Trey McNutt

After an outstanding 2010 in the low minors, McNutt got off to a fast start at Double-A before having his season derailed by a rib injury that limited his effectiveness. McNutt also had a hard time in the Arizona Fall League, striking out just eight batters in 18 innings pitched. McNutt has a good fastball and breaking ball and is still just 22 years old, so he has time to right the ship. Barring a monster showing this spring, expect him to start the year in Double-A.

McNutt is now the top pitching prospect in the Cubs' organization with Chris Archer traded to the Rays in the Matt Garza deal. If he's able to improve his changeup, there's reason to believe we're looking at good No. 2 starter type. Even if that doesn't happen, McNutt has an excellent fastball (92-98 mph) and breaking ball, which should make him a viable late-inning reliever. For now, the Cubs will continue his development as a starter and he'll likely return to Double-A Tennessee after getting a taste of that level following a dominant 22-start run between Low- and High-A (139:33 K:BB in 101 innings) last season.