There is a clear trend developing in Chicago prospect baseball.
Both the White Sox and the Cubs have focused this year on drafting college pitchers.
It is probably a safer bet but with less ceiling than drafting raw high school pitchers.
College pitchers have a longer track record. College pitchers have had better competition. College pitchers usually have better video to dissect by scouts. College pitchers have been involved in more road trips, being away from home, and being part of a long term team process than high schoolers.
College pitchers should also develop faster than high school starters.
It is a signal that both the Cubs and White Sox are looking for arm help sooner than later, especially in their mid Top 10 selections.
The Cubs top draft selections:
1 (9) -- Ian Happ OF/2B, Cincinnati
2 (47) -- Donnie Dewees, OF, University of North Florida
3 (82) -- Bryan Hudson, LHP, Alton (Ill.) High School
4 (113) -- Darryl Wilson, OF, Canton (Ohio) South High School
5 (143) -- Ryan Kellogg, LHP, Arizona State
6 (173) -- Dave Berg, RHP, UCLA
7 (203) -- Craig Brooks, RHP, Catawba College
8 (233) -- Preston Morrison, RHP, TCU
9 (263) -- Tyler Peitzmeier, LHP, Cal State Fullerton
10 (293) -- Vimael Machin, SS, VCU
The White Sox selections:
1 (8) -- Carson Fulmer, RHP, Vanderbilt
4 (112) -- Zack Erwin, LHP, Clemson
5 (142) -- Jordan Stephens, RHP, Rice
6 (172) -- Corey Zangari, RHP, Carl Albert High School (Midwest City, Okla.)
7 (202) --Blake Hickman, RHP, Iowa
8 (232) -- Casey Schroeder, C, Coastal Carolina
9 (262) -- Ryan Hinchley, LHP, University of Illinois at Chicago
10 (292) -- Jackson Glines, CF, University of Michigan
Some scout and draft experts believe the White Sox got the best MLB ready pitcher in Fulmer. The Sox are not coy in moving quality college pitchers quickly to the majors (Sale, Rodon). Six of the 8 Sox selections were pitchers with 5 of the 6 college players.
The Cubs selected 6 pitchers out of their 10 selections, with 5 of 6 being college players. The Cubs have been true to form in drafting the best hitter in Round 1 of the draft then load up on pitchers in the middle of the first two draft days.
Pitching is a premium need on both clubs. It shows in their draft strategy.
