Sep. 29, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Brett Jackson (7) reacts after striking out in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

The inclusion of Almora marks the third straight year in which a Cubs outfield prospect has been featured. Brett Jackson appeared both in 2012 and 2011 at fifth and sixth respectively. During his brief time in pro ball since the draft, Almora so far has displayed the ability to hit to all fields with a combined .300 plus batting average. The power numbers hope to be improved on, but at age 18 that is one area that typically comes around as a young player continues to mature. As an example, Starlin Castro’s home run totals have steadily increased in each of his first three seasons in the Majors after making his debut at the age of 20.

While there is still a long way off between now and the projected debut of 2016 or 2017 for Almora, one promising note is the fact that 6 foot 1 right hander has already been included in this Top 10 list despite just 33 games in the minors after being recently drafted. The other reason that this mention is of significance is that this short list does not factor for the individual outfield positions like left field or center field. While a specific outfield position is more interchangeable in the lower levels of minor league ball, the argument is that the pool of players from which to generate a Top 10 list is deeper than that of first base for example. While the Cubs have been known to over hype their prospects in past years, there is reason to be excited over Almora’s future as a Cub. Yes, Jackson’s promotion to the Majors last season shows that there are no guarantees of instant impact and stardom, but the initial returns suggest that Epstein and Company have hit on their first draft pick as leaders of the Cubs front office.

Feb 21, 2012; Peoria, AZ, USA; A detailed view of a major league baseball during the Seattle Mariners full team workout during spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Rizzo no longer being a prospect may be one reason why Vogelbach has inched his way up the short list, but considering that Vogelbach has been able to remain on this list deserves some credit. A second round pick by the Cubs in 2011, the left handed slugger possess raw power while also being able to hit for average. Sound familiar? The same could be said of Rizzo as he was making his way through the minors with the Red Sox, Padres, and early last year with the Cubs.

It took Rizzo four years before getting his MLB debut and his fifth season in pro ball to hold down a starting job. If Vogelbach can make the same progress, he would be in line to make his Major League arrival in 2016. However, if Rizzo is able to reach his potential and cement himself at first in Wrigley Field, Vogelbach’s debut is most likely to come in a uniform not featuring the Cubs blue pinstripes. Vogelbach has had weight issues coming out of high school, and with Rizzo blocking first base, it would be hard to see Vogelbach being able to find another position on the field. Prospects that can hit while looking for another position typically get shuffled into the outfield, but as fans saw with Bryan LaHair, it is not as easy a transition as one would think for a professional athlete.

Regardless, the Cubs front office will be rooting for Vogelbach to continue his progress, as the prospect would in turn be increasing his trade value. Considering that Theo Epstein and Company gave up promising pitcher Andrew Cashner for Rizzo, flipping Vogelbach sometime in the next couple of seasons would help the North Siders fill other needs on the roster. Such a trade could come as early as this coming 2013 season, with veterans such as Carlos Marmol, Matt Garza, and Alfonso Soriano on the trading block.

Watkins has gone under the radar for a rather long time but is now emerging as a significant prospect within the Cubs’ system, thus meriting him a place on the 40 man roster and protection from the Rule 5 draft. The 23 year old from Goddard, Kansas spent all of 2012 in AA Tennessee playing a range of positions from DH, to CF to middle infield. Watkins is a true example of organic player development as he’s risen through every single rank of the Cubs’ system.

While this is a testament to his defensive skill and adaptable playing style, his home position is second base. Watkins possesses a steady glove and great speed which allow him to be an effective middle infielder. He posted an outstanding .987 fld% at 2b for Tennessee last season, committing only 6 errors in 95 games. His metrics look solid at short stop as well, posting a .972 fld% and only 6 errors in 29 games. Defense at this level of play is indicative of his future tendencies, and he seems to be able to read balls off the bat quickly, make responsible (read: not overly-aggressive) plays towards the ball and finish nicely with an arm that has more accuracy than power.

Defensively, Watkins is sound. What about the bat?

Logan Watkins – MANDATORY CREDIT US PRESSWIRE

The biggest concern with the young IF was power at the plate. Watkins isn’t a terribly large human and often was snuffed for lack of strength – a problem that could have sank his overall development with the squad. This was reinforced largely by his lack of HR production in lower levels of baseball, not hitting his first pro jack until reaching low-A Peoria. Watkins also had trouble cracking anything over a .400 SLG in his early years with short and low-A ball but has since found some power posting a .281/.352/.404/ triple slash in single-A Daytona in 2011.

Even though power may have been lacking from Watkins’ bat in the early stages of his development, his steady approach and swing have made him a weapon at the plate. His batting average has never slipped below .260 at the pro level, and continues to hover at the .280 mark as he climbs through the ranks. Take note that his 2012 AA triple slash was an impressive .281/.383/.422 showing improvement in all categories from his previous season in single A. This improvement is accentuated and even more impressive as the jump from single-A to AA is recognized as one of the hardest transfers to make for young players.

Often, a player will lose power is lost when approach is emphasized. Regardless, this is a very mature way of taking AB and could differentiate him from players like Junior Lake and Javier Baez.

To compliment his steady bat, Watkins has a great eye at the plate as well. His record of drawing walks at every level of ball has never faltered and drew 76 BB in 488 AB (15.6 BB%) in AA ball last year. This trend shows up throughout every year of activity in all levels of ball and is extremely high for any AA prospect. Having the ability to draw walks as effectively as Watkins does is lethal weapon for teams as it forces pitches to throw strikes knowing the batter wont chase any bad pitches and allows Watkins to receive more pitches in the zone, thus making it easier for him rack up hits.

Speed, maturity at the plate, and defensive skill all make Watkins a valuable prospect. He certainly is on pace to be the Cubs’ first IF call up but would require Darwin Barney to either be injured or need rest. Watkins can play many other positions, but certainly not at the major league level – not to mention that Javier Baez and Albert Almora are right behind him.

Expect to see him get some action in AAA this season at some point and maybe even get a late season “exposure” call up to the Cubs.