Chicago has looked more for high-ceiling athletes recently, rather than the stereotype Wrigley Field slow power hitter in the Dave Kingman/Hank Sauer mode. They have also increased their presence in Latin America, and snared a premium Asian talent in South Korean first baseman Hee Seop Choi. The 1999 draft brought several talented college players into the system, which will increase the depth around the younger 1998 draft group.

Pitching is another matter. The ill-advised 1998 trades of prospects Jon Garland and Todd Noel still sting, and the mound corps would look much better if they were still around.

Second-rounder Michael Mallory, a high school outfielder from Virginia, has excellent tools but is rather raw, making him a risky choice. Third-rounder Ryan Gripp, a third baseman from Creighton University, has an outstanding bat, compared to Jeff Bagwell's. He was a steal in the third round.

Other interesting draftees include 10th-round pick Jim Deschaine, who has a strong bat; slugging outfielder Condor Cash, drafted in the 12th round from high school in Georgia; and 13th-rounder Syketo Anderson, brother of Phillies second baseman Marlon Anderson and a similar player. 20th-rounder Brandon Sing, a shortstop from high school in Joliet, and fleet Yale outfielder Ben Johnstone, drafted in the 26th round, are also worth watching.

I like Gripp a lot, and the Cubs did a nice job with some of the lower round picks. If Christensen puts his past behind him, it's a good draft.