Chicago Cubs: What to do with Dan Vogelbach?

While the big name prospects are being called up to the majors, there is another prospect making noise at the lower levels. First baseman Dan Vogelbach is currently destroying Double-A pitching.The 22-year-old won his second consecutive Southern League player of the week award Monday. So far this season he has been a handful for pitchers to deal with, posting a .414 BA, 1.211 OPS along with only 6 SO in 71 PA.

Vogelbach is a big lefty, whose size has been a concern for the organization, but he has cut weight and started to fulfill his potential. He was drafted in the second round of the 2011 draft.

The Cubs are no strangers to dealing with prospects playing well and deciding when to make moves with them, but Vogelbach is different than the other ones we’ve seen. He’s not one of the guys who can play multiple positions and be moved around. He’s a first baseman, and the Cubs already have an all-star there in Anthony Rizzo.

The most obvious choice to make with Vogelbach is to package him in a trade for a major league ready player, most likely a pitcher, if the Cubs are serious about winning this year. Cole Hamels rumors have swirled. David Price could be available as well as other established pitchers who can help the Cubs down the stretch. If Vogelbach keeps mashing like he is, expect him to be traded this summer since his stock would most likely never be higher.

Now the trade seems the most likely, but an issue has arisen this past week in the league that could pave the way for Vogelbach to play for the Chicago Cubs.

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainright tore his Achilles while running after he swung the bat, sparking discussion of the designated hitter coming to the National League. Vogelbach is a decent fielder, but as a DH, he could thrive the most. With the looming possibility of the DH becoming a league-mandated position, Dan Vogelbach would be perfect to fill the spot.

The DH is no sure thing though, and it could take years to become a part of the National League. It could just be too long to wait and be worth keeping Vogelbach in the organization.

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The Cubs have said their goal this year is to win a World Series and keeping a stud prospect waiting around in the minors could harm his trade value if he starts to digress. The time could be now to find a trade that nets an experienced player who can be the difference between making the playoffs and watching them from home.

Next: Is the NL Central the Cubs to take?