Chicago Cubs prospects: Not always a happy ending

Mar 18, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder

(27) signs autographs before facing the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Vitters

Josh Vitters seems like one of those players that’s been with the Cubs forever.  Vitters drafted in 2007 as the third overall pick by the Chicago Cubs, was named the Gatorade baseball player of the year for California in 2007 out of high school.  Vitters was expected to be either a corner outfielder or third baseman for the Cubs when he would be eventually called up.  While in the minors, Vitters had shown some success for hitting the ball but not for as much power as you’d want from your future third baseman.

In 2009 Vitters earned a selection to the future’s all-star game.  Later that season he would be promoted to the Dayton Cubs where he would struggle at the plate.  That would be the start of his struggles for the next couple of seasons.  In 2011 Vitters would find his swing again and post a .297 batting average, 18 home runs, and 98 runs batted in while with the Arizona fall league team and Tennessee.

Vitters would earn his call up to the majors at the same time as Brett Jackson in August of 2012.  In his first game he would record a pinch hit double as his first professional hit.  That was probably the highlight of his stay with the Cubs.  In his 36 games he would hit .121 with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in.  That was his one and only call up as a Chicago Cub.  Vitters was granted free agency and would be signed by Colorado.

What may have most Cubs fans upset is who the Cubs passed up after picking Vitters.  Just to name a few, Matt Wieters, Madison Bumgarner, Jayson Heyward, Rick Porcello, Todd Frazier, and Sean Doolittle.  That thud you’re hearing, is the other Cubs fans reading this all hitting their head on their computers.

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