A look at the ‘prospects’ in the Marshall trade

Aug 17, 2011; Washington, DC, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dave Sappelt (17) singles against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

The rebuilding of a depleted farm system was in full swing under the watchful eyes of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer this winter, with the Cubs dealing away key players in return for multiple prospects. Obviously, the deal that sent Sean Marshall packing for Cincinnati drew the most attention for the addition of Travis Wood, and the loss of Marshall in the Cubs’ bullpen. Scarcely mentioned in the news reports were the two prospects acquired along with Wood, but who have the potential to set foot on Wrigley within the next couple of years.
1) Dave Sappelt – Outfielder: (Acquired on 12/23/11 via trade with CIN)
The main piece of the Marshall deal was the addition of starting pitcher Travis Wood. Wood, a left-hander, is coming off a season in which he went 6-6 with a 4.84 ERA, making 18 starts for a total of 106.0 innings. Scarcely mentioned in these reports, however, were Sappelt and 19-year old Ronald Torreyes, a second baseman.

Sappelt won the Reds’ organization Minor League Player of the Year award in 2010, collecting a .342 average in AA, AAA, and A+ play, as well as 10 home runs and 74 runs batted in. He also showcased his speed, stealing 25 bases. He was, however, caught 18 times.
The Cubs’ organization is rebuilding the outfield, with the likes of five-tool standout Brett Jackson near-ready to become a big league regular, in addition to Matt Szczur. Tony Campana broke onto the scene in a big way last year, providing a spark and endless hustle to a team that lacked both in 2011. With the addition of David DeJesus, the Cubs head into camp with as many 6 outfielders that could see Major League Action this season.

2) Ronald Torreyes – Second Base: (Acquired on 12/23/11 via trade with CIN)
Torreyes is only 19 years old, and has never seen Minor League action any higher than Class A ball. Given this, he has dominated low-level pitching, with a combined .364 average over the last two seasons. He was moved around defensively, before settling in at second late last season.
In only 67 games last season, Torreyes hit 3 home runs and drove in 41 runs, en route to his .356 average. He had a .989 fielding percentage at second base, much improved from other positions, namely third base, where he made 11 errors for a .899 fielding percentage.
Time will tell whether or not Torreyes will become a household name in Chicago. He’s only 19 years old, and has never seen any action in the high minors. However, if he continues to develop offensively, perhaps the Cubs could be looking at a solution at second base, a need the Cubs have had for some time now.

While Travis Wood provides a key piece of the Cubs’ 2012 roster, the long-term effects of these two prospects could prove to be even larger. Sappelt and Torreyes both have the talents to be successful. Will we see Sappelt living every outfielder’s nightmare, patrolling the ‘windy confines’? Will Torreyes be the Cubs’ long sought answer at second base?

Tags: Cubs farm system, jed hoyer, Theo Epstein