Chicago Cubs’ Top Prospects #15 – #21

Just in time for Christmas, we bring you the Cubbies Crib edition of the Chicago Cubs Top Prospects List. Starting from a list of candidates that contained about forty names, I whittled it down to a Top 21 that will be published in three installments of seven, starting at the bottom.

Tuesday: #15- #21
Wednesday: #8 – #14
Thursday: #1 – #7
Friday: A consolidated Top 21 with additional comments.

Ranking prospects is always a tricky business. The potential ceiling of the players has to be balanced against their actual production, the level at which they have played, their age, their position, and a number of other factors. I tend to favor players who have produced when given the opportunity, with a few notable exceptions. Keep in mind that, like all rankings, these are flexible. Any player is one breakout season away from jumping onto this list, or one miserable season away from falling off it.

And now, the Cubs Top 21, numbers 15 through 21.

15. Jeimer Candelario – 3B
Key Stat: In 249 ABs, he totaled 50BB against 42Ks while slugging .478.
ETA: 2015
Projects As: Judging from his excellent DSL numbers, Candelario might have as much potential as anyone in the farm system. If he can stick at third defensively, he could become a fixture there for the Cubs.

16. Luis Liria – RHP
Key Stat: WHIP of 1.125 in 45 innings at Peoria.
ETA: 2015
Projects As: If he can cut back on the walks, he could check in as high as a mid-rotation guy.

17. Gioskar Amaya – INF
Key Stat: He had an OPS of 0.927 in Arizona.
ETA: 2015
Projects As: The Cubs are crowded at infield in the low minors. Amaya might wind up as a utility player, but a good one.

18. Dillon Maples – RHP
Key Stat: Signed for $2.5 million.
ETA: 2015+
Projects As: His upside might be the highest among pitchers in the farm system. He has true ace potential. Until we see how he adjusts to the mechanical tweaks, though, I’m going to stay cautious on this one.

19. Jae-Hoon Ha – OF
Key Stat: Just 28 Ks in 226 ABs at Tennessee.
ETA: 2013
Projects As: At worst, Ha looks like a solid defensive fourth outfielder. He could push Brett Jackson out of center, but I don’t think he’ll hold it when Szczur arrives.

20. Hayden Simpson – RHP
Key Stat: He lost a lot of weight last winter from an illness, and a lot of velocity as a result. We have yet to see him pitch at full strength.
ETA: 2014
Projects As: The critics will say he’s a middle reliever at best but I’m not writing him off yet. He’s a number two or three starter, if his velocity comes back.

21. Eric Jokisch – RHP
Key Stat: WHIP of 1.163 in 118 innings at Peoria.
ETA: 2013
Projects As: The Cubs have plenty of good lefty relievers, so I think they’ll keep Jokisch in the rotation. He looks like a back of the rotation starter to me, but he should be a good one.