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March 25, 2008

Future Shock

State of the Systems, NL Central

by Kevin Goldstein

Chicago Cubs

2008 Rookies: While he's had a tough spring, Geovany Soto has no competition at catcher, and assumes the everyday duties there, and should instantly be at least average offensively for the position, and likely more than that. Kevin Hart has earned a bullpen job and should be a solid contributor, but he's also at his ceiling of a middle innings guy. Kosuke Fukudome is not a prospect, but technically a rookie, and should provide above-average on-base skills and average power for the position.

Minor League Road Trip: The Cubs' Double-A squad will have most of the organization's top pitching prospects, with Donald Veal and Jeff Samardzija in the rotation; if he doesn't start the season with them, fast-rising closer Jose Ceda will get there quickly.

Pivotal Season: After nearly putting up a 5.00 ERA last year at Double-A, Donald Veal needs to throw more strikes and further refine his secondary pitches to avoid a move to the bullpen.

I Like Him Better Than Most: Despite Veal's uninspiring performance last year, left-handers with his kind of size and stuff are hard to find, and players with that profile often take longer to develop than other pitchers.