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I'm a journalism major at Southern Illinois University Carbondale who now writes for the school newspaper, The Daily Egyptian. Oh, and I'm a major sports fan. I have a passion for sports, especially baseball and that's what keeps me motivated to write.More By LMedina86
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Chasing Cubtober’s Question of the Day: Who’s touchable?
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There’s nothing more fun than catching up on some Brian Roberts trade rumors. A recent Phil Rogers article suggests that the Orioles asked for 21-year-old right-handed reliever Jose Ceda in return, but Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry said that Ceda is untouchable.
Ceda was acquired in the 2006 deadline deal that sent infielder Todd Walker to the San Diego Padres. Manager Lou Piniella said that if Ceda can throw strikes, he has a shot at making the jump from A-ball to the big leagues. Ceda has limited batters to a .157 average in 156 innings.
Unfortunately, this article isn’t about how Ceda could be on the fast track to the majors. Instead, it’s about what makes a prospect “untouchable.”
The best thing about prospects is that possibilities are endless with them. As they make their meteoric rise to the majors, experts and analysts attempt to project who pans out and who flops. The funny thing is that you can do all the projections you want, you’re going to miss on half of these prospects.
Corey Patterson’s rare combination of power and speed made him the next best thing coming out of the state of Georgia. Patterson had a productive half of 2003 with the Cubs and 2006 with the Orioles. As of now, Patterson sits on the free-agent market awaiting some team to take a flyer on him.
Hee Seop Choi and Bobby Hill were supposed to be the Cubs right-side of the infield for 10+ years, instead, Choi and Hill have provided the Cubs with arguably the strongest corner infielders in the National League: Derrek Lee at first base and Aramis Ramirez at third.
Gary Scott and Kevin Orie were supposed to be the next Ron Santo—neither of whom panned out. Brooks Kieschnick was supposed to be the power-hitting left-handed thumping outfielder—he’ll be best known for his work as a part-time relief pitcher and pinch-hitter off the bench for the Brewers.
In the end, who knows which one of these top prospects is going to be great or a great disappointment. But, what’s every GM’s infatuation with holding onto top prospects when they can get a legitimate All-Star in return?
