I have defintely noticed a shift in the philosophy of the Cubs’ scouting department so far through two days of the Rule IV draft – as nine of the 10 players selected have been college players (unless the bevy of high school talent in recent years), while only three position players (top pick Kris Bryant was the only infielder) were nabbed.

This may bode well for the Boise Hawks this season – at least from mid-July through the remainder of the season.  Though the Cubs may fast-track Bryant to Daytona or Tennessee (or start him in Kane County so the Chicagoland masses can watch him), the remainder of the college arms will end up in Boise – giving the Hawks a great crop of talent to join the youthful arms that will be heading this way initially from Mesa.

Below are some stories on the first seven draft picks of the Cubs – along with some videos from their college days.

#1 Kris Bryant (3B – U. of San Diego) – Story from the Chicago Tribune

#2 Rob Zastryzny (LHP – U. of Missouri) – Story from St. Louis Dispatch on his selection

#3  Jacob Hannemann (OF – BYU) – Salt Lake City’s Deseret News breaks down BYU’s Hannemann

#4 Tyler Skulina (RHP – Kent State U.) – Columbus Dispatch talks of Skulina’s Selection

#5  Trey Masek (RHP – Texas Tech) – Lubbock Online breaks down Cubs pick of Masek

#6 Scott Frazier (RHP – Pepperdine) – Pepperdine Sports reports on the selection of Frazier

#7 David Garner (RHP – Michigan State) – Michigan State hurler heads to the Cubs