The Cubs went on a spending spree this most recent offseason, so it remains to see how their prospects fit into the team's future. 2006 first round pick Tyler Colvin and 2005 Mark Pawelek provide a good young base to the Cubs. All that remains to be seen is whether or not Jim Hendry can continue to draft players as well as he throws money around.
Orginizational MVP: Eric Patterson, 2B, Tennessee Smokies (AA)
Patterson, younger brother of Orioles CF Corey Patterson, has had stardom written all over him ever since he stepped foot on campus at Georgia Tech. However, this is easily the biggest limb I've gone out on so far in my predictions, as Patterson only went .276/.339/.419 last year combined with West Tennessee and Iowa. His numbers spiked way up once he reached the PCL, but that was obviously due to a combination of more pitchers parks and a lower sample size (only 17 games in AAA). He may play more in Iowa, but I'm betting he at least starts the year in the Southern League.
Orginizational Pitcher of the Year: Jeff Samardzija, Peoria Chiefs (A)
Much has been made about Samardzija's decision to forgo the NFL for Major league baseball. Samardzija has reiterated many times that it was his love for baseball and not the money that drove him to sign with the Cubs. The Cubs believe, as do I, that he is a frontline starter waiting to happen. He is a tall, lanky kid, and is able to get a lot of action on his fastball. He should be able to throw his fastball in the mid 90's, and he has a tight breaking ball.
Affiliate of the Year: Peoria Chiefs (A)
For one reason, and one reason only: to watch Jeff Samardzija pitch.
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2 comments:
yeah samardzija is going to tear it up
Hey Petey and Stephen,
You've got the makings of a pretty nice blog here. I've tossed up a link on my blog at www.sportsopinion.ca and I was hoping you'd return the favor.
Cubs are a lock to take the Central this year!
Thanks,
Lits
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