Chicago Cubs: Top 10 Prospects for the Month of July

It's time to re-rank the Cubs' top prospects for the month of July.

A lot has happened over the course of the month, especially with short-season leagues getting under way. The only rule to this list is you have to have played a professional game to be considered. Since more players have become eligible this month, the list is bound to have some changes.

But don't worry, for the sake of not causing a panic, Anthony Rizzo remains at the top of the list.

There is a lot to be excited about with only a few months remaining in the season. Let's take a look at the top prospects from last month:

10. Tony Zych, RHP

9. Kevin Rhoderick, RHP

8. Austin Kirk, LHP

7. Matt Szczur, OF

6. Josh Vitters, 3B

5. Trey McNutt, RHP

4. Brett Jackson, OF

3. Javier Baez, SS

2. Junior Lake, SS

1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B 

Let's now take a look at the list for July. 

10. Alberto Cabrera, Iowa Cubs

Position: Right-Handed Pitcher

Stats in Double-A: 2-1 W-L, 2.52 ERA, 45 K, 10 BB, 1.12 WHIP (23 games)

Stats in Triple-A: 0-0 W-L, 2.57 ERA, 9 K, 0 BB, 1.28 WHIP (4 games)

Last Month's Ranking: Not Rated

The 23-year old pitcher was an All-Star in Double-A before being recalled to Triple-A for the second time in as many years. Last season was wildly unsuccessful for Cabrera in Triple-A, who posted a 6.60 ERA in 19 appearances.

This is his best year since his first season in the minors, so it is encouraging to see him turning it around and so swiftly.

September Call-Up Likelihood (0-10, 10 being definitely): 7  

9. Jeimer Candelario, Boise Hawks

Position: Third Base

Stats: .349 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .391 OBP, 16 K - 6 BB

Last Month: Not Rated

The young switch-hitting infielder is off to a great start in Low-A Boise, which is a good sign for Cubs evaluators who have eyed him for some time. He held a good average in the Dominican Summer League in 2011, but his early show of power is a good sign for his development—

Especially because he is just 18 years old.

September Call-Up Likelihood: 0

8. Matt Szczur, Daytona Cubs

Position: Outfield

Stats: .273 AVG, 2 HR, 23 RBI, .373 OBP, 44 K, 35 BB, 26 SB 

Last Month: 7 (minus-1) 

Szczur is going to be 23 in a few weeks and has yet to sniff Double-A. As a Villanova alum you would think he may be in Double-A already, but he has not had the success you would like to see from someone who is 23 in Single-A. 

He loses a step this month, but hopefully will turn it around and perhaps see some time in Double-A. He has the speed, but needs to be able to make consistent contact to be considered a legitimate prospect. 

September Call-Up Likelihood: 0

7. Dan Vogelbach, AZL Cubs

Position: First Base

Stats: .356 AVG, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .406 OBP, 8 K, 5 BB (13 games)

Last Month: Not Rated

After spending a few months in extended spring training, Vogelbach is getting his first taste of professional ball and is off to a good start, displaying a good eye at the plate and tremendous power. 

There is a lot of hype around Vogelbach because of his size and ability to rip the cover off the ball. The 19-year-old will likely get a taste of Single-A before this season is over, especially if he continues to display power.

Most overweight players do not perform all that well, but Vogelbach runs great for his size and maintains a good average. He could be an outlier when it comes to his size.  

September Call-Up Likelihood: 0

6. Austin Kirk, Daytona Cubs

Position: Left-Handed Pitcher

Stats: 4-2 W-L, 2.63 ERA, 58 K, 26 BB (15 starts)

Last Month: 8 (plus-2)

Kirk was the victim of poor run support, but his numbers have remained strong, earning him his second All-Star appearance in two years. He's always had good numbers, but this year has been statistically his best.

He has his lowest career ERA, as well as opposing hitters average, which rings in at .237. He will likely be tested at Double-A this year considering he is vastly underrated, so a few starts in Double-A Tennessee will show whether or not his stuff is ready for the next level.

September Call-Up Likelihood: 2   

5. Brett Jackson, Iowa Cubs

Position: Outfield

Stats: .261 AVG, 12 HR, 37 RBI, .339 OBP, 122 K, 34 BB, 20 SB (82 games)

Last Month: 4 (minus-1)

Jackson continues to struggle in Triple-A and cannot seem to tame his strikeout totals. He has struck out at least once in each of his past 10 games, but has only walked twice in that same time span. 

It's no secret that Jackson's woes are causing some to worry, but it's not as if the team is waiting for him to come to Chicago like they were with Anthony Rizzo. Jackson will likely spend the rest of this season and most of next season in Triple-A. 

September Call-Up Likelihood: 5

4. Junior Lake, Tennessee Smokies

Position: SS

Stats: .287 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .336 OBP, 51 K, 15 BB, 8 SB (51 games)

Last Month: 2 (minus-2)

Lake is playing very well for having gotten a late start in Double-A, but will likely play out the season in Double-A before getting a shot at the next level.

While the comparisons to Castro are there, don't expect Lake to skip over Triple-A for the majors like Castro did. Despite showing good skills at the plate, he is still likely two years away from reaching the majors. 

September Call-Up Likelihood: 2

3. Javier Baez, Peoria Chiefs

Position: SS

Stats: .305 AVG, 5 HR, 13 RBI, .379 OBP, 29 K, 7 BB, 13 SB (33 games)

Last Month: 3

Baez is already showing an ability to hit for average and steal bases. Oh yeah, and he has five home runs in 102 at-bats. He appears very comfortable with Peoria and at just 19, he will likely finish out the season there.

He's been on a tear lately, hitting .378 in his last 10 games with five stolen bases.  

September Call-Up Likelihood: 1

2. Josh Vitters, Iowa Cubs

Position: Third Base

Stats: .299 AVG, 13 HR, 48 RBI, .355 OBP, 51 K, 23 BB (86 games) 

Last Month: 6 (plus-4)

Vitters has been hitting the ball extremely well since the beginning of June and may have turned a corner. He appears more comfortable at the plate and his numbers show that, as he is walking more and striking out less.

The Cubs hope Vitters can be the future at third base. He is more than deserving if he can keep up his strong play. Expect him to see some time by the end of this season.

September Call-Up Likelihood: 9 

1. Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

Position: First Base

Stats in Triple-A: .342 AVG, 23 HR, 62 RBI, .405 OBP, 52 K, 23 BB (70 games)

Stats in MLB: .386 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, .400 OBP, 5 K, 1 BB (11 games)

Anthony Rizzo has finally reached the big leagues and has not disappointed. Showing an ability for timely hitting and power that was not lost in Triple-A.

It is exciting to see him putting it all together and so seamlessly between leagues.