Cubs Top 10 Prospects for 2010

With the World Series wrapping up last night, I will be wrapping up my review of the Cubs minor leaguers today with my picks for the Top 10 Prospects who can help the Cubs (and your fantasy team) in 2010.  We can then focus on the Hot Stove League and all the rumors surrounding Milton Bradley.

So, first things first, here are my picks for the Top 10 Prospects for 2010:

1. Starlin Castro – He has been playing second in the AFL and only has Jeff Baker/Mike Fontenot ahead of him, so its certainly possible that we see Castro by mid-season, if not earlier. 
2. Andrew Cashner – with Ted Lilly having shoulder surgery and possibly missing April, the Cubs will need a starter to fill in during his absence.  Cashner is arguably the Cubs best pitching prospect and could break camp with the big club.
3. Jay Jackson – if Cashner doesn’t get the call to replace Lilly or if he falters, Jackson is the next logical callup.  In any case, since its rare for a starting rotation to survive a season intact, I can see both Cashner and Jackson having an impact in 2010.
4. Tyler Colvin – if Bradley is traded and the Cubs cannot find an alternative via trade or free agency, Colvin could be called upon to play rightfield.  At the very least, he should be called upon should any outfielder be injured during the season.
5. Esmailin Caridad – the Cubs need to rework their bullpen and have several options in the minors.  Caridad tops the list of candidates and should begin the 2010 season in the Cubs pen.
6. John Gaub – a power lefthander, Gaub could also break camp with the Cubs.  He has the stuff to potentially work as a setup man to Carlos Marmol.
7. Steve Clevenger – Clevenger will likely be the first catcher the Cubs call upon should Soto falter or get injured.  Its also possible that he could become part of a platoon with Soto, however that’s unlikely.
8. Jeff Stevens – As mentioned above, the Cubs need bullpen arms and Stevens proved capable at AAA.  He should get an extended look with the big club in 2010.
9. Blake Parker – see Jeff Stevens.
10. Chris Robinson – another catching option for the Cubs, Robinson is a good hitter and could get a shot should Soto get injured.  Clevenger is still first in line though.

So, there you have it.  In terms of fantasy impact, I think Castro, Cashner, Jackson and Covin could all have an impact in 2010.  The other players will not help you win your fantasy league, but could fill in for your injured regulars.

With the General Manager meetings starting next week in Chicago, I fully expect a deal to get done involving Milton Bradley (there are a lot of bad contracts out there that teams want to shed).  So stay tuned for updates.

Tags: Andrew Cashner, Blake Parker, Chris Robinson, Esmailin Caridad, Jay Jackson, Jeff Stevens, John Gaub, Milton Bradley, Stalin Castro, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, Tyler Colvin