Track 1: We Ready
I spent several years working college basketball games, and this song was used when teams took the court. Now, it can be the theme song for several of the young Chicago Cubs players.
After two weeks, each of the top four hitting prospects for the Cubs is batting over .300. Ian Happ is leading the way with a .375/.400/.635 split, with four runs scored and five knocked in. Top Prospect Eloy Jimenez is not far behind. In 12 games, he has collected eight hits, scored four times, and pushed through three more.
The largest surprise of the Spring is Jeimer Candelario. While the potential to hit for power is there, performing with a high average was an afterthought. A bonus to what he can do. This Spring, the performance for the #96 prospect for MLB.com is opening eyes. So far, Candelario is hitting .333 with two doubles, two triples, and six runs scored. This in 30 at-bats.
Then there is Albert Almora. Batting to the tune of a .304/.333/.609 split, the Cubs are finally seeing what they need from him. Will it be enough to earn the starting job in center field? Maybe, but the trend must continue. To this point, Almora and the other top prospects are showing that they are ready.