[K0ZZ]

Cubs move players along their farm systems

A month long designation to the minor leagues to readjust Anthony Rizzo who had major struggles saw success in the AAA's where the first basemen batted for .438 and had 9 home runs. Rizzo was called back up to the top level, which meant that Josh Vitters returned to the AAA, after a short call up, Vitters batted .218 in the majors and struggled especially as the All-Star break approached.

Kris Bryant batted .428 in June for the Iowa Cubs and suddenly it looks as if Nate Schierholtz could be a trade piece as the team looks towards the future, it becomes to beg the question if Kris Bryant is ready for MLB action or could use the final few months of development as it's unlikely the Cubs keep him stashed in the AAA next season.

Jake Arrieta will be moving to the AAA for the rest of the season after a first half that yield a 6.5 ERA, and a poor record. In his wake will be Matt Wisler who pitched for a 2.18 ERA in the AAA, almost anything could be better tha Arrieta's ERA and Wisler will get his first licks at the MLB level, where he likely would be next season barring development from a few other prospects.

With the draft a month in hindsight, the Cubs can look back upon it with a bit of a mixed review. Their top pick in Derrick Tackett yielded a starting lefty that figures to be an upper rotation pitcher, and a lot of his promise comes from the velocity and movement upon his pitches, he lacks control however and needs time to develop precision as he had a high strike out and walk rate in college.

Rick Dixon figures to be a replacement for Wellington Castillo down the road. Castillo has seemingly reached his ceiling and while he is by no means a bad player, his ceiling seems to be predicated on a level resembling that of an average MLB starter, while Rick Dixon has the potential to be an all-star caliber Catcher, and oddly enough, he's one with a lot of athletic ability, Dixon had the best measurables amongst catchers in the draft, his main issues come at the plate, but his defensive side is excellent.

Tyson Kimble could see playing time come next season, the third round pick at first base was one of the more talented players in the draft with his ability to switch hit, and a steady swing, he is incredibly average and his ceiling isn't very high, he won't pose as a threat to Anthony Rizzo, but will serve as an excellent back up and his versatility to play all three bases will prove insurmountable as they are able to give rest to their starters.

Albert Lyle at the fourth round figures to be a career minor leaguer or at the very best a fifth or fourth starter, he will likely start in AA and see where he can go from there, he is decently talented from the start, but his ceiling isn't high at all.

Sam Valentin is one who was drafted to almost exclusively be a minor league contributor, the short stop wont pose any threat to Starlin Castro and his ceiling has him as at best a bench utility player, but likely he won't see action in the MLB unless injurys rear their head.