Topic #1: The LH-bat that could've been. In the offseason before the 2007 season, the Chicago Cubs had a very high pick in the Rule 5 Draft, which allows teams to pick from a variety of "unprotected" players in other teams farm systems. With that pick they selected a troubled outfielder in the Tampa Bay system named Josh Hamilton. Hamilton was drafted by the Rays in 1999 with the very first pick in the draft as a talented prospect. However, over the next six years, he never advanced above A-ball due to a dark time in his life with drugs (even out of the game for four years). After selecting him in the Rule 5 Draft, the Cubs immediately traded him to the Cincinnati Reds for cash (the Cubs were actually selecting him on the Reds' behalf all along). Now, as many baseball fans know, Hamilton as gone on the past two seasons to have quite a Hollywood-caliber comeback. In 2007, he started about half the season for the Reds, hitting .292 with 19 homeruns. He was then traded to the Rangers for Edinson Volquez (who had a solid 2008 for the Reds, putting up a Cy Young quality season). In 2008, Hamilton further developed his skills playing the entire season as the Rangers starting CF. Not only did he mash 32 homeruns, knock in 130 RBI, and hit .304, but he also finished runner-up in a Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium that caught the eyes of the nation. Now, my question: If the Cubs were in a position to obtain Josh Hamilton themselves, why did they not draft him in that Rule 5 Draft and keep him? He is exactly what they have been searching for the past few off-seasons (actually further back then that); he hits left-handed! He provides good defense, has some speed, hits for a lot of power, is a middle-of-the-order lefty to break-up Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, he has a high OBP, and did I mention POWER. He could be the solution in CF if Felix Pie never pans out, or he could play right, which is what the Cubs are looking for this off-season. So, that is a main question that has never been answered, nor discussed, in the world of sports commentary. How could such a perfect fit for the Cubs, that could so easily have been had in that Rule 5 Draft, just slip through the organization's fingers and be an All-Star now for another team? That's a deep thought that may never be answered.
Topic #2: What's goin' on with Josh? The Cubs had the 3rd overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, and they selected high school third baseman Josh Vitters out Cypress, CA. He was highly-touted to have a great swing, hit for power and a high average. Numerous respected baseball websites have him ranked as the Cubs' top prospect, and one of their only blue-chip prospects. He has been mentioned as a future replacement for Aramis Ramirez when the time should come. So my question is: Why do we never hear about him? I'd like to know more about him. I want to see who some respected experts compare him to, and know how he's developing in the minor leagues. It could be possible that with all his high school credentials and tools, he may turn into another third baseman in the mold of David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, or Evan Longoria (all with similar resumés at his age). Along with Vitters, the Cubs could have some other possible future stars on their hands, but unfortunately the mass-public can never get the chance to hear much about them, or what the real experts think. Supposedly, the Cubs recently signed some kids out of Korean high school, and one shortstop has been compared to Derek Jeter: that's pretty good. Another prospect projects as a future big-leaguer with Orlando Hudson like potential, but all we can find are a few pages of minor league stats (which in many cases can amount to not much). It would be really beneficial if all of these prospects could be spoken about more to the actual fans that are waiting for the next generation of stars. Every player out there got their start somewhere, so it is very important to always remain cutting edge in international and domestic scouting to find that talent. Some kid throwing mangos in the Dominican Republic is going to be the next Pedro Martinez. Some kid not even born yet will probably develop into another Alex Rodriguez. Some kid at home in Japan will dream of being the next Ichiro. The record books of baseball will keep being rewritten, and it would be nice for the average fan to have some insight on which prospects their team controls have the potential and growth to develop into that next Rookie of the Year, All-Star, super-star, or legend of the game. But until then, we'll just see lists of stats, top prospect signings and names, and wait for them to spring up on us in the majors and do their thing...Surprise!
