Intrasquad Day in Mesa

The Cubs minor league team knocked off the "big league" team 8-6 at HoHoKam Park on Wednesday afternoon, although both teams were filled with minor leaguers by the time the game concluded.

For the major league team, it was a final tune-up for the regular season, which starts at Wrigley Field on Friday. The cost of a ticket was $10 and all proceeds benefited Cubs charities. For all of the prospects that were invited to take part in the game, it was a chance to open the eyes of the Cubs coaching staff.

Randy Wells worked three innings in his tune-up for his first start of the season, which will come against the D'backs on Monday. Wells allowed one run to cross but looked sharp overall.

Marlon Byrd, who is day-to-day with some soreness, sat out for the third straight day. Geovany Soto and Aramis Ramirez also missed the intrasquad contest. Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Pena received one at-bat each, serving as designated hitters.

Blake DeWitt got the start at third base, where he is expected to backup Ramirez this season. Jeff Baker started at first base, where he and Tyler Colvin will serve as backups to Pena. Baker delivered an RBI for the Cubs first run of the game, on a play where Steve Clevenger dropped the ball on what would have been a close play at the plate.

Second baseman Darwin Barney delivered a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning, which was the highlight of the game. Barney is expected to see regular playing time this season. All of the regulars on the Major League team left the game after the fourth inning, except for Koyie Hill.

Hill stayed in the game to catch the remaining big league pitchers that needed to work. John Grabow retired the side in order in the fourth, before James Russell put another zero on the board in the fifth. Marcos Mateo, who was surprised last week when he found out that he had made the Cubs bullpen, was a little wobbly in the sixth. He surrendered two runs on three hits in the frame. Hill, who slumped at the plate all spring, went 1-for-3 with a single and a strikeout against the farmhands. Hill was the final Cub to depart when Michael Brenly took his spot behind the plate in the seventh. Bob Brenly was in attendance to watch his son play.

Left hander J.R. Mathes got the nod for the minor league team, managed by Iowa skipper Bill Dancy. Mathes worked five inning, allowing five runs on ten hits. J.R., a longtime minor leaguer, will start the season at Triple-A Iowa. Trey McNutt, rated the top pitching prospect in the organization, was the only other hurler to work for the minor league team. He went four innings, surrendering only one run on three hits.

Justin Bour (grounder), Ryan Flaherty (single) and Marquez Smith (double) all drove in runs for the Major League team to extend the lead. The minors chipped away as Tony Campana scored on a double play bouncer and Sergio Durrell rapped a run scoring single in the sixth. Josh Vitters, who started at third base and then moved across the infield to first, cranked a triple to drive in a run in the eighth.

In the top of the ninth, Evan Crawford delivered an RBI triple to tie the game at six. Then Campana put the minor squad in front with a single and DJ LeMahieu tacked on an insurance tally with a double. Frank Batista was the pitcher who allow the minors team to grab the lead. He was charged with four runs in 0.2 innings. Mike Quade came to the mound to make a pitching change, bringing in RHP Justin Berg to notch the final out. McNutt sent the "big league" team down quickly in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory.

The final totals-
Minor League Cubs: 8 runs, 16 hits, 3 error
Chicago Cubs: 6 runs, 13 hits, 2 errors
Winning Pitcher: Trey McNutt
Losing Pitcher: Frank Batista

After the game, Mike Quade's squad got on the bus to head to the airport, where they will fly to Chicago!

Cubs Name Minor League Coaches

The 2011 minor league coaching staffs for all the teams in the Cubs organization have been set. Here is the full list.


Coordinators
Field- Dave Bialas, returning for 10th year

Pitching- Former Smokies pitching coach, promoted to take over for Mike Mason

Hitting- Tom Beyers, former Smokies hitting coach, promoted to take over for Dave Keller, who joins Quade's staff

Infield- Franklin Font, entering his third season

Latin American Field Coordinator- Carmelo Martinez, 4th season

Catching- Marty Pevey, second season

Outfield/Base running- Lee Tinsley, first year. Tinsley spent five years in the big leagues and has been the first base coach for the Seattle Mariners for the past two seasons.

Strength/Conditioning- Doug Jarrow, set for his fourth year in his current position. He served in the same role for the Dodgers for five seasons before coming to the Cubs.

Athletic Training Coordinator- Justin Sharpe, returning for the seventh straight year

Rehab Coordinator- Chuck Baughman, sixth season in current position, 11th with the organization overall

Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Manager- Bill Dancy, will take of the I-Cubs after being named the 2010 Southern League Manager of the Year

Pitching Coach- Mike Mason, the ex-Cubs player is back for his fourth season

Hitting Coach- Von Joshua, has been in Iowa for the last six years besides a stint as the big league hitting coach during the 2009 season

Double-A Tennessee Smokies
Manager- Brian Harper, the Cubs welcome a new skipper to the organization. Harper led the Single-A San Jose Giants to the California League title this past season. He played in over 1,000 games as a big league catcher for seven different clubs.

Pitching Coach- Marty Mason, joins Harper's staff after spending 25 years in the Cardinals system. He was on the big league staff in St. Louis for 11 years.

Hitting Coach- Mariano Duncan, another newcomer, has spent five years as the Dodgers first base coach and 12 years as a big league infielder.

Class-A Advanced Daytona Cubs
Manager- Buddy Bailey returns for his third year. Buddy is has been a minor league skipper for 22 years, five in the organization.

Pitching Coach- Tom Pratt, also heading into his third year in Daytona.

Hitting Coach- Barbaro Garbey, has been promoted from Peoria to Daytona for the 2011 season.

Class-A Peoria Chiefs
Manager- Casey Kopitzke, set for his third year in the Chicago chain and his second in Peoria. Kopitzke was the manager of the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League last month.

Pitching Coach- Jeff Fassero, entering his second year in the organization and his first on the Chiefs staff. Fassero, a former big leaguer, was the pitching coach of the Boise Hawks this past season.

Hitting Coach- Ricardo Medina, has served on the staffs of several short season teams in the system over the past few years. Medina will begin his first year with a team that plays a "full season".

Class-A Short Season Boise Hawks
Manager- Mark Johnson, after a long playing career in baseball, Johnson hangs up the cleats and starts a coaching career. He has served as a player/coach at Iowa for a few years and will now be the manager of the Boise Hawks.

Pitching Coach- David Rosario, bumped down a notch after coaching at Peoria in 2010.

Hitting Coach- Desi Wilson, will begin his fourth season in the organization and his first with the Hawks.

Rookie Ball
Mesa Manager- Juan Cabrera
Mesa Pitching Coach- Rick Tronerud
Mesa Hitting Coach- Jason Dubois, begins his coaching career after a long playing career that included several stints in the Cubs organization and one on the big league roster
Mesa Assistant- Frank Castillo
DSL #1 Manager- Manuel Callado
DSL #1 Pitching Coach- Leo Hernandez
DSL #1 Hitting Coach- Alberto Garcia
DSL #2 Manager- Yudith Ozorio
DSL #2 Pitching Coach- Anderson Tavares
DSL #2 Hitting Coaches- Leo Perez and Franklin Blanco

That's it for now, but there are many more posts to come this weekend and throughout the next few weeks.

Extended Spring Training Roster

Many Chicago Cubs prospects have started their 2010 season in Mesa getting some work in at Fitch Park. The Extended Spring Training club is filled with players that are there for a variety of reasons. Some are lower level prospects that will join the Boise Hawks when their shortened season begins in June. Some are recovering from injuries, while others are working on position changes or other adjustments. The clubs is managed by former Cub Jody Davis, who will manage the Hawks after the 2 month Extended Spring season is over.

The Cubs EXST team is 2-3-2 in game action against mostly the Giants, A's, and Angels.

Here is the latest roster from Mesa (thanks to www.thecubreporter.com and other sources):

• Frank Batista, P
• Rogelio Carmona, P
• Eduardo Figueroa, P
• Jesse Ginley, P
• Yohan Gonzalez, P
• Gian Guzman, P
• Cody Hams, P
• Alvido Jimenez, P
• Danny Keefe, P
• Austin Kirk, P
• James Leverton, P
• Luis Liria, P
• Hector Mayora, P
• Jade Mendez, P
• John Mincone, P
• Tarlandus Mitchell, P
• Marcos Perez, P
• Jose Rosario, P
• Drew Rundle, P (converted OF)
• Alvaro Sosa, P (converted C)
• Larry Suarez, P
• Tzu-An Wang, P
• Yao-Lin Wang, P
• Sergio Burruel, C
• Jose Guevara, C
• Jae-Hoon Ha, C
• Jonathan Mota, C (converted INF)
• Carlos Romero, C
• Arismendy Alcantara, INF
• Vismeldy Bieneme, INF
• Ping-Chien Chen, INF
• Wes Darvill, INF
• Rafael Disla, INF
• Brandon May, INF
• Blair Springfield, INF
• Charles Thomas, INF
• Bobby Wagner, INF
• Xavier Batista, OF
• Runey Davis, OF
• D.J. Fitzgerald, OF
• Francisco Guzman, OF
• Albert Hernandez, OF
• Kyung-Min Na, OF
• Manuel Pestana, OF
• Cody Shields, OF

Guys that have been in Mesa on Injury Rehab:

• Justin Bristow, P
• Julio Castillo, P
• Angel Guzman, P
• Marcus Hatley, P
• Dylan Johnston, P
• Dong-Yub Kim, OF
• Casey Lambert, LHP
• Toby Matchulat, RHP
• Rebel Ridling, 1B
• Melvin Rosa, RHP
• Adam Spencer, RHP
• Jon Nagel, RHP

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always.

Mid-Winter Down on the Farm Report

Lots of Cubs news this week, but let's take a day to check in with what the future holds. This will be our first "Down on the Farm" report of 2010! The Cubs have a strong minor league organization, so we start with some rankings.

Top 11 Cubs Prospects
Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus ranked the top 11 minor league players in the Chicago Cubs organization. Here is the link to his article, and here is the list, which includes Kevin's "four more", so really there is the top 15:
1. Josh Vitters, 3B: 5 stars
2. Starlin Castro, SS: 5 stars
3. Hak-Ju Lee, SS: 4 stars
4. Brett Jackson, CF: 4 stars
5. Andrew Cashner, RHP: 3 stars
6. Jay Jackson, RHP: 3 stars
7. Chris Carpenter, RHP: 3 stars
8. Chris Archer, RHP: 3 stars
9. Kyler Burke, OF: 3 stars
10. Ryan Flaherty, INF: 3 stars
11. John Gaub, LHP: 3 stars

4 More...
12. Chris Huseby, RHP
13. Logan Watkins, INF
14. Dae-Eun Rhee, LHP
15. Darwin Barney, SS

Vineline's Ranks
Each year, Vineline, the official monthly magazine of the Chicago Cubs, ranks the best Cubs prospects. The full list of "50 names from the farm" will be in the February issue, but we got a nice preview at last week's Cubs Convention.

Best Command: Casey Coleman
Best Poise/Make up: Hung-Wen Chen
Best Athleticism: Jay Jackson
Best Mechanics: Andrew Cashner
Best Durability: (tie) Mitch Atkins, Hung-Wen Chen, and Casey Coleman
Best Fastball: Rafael Dolis
Best Curveball: Aaron Shafer
Best Change-up: Jeff Antigua
Best Slider: Andrew Cashner
Best Other: Hung-Wen Chen
Best Contact Hitter (tie): Logan Watkins and Hak-Ju Lee
Best Power Hitter (tie): Rebel Ridling and Ryan Flaherty
Best Plate Discipline (tie): Kyler Burke and James Adduci
Best Clutch Hitter: Rebel Ridling
Best Situational Hitter: Rebel Ridling

Best Range by position:
C- Welington Castillo
1B- Rebel Ridling
2B- Logan Watkins
3B (tie)- Ryan Flaherty and Jonathan Mota
SS- Starlin Castro
OF- Jose Valdez

Best Arm Strength by position:
C- Welington Castillo
1B- Jovan Rosa
2B- Logan Watkins
3B- Junior Lake
SS- Starlin Castro
OF- Kyler Burke

Best Throwing Accuracy by position:
C (tie)- Robinson Chirinos and Steve Clevenger
1B- Rebel Ridling
2B- Marwin Gonzalez
3B- Marquez Smith
SS (tie)- Nate Sampson and Hak-Ju Lee
OF- Kyler Burke

Best Foot workby position:
C- Welington Castillo
1B- Rebel Ridling
2B- Logan Watkins
3B (tie)- Ryan Flaherty and Jonathan Mota
OF (tie)- Sam Fuld, Brett Jackson, and Jose Valdez

Best Raw Speed (tie): Jose Valdez, Hak-Ju Lee
Best Base-Stealing Ability (tie): Jose Valdez, Hak-Jue Lee
Best Home-to-First (tie): Jose Valdez, Hak-Ju Lee
Best Baserunning Instincts: James Adduci
Best Heart/Work Ethic: James Adduci and Matt Camp
Best Competitiveness: Brett Jackson, Darwin Barney, and Starlin Castro
Best Baseball IQ: Darwin Barney

Minor League Invites to Big League Spring Training
J.R Mathes, LHP
James Russell, LHP
Andrew Cashner, RHP
Casey Coleman, RHP
Thomas Diamond, RHP
Jeff Kennard, RHP
Vince Perkins, RHP
Robinson Chirinos, C
Steve Clevenger, C
Blake Lalli, C
Chris Robinson, C
Darwin Barney, SS
Matt Camp, INF/OF
Starlin Castro, SS
Bryan LaHair, 1B
Chad Tracy, 3B/1B
Bobby Scales, INF/OF
Josh Vitters, 3B
Brett Jackson, OF
Brad Snyder, OF

Minor League 2010 Schedules
Iowa Cubs
Tennessee Smokies
Daytona Cubs
Peoria Chiefs
Boise Hawks (short season)

Lots of interesting names to follow that are on their way up in the Cubs system!

Talk, Talk, & More Talk (Updated)

Cubs Looking at Guys Coming Off Injuries
Guys coming off of injuries in 2009 seem to make a lot of sense for the Cubs, who are looking to land some depth without spending too much money. Mitch Williams said on MLB Network Monday that team like the Cubs could be interested in Ben Sheets if he can prove he has the arm speed back in Spring Training. They should start Ben out slow, and then count on him when he's fully ready midseason. Joe MaGrane and Mitch think that Sheets is the guy they would like a chance on who's coming off an injury, while Harold Reynolds likes Chien-Ming Wang. Carlos Delgado, who will play in winter ball, was listed as the hitter that could come back from an injury and help a ball club.

Rogers on MLB Network
Chicago Tribune writer Phil Rogers (who is one of those guys that you hear "take this rumor with a grain of salt" every time someone uses him as a source) is now an MLB Network insider. He joined Greg Amsinger on Hot Stove Monday. The Cubs had Juan Pierre start all 162 games in center field in 2006, but in the 3 seasons since then they've played 16 different guys out there. Rogers thinks the guy who did the best job of those 16 was Jim Edmonds in 2008, and they let him retire without giving him an offer to come back. Phil mentioned the same two names we've being hearing about: Marlon Byrd and Scott Podsednik. Scott would fill the lead-off hole for the Cubs also. Right now, Ryan Theriot is the best lead-off guy the Cubs have. Rogers also talked about the wild rumor that he reporter earlier this week that the Cubs have the prospects and interest to try to pull of a trade for Jacoby Ellsbury. They are "closely monitoring the situation in Boston".

Levine's Chat
Bruce Levine chatted Chicago Baseball yesterday afternoon on ESPNChicago.com. Here's the Cub-related highlights:

• Bruce doesn't believe that Jacoby Ellsbury will be available, because he is a lead-off man and the Red Sox are not going to trust Mike Cameron in center field everyday.
• He continues to report that either Byrd, Podsednik, or Ankiel will be the opening day centerfielder for the Cubs. Bruce says all 3 have flaws, but Ankiel "might have the biggest upside".
• The Cubs "would and have" listened to offers for Zambrano. The Cubs would definitely do it, but the question is would they find and a trade partner and if so would Big Z waive his no trade clause.
• They have talked about Kiko Calero, but the concern with him is injury.
• Hendry only has x amount of dollars to spend. He's doing his best to negotiate 2-3 contracts at a time and look at trade options. The important thing isn't how fast the Cubs find a center fielder, it's to get it right.
• Carlos Silva won't be active if he's not productive.
• Geovany Soto was embarrassed by last season. Levine expects him to have better work ethic next year.
• Orlando Hudson is not on the Cubs list because he is a below-average on-base guy who has little speed.
• They are still in talks with the Mets about Luis Castillo.
• "Don't be surprised" if Jose Contreras is the 5th start who replaces Lilly to begin the season.
• Bruce hopes there is someone else besides Mike Fontenot to start at second base next year. Little Babe Ruth proved he is not an everyday player in 2009.
• Jeff Baker will get some time at second, but his main job is to be a backup for second an third. He will also play some outfield this year.
• If the season starter today, Bruce thinks the White Sox would have a better year than the Cubs.
• "What you see is what you get" with Kosuke. For some reason, the Cubs thinks that he might be a more productive player for them in right field.
• The Cubs plan is to bring Starlin Castro along in a quick fashion. He may start the year at AA and then move quickly to AAA. If he had success at those levels, Levine says he could be in the big leagues by June.
• If you're going to move Theriot to second base at some point this season, the best bet would be to get it done in Spring Training. If that's the case, a veteran like Orlando Cabrera could be signed by the Cubs so that he can play short until Castro is ready.
• The Cubs have yet to sign Reed Johnson because "there is no reason to think his back problems won't continue".
• Andrew Cashner needs "at least another year" in the minors.
• We should expect a Naples/Mesa decision sometime in January. Bruce is starting to hear more about Arizona fulfilling the Cubs' needs.
• Josh Vitters will not be in the majors this year unless he is a September call-up. The Cubs know he can hit, but they are still looking for what position he will be most successful at.
• Brett Gardner (New York outfielder) is not going anywhere.
• Bruce thinks the window of opportunity is getting close to closing on the Cubs.
• Soriano's struggles last season were a combination of the knee and a loss of confidence.
• Lou Piniella could use his bench and rest his vets more.
• The starting rotation is the biggest question mark going in to next season according to Levine.

Cubs Top 20 Prospects- John Sickels:

• 1. Starlin Castro: B+
• 2. Josh Vitters: B+
• 3. Brett Jackson: B
• 4. Jay Jackson: B
• 5. Andrew Cashner: B
• 6. Hak-Ju Lee: B
• 7. Chris Carpenter: B-
• 8. Kyler Burke: B-
• 9. Ryan Flaherty: B-
• 10. D.J. LeMahieu: C+
• 11. Brooks Raley: C+
• 12. Logan Watkins: C+
• 13. Esmalin Caridad: C+
• 14. Blaker Parker: C+
• 15. John Gaub: C+
• 16. Matt Spencer: C+
• 17. Dae-Eun Rhee: C+
• 18. Casey Coleman: C+
• 19. Tyler Colvin: C
• 20. Jeff Beliveau: C

Sickels past Cub top rated prospects: Brian Dopirak (2005), Mark Pawelek ('06), Felix Pie ('07), and Josh Vitters ('08-'09). Hopefully Castro and Vitters turn out better than the first three!!

Other Cubs Notes

• For Cub GM Ed Lynch has been hired by the Blue Jays as a scout.
• A rally to try to relocate the Cubs to Naples that was schedule for January 16 has been postponed because it conflicted with the Cubs Convention. Orginizers hope to reschedule the event for mid-January.
• Florida needs to Cubs because they want the Grapefruit League to again rule Spring Training according to the St. Petersburg Times.
• The New York Post reports that two American League officials say the Cubs are trying to trade Carlos Zambrano, but those same officials say that Z has no desire to waive his no trade clause.
• Jon Heyman says the Zambrano rumors are a "time waster" because his agent says he will no waive the no trade clause.
• Paul Sullivan reports that the Cubs continue to deny that he's available.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always!

Celebrating my 100th post, Cubs Minor League Update

Wow! I cannot believe that I have posted 100 of these things. In less than 2 months! Check out my first post from December 10. 100 posts in 51 days.

The February issue of Vineline takes a look at the Cubs minor league system. Here's some of the awards they gave out:
Pitchers:
Best Command: (tie) Mitch Atkins, Hun-Wen Chen, and Casey Coleman.
Best Poise/Make-Up:Mitch Atkins
Best Athleticism: (tie) Hun-Wen Chen, Casey Coleman, and Jay Jackson
Best Mechanics: Coleman
Bast Durability: Atkins

Hitting:
Best Contact Hitter: Sam Fuld
Best Power Hitter: (tie) Jake Fox and Josh Vitters
Best Plate Discipline: Fuld
Best Clutch Hitter: (tie) Darwin Barney, Tyler Colvin, and Brandon Guyer
Best Situational Hitter: Nate Spears

Fielding:
Best Range:
C- Welington Castillo
1B- Micah Hoffpauir
2B- Tony Thomas
3B- Jonathan Mota
SS- Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney (tie)
OF- Sam Fuld
Best Arm Strength:
C- Castillo
1B Hoffpauir
2B- Marqin Gonzalez
3B- Josh Vitters
SS- Castro
OF- Kyler Burke
Best Throwing Accuracy:
C- Castillo
1B- Hoffpauir
2B- Josh Harrison and Nate Spears (tie)
3B- Vitters
SS- Nate Samson
OF- Burke
Best Footwork:
C- Castillo
1B- Hoffpauir
2B- Gonzalez
3B- Marquez Smith
SS- Castro and Barney (tie)
OF- Fuld

Running:
Best Raw Speed: Tony Campana
Best Base-Stealing ability: Campana
Best Home-To-First Time: Campana
Best Base running Instincts: Sam Fuld

Other Awards:
Best Heart/Work Ethic: Sam Fuld
Best Competitiveness: Darwin Barney, Fuld, and Brandon Guyer (tied)

Baseball American's Top 10 Cubs Prospects:
1. Josh Vitters
2. Jeff Samardzija
3. Andrew Cashner
4. Dae-Eun Rhee
5. Wellington Castillo
6. Kevin Hart
7. Stalin Castro
8. Ryan Flaherty
9. Jay Jackson
10. Hak-Ju Lee

Awards from Baseball America:
Best Hitter for Average - Josh Vitters
Best Power Hitter - Josh Vitters
Best Strike-Zone Discipline - Sam Fuld
Fastest Baserunner - Tony Campana
Best Athlete - Brandon Guyer
Best Fastball - Jeff Samardzija
Best Curveball - Casey Lambert
Best Slider - Andrew Cashner
Best Change-up - Dae-Eun Rhee
Best Control - Esmailin Caridad
Best Defensive Catcher - Luis Flores
Best Defensive Infielder - Darwin Barney
Best Infield Arm - Junior Lake
Best Defensive Outfielder - Sam Fuld
Best Outfield Arm - Kyler Burke

Scout.com Top 20 Cubs' Prospects:

1. Josh Vitter 3B
2. Jeff Samardizja P
3. Andrew Cashner P
4. Welington Castilo C
5. Jay Jackson P
6. Ryan Flaherty SS
7. Mitch Atkins P
8. Tyler Colvin OF
9. Kevin Hart P
10. Micah Hoffpauir 1B/OF
11. Esmalin Caridad P
12. Brandon Guyer OF
13. Marcos Mateo P
14. Javan Ross IF
15. James Russell P
16. Dan McDaniel P
17. Chris Carpenter P
18. Aaron Shafer P
19. Ryan Acosta P
20. Matt Cerda C

Baseball Prospectus Top 11 Prospects (amount of starts)
1. Vitters (5 starts)
2. Samardzija (4)
3. Jose Ceda (4)
4. Hak-Ju Lee (3)
5. Andrew Cashner (3)
6. Tyler Colvin (3)
7. Dae-Eun Rhee (3)
8. Ryan Flaherty (3)
9. Welington Castillo (2)
10. Donald Veal (now member of Pirates, 2)
11. Micah Hoffpauir (2)

Minor League Ball's Top 20 Cubs Prospects with letter grades.
1. Josh Vitters - Grade B+
2. Jeff Samardzija - Grade B
3. Ryan Flaherty - Grade B
4. Andrew Cashner - Grade B-
5. Hak-Ju Lee - Grade B-
6. Jay Jackson - Grade B-
7. Tyler Colvin - Grade C+
8. Welington Castillo - Grade C+
9. Dae-Eun Rhee - Grade C+
10. Aaron Shafer - Grade C+
11. Starlin Castro - Grade C+
12. Junior Lake - Grade C+
13. Dan McDaniel - Grade C+
14. Micah Hoffpauir - Grade C
15. Esmailin Caridad - Grade C
16. Donald Veal - Grade C (now w/ Pirates)
17. Josh Kroeger - Grade C
18. Tony Thomas - Grade C
19. Chris Carpenter - Grade C
20. Mitch Atkins - Grade C

So there you have it, the full 2009 Cubs Prospects Report.

"I don't care who wins, as long as it's the Cubs."