

Most likely though we end up with one of these even making an impact as a starter for the Cubs.

 

[Jntg4]

If even one of them turns out to be a front line starter I will be happy.

Most likely though we end up with one of these even making an impact as a starter for the Cubs.

I'm sold on Archer and McNutt, I think they're for real. Jackson I think will be a good 3rd or 4th starter.

 

[poodski]

I'm sold on Archer and McNutt, I think they're for real. Jackson I think will be a good 3rd or 4th starter.

I will bet you money that one of Archer or McNutt becomes a bust. As in nothing more than a spot starter.

I will be shocked if both end up being staples in any rotation.

It's not that I don't trust them it's more that I believe in TINSTAAPP.

 

[Jntg4]

I'm just saying I think they're for real. Sure the would be a bust, because anything can happen.

 

[waldo7239117]

Jackson has good secondary pitches.

 

[JustinTCB]

This seems to be the best starting pitching group we've had since Prior/Z/Juan Cruz.

Doubtful they turn out as good as those three though.

 

[JustinTCB]

Outside of Brett Jackson, I'm iffy on our hitters. Lee is far way, and will struggle to hit for much power. Vitters, I'd like to see him healthy I guess, still don't see him ever being much.

 

[waldo7239117]

Apparently Lee will be the A+ (Daytona) Shortstop, and Lake the AA Shortstop. And that piece of crap, Evan Crawford, we got for Fontenot, is apparently our #21, and is even faster than Lee and Castro. He bats pretty bad though from the stats I last saw from the Giants system. Anyone know how he did this season.

I forgot to answer the question, but now I will.

Crawford did nothing special and will not be a starter. But, I can see him being a 4th OF because of his defense and speed.

Who he could be and how he can play a role:
He reminds me of Sam Fuld in the Cubs organization.
He reminds of Joey Gathright in all of baseball or Felix Pie.

 

[cubsneedmiracle]

This seems to be the best starting pitching group we've had since Prior/Z/Juan Cruz.

Doubtful they turn out as good as those three though.

I'll take 3 pitchers that aren't headcases. (not saying that about Cruz)