Theo Epstein to Cubs: 10 Prospects He'll Target To Groom or Deal

Theo Epstein takes over a franchise at a crossroads and besides dealing with the major league team, there is also a prominent minor league section that must be appropriately managed.

The Cubs have depth in their minor league system, but not at every position. Some are overloaded with talent, and some are quite thin.

Some prospects should be developed and others shopped.

Here are 10 Cubs prospects that Theo Epstein must decide what to do with.

Robert Whitenack

Rated as the Cubs' 10th prospect last season, this starter had a dynamite year in A and AA posting a sub-two ERA in 11 starts.

He should get a look in spring training and though it's an outside possibility a strong spring could see him land a roster spot come Opening Day.

Outlook: Develop

Hayden Simpson

Hayden Simpson was highly drafted in 2010, as the Cubs' first-round pick.

His first year was less than stellar, boasting a 1-10 record and 6.27 ERA in 79 innings.

Though it's early in his career, the outlook is obviously cloudy.

The Cubs have a number of other pitching options and perhaps they should look elsewhere.

Outlook: Trade

Reggie Golden

The Cubs' second-round pick from 2010 did not get off to a great start, but he still has time to develop.

Reggie Golden is a high-risk player with a potentially huge payoff.

Given time he could be great; then again, the outfielder could be a bust.

Theo and the Cubs should give him another year to see how he pans out.

Outlook: Develop

Jay Jackson

Jackson is another Cubs starting prospect who just hasn't been good enough at the AAA level to warrant a promotion.

He is still 23, relatively young, but he needs to improve in a hurry to contribute on the major league level.

Given the Cubs' fragile pitching staff, another wild rookie probably isn't in the Cubs' best interest.

Outlook: Trade

Rafael Dolis

Dolis is a double-play machine generating a number of ground balls in every appearance. 

He should receive a spring training invite and could see the Opening Day roster as a specialist reliever if the Cubs go towards a youth movement in 2012.

Outlook: Develop

Josh Vitters

Vitters is a highly touted but still raw prospect.

He was drafted third in 2007 but hasn't yet blossomed. As a third baseman he would appear to be in line to take over for Ramirez after the 2012 season.

That could be even sooner if Ramirez isn't retained.

Outlook: Develop

Trey McNutt

The Cubs have a number of okay starters at all levels of the minors. McNutt, while the No. 4 prospect in the Cubs system, still hasn't panned out.

He's wallowed in the minors for two-plus seasons and hasn't shown any MLB ability.

Outlook: Trade

Chris Carpenter (of the Cubs)

While he's only the second-best Chris Carpenter in the NL Central, the Cubs' Carpenter is a rising star.

Despite having a so-so year in the minors, in the majors in 2011 he posted a sub-three ERA in 10 appearances.

He looks like he's wrapped up a spot in the bullpen and should continue to improve as he spends more time in the majors.

Outlook: Develop

Matt Szczur

Matt Szczur is only through his first full season in the minors but had a promising start.

The outfielder hit .293 in 447 professional at-bats and stole 24 bases as well. He's probably two years off from the majors but could be a factor once he arrives.

He's also the No. 9 overall outfield prospect in the majors in 2011. He could move up that list in 2012 given his recent performance.

Outlook: Trade

Brett Jackson

Jackson is by far the jewel of the Cubs system.

Jackson is the fifth-best outfield prospect, and 29th top prospect overall.

He hit 20 home runs in 115 games last season and could see those numbers jump with a full season at AAA in 2012.

Jackson could potentially find himself on the Cubs roster at some point this year, but a full season of playing at AAA would be best for Jackson. If he succeeds he could jump into the starting lineup come 2013.

Theo would be a fool not to do what he can with Brett Jackson.

Outlook: Develop (Obviously)