Previously I talked about the frustration for Red Sox nation due to high expectations and a lackluster performance. Today I'll talk about a team who's been in far worse shape and has been the mark of futility for years. The Chicago Cubs have consistently been toward the bottom of the standings. Each year seems to have a new hope but doesn't come to fruition. A curse with a goat has taken some blame for this as the Bambino did the Sox. However a light may have come into sight this year with the end of the tunnel to follow.
This past season was another trying season for a club trying to pull itself out of a hole. It was not without hope and had some positives to build on. The Cubs had arguably the best farm system in the league this year which became stronger after the Samardzija/Hammel trade that netted them Addison Russell. Russell along with fellow prospects Kris Bryant (3b) and Javier Baez (ss/2b) all ended the season near the top of the prospect ranks. They were not alone on the top 100 as Jorge Soler (of), Arismendy Alcantara (ss/2b/of), Alberto Almora (of), and CJ Edwards (sp) were also on the list.
The season may not have provided the win totals to call home about they were able to bring some of these highly touted kids up to gain experience. Alcantara led the way as the first one of them to get the call this summer. He was then followed by Baez and Soler, who will probably have starting roles next season. I'm expecting them to give Bryant a chance to earn the starting third base job out of camp as I thought he was the most deserving player in all the minors to get a shot. Almora, Edwards, and Russell may get promoted up sometime next summer as well, if not then next year.
I realize that for a lot of you these are just idle names and means nothing to you. Their skills are undeniable and should make Chicago baseball entertaining once again. I'll do the same as I did with the Sox and go into detail about a few of these players to give you a better idea of what the excitement is about.
We'll start the conversation with Alcantara who had quite the eventful summer. He came up through the minors as a short stop but was blocked at the pros by another young player, Starlin Castro. However there was a need at second so Alcantara was moved to a new position. A month or two later another top short stop prospect (Baez) was called up. They decided to move Alcantara to the outfield and play Baez at second. So in a matter of a couple months he got promoted, learned two new positions, and played three in Wrigley. His numbers were not eye popping but had some solid play despite all the changes. He has a decent power/speed combo allowing him the potential should to put up 15-20hr with similar steals while maintaining a solid batting average. The glove should also be just fine regardless of playing second or outfield. While he may not stand out at anything, he should be able to do a little of everything.
Next up was Javier Baez who was also a short stop in the minors. He was expected to make a move to third base upon his arrival to Wrigley but the Cubs opted to play him at second and move Alcantara to the outfield. Baez was one of the top 10 prospects in all the minors and a very intriguing case. His hands are ridiculously quick and has been compared to Gary Sheffield with regards to his bat speed. The power has also never been questioned as he was one of the top power hitters in the minors. He has the potential to hit 30hrs a year while at second base and could quickly top the second base ranks in that department. The problem however is his hit tool. While his power is near the top of the ranks, his ability to make consistent contact is lagging behind. Strike outs were a big issue during his first cup of tea in he show and he fanned more than once every three at bats. This inability to make contact resulted in a poor batting average that hovered around .200 for a while. Baez is still young and has ample time and opportunity to figure it out and get on track. If he can solve his contact woes he has the potential to be one of the top power hitters in the league. I view him as a .240 hitter with 30-35hrs a year. It may take a year or two but he should have a significant impact soon.
The final player I'll go into detail about is the one I'm most excited about seeing. Kris Bryant ended the season ranked as the #3 prospect and could possibly start next season as #1 overall. He is older than both Baez and Alcantara but his road to Wrigley should be shorter. The third baseman just finished his first full season in the minors hitting a blistering .325 with 43hr and 110rbi between AA and AAA. What sweetens the pot even more is that he's not all bat and no speed. Bryant also reached double digits in steals which is a very welcomed bonus coming from third base. I firmly believe that he is the real deal and for the most part his numbers will carry over to the majors. A drop in batting average would be no surprise but the power is legit and should result in 35-40hr yearly. He should be given every opportunity to earn the starting job out of camp and be a serious contender for rookie of the year. He has the potential to be a perennial all star.
The Cubs may have been experiencing some harsh times over the last decade or two but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. The majority of prospects mentioned should play important roles this coming season with the others to join within a year or two max. The young hitters are arriving. They just need the pitching to come through and they should be able to crawl out of their familiar spot in the basement. There is much hope surrounding these kids and very good reason for it.
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