The Curse of Wrigley Field

Kevin Goldstein published his list of the Cubs top eleven prospects and while there’s no real blue chips in the system, there’s a little bit of depth. In all, he gave three players four stars with 2009 first round draft pick Brett Jackson topping the list.  Goldstein says he won’t be a star, but this is a guy who can do a lot of things well and could help out the Cubs when he makes his debut which will be most likely this year.

Number two is the top pitching prospect in the system, Trey McNutt.  The right hander pitched for three different teams and looks to be a major steal by the Cubs because they got him in the 32nd round.  He struggled when he got to Double-A but it was his third stop and Goldstein thinks that’s where McNutt will start the 2011 season.

Chris Archer may not have McNutt’s upside, but he’s closer to major league ready.  He’s already gotten his share of outs in Double-A but Goldstein thinks Archer could be an early call up.  Josh Vitters (former top prospect, now needs to climb back up the ladder) and Hak-Ju Lee round out the top five.