Chicago Cubs prospects: Not always a happy ending

Aug 10, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman

(middle) is doused with water by his teammates after driving in the winning run with a single during the 12th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

There are many names that could be used.  Other names I considered were Jerome Walton, Dwight Smith, Bobby Hill, Jake Fox, Luis Montanez and Tyler Colvin.  I know Mark Prior would be considered a bust.  I stubbornly would not add him to this list.  I blame Dusty Baker and Larry Rothschild and their handling of Prior for his demise.  If not for his arm troubles, who knows how many championships we could have won.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs need to walk the walk this winter after talking the talk
• Cubs, 2 superstar free agents-to-be have ‘mutual interest’
• Where’s the love for Cubs prospect Matt Mervis?
• Alec Mills shocked Cubs fans, baseball world with 2020 no-hitter
• Cubs: After season of adjustments, Seiya Suzuki primed for monster 2023

It seems that most of Jim Hendry’s first round picks have turned out to be busts. Hopefully Javier Baez can break that streak.  While I’m not trying to blame Hendry for all of the shortcomings of the Cubs, ultimately he was the one who would take the blame.  Scouting needed to improve and it has.  What the previous group of management did was an example of what not to do and this current management knows that.

I have faith in this management – so far they have been consistent and on track with their plan.  Now it’s the players turn to do what they were expected to do.  I personally can’t wait to see them all come up and show their talents.