Future Shock

State of the Systems, NL Central

by Kevin Goldstein

Chicago Cubs

Triple-A Iowa (Pacific Coast League; 9-9)

With Felix Pie and Rocky Cherry now in the big leagues, we're left with little to talk about. The two best offensive prospects on the team, third baseman Scott Moore (.218/.368/.291) and second baseman Eric Patterson (.239/.300/.261) are both struggling early in the season, not that there is an immediate opportunity awaiting them in the bigs, anyway. The I-Cubs most impressive pitcher has been Carlos Marmol, who still has a power arm and is showing much-improved control this year with 24 strikeouts and just four walks in 16.1 innings.

Double-A Tennessee (Southern League; 9-7)

Another frustrating year for first baseman Brian Dopirak, who took 30+ at-bats to hit his first home run of the year, and then got hurt again. Jake Fox (.321/.339/.518) has built on his Florida State League breakout season in 2006, but he's no longer catching, which limits hilong term future. The team's best hitter has been Josh Kroeger (.365/.389/.500), but the former Arizona prospect is now no more than an organizational player. While the pitching staff has been solid overall with a team ERA of 3.62, top prospect Donald Veal has struggled in three outings, with a 9.00 ERA and 13 walks in 12 innings. Righthander Sean Gallagher is living up to expectations with a 3.12 ERA in three starts with 17 whiffs in 17.1 innings. The big surprise so far has been 2005 third-round pick Mark Holliman, a finesse righty who has a perfect 0.00 ERA in 21 innings.

High-A Daytona (Florida State League; 9-8)

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