By Ben Lipson

Matt Murton is this week's Top Prospect Alert.

Aquired by the Cubs as part of the trade that sent Nomar Garciaparra to Chicago, 23 year old Matt Murton is looking more and more like the longterm gem of that deal.

The former first round pick of the Red Sox in 2003 is currently destroying Double-A pitching.

As of May 15th, Murton led the Southern League in hitting with a .410 batting average and 55 hits, while placing among the Top 10 in the league in runs scored, doubles, RBI's, total bases, walks, and stolen bases.

In addition to the incredible offensive numbers, Murton has struck out just 14 times in 134 at bats this season, and he has helped vault the Diamondjaxx to a league best 26-11 record.

Hitting is nothing new to Murton as he posted a career batting average of just over .350 at Georgia Tech.

Murton entered 2005 hitting a combined .290 in his first two seasons as a pro.

An added bonus to Murton's game is his speed on the basis. Despite his 6'1", 215 pound frame, he has a great deal of foot speed, and has already stolen eight bases so far this season which is one short of his career high as a pro.

I have personally had the chance to see Murton play about a half a dozen times this season, and have been very impressed with plate discipline, and his ability to hit good pitches.

I cannot imagine that he has very much left to prove at the Double-A level, and I would expect him to get the call to Triple-A Iowa before the end of June.

With left field becoming a revolving door at the big league level for the Cubs, do not be surprised if Murton were to get a late season call up to Chicago should he continue his current successes at the Triple-A level.

I would reccomend picking up Murton as a keeper league player with the expectations of him arriving at the big league level by the middle of the 2006 season.