While seeing Jorge Soler, Arodys Vizcaino, Javier Baez and Albert Almora on top prospect lists is becoming a bit of a no-brainer at this point, this list in particular has some serious traction to it.

Mainly because it’s from the good folks at Baseball Prospectusand written by one of my favorite scouts: Jason Parks.

Feb 23, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum (left) talks to Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez (center) before a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

You may remember Parks from the “Up and In” podcast with now Houston Astro Pro Scouting Coordinator Kevin Goldstein. Not only were the two a hilarious combo of wit and charm, but they provided excellent insight in to the world of scouting. The show is now dead because of Goldstein’s job with the Astros, but I still recommend you go check out the archived episodes.

When Parks speaks, I listen. He’s just one of those guys who seems to have a beat on the pulse of prospects and he has some serious praise for the Cubs.

Parks ranks Almora #18, Baez #20, Soler #36 and Vizcaino #54. These are some seriously generous rankings and coming from a source like this, it’s something to be excited about.

Almora tops the ranks of Cubs’ players as expected, but it’s the placement ranking that makes me giddy. Almora is touted for his unique blend of all 5 tools and a + to ++ projection on hit power, but to be placed in the same field as guys like Tyler Skaggs and Austin Hedges is a huge compliment to him, especially at such a young age.

Should Soler be higher up on the list considering his current hot streak in spring training? Should he not at least be above, if not near the same rank as Baez? While baseball is a streaky game and there is a lot of hype around him right now, he simply doesn’t show the same upside as Baez or Almora. He may be a better player right now, but these lists focus on the future and potential on the whole. Not that Soler is a bad player… he’s still a physical monster who will have an impact role with the Cubs one day.

Regardless of who falls where in the rankings, it’s a lot to be excited about as a Cubs fan.

For starters, well you have the revamped starting rotation unit to familiarize yourself with. Scott Feldman will take over Ryan Dempster’s old number, 46. Hopefully he pitches more like Dempster as a Cub than Dempster the Texas Ranger, Feldman’s former ball club. Scott Baker is going with number 32, but as Andrew relayed along the other day, the early indication from the Cubs is that we will not see the former Twin rock those uniform digits for his Cubs debut until after Opening Day. Edwin Jackson’s number of choice is 36, despite having worn several other numbers during his journeyman career. Carlos Villanueva was initially handed number 57, but Carrie Muskat has the inside scoop on how manager Dale Sveum will be giving up his 33 to the new Cub pitcher, the digits Villanueva has worn for the majortity of his career.

So what number will Sveum don? Muskat continues by reporting that the Cubs manager will switch to 4. But the numbers game continues here as that is currently back up catcher Dioner Navarro’s single digit. Word is that the backstop is in the midst of negotiations to obtain another number. Veteran players have been known to offer things such as money or Rolex watches to get a desired uniform number from a player that is currently using it. Judging from Navarro’s uniform history,  his trade partner figures to be Travis Wood for his number 30.

Feb. 29, 2012; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Trey McNutt during spring training workouts at Fitch Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Turning our attention back to the pitchers, there are a few other numbers and faces to note. Cuban signing Arodys Vizcaino will wear 41 and prospect Trey McNutt will wear Spring Training designated 71. Japanese import Kyuji Fujikawa will be sporting the number 11 jersey he held up at his press conference earlier this off season and non roster invitee  Hisanori Takahashi will wear 47.

The Cubs infield returns as is, regardless of whether or not you are satisfied with the band aid option returnees Ian Stewart and Luis Valbuena. Prospects Christian Villanueva and Logan Watkins will wear 61 and 74 respectively, while top prospect and invitee Javier Baez will rock 70.

New comer Nate Schierholtz has taken number 19 and Cuban Jorge Soler has the temporary number 68. Veteran Scott Hairston will rock Sammy Sosa’s old 21, a number Hairston said was an honor to wear after having seen Sosa play at Wrigley when Hairston was younger. The irony is that the issuing of Sosa’s old digits may be a sign of where the Cubs ownership stands on Slammin’ Sammy’s dream to have his number retired by the organization one day, an honor typically bestowed upon Cub Hall of Famers only.

For you visual learners and those looking for the complete updated list of new numbers and names, please see below. The pending changes for Villanueva and Navarro are planned to take effect by Opening Day.

40-man roster

Pitchers
32 – Scott Baker
46 – Scott Feldman
71 – Trey McNutt
56 – Hector Rondon
57 – Carlos Villanueva
41 – Arodys Vizcaino
67 – Robert Whitenack
11 – Kyuji Fujikawa

Catchers
4 – Dioner Navarro

Infielders
61 – Christian Villanueva
74 – Logan Watkins

Outfielders
19 – Nate Schierholtz
68 – Jorge Soler
21 – Scott Hairston

**
Non-Roster Invitees

Pitchers
76 – Drew Carpenter
77 – Dayan Diaz
60 – Jensen Lewis
85 – Barret Loux
50 – Blake Parker
63 – Zach Putnam
81 – Nick Struck
47 – Hisanori Takahashi
59 – Cory Wade

Catchers
79 – J.C. Boscan
78 – Michael Brenly
82 – Rafael Lopez

Infielders
70 – Javier Baez
6 – Alberto Gonzalez
20 – Brent Lillibridge
65 – Edwin Maysonet
75 – Brad Nelson

Outfielders
66 – Brian Bogusevic
80 – Johermyn Chavez
16 – Darnell McDonald

Ask Theo Epstein this question and he’d look Clint Eastwood dead in his eyes and say: yes.

The Cubs of 2013 either know no fear in the eyes of fate or are cold, calculated tacticians considering their recent flurry of signings complimented with today’s announcement of a deal with Korean reliever Chang-Yong Lim.

Lim falls in to a rather populated category of new Cubs who are recovering from Tommy John surgery. This list includes:

• Arodys Vizcaino
• Scott Baker
• Hector Rondon (who had elbow surgery was acquired from the rule 5 draft)

Considering the nature of each signing, it’s all very unnerving. Baker will likely be a regular starter in the Cubs’ 2013 rotation and Vizcaino could be considered one of the best pitching prospects the Cubs currently posses in their system. Both of these relatively important roles are being trusted to guys who have had surgery directly related to their performing arms.

That’s a lot of pressure.

Starting to sweat yet? It’s hard not too. All of these pitchers are just one miss-throw away from a complete career-ending arm blowout

Epstein, forever the “cool as a cucumber” type, isn’t worried:

You don’t set out looking for Tommy John guys. The reality is it’s not exactly a buyer’s market for pitching so you have to take your risks. Do you want to take a risk on a guy with bad makeup? Do you want to take a risk on a guy with bad command? Or, do you want to take the risk on a guy you really believe in who is coming off Tommy John surgery and has appropriate value points? I think we’re very comfortable placing our bets

Take faith in the fact that TJ surgery is now one of the predictable rehab processes in the entire sporting world. Almost 95% of those subject to the procedure make a full recovery and maintain their previous level of on-field performance. If it’s shoulder surgery? You can bet Epstein would not be laying his neck on the line making these types of signings. He was quoted saying:

If you have to sign a pitcher who is coming off surgery, Tommy John is the one you want him to come off.

For instance, Lim is a bit more of a gamble considering the recent nature of his surgery and his tendency to throw “side arm”. Side arm throwers are subject to these injuries on a more frequent basis because of the mechanics associated with the delivery and sharp whipping action of the arm. He’s also unavailable to play for an additional 2 years because of his rehab efforts. It is a concern for the front office, but the Cubs are being smart about their handling of their new damaged goods.

Oct 25, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; General view of the exterior of Wrigley Field after a press conference announcing Chicago Cubs new president of baseball operations Theo Epstein (not pictured). Mandatory Credit: Tommy Giglio-USA TODAY Sports

Lim, who is arguably the most likely to suffer an arm blowout, has only been inked to a split minor league deal with a signing bonus of $100K in order to keep him interested. He’ll kick back and enjoy collecting a minor league minimum salary while rehabing. Seems irrational right? The logic and subtlety is in the current market rate. For example,  Mike Adams has agreed to a 2 year/$12 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies just recently. This is a clear indication of the pitching market’s inflation and taking a chance on a Korean who was nicknamed “mister zero” in his 4 years of closing experience at a fraction of the price seems like a great idea.

The focus on the future is clear. Keep in mind, this isn’t Epstein’s first rodeo. Considering all of the previous moves and rehauling of the farm system, Epstein doesn’t make a deal unless he can see at least some value in it.

You can take solace in knowing that rolling the dice with injured players won’t be the demise of the North Siders.