Every year it seems that a few prospects come out of nowhere and have a breakout year that shoots them up the organization's depth chart. In 2010, Brandon Guyer was that type of player, entering the season unranked amongst the Cubs top 30 prospects (by Baseball America), before hitting .344/.398/.588 and ending up as a consensus top 10 Cubs prospect (before the trade).
Here are some players who I think are on the verge of putting it together and could make that leap this year:
Jae-Hoon Ha, RF, Peoria - Ha had a nice slash line of .317/.334/.468 at Peoria in 2010, leading the team in average. He needs to learn to be more patient (just 16 walks in 541 career ABs), but at 20 years old, he has time on his side.
Jeff Beliveau, LHP, Daytona - Beliveau was downright nasty at two levels in 2010, recording a 2.66 ERA with 97 K's in just 64.1 IP. He needs to cut down on the walks (career 4.7 BB/9 IP), but his career 12.2 K/9 IP speaks volumes. Oh, and did I mention he's lefthanded. He could work his way into the Cubs pen by season end.
Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP, Daytona - listed as the Cubs 12th best prospect by Baseball America heading into the 2010 season, Rhee struggled to regain his form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2009. However, as it usually take pitchers 18 months to fully recover from TJS, I am expecting better things from Rhee in 2011.
Tony Campana, CF, Tennessee - listed at 5'8" and 160 lbs., Campana is the epitome of a slap hitter. However, he has speed to burn, with 48 SB's in 2010, after stealing 66 in 2009. He hit 319/.378/.384 in 2010 and could be this year's version of Brandon Guyer.
Charles Thomas, RHP, Rookie League - the Cubs have had success with converting hitters into pitchers and Thomas is the latest experiment. Thomas started his career as a corner infielder, but after hitting .244/.297/.357 in two seasons, the Cubs moved him to the bullpen. Some reports have him throwing in the upper 90's with a decent splitter and a slider.
There are some of my picks to click in 2011. I think maybe 1-2 of these guys could move into the Top 10 prospects list before the year is out.
These looks great for "sleeper prospects". Nice and informative post. I like your goat picture, by the way!
ReplyDeleteTony Campana=Juan Pierre. Im not convinced hes a big leaguer. Rhee has to show hes healthy. Belliveau has the makings of a LH Carlos Marmol. Any stats available on him?
ReplyDeleteThe stats for Beliveau can be found by clicking his name (link to baseball-reference.com).
ReplyDelete