http://www.bleachernation.com/2013/07/0 ... l-america/

The Cubs Have Three (or Four) of the Top 20 Prospects in Baseball According to Baseball America
By Brett on July 9, 2013

Yesterday, Baseball America revealed its midseason top 50 prospect update, and, as it was with Baseball Prospectus’s update, the Cubs are well-represented.

All of The Big Three made the cut, with Jorge Soler at 18, Albert Almora at 16 (with Dylan Bundy sandwiched in between, for what that’s worth), and Javier Baez all the way up at number 10. I’m not sure I can remember the last time the Cubs had three positional players in the consensus top 50 in the game, let alone top 20 (or 30, if you ask BP).

Having 3 of the top 18 prospects in the game is fantastic for the future of the organization. Remember, these guys aren’t merely being relied upon as future contributors as the Cubs, but they are theoretical trade chips that can be used for big league pieces (and the better they’re regarded, the more value they have).

And if you read Luke’s Minor League Daily today, you know that it gets even better. BA’s Jim Callis, in response to a question about draft pick quality, suggested that – at least in his opinion – top Cubs draft pick Kris Bryant, when he signs this week, will become the Cubs’ best prospect. Given how closely The Big Four are going to be bunched, it’s really hard to say who is the best of the lot. Even if it isn’t Bryant, he figures to fall at least somewhere in the middle of the group.

That means, when Bryant signs this week – and he will – the Cubs will have 4 of the top 31 prospects in baseball, according to BP, and 4 of the top 19 prospects in baseball, according to BA.

Just coming to post the same article. Awesome how relatively quickly the farm has been improved. Wouldn't be too shocked to see 1 of the 4 moved in the offseason for MLB talent.

_________________
Team Cutler.

Ha, true. But +1 to ND's thoughts. This is still pretty cool.

Sox wouldn't have one in the top 100.

_________________
Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

Good news I guess. This prospect stuff is such a damn shitshow.

Has a team with several highly ranked prospects ever NOT won multiple World Series?

Royals? Brewers? Indians? Rays? Rays and Indians probably not fair as they were right there. Didn't the Cubs have the #1 rated system at one point in the early 2000s?

I was always a sucker for Cubs hype with prospects. No more.

Cardinals have #2, 12, 24...I like their chances better.

_________________
Ба́бушка гада́ла, да на́двое сказа́ла—то ли до́ждик, то ли снег, то ли бу́дет, то ли нет.

THAT'S THE JOKE

They need to hurry up. I was a little saddened at the fact that I was watching the game yesterday and did not know who #1 was (Cody Ransom). I used to watch the games every day, good or bad. I've tapped out after a few weeks since 2010. Especially with Quade and his lame nicknames.

_________________

I dont remember but if they did wouldnt that support what they are doing now. 2003-2008 was the best stretch of Cubs teams in my lifetime.

_________________

Derrek Lee
Aramis Ramirez
Soriano

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2006-organization-talent-rankings-854/

In 2002 they were #1 and 2003 were #3. Cubs did use those chips to snag Ramirez & Lee.

prior, juan cruz, corey patterson, david kelton, hee sop choi, bobby hill. zambrano had the best career.

_________________
Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

_________________
"All crowds boycotting football games shouldn't care who sings or takes a knee because they aren't watching." - Nas

That's what I mean. If the current crop of young prospects come up to the bigs and are great I am happy with that. I'm just as happy with them stockpiling them and unloading them for current MLB talent as well.

_________________

The team has actually been fun to watch lately.

I'd look for a healthy dose of both strategies.

Kelton was a huge prospect despite the lack of minor league production. Again people ingnoring the stats. "He's YOUNG! He's got TOOLS!!"

_________________
Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

enjoy your hope

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.