Candelario and Andreoli Making Their Case

Going into this spring the Cubs Major League roster seemed about as close to set as one could be in February. On the offensive side of the ball there seemed to be only one real spot up for grabs and really that is not going to change. But the lack of space on the 25-man roster does not mean that there aren’t any guys in big league camp trying to impress. There are plenty of guys that are trying to prove their worth these first few weeks of the spring while they have a shot at it in front of Joe Maddon, Dave Martinez, and all the other big league coaches.

Lineup Notes 3/10 vs. Mariners

Joe Maddon is trotting out a team this afternoon against the M’s that actually doesn’t have too many prospects. With nearly all of the starters having some type of Major League experience, here is what the lineup card looks like today:

2016 Preseason Position Player Prospects

After writing up each of the top 20 players on the position players side of Out of the Vines, I am providing you with a final list of those top 20 players in order. First, here are how each of the minor league organizations stacks up:

Top 20 Position Players by Team

Rookie AZL Cubs: 2

A- Eugene Emeralds: 2

A South Bend Cubs: 2

A+ Myrtle Beach Pelicans: 5

AA Tennessee Smokies: 7

AAA Iowa Cubs: 2

Position Player Prospects #1-5

After reading up on position player prospects #16-20 as well as #11-15 and #6-10, it is now time for the top five hitters in the Cubs minor league system. At this point it is pretty clear what five players are left but it is just a matter of what order they are in on this list. Before you jump to conclusions on where those five will be listed, why don't you just check out how I see some of the top prospects in the system.

Prospect Profile: Jeimer Candelario

Previously covered...

1. Billy McKinney

2. Willson Contreras 

Jeimer Candelario is the name that gets added to the list of Top Hitting Prospects going into the 2016 season. Candelario, much like Willson Contreras, has been a part of the Cubs minor league system for a long time now. After a steady ascension up the tiers of the minors, Candelario really showed out as Contreras's running mate in AA Tennessee last year.