Feb. 10--Baseball America's recently published 2016 Prospect Book provides an in-depth look at the top 30 prospect lists of each organization, and there are more twists to the Cubs' lower tier than their top 10 list that was released in November.
Perhaps the most interesting development is that pitcher Pierce Johnson moved one spot ahead of Carl Edwards Jr. at 12 despite a second consecutive injury-plagued season. Johnson, 24, had a strong finish to a rough Arizona Fall League season. There is no rush for Johnson to reach the majors this season, as health remains a priority as he appears destined to start 2016 at Triple-A Iowa.
Edwards, who made his major league debut last September, was dinged for lack of fastball command in his first season as a reliever.
The 2015 draft is represented by left-hander Bryan Hudson (15th), outfielders D.J. Wilson (16th) and Donnie Dewees (17th) and reliever Dave Berg (30th), along with infielder Ian Happ (who was ranked third in November).
Cuban outfielder Eddy Julio Martinez, whom the Cubs were able to sway from Giants last October for a $3 million bonus, was ranked 28th.
One of the greatest finds involves pitcher Ryan Williams, who is ranked 27th. According to Baseball America Editor in Chief John Manuel, the Cubs discovered Williams while evaluating East Carolina pitcher Jeff Hoffman, who was projected as a top five pick in the 2014 draft before injuring his right elbow and undergoing surgery.
Williams, 24, was drafted in the 10th round, signed for $1,000 and has ascended quickly. It's possible that Williams could be used as a spot starter in mid-season should one of the Cubs' starters miss a start due to injury.
Williams posted a 14-3 and 2.16 ERA in 26 games for Class-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee to earn the organization's 2015 minor league pitcher of the year honors. Williams is destined to start the 2016 season at Iowa.
Here's is the Cubs' top 30 list by Baseball America. Eligible players must have no more than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 30 relief appearances in the majors. The rankings were compiled after numerous conversations with managers, coaches, player development members and scouts.
1. Gleyber Torres ss
2. Willson Contreras c-3b
3. Ian Happ 2b/of
4. Duane Underwood rhp
5. Dylan Cease rhp
6. Albert Almora of
7. Billy McKinney of
8. Oscar De La Cruz rhp
9. Eloy Jimenez of
10. Jeimer Candelario 3b
11. Mark Zagunis of
12. Pierce Johnson rhp
13. Carl Edwards Jr. rhp
14. Justin Steele rhp
15. Bryan Hudson lhp
16. D.J. Wilson of
17. Donnie Dewees of
18. Trevor Clifton rhp
19. Paul Blackburn rhp
20. Jen-Ho Tseng rhp
21. Jake Stinnett rhp
22. Carson Sands lhp
23. Brad Markley rhp
24. Victor Caratini c
25. Dan Vogelbach 1b
26. Jacob Hannemann of
27. Ryan Williams rhp
28. Eddy Julio Martinez of
29. Andury Acevedo rhp
30. David Berg rhp
