The Cubs have acquired a lot of young players over the past two summers through the draft and international free agency. And by young players, I mean kids who are 16-18 years old. Several of these teenagers flashed in the Dominican and Arizona Rookie Leagues, but success at the lowest levels of pro ball isn’t necessarily predictive of big things to come down the road.
It is, however, a good jumping-off point and an indication that some of them could make a little noise after presumably starting the season in extended spring training. Things really start to get interesting following potential assignments to Mesa, Eugene, or even South Bend.