Ian Happ is Learning

I have to confess, I was pessimistic on Ian Happ entering this season.  At the time he was drafted I liked the pick, I'm a big fan of polished bats in the first round, and who could argue the Front Office's process after the immediate success of Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber.  Still, Happ underwhelmed me in his first exposure to pro ball.  You hope for better than a .348 wOBA and 23.6% K% from your Top 10 college bat in Low A.  Especially one like Happ who has questions about his future position and if he'll provide any defensive value. Visions of Eric Patterson danced in my head.  With that in mind I didn't consider Happ in the top tier of Cubs prospects, and slotted him #9 when I put together a list to start the year.