2011 first-round pick Javier Baez is still in extended spring training these days, but Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Chicago Cubs are close to assigning the fielder to Low Single-A Peoria. Baez has appeared in just five professional games, all in 2011, including just two appearances in full season ball with Single-A Boise.
Taken by the Cubs with the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft out of high school, Baez immediately became one of the team's best prospects upon signing. An explosive young athlete with major power potential and a slight possibility of sticking at shortstop, Baseball America rated him as the No. 61 prospect in all of baseball coming into this season.
For now, it's likely that Baez will predominantly play shortstop for Peoria once he's officially assigned there, but few scouts believe that he's actually going to stick at the position. It's more likely that he ultimately moves to second base or third base, but such a move won't come until Baez forces it with a lack of development at shortstop.
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