Tyler Colvin Debut

We’ve seen guys like Tyler Colvin before.

Unfortunately, Cubs fans just haven’t seen them playing at Wrigley Field very long, either.

As usual, Colvin is another can’t-miss type player: has the right look, has the right numbers, and has a golden opportunity to make the big club.

And this is, after all, what you expect from your No. 1 pick (Colvin was drafted No. 1 in 2006), a real difference maker.

However, let’s hold off on crowning Colvin the Cubs’ starting right fielder next season.

First, try naming a single Cubs’ No.1  draft pick to make an impact since taking Mark Prior in 2001.

Can’t do it…I know. That’s the point I’m making.

Obviously, you hope Colvin cracks the mold, but you can’t bank on it, either. Rather, you almost have to expect him to fail.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m pulling for the kid to make it big with the Cubs.

But if history tells us anything, it’s that Colvin will still be in the minor league wind come Opening Day 2010.

The upcoming free-agent list, however, is in Colvin’s favor, take a look:

Right fielders

• Bobby Abreu (36)
• Jermaine Dye (36) – $12MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
• Brian Giles (39)
• Vladimir Guerrero (34)
• Eric Hinske (32)
• Geoff Jenkins (35) – $7.5MM mutual option with a $1.25MM buyout
• Gabe Kapler (34)
• Austin Kearns (30) – $10MM club option with a $1MM buyout
• Jason Michaels (34)
• Xavier Nady (31)
• Randy Winn (36)

Not much too it, at least for the long run, and baring a trade for someone new, Colvin’s in like Flint.

We should understand that whether right or wrong about Colvin’s abilities it doesn’t much matter in the end, whatever happens can only beat the alternative that is Milton Bradley.