Now, there are few givens in this whole compensation deal. The first of which is that Cubs have virtually have very little down on the farm. However, if we are going to go the the prospect route (which seems to be what is going to happen) and I had to pick three I would go probably after one of the following prospects: Trey McNutt, Josh Vitters or Rafael Dollis.
As with all of these guys, there is a lot to like about Trey McNutt. Ranked as the Cubs 4th best prospect, McNutt has soared up through both low and high A ball. However, 2011 proved to be a bit of a roadblock for McNutt who struggled at Double A Tennesee going 5-6 with a 4.55 ERA. In addition, he has not pitched overly well in the Arizona Fall League either (0-2, 5.00 ERA in 18 innings). Nonetheless, his plus curve and fastball at least make him some what of an attractive option.
Josh Vitters is another option the Sox could look into. Drafted 3rd overall in 2007, Vitters has been slow to progress, yet recent signs have suggested that he may finally becoming around. Known for his raw power and bat speed, Vitters showed promise this year when he hit .283 with 14 home runs in Double-A ball. Furthermore, Vitters has torn it up so far in the Arizona Fall League hitting .360 in 100 at bats. Vitters, a recent convert from third to outfield, also provides a great avenue for the Red Sox to fill the one of their current gaps down the line as right handed hitting outfielder (if they can deal with the fact that he strikes out too much).
Rafael Dolis, is arguably the most interesting possibility out of three. A converted infielder, Dolis is the 6th best prospect in the Cubs system and represents another great pitching option the Sox could look into. Despite some control issues, Dolis thrived this past year at Double-A (8-5, 3.22 ERA) before earning a September call up to the bigs. While the Sox may be attracted to his power stuff, Dolis' greatest advantage may be the fact that he generates a massive amount of groudballs (GO/AO of 2.07 in 2011), which is obviously pivotal do to the closeness of our beloved oversized left field wall . Despite this, Dolis will need to further hone his control and repertoire if he is going to be a force in the rotation, but is still an intriguing option if the Sox can pry him away from the Cubs.
While none of these three are definites, (since the Sox were shot down when they acquired about the the Cubs definites, Matt Garza and Starlin Castro), I believe they are at least definite possibilities for two major reasons. One, they could finally come into their own with the Sox (which would be great), or two we could just use them as close to "major league ready"trade chips (which is another area in which the Sox are lacking). Anyway, as I've said before, let's go Sox. And also since sharing is caring in the world of blogging, check out this blog and this blog.
