Fascinating stuff, Neil. It reminds me of when Gene Baker was in the Cubs farm system and projected as their first black player and shortstop of the future; then this kid named Ernie Banks came along to become both while Baker was kept in Triple A a little longer and eventually shifted to second.
In Ernie's first game, Richie Ashburn led off by beating out a grounder to short which Ernie fielded cleanly but lollypopped to first. His first at bat, Curt Simmons threw heat by him twice; then he swung late and wristed a long fly which the right fielder caught with his back to the wall.
Have you heard anything about Jim Adduci?

It is great seeing that the Cubs have started going after athletic players. Most players start as SS when they are young and, as time moves on, move on to their suited position, as they move up the ranks.

Start as a SS
Not enough power or arm go to 2B
Strong enough arm and power bat go to 3B then RF/LF
Fast enough but no power CF

Having athletic players in the minors gives teams options at the major league level. Drafting corner IF and OF is necessary, when their bat justifies it, but I'll take the all around athlete anyday.

Come on, Neil! You forgot to mention Bobby Scales! lol

I am probably the most excited about Hak Ju Lee, Flaherty, and LeMahieu than I am about all the others, including Castro. While I know scouts rave about him, I think it should be noted that scouts also drooled over Pie and Patterson. Pie shot through the system at a similar meteoric rise like Castro has, but with less than jaw-dropping stats to show for it.

If you look at guys like Lee, Flaherty, and LeMahieu, you can clearly see that they're deserving of hype.

Consider the following:

Lee: .330 avg, .399 OBP, 264 AB's, 87 hits, 14 doubles, 2 triple, 2 hr, 33 RBI, 25 SB, 31 walks, 50 K's, 27 errors (344 chances)

Flaherty: .276 avg, .344 OBP, 485 AB's, 134 hits, 24 doubles, 5 triples, 20 hr, 81 RBI, 7 SB, 50 walks, 98 K's, 15 errors (481 chances)

LeMahieu: .323 avg, .376 OBP, 164 AB's, 53 hits, 4 doubles, 3 triples, 0 hr, 34 RBI, 3 SB, 13 walks, 25 K's, 4 errors (156 chances)

So, we have 3 very good prospects above, and yet Castro is the most highly touted of all. Why? Here's his line:

Castro: .299 avg, .342 OBP, 469 AB's, 140 hits, 26 doubles, 6 triples, 3 hr, 49 RBI, 28 SB, 29 walks, 53 K's, 39 errors (617 chances)

Yes, I know Castro has excellent range, and he has above average speed, etc., but I think the guy is at best a .290 avg, .330 OBP, 20 double, under 10 hr, 40-50 RBI, 20-30 SB player. Is that bad? Nope, but it's still not to the uper-prospect stats you'd expect with all the hype, is it?

I firmly believe Flaherty is a .270 hitter, with a .330-.340 OBP, 30+doubles, 20+hr, 80+RBI MLB hitter

I firmly believe Hak Ju Lee is a .300+ hitter with a .350+OBP, 200+hits, 25+doubles, 8+hr, 55+RBI, 40+SB MLB hitter (which is almost exactly what Ichiro is)

Admittedly, LeMahieu's stats and Lee's stats are abbreviated, and a little tricky to project, but I know they'll be solid MLB players, and it's just a shame that all of these guys gets overlooked in favor of Castro.

I think all of Cubs nation will be extremely disappointed when yet another one of our prospects fails to live up to expectations. Those are often the types of prospects that shuttle back and forth from Iowa, and we never hear from again (at least in our organization).

I remember Brian Dopirak, who after just 3 seasons (really only one full season), the Cubs elevated to 40-man roster status after he blasted 39 hr, 120 RBI in low-A ball at 20 years old. Then he had a down year, then a couple injuries, and suddenly found himself off the 40-man and in the Blue Jays organization where in 2 seasons, he's had:
.304 avg, .368 OBP, 29 hr, 101 RBI
.317 avg, .371 OBP, 27 hr, 102 RBI

At just 25 years old, he seems to have a VERY bright future, and figures to break camp on the Jays' 25-man roster.

So, like Felix Pie, Dopirak was coming off a great season at 20 years old, and like Pie, the Cubs gave up on him at age 24.

I just want to put things into perspective for everyone. Here's Pie's stats last year in a semi-full time role (compared to with the Cubs):
.266 avg, .326 OBP, 252 AB's, 67 hits, 10 doubles, 3 triples, 9 hr, 29 RBI, 24 walks, 58 K's.

That translates in roughly 160 hits, 23 doubles, 7 triples, 21 hr (hr every 28 AB's), 69 RBI, 58 walks, 137 K's.

Basically, better production than Fukudome at 1/30 the cost of Fukudome.

Anyway, I guess my point is, either the Cubs over-hype the prospect so much that he can never live up to the expectations of fans or management alike that they end up practically giving him away for nothing, OR, they end up keeping their prospects that have better production than the over-hyped ones in the system longer than necessary, and they end up missing out on their prime seasons of 27-32 years old.

If I were a betting man, I'd bet the farm on the fact that Felix Pie will have a break-out season next year at age 25. I guess we'll see.

I'll stick to my guns that Flaherty, LeMahieu, Lee, Burke, and probably even Ridling will be better MLB players than Vitters or Castro. But, unfortunately, we are dealing with one of the most inept franchises in the history of professional sports, and will probably have to sit back, and watch while Hendry trades away the those players in favor of Castro and Vitters, and watch them flop, and sign more over-priced veterans to make up for it...LOL...such is the life of a Cubs fan

The only thoughts I have just now:

Opening Day is less then sixty days
away...It keeps me warm while dreading
another major snow storm.

My R&R idols in their 60's might actually make Ditka sound good singing
the 7th inning stretch.

- Just waiting.........

I've been excited about Lee ever since I first read about him a couple years ago. Perhaps the best thing will be if the media focuses on one player, (like Castro), and puts all the pressure on the one guy, then hopefully someone like Lee can slip through and develop without the high pressure. Either way, the middle infield future looks bright.

I'm in agreement, Aaron, on all accounts.

I am really confused about the Castro hype and the rumors swirling that he will be given every chance to break camp with the team. I just don't get it. He is so inexperienced. I cannot understand why they would not give the chance to Barney or Flaherty who have proven more than Castro and are going into their 25 and 24 year old seasons, respectively. What is wrong with letting Castro play some games at AAA?

I hope I hope you and me and the rest of us in agreement are wrong, and Castro isn't ruined and the rest of these kids left to rot or moved for spare parts. Let's hope that the appointment of Maddux in the front office will make a difference and that Ryno has a direct line to the Ricketts. I think the Ricketts will listen to both of them. Let's hope.

OmahaCubsfan, thanks for the video...I really enjoyed seeing LaMahieu in action.
Hopefully see him at Wrigley one day.

All these middle infielders would be the influence of the scouting director along with the international effort.

so...how has this team really changed from last year?

Last year, our starting pitching consisted of:

Z
Dempster
Lilly
Harden
Wells

This year, it will consist of:

Z
Dempster
Lilly (though possibly not the first month)
Wells
Gorzelanny/Samardzija/Silva/etc.

Last year, our bench consisted of:
Hill, Miles, Hoffpauir, Johnson, Gathright

This year, our bench will consist of (in all likelihood):
Hill, Nady, Tracy, Baker, and Fuld

Last year, our lineup consisted of:

C-Soto
1B-Lee
2B-Fontenot
SS-Theriot
3B-ARAM
LF-Soriano
CF-Fukudome
RF-Bradley

This year, it will most likely consist of:

C-Soto
1B-Lee
2B-Fontenot
SS-Theriot
3B-ARAM
LF-Soriano
CF-Byrd
RF-Fukudome

So, as far as starters go, we're only swapping 2--Harden for Silva/Gorzelanny/etc. and Bradley for Byrd

And I just think the Cubs are trying to pull the wool over our eyes again with the offseason "moves" thus far. Sure, it's quite possible that Nady and Tracy will figure prominently in roles with the team this season, but it's highly unlikely. Tracy has had shoulder, knee, and rib injuries, including microfracture surgery which has claimed the careers of several different players, most notably NBA players. I realize MLB players don't need to move around as much, but I think it's worth noting, and something that should definitely give you pause about counting on anything from Tracy this season. Nady is coming back from a second TJ surgery, which the success rate has been very poor for multiple TJ procedures.

Blalock and Lopez are still available. I still maintain that they will sign for less than Nady and Tracy, and will almost certainly see the field more than Nady and Tracy will in 2010 given their health.

Do I think Nady is a bad player? Absolutely not! Do I think Tracy is an awful player? Absolutely not! But I think both are some of the most fragile players on the market this year, and we signed them. What does that say for the state of this team when we have a GM that goes after players like that, and is proud of it, and what does it say for Cubs nation that we seem supportive, if not excited about these signings? Shouldn't we demand more?!?

If we would've nabbed Lopez, not only would we have a back-up OF, but also a solid middle infielder that would allow the Cubs to promote Castro, and trade Theriot, and have Lopez back-up or start at SS. That'd allow the Cubs to also trade Fontenot, and let Snyder be the back-up OF.

You'd have a bench of:
Hill, Lopez/Baker, Blalock, Snyder, Fuld/Blanco

Anyway, I know this is a long post, but I guess what I wanted to say was that the Cubs (especially Hendry) will try to convince the world of baseball that we are a decidedly better team than last season while we're in Spring Training, and that couldn't be further from the truth. So, I'm going to make a prediction that we will hear/see quotes from Hendry regarding, "having a much more balanced ball club than last season" (or some variation of that quote) no less than 5 times during Spring Training. What do you think?

Harden vs Gorzelanny/Silva/etc.=downgrade

Bradley vs Byrd=toss-up. Bradley essentially equals Byrd. Both had career years before they came to the Cubs, and we essentially don't know if we'll get a 20+hr, 80+RBI player, or a 9 hr, 50 RBI player, which would make him just like Bradley's average season, and close to what he gave us last year.

Miles vs Tracy=win (provided Tracy even sees the field)

Reed Johnson vs Nady=win. Either way, both players are injury prone, and Nady is younger, more powerful, and has a higher average and RBI potential.

Gathright vs Fuld=likely win...Gathright vs anyone in our system would be a win for us, as that player would almost surely beat Gathright's numbers

Gregg vs _____=win

Heilman vs _____=win

Problem is, starting pitching-wise, and OF wise, we're not getting better...essentially we're either even, or worse off. Am I right?

I thought with the Ricketts taking over, we'd see marked improvement, but I think it's quite clear that they're far more comfortable with the status quo than any of us would prefer, and I could give a damn whether or not they're just "sticking it" to Hendry because of his poor decision-making. If that's they're real agenda, then they're actually worse than the Bears ownership/upper management.

Aaron...good post...and I know exactly where you are coming from.

However, I do think we're a better team this year...but not necessarily because of Hendry's moves.

Miles was absolutely horrible last year...and with a full season of Baker-
Blanco/Barney/(or Castro)makes us much better up the middle then last year
immediately. But I agree it could be much better with Lopez.

The upcoming talent in the minors are
full of almost ready players providing us depth...so if Sorianois whiffing and dropping on a daily basis...Lou,in his last season...won't be so patient...he knows what that got him last season.

There's Adduci/Snyder/ maybe Colvin to
try...and any would be better than Soriano at his worst.

SP is a concern...but I have a feeling
that one of Diamond/Cashner/Coleman
group may be ready to make a real impact
sometime this season...If Shark/Gorzo and company fail.

Soto should have a much better season...
and if not...There's Robinson/W. Castillo/Chirino in the wings.

The fact is...the minors are just about ready to produce...

I look for both Z and Demp to have better seasons...(No Clue on Lilly...
but he may actually be better later...it
is a contract season for him...and DLee
and possibly ARAM.

And the main thing...YOU can't lose either way Aaron...if we win...we win.

If we lose, YOU WIN...because Hendry will be out the door....Accountability...my friend.

NO WORRIES MATE...put the shrimp on the barbie and enjoy the ride.

And no,I'm not drinking kool aid.

Good points from both Aaron and Suzy. If Aaron is right we will only be in 1st place on August 1st and by then our minor league guys that are coming up will come to save the day and keep us from falling out of 1st this year.

Starting pitching we are fine. Take a look through the NL and tell me how many rotations you would trade even up. Keep in mind these are the best 6 teams (with the Cubs)

Phillies - Halladay, Hamels, Blanton, Happ, (Contreas/Moyer/Kendrick)

Cardinals - Carpenter, Wainwright, Lohse, Penny, (Hill, etc)

Giants - Lincecum, Cain, Zito, Sanchez, (??)

Brewers - Gallardo, Wolf, Davis, Suppan, (Bush/Parra)

Dodgers - Billingsly, Kershaw, Kuroda, Padilla, (Weaver/Ortiz)

Front end (1+2)of rotations I would take Phillies, Cardinals and Giants, but our 3 and 4 (Lilly & Wells) over all of these. And the 5th spot is a hole on every team, trying to make a retread or young guy fill the hole. I like Gorzellany and company as well or better than all of these (just not Silva please)

Outfield - Yes we are better. 4 man rotation of Soriano, Byrd, Fukudome and Nady is better than Soriano, Fukudome and Bradley. Even if you don't think so, bringing in Jaramillo should make you say Yes. If coaching can get blamed for players not developing or getting out of slumps, then you have to give credit for bringing in the guy considered to be the best hitting coach in the league. If not, then don't complain about coaching as it must have no impact on the players then.

Free agents that haven't signed at this point, I'm sure, if they sign will sign for less than their counterparts. They also might have to wait until teams have injuries, as the music is stopping and they don't have a chair left.