Bowman Week: Top 100 Cubs

For the third time in the past four years, the Bowman brand includes a 100 card insert set of the top 100 prospects.  The first two versions (2010 and 2011) saw the set called Topps 100.  After taking a year off, the set returns with  a slightly different name, Top 100.

The Cubs landed four in the Top 100.  These four have much more buzz associated with them than the four in the prospects set.

I'll start with the lowest and work my way up.

Number 88, Daniel Vogelbach.  He's a big boy with big power.  But with first base locked up by Rizzo for years to come, Vogelbach has no future in the Cubs organization unless the DH come to the National League.

Number 37, Albert Almora   The 19-year-old from Florida was the Cubs #1 selection last June.  He broke his left had in spring training and has yet to play a game this year.  He played his first game of the season yesterday at Kane County.

Number 34, Jorge Soler  Theo took a big risk by signing the Cuban Soler to a nine year, $30 million deal.  He's had some temper issues in the minors this season, but he's hitting over .300.  With the dollars invested in him, I'd expect to see him in a Cub uniform by 2015.

Number 14, Javier Baez  This guy seems to have it all...speed (20 SB in 57 games), power (12 HRs) and average (.333). He had a really nice spring while with the Cubs, but there wasn't ever any thought that he was MLB-ready.  He's in High A ball right now.