Top 20 2010 Pre-Season Chicago Cubs Prospects in Review
by John Sickels on Aug 6, 2025 5:15 PM EDT
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2010 Chicago Cubs Top 20 Prospects in Review
Here is a review of the 2010 Cubs prospect list, originally published December 29, 2025. THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE OLD LIST AND PRE-SEASON GRADES. THIS IS NOT A NEW LIST. The 2011 list and new grades won't be ready until the season is over and I start writing the book.
1) Starlin Castro, SS, Grade B+: .318/.364/.458 in the majors. I liked him a lot pre-season, but was worried that he might be a bit overhyped and was being rushed. I was wrong about that; he's been excellent, far better than could reasonably have been expected given his age and experience level.
2) Josh Vitters, 3B, Grade B+: .291/.350/.445 in 28 games for Class A Daytona, but just .223/.292/.383 in 63 games for Double-A Tennessee. Young for the level at age 20. I'm not sure what to make of him at this point. On the DL with a broken hand.
3) Brett Jackson, OF, Grade B: .316/.420/.517 for Daytona, .284/.391/.466 for Tennessee, 61 walks total, 23 steals. Love the speed/OBP combination, and his power is coming along. Strikeout rate is high, but that's the only real negative. Stock up with me.
4) Jay Jackson, RHP, Grade B: 4.19 ERA, 86/37 K/BB in 118 innings for Iowa, 105 hits. Has pitched brilliantly at times, but erratic. Looked great in brief relief trial. I still like him.
5) Andrew Cashner, RHP, Grade B: 2.05 ERA, 59/15 K/BB in 57 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. 5.83 ERA, 19/16 K/BB in 29 innings in the majors with command issues. Nothing wrong with the stuff.
6) Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Grade B: .286/.359/.361 for Low-A Peoria, 29 steals. Not a lot of power, but making contact and holding his own at age 19. Defensive reviews from scouts remain good despite rather high error rate.
7) Chris Carpenter, RHP, Grade B-: 3.21 ERA, 82/42 K/BB in 101 innings, 105 hits in Double-A, 1.69 GO/AO. I still think he can/will sneak up on us.
8) Kyler Burke, OF, Grade B-: .227/.297/.361 for Daytona, 36 walks, 105 strikeouts in 410 at-bats. I thought he made real progress last year but it looks like I was wrong about that.
9) Ryan Flaherty, INF, Grade B-: .183/.286/.254 in 23 Double-A games, then .286/.348/.459 in 79 High-A games. Will try again in Double-A next year. See him as more of a solid player than a future star.
10) D.J. LeMahieu, INF, Grade C+: .298/.333/.370 in 106 games for Daytona, 14 steals. Just one homer. College concerns about level swing/lack of home run power with wood look justified.
11) Brooks Raley, LHP, Grade C+: 4.29 ERA, 73/39 K/BB in 105 innings for Daytona, 121 hits. Tale of two seasons, 5.93 ERA with 26 walks in 55 innings pre-All-Star Break, then 2.50 ERA with 12 walks in 50 innings afterward.
12) Logan Watkins, 2B, Grade C+: .253/.337/.321 in 88 games for Peoria, 17 steals, 41 walks in 336 at-bats. No power.
13) Esmailin Caridad, RHP, Grade C+: Has missed almost entire season with elbow injury.
14) Blake Parker, RHP, Grade C+: 4.58 ERA, 46/29 K/BB in 53 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. I thought he was a nice bullpen sleeper, but held back by command problems.
15) John Gaub, LHP, Grade C+: Another guy with command problems in Triple-A, 6.52 ERA with 38/25 K/BB in 29 innings. Lots of strikeouts, too many walks.
16) Matt Spencer, OF, Grade C+: .281/.333/.486 in 92 games between Daytona and Tennessee, 16 homers. Plate discipline is mediocre and he's already 24 but he's got some pop.
17) Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP, Grade C+: 4.25 ERA, 65/33 K/BB in 104 innings, 99 hits for Daytona, 1.58 GO/AO. Not great, but at least he's healthy after recovering from Tommy John. Would like to see higher strikeout rate.
18) Casey Coleman, RHP, Grade C+: 4.07 ERA, 59/35 K/BB in 117 innings for Iowa, 106 hits. Throws strikes, but poor K/IP is not a good sign for his future.
19) Tyler Colvin, OF, Grade C: .258/.319/.535 with 17 homers for the Cubs. I clearly underrated him here, thinking that major league pitchers would carve him up due to impatience.
20) Jeff Beliveau, LHP, Grade C: 2.77 ERA, 78/25 K/BB in 52 innings between Peoria and Daytona. Love the strikeouts. Relief sleeper.
Castro has been awesome, Colvin has been a lot better than I'd thought he'd be, and Brett Jackson has had a great breakout, three things for Cubs fans to be very happy about.
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Vitters...
Seems to be normal for him to struggle in the initial promotion, then do well the next year when starting at that level. Hopefully that’s a trend and he’s just one who needs that adjustment period, but eventually his skills take care of themselves.
by BobbyS on Aug 6, 2025 5:20 PM EDT reply actions
yeah
Yeah. I wish they would stop promoting him so aggressively though. I think he needs to consolidate.
by John Sickels on Aug 6, 2025 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-cubs-wrigley-bound/
by cubsfan1 on Aug 7, 2025 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Vitters is one of those guys who I have no clue as tho how good he is, due to the team being way too aggressive.
by King Billy Royal on Aug 7, 2025 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
I think he’s a pretty good bat who is making slow-but-steady progress in his area of biggest weakness, but I’m just really not quite sure. Also would help if the defensive issues got resolved in short order . . .if he has to move off third, the shift might jump start the development of his offensive skills. I doubt many would argue that a Josh Vitters with a solid eye at the plate would be an impressive player at any position.
by mrkupe on Aug 9, 2025 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
correction
“I doubt many would argue that a Josh Vitters with a solid eye at the plate WOULDN’T be an impressive player at any position.”
by mrkupe on Aug 9, 2025 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I was sold on Castro
after seeing him on an AFL broadcast last year. The phrases exuded confidence and poised beyond his years come to mind. Tremendous contact ability.
by blackoutyears on Aug 6, 2025 5:26 PM EDT reply actions
Didn't buy in then but...
that’s because I suck. The guy is legit. His maturity was very noticeable in the AFL too….I just chose to ignore it because of the pessimist in me.
by SenorGato on Aug 6, 2025 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Why
so pessimistic? And I don’t mean to imply that a few AFL ABs convinced me that he was a star, just that seeing a guy his age with that good an eye and such superior bat control reassured me that he had a shot at realizing his talent.
by blackoutyears on Aug 8, 2025 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Underrating Colvin
He looked like a 4th OF at best. He didn’t have much power and hadn’t even competed at AAA. Who knew he was going to add about 20 pounds of muscle (hmmm) in the offseason and actually add power to his game?
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Aug 6, 2025 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
It's hard to believe people can gain muscle that fast, maybe it's just added weight
But that you’re insinuating he took steroids is kind of ridiculous. He’d add a lot more than that with a full offseason of it with weight training.
You guys win. You can keep your little marked-out piece of internet territory. Spend your days communicating via keyboard with people too ugly for the real world and too nerdy for anyone to care, anyway. Your piece of land is here. Do the rest of civilization a favor and stay within its limits. You bore me. Have fun with your nightly sobs and screams into your pillow over your inability to attract a good mate, Radiohead. ~The Hooligan
by Daniel Berlyn on Aug 6, 2025 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
ummm
no he wouldnt…20 lbs of muscle is a major weight gain from steroids
by miraclemets on Aug 6, 2025 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously not since we have to take his word that he gained that much without steroids.
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by Daniel Berlyn on Aug 6, 2025 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Why do we have to take his word?
It is incredibly difficult for someone to put on 20 pounds of muscle in a 6 month period without the help of illegal substances.
by King Billy Royal on Aug 7, 2025 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I never really believe it when they say they added x pounds of muscle.
I take it that they gained a lot of weight intentionally while working out.
You guys win. You can keep your little marked-out piece of internet territory. Spend your days communicating via keyboard with people too ugly for the real world and too nerdy for anyone to care, anyway. Your piece of land is here. Do the rest of civilization a favor and stay within its limits. You bore me. Have fun with your nightly sobs and screams into your pillow over your inability to attract a good mate, Radiohead. ~The Hooligan
by Daniel Berlyn on Aug 7, 2025 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Response
He’d add a lot more than that with a full offseason of it with weight training
He’d add a lot more than that with a full offseason of it with weight training and steroids.
by King Billy Royal on Aug 7, 2025 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions
What's with you and failing to comprehend what I say?
“it” in that sentence is “steroids”
You guys win. You can keep your little marked-out piece of internet territory. Spend your days communicating via keyboard with people too ugly for the real world and too nerdy for anyone to care, anyway. Your piece of land is here. Do the rest of civilization a favor and stay within its limits. You bore me. Have fun with your nightly sobs and screams into your pillow over your inability to attract a good mate, Radiohead. ~The Hooligan
by Daniel Berlyn on Aug 7, 2025 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
My bad
Relax hunny bunny. So are you saying that he would add more then 20 lbs with steroids and weight training?
by King Billy Royal on Aug 8, 2025 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
If he did so consistently for 6-7 months, it would be a pretty good possibility.
You guys win. You can keep your little marked-out piece of internet territory. Spend your days communicating via keyboard with people too ugly for the real world and too nerdy for anyone to care, anyway. Your piece of land is here. Do the rest of civilization a favor and stay within its limits. You bore me. Have fun with your nightly sobs and screams into your pillow over your inability to attract a good mate, Radiohead. ~The Hooligan
by Daniel Berlyn on Aug 8, 2025 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
No it isn't
Possibly, but 20 lbs of muscle is already way more then the normal athlete is able to put on without PEDs. However, I agree that it likely is closer to 20 lbs of muscle AND fat which could be legit.
by King Billy Royal on Aug 8, 2025 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Part of the goal in weight training is simply to gain weight.
Adam Dunn isn’t 300 pounds of pure muscle, but having that much weight helps him blasts dingers.
You guys win. You can keep your little marked-out piece of internet territory. Spend your days communicating via keyboard with people too ugly for the real world and too nerdy for anyone to care, anyway. Your piece of land is here. Do the rest of civilization a favor and stay within its limits. You bore me. Have fun with your nightly sobs and screams into your pillow over your inability to attract a good mate, Radiohead. ~The Hooligan
by Daniel Berlyn on Aug 8, 2025 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh?
Adam Dunn is built like a beast. A better example is Prince Fielder.
by King Billy Royal on Aug 9, 2025 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions
The reports this spring were 20 pounds of muscle
And really, it’s not ridiculous to speculate on anybody. Especially a guy who went from mediocre power to very good power while also adding tons of muscle in a short period of time.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Aug 7, 2025 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I would point out
that last year was the first offseason in a long time that he could just focus on baseball. There were injuries, travels, and so forth. He reportedly spent a lot of time working in Arizona with the Cubs staff, iirc.
by toonsterwu on Aug 6, 2025 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
you're not the only one
burke has been far less than expected
by rdf8585 on Aug 6, 2025 6:56 PM EDT reply actions
Just a very ho-hum system. Where are the stars? Castro could be special though.
by Humbled Fan on Aug 6, 2025 8:07 PM EDT reply actions
It's probably bottom third...
But, in fairness, the Cubs have had breakout seasons from a few players not listed in John’s Preseason Top 20 who probably will make a good number of Top 10 lists for the Cubs this offseason (Chris Archer, Trey McNutt, Junior Lake). There are also some guys with sleeper potential scattered throughout full season ball.
The short season levels are a complete mystery to me, though. I know there are some bonus babies, a few well-regarded draft picks, and teenagers who are all performing decently. I have no idea how well any of those players have looked, though.
by Outshined_One on Aug 6, 2025 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It's been a mixed bag year in the system
The preseason list also didn’t include Chris Archer or Trey McNutt, two of the biggest positive stories for the system.
That said, a lot of the bats have disappointed. The lower levels of the farm system are fairly weak (the shortseason and Arizona players look very iffy). It’s a pitching heavy system, and yet, after the top 5 or so guys, things take a dramatic fall. I mean, I think I can make a case on floor and performance that Chris Rusin could be a top 10 in the system right now, and yet, let’s face it, his stuff is pedestrian.
There are few stars in the system, but it isn’t exactly a Stockstill-era system, systems that had one or two nice pieces and a load of “cup of tea” guys. The top 10 should still look fairly decent compared to others, but admittedly, few middle of the order bats, few guys currently in the system (not counting Cashner) that really project as TOR guys (maybe Archer and McNutt but a lot of work to do with both).
by toonsterwu on Aug 6, 2025 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Trey McNutt really is a hilarious name
I hope he makes it for that reason alone.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Aug 7, 2025 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Canzler
John, curious if you have any thoughts on Russ Canzler. I’m not sure what to think about him, but he is having a monstrous season in AA, and seemingly is passable at 3rd. We’ll know more about the former first baseman’s glove at 3rd as he’ll likely get increased time there with Vitters down.
by toonsterwu on Aug 6, 2025 8:24 PM EDT reply actions
I really like Chris Archer
I think he’d be number 3 for me in the system behind Jackson and Hak-Ju.
http://bullpenbanter.com/
by jar75 on Aug 7, 2025 12:14 PM EDT reply actions
+1
He’s my favorite Cubs pitching prospect…excellent stuff…it kinda sucks he’s probably a long term reliever.
by SenorGato on Aug 7, 2025 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
that's how i have it right now
but i am curious how trey mcnutt finishes the year. better fastball than archer, from what i understand. archer has a better breaking ball, but mcnutt’s curve is good. both have work in progress changeups. going to be hard for mcnutt to overtake archer for me this year, considering archer’s velo is more comfortably in the 93+ range this year, but i don’t think the gap is all that much.
by toonsterwu on Aug 7, 2025 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
If Carlos Gomez could net J.J. Hardy then Wilson Ramos should have netted at Least Matt Capps...
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Aug 8, 2025 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Brett "The Hitman" Jackson
Stud.
R.I.P. cwhitman412, Frederick0220, & Mets2k9
by Dewey Finn on Aug 7, 2025 6:31 PM EDT reply actions
This is true....
Also, I think when an organization has a legit 5 tool “up the middle” prospect then it’s a sign that the franchise is in for a run soon enough.
Anyone else like LeMahieu? His performance so far is meh, but he’s got a crapload of projection. He’s got really nice athleticism for the IF and his size makes him even more intriguing.
by SenorGato on Aug 8, 2025 5:53 AM EDT up reply actions
my issue with LeMahieu
is that, without better pop, I’m just not that intrigued. I mean, there’s enough there with his contact ability that he could be a decent starter in the right situation. People have been hoping he’d develop more pop since his HS days, but he hasn’t, and I don’t see it happening without reworking his swing.
by toonsterwu on Aug 8, 2025 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
If there is any knock on the system since Wilken took over
It’s that he loves athletes over production. Specifically in regards to hitters. Not a legit mid order bat anywhere to be found. Yet 20-25 SS’s.
" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "
by aaronb on Aug 9, 2025 9:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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