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What do you do now Cubs fans? You waited 108 years to drink from the lips of victory, and it happened. So, what’s left to wait for? The hope springs eternal known as the Northsiders minor league system, enters a very new phase in the team’s history. No longer is it the breeding ground of hope and promise, but the feeder system to continue stocking the newly minted juggernaut. While players like Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Willson Contreras all played pivotal roles in the Cubs run, they still surprisingly had the lowest number of home grown players on their playoff roster. Of course young talents like Addison Russell and Anthony Rizzo don’t count, even if we barely remember them elsewhere. All this to say the Cubs have a young and talented roster with few spots for everyday players to breakthrough. This leads me to believe, that much like the jettisoned Gleyber Torres, many of these youngsters discussed today will end up breaking through with other clubs while the Cubs chase titles. Exciting times to be a Cubbies fan, even if you jumped on the bandwagon on the way to the victory parade.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

When your farm system graduates four top 100 prospects in one season, like the Cubs did, it’s only natural that your overall minors grade takes a hit the following year. After coming into 2015 with one of the most talented groups in recent memory the 2016 version is a bit of a letdown. Don’t misunderstand me, the Cubs system is still head and shoulders above the last two systems we previewed, but it’s a far cry from the level it’s been the previous two springs. There’s still a solid group of hitters left and some upside arms with ETA’s a year or two out. So there’s still a lot to discuss, but none of the current crop has the through the roof tools of Bryant, Russell, Soler, or Baez. In closing its not the prospect pants tent of yesteryear, but it hasn’t dipped to Angelic levels either.

Please, blog, may I have some more?