Chicago Cubs: Future is in Full Bloom

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If you follow the Chicago Cubs, you can easily get caught up in the back-to-back 90 loss seasons, the dragged out stadium revenue deals and the current Major League roster worth well under market value. All of that is valid, but you should also see that beneath all of that is a farm system in full bloom, as the rebuilding is taking shape in Wrigleyville.

Since day one of the new front office regime, the No. 1 focal point of “The Plan” has been to gain prospects and improve player development for five and 10 years down the road. After the official release of the MLB Top 100 Prospects List, that goal is in full sight. The Cubs landed seven players in that Top 100. That total is tied with the Houston Astros and only behind the nine posted by the Boston Red Sox.

The list features pitchers Pierce Johnson at No. 100 and CJ Edwards at No. 42. It also includes position players Arismendy Alcantara at No. 89, Jorge Soler No. 42, Albert Almora No. 18, Kris Bryant No. 9 and Javier Baez at No. 7. Now officially on paper, the future of the Cubs has been set into motion.

Chicago may be taking heat for a questionable unveiling of a mascot and the current 25-man roster, but the big picture on the North side is filled with promise. Sure, Cubs fans may be somewhat disappointed in losing out on the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes this week, but this list should help soften the sting.

Projecting any of these guys seeing the field in 2014 is uncertain at this time. However, in 2015 it is almost certain that Wrigley Field will be getting well acquainted with these super seven. The Cubs may not be waving the white flag to often come summer, but on this wintery day in January, Chicago can put this one in the win column.

Nick Schaeflein is a Chicago Cubs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ptchr2424 or add him to your network on Google.

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