2011 MLB Draft: Chicago Cubs Review
Power and hitting in general looks like the theme for the Cubs this year.
1) Javier Baez, 3B, Florida HS: Excellent bat speed, should hit for average and power, also a fine arm. Makeup draws questions but young enough to outgrow it.
2) Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Florida HS: Enormous raw power and strong plate discipline are big positives, but plus/plus size 6-foot, 240 pound body kept him from going higher.
3) Zeke DeVoss, OF, Miami: Excellent speed, somewhat raw for a college guy, some scouts really like him, some don't.
4) Tony Zych, RHP, Louisville: Successful college closer, can hit 96-99 MPH, erratic slider and non-smooth mechanics hurt his stock a bit, pitched great in Cape Coe League last year.
5) Tayler Scott, RHP, Arizona HS: Originally from South Africa. Projectable, works in low-90s, needs innings and experience but has considerable upside. University of Arizona commitment.
6) Neftali Rosario, C, Puerto Rico HS: A bit raw, but tools to be a good defender, also has power in his bat. Sleeper prospect.
7) Trevor Gretzky, 1B, California HS: Wayne's son. Big, raw, strong power potential but swing needs work. Three years of polish at San Diego State could make him a much earlier pick in 2014 if he doesn't sign.
8) Taylor Dugas, OF, Alabama: Undersized, very patient, has some speed, profiles as reserve outfielder.
9) Garrett Schlect, OF, Illinois HS: Homestate kid, average tools across the board but scouts like his hitting skills.
10) Daniel Lockhart, SS, Georgia HS: Son of Keith. Athletic, solid bat, fair amount of polish, obvious bloodlines.
OTHERS OF NOTE: OF Shawon Dunston Jr (11th round, California HS) runs very well and has major league bloodlines, but is raw and strongly committed to Vanderbilt. RHP Dillon Maples (14th round, North Carolina HS) is very athletic and could have gone in the supplemental round but is strongly committed to North Carolina. 1B Rock Shoulders (25th round, State JC of Florida) has excellent power but might be annoyed by being drafted 15 rounds later than expected. He's a freshman so he doesn't have to sign yet.
SUMMARY: Offensive focus in this draft with few arms that can be expected to help quickly. Vogelbach, Gretzky, and Shoulders all have strong first base power potential. Bloodlines are another theme with Gretzky, Lockhart, and Dunston. If they can sign Dunston and Maples away from college, this draft will look pretty good to me, but those are big ifs.
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