Baseball Prospectus Releases Top 101 Prospects

Another prospect list, another 4 Cubs who crack the high ranks. Just another day at the office, right?

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.