Bleacher Bums Forum

Keith Law put up a top 50 draft prospect list a few days ago:

Three SSs top his list (B. Rodgers, Kevin Newman (AZ), and Swanson, in order.

Dillon Tate is #4 and top pitcher.

Allard #5.

Ian Happ #6. 

7. Bregman  8. W. Buehler 9. Funkhauser  10. Nikorak

Law not a big fan of Nate Kirby--has him at #19. 

Matuella at #15 and Aiken at #25. Guess there is worry that Aiken's TJS a bit different than other TJS guys. 

Daz Cameron at #11.

Ian Happ has started the season (157 PAs) at 397-519-719, 10 homers, with 33 walks (and 31 Ks). So, appears he's moving up the boards.  Given Cubs' interest in position players in first round, wonder if Happ might be serious consideration for Cubs, if he lasts to #9.  Law says he has a chance to stay at 2B as a passable defensive 2B but wonder if Cubs might be okay with drafting him as a LFer, depending on progress Bryant and Schwarber make defensively at their positions.  Know more about that by early June?  In any case, Happ is a switch-hitter with very good hit tool.  Yeah, Cubs probably nab an upside pitcher but if they really like an advanced college bat, who knows.

Kyle Funkhouser (SP - Louisville) would be the choice of the Cubs' marketing department.  He's a Chicago area kid (born & raised in Oak Forest and a grad of Oak Forest HS). They could also show some "Funkhouser" clips from Curb Your Enthusiasm on their new jumbotron in LF.  Maybe even have CYE's "Funkhouser" (Bob Einstein) throw out a 1st pitch or sing at the 7th inning stretch at a game.  Only drawback is Kyle Funkhouser is a big White Sox fan but they can downplay that just like they did with Jeff Samardzija.

http://www.gocards.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/kyle_funkhouser_837235.html