A quick update on the Cubs' progress in signing the players they drafted back in June (check out the links for local information on these guys).

Among others, the Cubs have signed third round pick Mark Reed, a catcher who is the younger brother of highly-touted Seattle (former White Sox) prospect Jeremy Reed. I'm also psyched to see the Cubs sign Stanford's Sam Fuld (10th round) this time around (they drafted and failed to sign him last year). Fuld had a disappointing year but is a good on-base guy.

There are still a lot of significant names that are unsigned, including second round pick Grant Johnson. Looking over how other teams are doing in their signings, it actually looks like the Cubs are a bit behind. Lacking a first-round pick, the Cubs tried to make up for it by drafting a lot of talent that slipped farther than was expected. Some players who were expected to go around the second or third round include the following unsigned guys:

Adrian Ortiz, OF. Switch-hitting fifth round choice was written up as the fastest player in the draft.

Eric Patterson, 2B. A lefty like his brother Corey. Drafted in the eighth round.

Micah Owings, RHP. Selected in the 19th round; I think Baseball America actually has him listed as a better talent than Grant Johnson.

Two other guys I'd like to see the Cubs sign, and some comments that Baseball America had on them:

Ryan Moorer, RHP. 13th round. "Moorer, who has a commitment to Maryland, had a strong performance at the Perfect Game/Baseball America World Wood Bat Championship last October in Jupiter, Fla." I'd guess he's going to go to Maryland, but I really have no idea.

Trey Taylor, LHP. 20th round. He was drafted very high a couple years ago out of high school, but has lost some velocity. "Taylor pitches most often at 85-88 mph from a low arm slot, and mixes in curveballs, cutters and changeups."