BP TOP 100: CHICAGO PLAYERS
Baseball Prospectus has released their annual list of the top 100 prospects in baseball.
You don’t see a Chicago player until #28, which is White Sox shortstop Gordon Beckham. Cubs 3B Josh Vitters is the first Cub on the list at #34. Other Chicago players:
74. Aaron Poreda, LHP, White Sox
85. Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Cubs
99. Brandon Allen, 1B, White Sox
The Orioles have 4 players listed in the top 20, and the Giants have 2 of the top 10.
[tags]Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Baseball Prospectus[/tags]
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I know I sound like a broken record here, but if Vitters played for a small market club, he wouldn’t be in the top 75 prospects. He’s slow as a mule and doesn’t walk. So far he has very little power, but that can be developed. If it doesn’t, his rating will drop quickly.
I don’t really see what big or small market has to do with the ranking of prospects.
Keith Law points out that Vitters started the year with a hand injury and still led the Northwest league in doubles. And he’s only 19, so really every skill can be developed. It’s just that the Cubs aren’t exactly the best at developing their younger players.
BA has him ranked 43rd and Law actually ranks him 14th overall. I would like to see what he does next year, but you are right in that it’s not very impressive so far for the 3rd overall pick.
I’m super excited about Beckham, who I thought would be ranked top 10.
Actually, I’ve noticed that the Cubs have a few young shortstops that are doing quite well in their minors. Can’t remember their names, but one is a very young hispanic player who supposedly has great tools to stick at SS. That’s always nice. I think SS is the most important position in the infield.
The only thing I can say about Vitters is I don’t like guys who are slow and don’t walk much. That doesn’t seem to be a good combination when evaluation younger guys.
Beckham at #28? Geez, I don’t know… if he has eventually move to second then I think his overall value will drop.
His college numbers were insane…SEC Player of the Year…All-SEC…All-American…patient hitter…power. Even if he moves to second he seems like he will rake.
Yeah, because college numbers ALWAYS translate to the pros. (eyes rolling)