Well, I'm not the biggest fan of it either. But I think the readers of this site have a high standard, and I think the quality and consistency of Kevin's work is one of the reasons. Our goal is to offer thorough and thoughtful work, and despite the changes to the scenery and structure, those high standards will be met and readers of this site will appreciate that.

Not the ones on the Cowboys.

Big arm strength; some breaking ball utility; good strike-throwing ability; probably a better reliever profile, but has good stuff.

Both. Poor systems have nowhere to go but up. When you bring in high-ceiling talent (at high ceiling prices), the stock usually goes up. I think this system has Top 10 potential, especially if the arms take off. Guys like Maples have basically been forgotten, and with good reason. But a healthy Maples, along with guys like Underwood and Johnson, start to establish a core of arms that have serious ceilings. Put that together with a top-heavy offensive system and you have something legit.

Um. very mixed. I was high on Szczur out of the gate, and I maintained that support up until the end of 2012. Some of my scout friends finally held an intervention to convince me that the ultra-athletic outfielder wasn't nearly as good as I thought he was, and that I need to calm down on the love. I still think he will develop into a quality 4th/5th outfielder, which isn't anything to be ashamed of; quite the opposite, actually. But I originally saw a first-division type, with plus athleticism, good defense at a premium spot, and raw that he would eventually tap into. he might end up proving people wrong because he's a huge makeup guy, but I'm no longer sold that the bat is going to be worth much at the highest level.

Great name; bat played better than people thought; talked to several sources abut him; easily a top 20 prospect in the system; good speed; good range; good arm; not sure he sticks at SS, though, which is the kicker for me; still young, but might be a tweener infielder that is a better utility fit than a regular at any position.

I'm not sure. Wild card. He has the stuff to make it work. The guy can really miss bats. I'm very curious about this move. We know what he can do in the 'pen.

Good stick; wish he profiled on the left-side of the infield like Hernandez.

Patterson wasn't the kind of hitter who can take a walk, but I think Jackson should be. The approach is definitely better. It's just that the hit tool isn't really there, not like people wish it would be.

I'd challenge him with a High-A assignment.

Wasn't in consideration for the Top Ten. I've seen him several times, and he can pitch. The ceiling is limited, though. I see a back-end type; maybe middle relief. Could be a future contributor, but not a prospect that will excite the masses.

Not sure on the specifics of the secondary stuff; big arm strength; shows velo; body is already mature; he's very tall, but frame already holds 225 lbs+; wouldn't assume arsenal projection.

They have a ton, but it's hard to get excited about 2B prospects unless they have really serious offensive potential. I like Hernandez the most, as I think he can play on the left side of the infield and he can really swing a good stick. His numbers are a little misleading. He was in a league that was very RHP heavy, so he ended up batting LH more than expected. It really influenced his stroke against LHP, as he was completely lost from the right-side even though he's a natural righty. This is the kind of stuff that gets lost in the lower-levels of development. This kid can really hit. When he finds the stroke from both sides, watch out. He can handle SS as well. He's a legit prospect.

I scouted him as an amateur. Nice hands; easy swing from both sides of the plate; not sure what the body does; looks the part; strong arm; limited look at the fielding actions. Basically, too early to tell and too limited of a look.

With guys like Baez and Almora in the system, I think you can let go without much of a problem.

Low-ceiling depth arm is exactly what I think he can be. Feel for command can often show up late after TJ, so if he refine that aspect in '13, he profiles as a back-end arm that might be able to chew some innings. He's not a bad arm.

I just look at rookie eligibility or 130 AB/50 IP.

Jackson barely made the cut.

He showed some improvement, but he was repeating a pitcher-friendly league, and he wasn't exactly a new arm; Peralta debuted in 2008 and has logged over 300 professional innings without eclipsing Low-A. That's pretty impressive, actually. He needs to take a big step forward in '13 to stay on the radar.

It's risky because its not a given he will be as electric or as consistent as he once was, therefore not fulfilling the prophecy of his projection.

8 is elite. I can't see myself doing it because it takes tremendous balls to put an 8 on minor league player without any major league experience. Individual tools? More likely. Role? No chance I could do it. I shake when I put a 6.

It's not always as simple as eating right or wanting to lose weight. It might be a genetic issue. But Vogelbach has dropped weight since HS. He's in the ~250 range rather than the 275+ range, so progress is being made. Unlike Love, Vogelbach isn't much of an athlete. You can chisel down some of the fat, but you aren't going to create a natural athlete with the remains. He's a big boy with big boy power. If he hits to his potential, the Cubs will either find a place for him to play or use him a trade chip. He will have value.