2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Officially Announce Duane Underwood Signing

The Chicago Cubs officially announced on Friday that they signed Duane Underwood, their second-round pick (No. 67 overall) from the 2012 MLB Draft, to a major league contract and that he will report to the team's complex in Mesa. Although the Cubs did not disclose the terms of the deal, Jim Callis of Baseball America reported last week that the contract includes a $1.05 million signing bonus, which is over the recommended slot value of $769,600. The right-handed pitching prospect has a fastball that touches the upper-90s and a developing 12-to-6 curveball.

#Cubs have signed their @MLBDraft second round selection (67th overall pick) RHP Duane Underwood, who will report to Mesa.

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 13, 2012

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over toCubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check outBaseball Nation.

Cubs Top Prospects 2012: OF Brett Jackson Ranked No. 87 By Marc Hulet

Analyst Marc Hulet of FanGraphs.com has released the first segment of his latest rendition of Top 100 Prospects -- and the prospect maven has OF Brett Jackson stuck at No. 87:

87. Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago NL: The list of prospect analysts that think Jackson is going to be a star at the big league level continues to dwindle. He should still be a decent regular but strikeouts continue to be an issue. He’s struck out 122 times in 82 games and has walked just 34 times. Jackson continues to tease with his power potential (.233 ISO) and speed (10 triples, 20 steals in 24 attempts). (Value Static)

Jackson has played 82 games at the Triple-A level in 2012 and now owns 12 homer and 20 steals. But the 23-year-old also has struck out in over a third of his plate appearances (33.8%) and walked in less than a tenth (9.4%).

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Sign No. 6 Pick Albert Almora, Finish Draft Signings

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with their top draft pick, OF Albert Almora, taking him No. 6 overall in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft. According to Jim Callis of Baseball America, the Cubs have finally signed the young athlete:

#Cubs agree w/1st-rder Albert Almora on $3.9 mil (pick value=$3.25 mil). Florida HS OF w/lots of tools & polish. #mlbdraft

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisBA) July 9, 2012

And were the Cubs efficient at managing their budget under the new collective bargaining agreement? According to Callis, the Cubs finished with cash to spare:

About $22k left w/o losing pick.@davidrelliott: So no money leftover whatsoever for #Cubs now, right? Guess we're done. #mlbdraft

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisBA) July 9, 2012

The Cubs reportedly went $373,800 over their bonus pool budget, but avoided the second tier of penalties -- which include the loss of a first round draft pick -- by keeping under the $396,695 limit (5% of their bonus pool), leaving them just about $23,000 under.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Sign Second Round Pick Duane Underwood

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to sign second round pick Duane Underwood to a deal that includes a $1.05 million signing bonus, as Jim Callis of Baseball America reports. Underwood is a big-armed prep pitcher out of Pope High School in Georgia.

Callis notes that the Cubs gave Underwood an overslot bonus as the recommended value for where he was taken, overall pick No. 67, is $769,600. The right-hander can hit 98 miles per hour with his fastball, though, showing the kind of live arm that teams crave in young pitching.

Even with the deal, the Cubs are still $276,200 under budget without the signing of top pick Albert Almora. That leaves the team with $3,922,895 to offer Almora, the No. 6 overall pick, before the new collective bargaining agreement rules will require the team to forfeit a future first round pick.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Sign Pierce Johnson For Slot, $1.196 Million

The Chicago Cubs officially signed second round pick Pierce Johnson to a $1.196 million contract on Wednesday, as Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. The signing bonus is exactly what MLB recommends for the 43rd overall pick, so the pitcher signed for the straight slot recommendation.

In 2012, Johnson made 14 starts for Missouri State, posting a 2.53 ERA while setting the school record with 119 strikeouts. The Cubs selected him using the compensation pick they received after third baseman Aramis Ramirez signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

For perspective on how the new CBA affects draft spending, the Cubs gave last year's 14th round pick, prep pitcher Dillon Maples, a $2.5 million signing bonus to forgo college. The team's 2011 second round pick, first baseman Dan Vogelbach, signed for $1.6 million.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over toCubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

Paul Blackburn Contract: RHP Agrees To Deal With Cubs Worth $911,700

Baseball America's Jim Callis is reporting that the Chicago Cubs and high school RHP Paul Blackburn have agreed to a deal worth $911,700. Blackburn was the No. 56 overall selection in the 2012 MLB Draft.

#Cubs, supp 1st-rder Paul Blackburn agree on $911,700 (full value). Calif HS RHP, clean delivery, 90-94 FB, potential 3 + pitches. #mlbdraft

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisBA) June 15, 2012

Related: 2012 MLB Prospects: Keith Law Rates The Cubs Early Selections Highly

According to Baseball America's draft database, the Cubs have signed five of the players they selected in the first 10 rounds. They have not yet agreed to terms with their first two picks, Albert Almora and Pierce Johnson.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

Josh Conway Contract: RHP Agrees To $280,000 Deal With Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have come to terms with right-handed pitcher Josh Conway, who was the team's fourth round selection in the 2012 MLB Draft.

Baseball American [sic] reported that the Cubs had come to terms on a deal with fourth-round pick Josh Conway. The right-handed pitcher, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, reportedly agreed to a $280,000 deal with the value of the spot he was picked said to be at $343,200.

Related: 2012 MLB Prospects: Keith Law Rates The Cubs Early Selections Highly

Conway was 4-1 in nine starts with a 2.14 ERA for Coastal Carolina before getting hurt. He struck out 50 and walked 18 in 54-2/3 innings.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

Cubs Sign Pierce Johnson, No. 43 Pick In 2012 MLB Draft

The Chicago Cubs have signed first-round supplemental draft pick Pierce Johnson, and the No. 43 pick happily announced the news via Twitter on Monday night. The right-handed pitching prospect could have been a first round pick, according to ESPN's Keith Law, but a forearm strain in the spring and some delivery issues held him back. In Law's own words: "the stuff and results are first-round worthy, with No. 2 starter ceiling if he holds up."

As for the signing bonus figure, Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA says the Cubs inked Johnson for "close to or right at slot." For reference, MLB recommended a slot signing bonus of $1.196 million for the No. 43 overall pick.

#Cubs signed supplemental rounder, #MoState P Pierce Johnson. Sources said it was close or right at slot (value was $1.196M). #MLB #mlbdraft

— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) June 12, 2012

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: An Interview With Wilmette Native And Reds Draft Pick Ben Klimesh

2012 MLB Prospects: Keith Law Rates The Cubs Early Selections Highly

The Chicago Cubs have wrapped up their first-ever draft with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer at the helm, and now the gurus have begun weighing in on the front office's haul. According to prospect expert Keith Law, the Cubs made some prudent selections early in the 2012 MLB Draft:

Chicago Cubs Summary: Strong first few picks for the Cubs, leading with Albert Almora (1), a high-floor high school center fielder who still has star potential because of his bat and mature approach at the plate. Pierce Johnson (1A) might have been a first-rounder if he hadn't been felled by a forearm strain this spring; I worry about it becoming a recurring issue because of torque generated at the end of his delivery, but the stuff and results are first-round worthy, with No. 2 starter ceiling if he holds up.

The Cubs also selected a few mid-draft prospects who could blossom into something more impressive with a little time:

Josh Conway (4) was probably a top-50 pick before blowing out his elbow in May. Trey Lang (6) was an oddly used JC reliever and first baseman, a 6-3, 225-pound right-hander who can work at 90-94 but whose slider comes and goes.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

Cubs Draft Picks 2012: Chicago Selects 15 High School Players

The 2012 MLB Draft is over, and the front office team headlined by Theo Epstein, Jason McLeod and Jed Hoyer have landed their first draft class for the Chicago Cubs. For a team looking to build for the future and strengthen their farm system with high upside players and power arms, the Cubs selected 20 college players, seven junior college players and a whopping 15 high school prospects.

In terms of a positional breakdown, the Cubs selected 22 pitchers (18 RHP, 4 LHP), seven infielders, eight outfielders and five catchers, according to the official team press release.

Here is a complete list of the Cubs' 2012 MLB Draft class:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Finish Off First Draft Under Theo Epstein

And the first draft for the Chicago Cubs under the new front office leadership team of Theo Epstein, Jason McLeod and Jed Hoyer is officially over. On Wednesday afternoon, the 2012 MLB Draft completed its final 25 rounds, finishing off the three-day event.

Overall, the Cubs ended up selecting 42 players over the three days, led by first round pick Albert Almora. Keep in mind that the team may not necessarily be able to sign all of these players, though. The deadline for signing all players drafted in this year's First-Year Player Draft is July 13.

Here's a look at all the Cubs' draft picks so far:

1. OF Albert Almora (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)
10. LHP Michael Heesch (No. 254)
11. C Chadd Krist (No. 284)
12. RHP Chad Martin (No. 314)
13. CF Rashad Crawford (No. 344)
14. RHP Justin Amlung (No. 374)
15. OF Bijan Rademacher (No. 404)
16. RHP Corbin Hoffner (No. 434)
17. C Carlos Escobar (No. 464)
18. RHP Michael Hamann (No. 494)
19. LHP Nathan Dorris (No. 524)
20. SS David Bote (No. 554)
21. 3B Damek Tomscha (No. 584)
22. C Blake Hickman (No. 614)
23. RHP Stephen Perakslis (No. 644)
24. RHP Eduardo Orozco (No. 674)
25. LHP Jake Drossner (No. 704)
26. C Jameson Fisher (No. 734)
27. OF Rhett Wiseman (No. 764)
28. RHP Jasvir Rakkar (No. 794)
29. RHP Tyler Bremer (No. 824)
30. C Lance Rymel (No. 854)
31. RHP Austin Pentecost (No. 884)
32. OF Izaac Garsez (No. 914)
33. RHP Bryan Bonnell (No. 944)
34. SS Timothy Saunders (No. 974)
35. OF Thomas Pannone (No. 1004)
36. RHP Christian Botnick (No. 1034)
37. 3B Ben Carhart (No. 1064)
38. OF Sly Edwards (No. 1094)
39. RHP Clayton Crum (No. 1124)
40. OF Hassan Evans (No. 1154)
41. 3B Rustin Sveum (No. 1184)
42. 1B Jacob Rogers (No. 1214)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft, Day 3: Cubs Have Made 31 Selections So Far This Year

After loading up on pitchers early, the Chicago Cubs have diversified their selections a bit more in the late going on this year's MLB Draft. With rounds 16 through 40 going down on Wednesday, Theo Epstein and company have continued their efforts to rebuild a farm system that was lacking under Jim Hendry.

Here's a look at all the Cubs' draft picks so far:

1. OF Albert Almora (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)
10. LHP Michael Heesch (No. 254)
11. C Chadd Krist (No. 284)
12. RHP Chad Martin (No. 314)
13. CF Rashad Crawford (No. 344)
14. RHP Justin Amlung (No. 374)
15. OF Bijan Rademacher (No. 404)
16. RHP Corbin Hoffner (No. 434)
17. C Carlos Escobar (No. 464)
18. RHP Michael Hamann (No. 494)
19. LHP Nathan Dorris (No. 524)
20. SS David Bote (No. 554)
21. 3B Damek Tomscha (No. 584)
22. C Blake Hickman (No. 614)
23. RHP Stephen Perakslis (No. 644)
24. RHP Eduardo Orozco (No. 674)
25. LHP Jake Drossner (No. 704)
26. C Jameson Fisher (No. 734)
27. OF Rhett Wiseman (No. 764)
28. RHP Jasvir Rakkar (No. 794)
29. RHP Tyler Bremer (No. 824)
30. C Lance Rymel (No. 854)
31. RHP Austin Pentecost (No. 884)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Chicago Cubs Select Simeon's Blake Hickman

In the 20th round of this year's MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected prep catcher Blake Hickman out of Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. The right-handed backstop already has a scholarship to the University of Iowa, but the Cubs will presumably try to persuade him to go pro early.

Coming in at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Hickman is a big athlete with a strong arm. Speaking with ESPN Chicago's Scott Powers, White Sox crosschecking scout Nathan Durst noted his hitting potential:

He’s got power potential. He has good bat speed. We project he’s someone who has extra-base power and can produce in the middle of the lineup. The jury is still out on his bat.

Given that he's just 18, there's still significant develop in Hickman's future. But if he can come anywhere close to reaching that apparent offensive potential while staying behind the plate, he'll quickly become one of the Cubs' most intriguing prospects. Chicago still needs to buy him away from his scholarship with the Hawkeyes, though.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over toCubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Order, Day 3: Cubs Choose 6th In Rounds 16-40

The Chicago Cubs have shown a clear interest in adding pitching during the 2012 MLB Draft, the team's first under the highly-touted new brain trust of Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein. The Cubs have made 17 selections in the first days of the draft, and 11 of them have been pitchers. The North Siders drafted pitchers exclusively in rounds 2-8 after tabbing Miami-bred high school outfielder Albert Almora with their first pick, No. 6 overall.

Rounds 16-40 will take place on Wednesday, and the order remains stagnate. That means the Cubs will be picking sixth, while the White Sox will be picking No. 13.

Here's a look at all the Cubs' draft picks so far:

1. OF Albert Almora (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)
10. LHP Michael Heesch (No. 254)
11. C Chadd Krist (No. 284)
12. RHP Chad Martin (No. 314)
13. CF Rashad Crawford (No. 344)
14. RHP Justin Amlung (No. 374)
15. OF Bijan Rademacher (No. 404)
16. RHP Corbin Hoffner (No. 434)
17. C Carlos Escobar (No. 464)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Cubs Add Plenty Of Pitching On Day 2

With 15 rounds of the 2012 MLB Draft complete, the Chicago Cubs have made 17 picks and added a bunch of pitching prospects along the way. At one point, in fact, the Cubs took a pitcher with seven consecutive selections.

The MLB Draft will conclude on Wednesday with rounds 16-40.

Related: Cubs 2012 MLB Draft stream.

Here's a list of all of the Cubs' picks through the first 15 rounds:

1. OF Albert Almora (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)
10. LHP Michael Heesch (No. 254)
11. C Chadd Krist (No. 284)
12. RHP Chad Martin (No. 314)
13. CF Rashad Crawford (No. 344)
14. RHP Justin Amlung (No. 374)
15. OF Bijan Rademacher (No. 404)
16. RHP Corbin Hoffner (No. 434)
17. C Carlos Escobar (No. 464)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Cubs Add Chadd Krist, Chad Martin, Rashad Crawford As Selections Continue

The picks are starting to come faster now as the 2012 MLB Draft progresses into the double-digit rounds. The Chicago Cubs have put an emphasis on pitching prospects so far and added another in the 10th round -- RHP Chad Martin, from the University of Indiana. Martin was sandwiched by catcher Chadd Krist (University of California) in the ninth and CF Rashad Crawford (Mundy's Mill HS in Georgia) in the 11th.

Related: Cubs 2012 MLB Draft stream.

Here's a list of all of the Cubs' picks through the first 11 rounds:

1. OF Albert Almora (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)
10. LHP Michael Heesch (No. 254)
11. C Chadd Krist (No. 284)
12. RHP Chad Martin (No. 314)
13. CF Rashad Crawford (No. 344)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Top Cubs Pick Albert Almora Comes Up With Fun Negotiating Ploy, Says College Is Main Priority

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Grab Pitcher Michael Heesch At Pick No. 254

The 2012 MLB Draft continues along as the Chicago Cubs has now logged their eighth round selection, tabbing LHP Michael Heesch out of the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The Cubs have made a total of 10 picks so far in the draft, and 8 of those 10 have gone to pitching prospects.

At current, the Cubs have 6 right-handed pitchers, 2 left-handed pitchers, 1 outfielder (their top pick) and 1 third baseman.

Here is a look at the Chicago Cubs' selections so far:

1. OF Albert Almaro (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)
10. LHP Michael Heesch (No. 254)

The Cubs are next on the clock at pick No. 284. If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Tab Virginia 3B Stephen Bruno At Pick No. 224

With the 224th pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected Virginia Cavaliers third baseman Stephen Bruno. Bruno is is 5-9, 165 lbs. and hails from Audubon, New Jersey.

The selection breaks a streak of seven consecutive pitchers drafted by the Cubs. New brain trust Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein said they wanted to replenish the farm system with power arms, and it looks like they've been able to do just that. Bruno is the first hitter drafted by the North Siders since the team picked outfielder Albert Almaro with the No. 6 overall selection.

1. OF Albert Almaro (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)
9. 3B Stephen Bruno (No. 224)

If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Select Pitcher Trey Lang At Pick No. 194

Selecting at No. 194 overall, the Chicago Cubs have chosen RHP Trey Lang out of Gateway Community College in Arizona.

Lang represents the seventh-straight pitcher the Cubs have selected since the second round. The Cubs now have selected six right-handed pitchers, one left-handed pitcher and one outfielder so far in the 2012 MLB Draft.

Here is a look at the Chicago Cubs' selections so far:

1. OF Albert Almaro (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)
8. RHP Trey Lang (No. 194)

The Cubs are next on the clock at pick No. 224. If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Cubs Select At Pick Pitcher Anthony Prieto No. 164

With their fifth-round pick -- No. 164 overall -- the Chicago Cubs have selected LHP Anthony Prieto out of Americas High School in Texas.

The Cubs have now selected six-straight pitchers, with Prieto marking the team's first left-handed pitcher selection since the beginning of the draft.

Here is a look at the Chicago Cubs' selections so far:

1. OF Albert Almaro (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)
7. LHP Anthony Prieto (No. 164)

The Cubs are next on the clock at pick No. 194. If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Cubs Select Pitcher Josh Conway At Pick No. 134

With their fourth-round selection, Chicago Cubs have selected RHP Josh Conway out of Coastal Carolina University. According to the MLB.com scouting report, Conway's stock was hurt following a severe injury in his senior season:

In the smaller Big South Conference, Coastal Carolina has built a pretty good program that saw four players get drafted and sign in 2011. This year, it could have been Conway's turn before an elbow injury ended his season and required Tommy John surgery. Once a two-way player, Conway gave up hitting completely to focus on the mound in 2012 and it was paying off. Coastal Carolina's Friday starter, he’s a bit of an undersized right-hander, but one with a pretty good three-pitch mix.

The Cubs have now selected a string of five-straight right-handed pitchers, holding true to their commitment to restore the organization's pitching depth.

Here is a look at the Chicago Cubs' selections so far:

1. OF Albert Almaro (No. 6 overall)
2. RHP Pierce Johnson (No. 43)
3. RHP Paul Blackburn (No. 56)
4. RHP Duane Underwood (No. 67)
5. RHP Ryan McNeil (No. 101)
6. RHP Josh Conway (No. 134)

The Cubs are next on the clock at pick No. 164. If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Cubs Select RHP Ryan McNeil With The No. 101 Pick

With the 101st pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected RHP Ryan McNeil from Nipomo High School in California. This makes four-straight selections of right-handed pitchers for the Cubs, who said before the draft that they would prioritize pitching heading into the draft.

The North Siders selected high school outfielder Albert Almaro at No. 6, Missouri State righty Pierce Johnson at pick No. 43 and RHP Paul Blackburn at No. 56 on Monday. They started Day 2 by taking RHP Duane Underwood at No. 67.

The Cubs are next on the clock at pick No. 134. If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Cubs Select RHP Duane Underwood At Pick No. 67

With the 67th pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Duane Underwood from Pope High School in Georgia. The 6-foot-2 pitcher doesn't turn 18 until July and has a fastball that sits in the low 90s and can reach 95-96 mph on occasion along with a 12-to-6 curveball that is still inconsistent, according to his MLB.com scouting report.

The North Siders selected high school outfielder Albert Almaro at No. 6, Missouri State righty Pierce Johnson at pick No. 43 and RHP Paul Blackburn at No. 56 on Monday. The Cubs are next on the clock at picks No. 101 and No. 134. If you want to follow along, check it out live on MLB.com.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Chicago Cubs Would Have Selected Mark Appel If Not For New Slot Rules

2012 MLB Draft Order And Schedule

The 2012 MLB Draft continues on Tuesday as 15 more are scheduled, so the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have plenty of additional work to do after productive picks on Monday. The White Sox selected outfielder Courtney Hawkins from Carroll High School (TX) with the No. 13 overall pick and first baseman Keon Barnum out of King High School in Florida with the No. 48 overall selection. Meanwhile, the Cubs picked outfielder OF Albert Almora from Mater Academy Charter School (FL) at No. 6, RHP Pierce Johnson from Missouri State at No. 43 and Paul Blackburn from Heritage High School in California with the No. 56 overall selection.

The White Sox are back on the clock with No. 76, No. 108 and No. 141. The Cubs hold picks No. 67, No. 101 and No. 134. The order in the fourth round holds through to the final round.

Related: VIDEO: White Sox Draft Pick Courtney Hawkins Does Backflip On TV After Being Selected

Here is a look at the schedule and streaming information for Tuesday:

June 5, 11:00 a.m. CT
Rounds 2-15, First-Year Player Draft
Live on MLB.com

To learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels. For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and White Sox blog South Side Sox. Find more news and notes from around the league at Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Select High School Righty Paul Blackburn At Pick No. 56

The Chicago Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn from Heritage High School in California with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft on Monday. Here's a scouting report on Blackburn from MLB.com:

Related: 2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Select OF Albert Almora With No. 6 Overall Pick

After a big performance at last summer's Area Code Games, Blackburn has continued pitching well this spring to keep him firmly on the prospect map. The NoCal high schooler has a good fastball that hits 92 mph consistently and will touch a tick or two higher on the radar gun at times. His two secondary offerings – a curve and a changeup – both have the chance to be very effective pitches. He's generally around the strike zone and thanks to his athleticism and sound delivery, his command should only improve with experience. The Arizona State recruit has some projectability, meaning his already pretty good stuff has room to get even better. That should get him off the board early enough to keep him from heading to Arizona.

Blackburn is the Cubs' third pick of the night. The North Siders selected high school outfielder Albert Almaro at No. 6 and Missouri State righty Pierce Johnson at pick No. 43.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Take Missouri State Righty Pierce Johnson At Pick No. 43

With the 43rd pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson from Missouri State. Here's the scouting report on Johnson from MLB.com:

Related: 2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Select OF Albert Almora With No. 6 Overall Pick

Johnson was moving quickly up Draft boards, but a forearm strain put that on pause. He came back and threw well, with plenty of time to show everyone he's fully healthy leading up to the Draft. Johnson has a good three-pitch mix starting with a fastball that is plus at times, touching 94 mph. He's more successful when he keeps it down in the zone, which he does when he repeats his delivery well. Johnson throws a hard curve that works as an effective out pitch, missing more bats than he does with the fastball. He doesn’t use the changeup as much, but it has the potential to be at least an average pitch in the future. He throws strikes and competes very well on the mound. Assuming he's healthy, Johnson should join a solid group of college starters who could go off the board shortly after the top tier, profiling well as a No. 3-type starter at the highest level.

Johnson is the Cubs' second selection of the 2012 MLB Draft. The North Siders took Albert Almora, a high school outfielder from Miami, with the No. 6 overall pick earlier in the day.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Select OF Albert Almora With No. 6 Overall Pick

With the No. 6 pick of the 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs have selected outfielder Albert Almora from Mater Academy Charter School (FL). Almora had been heavily linked to the Cubs in this spot over the last few weeks, so this pick does not come as a surprise.

Related: 2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Looking For 'Impact' Pitchers

Here's a brief scouting report on Almora:

Almora has played for USA Baseball as much as any player in history. He's played in big situations and shown natural leadership abilities over the years.He's also got many tools to get excited about. He should be an above-avearge hitter at the next level, with an ability to drive the ball to all fields. He'll have above-average power as well and shows it in games now, especially to the pull side. He's a solid average runner and knows what to do on the basepaths. Defensively, he's a plus center fielder with excellent arm strength and range.All of his tools play up because of his plus makeup and work ethic. That combination should have plenty of teams in the first round taking a long look at him.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more comprehensive MLB prospect and draft coverage, visit Minor League Ball. And for more news and notes from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Is Albert Almora A Lock For The Cubs?

As the 2012 MLB Draft draws nearer and speculation regarding which teams will take which players gets heavier, there seems to be a few truisms emerging, one of which is that if Miami high school centerfielder Albert Almora is available to the Cubs, they will take him. Of course, the Cubs could be running an epic smokescreen so that they could pick someone else and there's obviously a possibility that Almora is gone by the time that they pick.

In his most recent mock draft for Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein confirms that the Cubs are all set to take Almora provided that he's there:

6. Chicago Cubs ($3.25M): Albert Almora, OF, Mater Academy (FL)
There's really no other names attached to the Cubs at this point. The presence of Correa could create a difficult decision, and there might be some interest in Fried, but they clearly prefer the high school position players.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more team-specific coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and White Sox blog South Side Sox. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels. For more general baseball news, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: TV Schedule, Start Time And More

The 2012 MLB Draft gets underway on Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. CT, and MLB Network will have live coverage beginning with a pre-draft show at 5:00 p.m. CT.

The Chicago Cubs have the No. 6 overall pick this year, while the White Sox will make their first pick at No. 13. Here is the full draft order.

And this is the draft schedule:

June 4, 5 p.m. CT
Draft preview show
Live on MLB Network and MLB.com

June 4, 6 p.m. CT
Round 1 & Comp A, First-Year Player Draft
Live on MLB Network and MLB.com

June 5, 11:00 a.m. CT
Rounds 2-15, First-Year Player Draft
Live on MLB.com

June 6, 11:00 a.m. CT
Rounds 16-40, First-Year Player Draft
Live on MLB.com

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more team-specific coverage, head over to White Sox blog South Side Sox. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels. For more general baseball news, check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Almora To The Cubs, In MLB.com's Mock

If there's fire where there is smoke, then Miami high school centerfielder Albert Almora will be a member of the Chicago Cubs come the 2012 MLB Draft. Almora has been heavily connected to the Cubs in recent weeks, and in his newest mock draft for MLB.com, Jonathan Mayo sees the Cubs tabbing Almora with the No. 6 overall pick.

Almora is a consensus top-10 prospect in this draft class, although some see him as a top-5 talent or even higher. Of course, Almora could be gone by the time the Cubs are on the clock, but if he is there, most expect them to take him.

Here is Mayo on his prediction:

6. Chicago Cubs: Albert Almora, OF, Mater Academy (Fla.)
The talk remains around three: Almora, a toolsy outfielder, [Carlos] Correa, a high school shortstop, and [Max] Fried, a prep left-hander.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Cubs Zeroing In On Albert Almora, Per Keith Law

At No. 6 overall, there's a chance that the Chicago Cubs will miss out on a player that they may be targeting. According to ESPN's Keith Law, that player is Miami high school center fielder Albert Almora, who is seen by some as not too far off of consensus top-two pick Byron Buxton. And if Law's newest mock draft holds water, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will get who is reportedly their man:

Here's Law on his projection:

Albert Almora, CF, Mater Academy Charter (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.)
This is the closest thing we have to a lock in the top 10. Almora is the rare high school player with a strong combination of polish and ceiling.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Kevin Goldstein Projects OF Albert Amora To Cubs

Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein updated his 2012 MLB Draft first round mock on Friday; the Cubs have some very strong interest in prep outfielder Albert Amora, it seems:

6. Chicago Cubs: Albert Amora, OF, Mater Academy (FL)

Pretty much every eyeball in the Cubs front office has been spotted at Almora's late-season games, and his private workout was impressive. One source said this afternoon, "If the Cubs had the No. 1 pick in the entire draft, they might take Almora."

Related: 2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Looking For 'Impact' Pitchers

The Cubs have made clear that pitching is going to be a priority for them in this draft, but they also haven't insisted that they'll use their first overall pick on a pitcher. Amora is definitely a name to keep an eye on once the draft gets started on June 4.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Draft: Cubs Looking For 'Impact' Pitchers

In a recent interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Cubs player development guru Jason McLeod delivered no uncertain terms concerning the club's draft strategy:

"One thing that we know is … you need power pitching, you need impact players to get into the postseason and to go deep into the postseason," McLeod said.

"It takes a little bit of time to acquire those guys, whether it be trade, major-league free agency and certainly in the draft and international markets. That’s something that we’re going to try to do, and, again, it’s that word, ‘impact.’ That’s what we’re looking to get."

The Cubs currently have a minor league system ranked among the worst in the MLB, but with four picks in the upcoming MLB Rule 4 Draft, they have a chance of rectifying that. And though the club has pitching needs, they also will stay focused on what kind of positional talent is available at the top:

"Pitching will definitely be a focus in this draft," McLeod said. "It’s not going to be need-based picks, especially with our first pick. But once we get past the first pick — and it could be a pitcher; it may not be a pitcher — it is something we are going to certainly try to address. It is a need for our organization..."

The 2012 MLB Amateur Draft begins on June 4 and lasts three days. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more updates on the draft.

For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

MLB Draft 2012: Cubs Will Work Out SS Carlos Correa

Although the new Chicago Cubs front office led by Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein made plenty of moves in the offseason to alter the look of the 2012 Cubs, their first major decision in Chicago will be their first round selection in the 2012 MLB Draft. The Cubs' first pick is at No. 6 overall, and if Hoyer and Epstein hit on that pick, it will go a long way to turning the franchise around, even though the prospect would obviously be far away from the majors.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Keith Law Sees Cubs Taking High School P Max Fried

The Chicago Cubs pick at No. 6 overall in the 2012 MLB Draft, and at that position they're guaranteed to get a top prospect, but who exactly will be available to them is still, of course, very dependent on what happens in front of them. Outside of the consensus top two picks— Standford P Mark Appel and Georgia high school outfielder Byron Buxton— any other top prospect in the draft could conceivably be available for the Cubs.

ESPN's Keith Law, in his most recent 2012 MLB mock draft, sees the Cubs taking California high school LHP Max Fried. Law believes that the Cubs have more or less narrowed their board down to Fried, University of San Francisco righty Kyle Zimmer or Miami high school CF Albert Amora.

Here's a small slice of Law's scouting report on Fried:

He has the projection left to add a grade of velocity, and with more consistency you can see a No. 2 starter with three above-average to plus pitches.

(via ESPN.com)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Draft: Chicago Cubs Focused On Adding Pitching Depth

While the Chicago White Sox are in the market for acquiring talent of any kind in the upcoming 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs will have a particular focus on the pitching side of talent:

#Cubs Hoyer on draft: "Pitching is a target. As an organization, our pitching depth is one of our bigger concerns."

— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) May 28, 2012

The 2012 Rule 4 Draft in June will make the first draft conducted by GM Jed Hoyer and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein since taking over the club in the recent offseason. The duo worked with the Red Sox for nearly a decade, drafting -- among others -- CL Jonathan Papelbon, 2B Dustin Pedroia and CF Jacoby Ellsbury.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Cubs Select Carlos Correa No. 6 Overall In Latest Projection From Baseball America

Baseball America's Jim Callis updated his first round mock draft on Friday, and he projects that the Chicago Cubs will select shortstop Carlos Correa with the sixth overall pick.

Related: 2012 MLB Mock Draft: MLB.com Suggests Cubs Will Take Outfielder Albert Almora

Here's one evaluation of Correa from back in January by Baseball America:

Correa has a pro body at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds with a high waist and room to fill out. Despite his large frame, he's light on his feet and shows fluid actions at shortstop with soft hands and above-average arm strength. Correa is a little raw at the plate and is currently a free swinger, but has some strength and hits the ball hard when he makes contact. He's an above-average runner now but may slow down as he fills out.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: MLB.com Suggests Cubs Will Take Outfielder Albert Almora

The latest 2012 MLB Mock Draft from Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com suggests the Chicago Cubs will look to add some outfieldling talent during the June draft:

6. Chicago Cubs: Albert Almora, OF, Mater Academy (Fla.)
Early talk involved high school hitters, with Almora and Correa very much in play, with the edge going to this toolsy outfielder right now. There also seems to be strong interest in Fried.

The Cubs currently have one top outfield prospect -- OF Brett Jackson -- on the brink of joining the MLB club. Adding Almora could presumably help refill the organization's outfielder talent pipeline.

Here is a look at Almora's swing -- which is reminiscent of former Cubs OF Moises Alou -- courtesy of Baseball America:

For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Chicago Cubs Could Take Albert Almora With No. 6 Overall Selection

The Chicago Cubs have the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft and have all sorts of options in that spot. In this projection from Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, the Cubs take outfielder Albert Amora. Here's what Mayo has to say about the pick:

6. Chicago Cubs: Albert Almora, OF, Mater Academy (Fla.)
With Theo Epstein and company now running the show, it will be interesting to see in what direction the Cubs go. There's been talk about high-end high school hitters. Assuming Buxton is gone, that leaves Almora, a heady yet toolsy outfielder from the Miami area, or Carlos Correa, a high school shortstop from Puerto Rico.

Related: MLB Draft 2012: Fergie Jenkins To Represent Cubs In Rule 4 Draft

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball.

MLB Draft 2012: Fergie Jenkins To Represent Cubs In Rule 4 Draft

The Chicago Cubs will have Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins present at the 2012 MLB Draft, according to the Cubs official homepage, and he will accompany area scout John Ceprini as the Theo Esptein leadership group conducts their first amateur draft.

Jenkins pitched 19 seasons in the MLB with a 3.34 ERA. The long-time Chicago Cubs member joined the MLB Hall of Fame in 1991.

In the 2011 MLB Draft, the Cubs selected SS Javier Baez, 1B Daniel Vogelbach and CF Zeke DeVoss with their first frist, second and third round selections. In 2012, the team will three first round picks -- the No. 6, No. 43 and No. 56 picks. The 2012 draft will mark the first time the Cubs have had three or more first-round picks since 2002, when they had four first rounders.

For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels.

MLB Mock Draft 2012: Chicago Cubs Projected To Select RHP Kyle Zimmer No. 6 Overall

All eyes are on the new brain trust of the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, as the duo prepares for their first draft with the North Siders. The Cubs hold the No. 6 overall selection in the draft, and a new mock at Minor League Ball has the Cubs taking San Francisco right-handed pitcher Kyle Zimmer in the first round.

Zimmer is 6-foot-4, 220 lbs and a native of La Jolla, California. The junior is a classic late bloomer who, unlike most ace pitchers in college, hasn't piled up a ton of innings on his arm. This is just one reason why scouts are projecting Zimmer as a consensus top ten draft pick.

Zimmer is 5-3 this season with a 2.59 ERA to go along with 96 strikeouts and 15 walks in 83 1/3 innings. His fastball is set to sit between 93-97 MPH.

Learn more about Zimmer with this recent SF Gate profile.

For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels.

MLB Mock Draft 2012: Keith Law Projects Cubs To Select OF Albert Almora Sixth Overall

ESPN's Keith Law projects the Chicago Cubs to select high school outfielder Albert Almora with the sixth overall pick.