Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/13/11

June 13, 2011 By 44 Comments

If you wondered whether the entire Smokies’ team would make the Southern League All-Stars, you’d be half right. Weather, roster shuffling, and just poor play contributed to losing streaks in Iowa, Daytona, and Peoria while Tennessee continued to roll.

All of this, and more, in this week’s Down on the Farm Report. Low Class-A – Peoria Chiefs (33-30)
Peoria started the week again with a three game losing streak, but came back strong against South Bend on Friday night. The Chiefs put up five runs in the first inning, as they cruised to a 6-3 victory over the Silver Hawks. Friday marked the season debut of Angel Guzman, who had been rehabbing from injury. Guzman tossed two innings of scoreless ball, striking out two batters, piggyback starter Eric Jokish came on for 5.1 innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out five to post his seventh victory. Larry Suarez finished with a scoreless 1.2 innings, striking out three of the five batters he faced, for his first save.

The Peoria offense was a machine, pounding out twelve hits and having everyone in the line-up hitting safely. Anthony Giansanti led the way, going 2-for-4 and driving in two runs. Kyung-Min Na was also 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Micah Gibbs was 2-for-3.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

After spotting South Bend five runs in the second inning, Peoria went on an eleven run tear for the next three innings as they defeated the Silver Hawks 11-6 on Saturday. Brandon May paced the attack, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI. Pierre LePage was 3-for-5 with a stolen base and Greg Rohan was 3-for-4, while Anthony Giansanti stroked a three run triple. Matt Szczur added a 2-for-5 night while hitting his fourth home run. Richard Jones clubbed his tenth homer.

The five run second came at the expense of starter Hayden Simpson, who then settled down and pitched two more innings of scoreless ball. Su-Min Jung allowed to only other run in his inning of work. In his longest stint since his last start, Robinson Lopez pitched 2.2 shutout innings for his fourth win. Bryce Shafer mopped up.

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On Sunday, Peoria brought out their ace, as Austin Kirk took the hill. Kirk didn’t disappoint, scattering four hits over six scoreless innings while striking out seven, as the Chiefs bested South Bend 5-1. Alvaro Sosa kept the Silver Hawks scoreless through his two innings of work, striking out two batters, Casey Harman finished up, allowing an unearned run on Arismendy Alcantara’s 23rd error (fifteenth at shortstop).

Peoria had a “lean and mean” attack, producing five runs on only seven hits. Greg Rohan led the way, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. Richard Jones also had a two-run double, but had to be pulled for a pinch runner with an unspecified injury.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

High Class-A – Daytona Cubs (44-19)
It was “Swing from the Heels” night at Daytona on Monday, as the D-Cubs and Brevard County combined for 22 hits, ten of which went for extra bases, as they outlasted the Manatees 10-9. Jae-Hoon Ha, trying to re-establish his hitting stroke, led the way for Daytona. Ha was 2-for-5, bashing his seventh home run and driving in two runs. Justin Bour (1-for-4) hit his fifteenth homer of the season. Evan Crawford, Jake Opitz, and Rubi Silva all doubled-up on their hit totals to contribute to Daytona’s thirteen hits.

None of Daytona’s pitchers had a particularly good night. Starter Jeffrey Lorick was knocked around for four earned runs in his five innings. Juan Serrano yielded two earned runs in two innings. And usually reliable Frank Batista surrendered three earned runs in two innings, blowing the save but getting credit for the win.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

After being swept by Lakeland in three games, the D-Cubs looked like they were in trouble on Saturday, down 6-0 to Clearwater in the third inning. Daytona would cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the third, then explode for six-run in the sixth inning to defeat the Threshers 9-6.

Logan Watkins started the scoring by belting his first homer of the season, a two-run shot, while Justin Bour capped the scoring with a three-run blast of his own. Jae-Hoon Ha was 3-for-4 with a double, and four other D-Cubs had multi-hit games.

For the second consecutive start, Jeffrey Lorick just didn’t have “it”, allowing all six of Clearwater’s runs in two innings. Juan Serrano replaced Lorick with no outs in the third, and would pitch four innings of scoreless ball for his fourth win. Oswaldo Martinez and Marcus Hatley held the Threshers in check, Martinez earning a hold while Hatley picked up his second save.

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Daytona finished the week on a positive note, beating Clearwater on Sunday 6-1. Brett Wallach returned from a short stint on the disabled list to toss three innings of one-run baseball, striking out three batters. Eduardo Figueroa followed with four scoreless innings to earn his second victory. Frank Batista, rebounding from a rare poor outing three days earlier, held the Threshers scoreless for the final two innings.

Matt Cerda was tops for the D-Cub offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Evan Crawford and Logan Watkins were each 2-for-4, while Jae-Hoon Ha, Justin Bour, Michael Burgess, and David Macias each drove in a run.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Double-A – Tennessee Smokies (40-24)
After a Monday loss, Dallas Beeler took the mound for the first time in Double-A on Tuesday, and didn’t disappoint. Beeler tossed six innings in his debut, striking out four batters while allowing no runs. Ty’Relle Harris and Rafael Dolis blanked Jackson the rest of the way to bring home a 6-0 victory for Tennessee.

The Smokies’ offense still hasn’t found its rhythm, but they’re getting better. Nelson Perez was the big stick, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, and two RBI. Ryan Flaherty continued his impressive season by having a 2-for-4 night with a triple. Josh Vitters had a great night, going 2-for-3 with a double, stolen base, and two RBI. Brett Jackson also added a two run homer.

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After a tough 1-0 series ending loss to Jackson, the Smokies looked to fatten up against the Carolina Mudcats on Thursday. The worst team in the Southern League was the tonic that Tennessee was looking for, as they defeated Carolina 9-3. The Smokies’ leaders took the forefront, as Ryan Flaherty was 3-for-4 with two doubles and Blake Lalli smashed a two-run homer in a 2-for-5 night. Steve Clevenger was 2-for-4 with a triple. Junior Lake had his first multi-hit game in Double-A, including his first home run. Josh Vitters, who has been quietly raising his batting average, was 2-for-4 with his sixth home run and two RBI. However, Vitters and Lake continue to struggle defensively; Vitters committed his fifteenth error while Lake made his fourth, giving him eighteen errors between Daytona and Tennessee.

Starter Brooks Raley had one of his “on” nights, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and struck out four over 6.2 innings. Ryan Searle and Kyle Smit threw up zeroes to complete the game.

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Rain shortened the Smokies’ game against Carolina on Friday. Nick Stuck pitched all five innings, blanking the Mudcats on four hits while striking out six batters as Tennessee won 2-0. Struck was also one of the offensive stars, going 2-for-2 with an RBI. Marwin Gonzalez, lining up in center while Brett Jackson nursed a sore foot, was 2-for-3. Josh Vitters continues to hit, going 1-for-2 with his second stolen base.

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In what has become typical Smokies’ fashion, Tennessee pounded out twelve hits and relied on their lock down bullpen as they defeated Carolina 5-2 on Saturday. On a ten game hitting streak in which he has batted .455, Josh Vitters led the way, going 3-for4 with two doubles. Steve Clevenger and Matt Spencer joined Vitters in stroking two doubles each, as all of Tennessee’s starters hit safely.

Starter Chris Rusin had a good outing, allowing two earned runs and striking out three in five innings. Kevin Rhoderick and Chris Carpenter earned holds for three innings of scoreless work, while Rafael Dolis picked up his sixth save.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Triple-A – Iowa Cubs (28-34)
After posting a winning record last week, Iowa began a new week with a four game losing streak. Their first win wasn’t until Saturday, as the I-Cubs topped Round Rock 3-2 in a seven-inning affair. The game was shortened because of the need to complete a suspended game earlier in the week. Marco Carrillo earned his first Triple-A start, and allowed two earned runs in 4.2 innings, striking out three batters. John Gaub and Esmailin Caridad derailed the Express the rest of the way, with Caridad picking up the victory.

The game was marred when Reed Johnson, on rehab assignment, was hit in the head by Round Rock pitcher Neil Ramirez in the fifth inning. With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Jeff Baker, also on rehab assignment, led off with a double and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Two batters later, Bobby Scales lined a single to bring in the game winner.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Dominican Summer League
This week in the Dominican Summer League, the Cubs 1 team has a record of 5-5 and the Cubs 2 team is currently 6-4.

Outfielder- 1B Xavier Batista is currently leading Cubs 1 with a .333 batting average, with two home runs and three RBI. Shortstop Francisco Sanchez has slumped to .256, but shares the team lead with two homers and seven RBI. Right-handed pitcher Alexander Santana is currently the pitching leader. Santana is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and five strikeouts in 13.2 innings of work.

On Cubs 2, 3B Jeimer Candelario has taken over team leadership in hitting, with a .370 average, while C Wilfredo Petit is hitting .321. Right-handed pitcher Jose Arias continues to impress, with a1.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts in fourteen innings.

News and Notes
The Chicago Cubs optioned LHP Scott Maine, recalled RHP Casey Coleman, and designated OF Brad Snyder for assignment; assigned OF Reed Johnson, OF Alfonso Soriano, and IF Jeff Baker to Iowa. Right-handed pitcher Ty’Relle Harris was assigned to Iowa from Tennessee. Daytona placed RHP Brett Wallach on the 7 day disabled list on 6/6/11, and recalled him on 6/12/11. Utility Player David Macias was assigned to Daytona from Peoria. Right-handed pitcher Angel Guzman and 3B Brandon May were assigned to Peoria from Extended Spring Training. Peoria Chiefs activated 2B Pierre LePage and SS Elliot Soto from the 7-Day disabled list. Outfielder D.J. Fitzgerald was assigned to Boise from Peoria.

Twelve members of the 2011 Tennessee Smokies were named by the Southern League to the 2011 Southern League All-Star Game.

Position players: Steve Clevenger, Ryan Flaherty, Marwin Gonzalez, Brett Jackson, Blake Lalli, D.J. LeMahieu, Rebel Ridling and Matt Spencer will join teammates Marco Carrillo, Rafael Dolis, Trey McNutt and Robert Whitenack on the North Division roster at Pringles Park in Jackson, Tennessee for the June 21 game.

Top Prospect Watch

  • Michael Burgess (OF) – .193, .300 OBP, .682 OPS, 12 Doubles, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 8 Outfield Assists (Daytona Cubs)
  • Chris Carpenter (RHP) – 1-1, 4.38 ERA, 12.1 IP, 6 ER, 6 K, 4 BB, 2 Holds, Save, 1.14 WHIP (Tennessee Smokies)
  • Micah Gibbs (C) - .291, .438 OBP, .784 OPS, 4 Doubles, HR, 10 RBI, Stolen Base (Peoria Chiefs)
  • Reggie Golden (OF) is in extended Spring Training
  • Jae-Hoon Ha (OF) – .302, .335 OBP, .825 OPS, 12 Doubles, 2 Triples, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 6 Stolen Bases, 7 Outfield Assists (Daytona Cubs)
  • Brett Jackson (OF) – .258, .379 OBP, .843 OPS, 7 Doubles, 3 Triples, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 13 Stolen Bases, 2 Outfield Assists (Tennessee Smokies)
  • D.J. LeMahieu (IF) – .358, .386 OBP, .878 OPS, 15 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 4 Stolen Bases (Tennessee Smokies) 1-for-9 (Chicago Cubs)
  • Trey McNutt (RHP) – 1-2, 2.70 ERA, 36.2 IP, 11 ER, 22 K, 9 BB, 1.25 WHIP (Tennessee Smokies)
  • Hayden Simpson (RHP) – 1-3, 5.47 ERA, 49.1 IP, 30 ER, 42 K, 21 BB 1.56 WHIP (Peoria Chiefs)
  • Matt Szczur (OF) – .335, .391 OBP, .854 OPS, 12 Doubles, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 14 Stolen Bases, 2 Outfield Assists (Peoria Chiefs)
  • Josh Vitters (3B) -.290, .329 OBP, .784 OPS, 15 Doubles, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 2 Stolen Bases (Tennessee Smokies)

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  • Ripsnorter1

    Don’t look for Brett Jackson in Chicago until September if at all this year.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

      The way he is playing does he deserve to? He is struggling mightily since tearing up the first month.

      • Ripsnorter1

        I’m really sorry that B. Jackson isn’t working his way through the system a little faster. Vitters is another one I would have hoped would have progressed a little more by now.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

          Vitters is at least getting more better with his batting average rising. His glove just needs to catch up at this point. He also needs to get more power but I think it is on the way. I am in no way ready to write him off as a bust yet.

  • Ripsnorter1

    ESPN on Saturday sent out an update on Cashner. Here it is:

    “UPDATE: Cashner has not begun throwing, will not return to the Cubs anytime soon and will not collect $200 for passing Go, though he will continue to collect his big-league salary while on the disabled list. The Cubs say they are doubling the effort and time they spend on each step of Cashner’s rehab to try and avoid another setback like the one he experienced three weeks ago.Such a plan likely pushes Cachner’s timetable well into mid or late July.The back end of the Chicago Cubs’ rotation has become a black hole, and it appearsAndrew Cashner won’t be filling the void anytime soon. “Now here’s my comment:I don’t look for him to be back until after surgery. Yup, I know the Cubs are not talking surgery, but I think he’s already had two setbacks, and the injury seems to not really be healing, IMO.

  • Ripsnorter1

    I watched the Reds lose to SF last night. It was a real joy to see Dusty manage a team again. LOL  The SF Giants need a catcher very badly, and Soto would look so good playing for them. 

    The Cubs and Yanks on ESPN next Sunday night for free, folks. It’s a good broadcast and it ought to be fun IF YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING THE CUBS TO WIN. Don’t do anything foolish like that. Still, it will be a great chance for the Cubs to showcase anyone that they might want to deal off to the Yanks. 

    • paulcatanese

      Morning Rip, the idea of Soto going to the Giants is not a bad one at all. But who could they get in return? The giants are mostley retreads and I dont think the Cubs need any more of them. A high minor league’r? No doubt they need a catcher though. Its the return that I see as a problem, what do you think?

      • Aaron

        Soto would likely cost any team a good young starter…and I mean EITHER pitching or everyday player.

        The problem is, the Giants ENTIRE ROTATION has ERA’s under 3.47 (Sanchez’s ERA)…THE ENTIRE ROTATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        The Cubs could ask for Kendry Flores or Zack Wheeler, which happen to be 2 of their top pitching prospects, but that’s it. Soto isn’t worth Bumgarner or Sanchez to them, because they already have Posey when he comes back from injury.

        What the Giants are likely looking for is a solid back-up catcher that is doing well right now in that role, and can return to back-up for them once Posey comes back. In fact, it’s more likely they’d be interested in Koyie Hill than Soto for that reason, because once Posey comes back, they’d have to trade Soto, or try him at 1B where they happen to have one of the best prospects in all of baseball (currently on the DL) in Brandon Belt. But they are still 1st in their division, so it’s highly unlikely they’d want to risk the future when even without Posey, their team ain’t broken.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

          I do agree with your assessment Aaron. As always your knowledge of the minors is top notch. The only issue I have is that your assuming that there is no truth to the idea they are moving Posey next year.

          If they do move him it is probably to 1st which means that Belt will be dangled about to get that catcher that they will then need.

    • paulcatanese

      Wouldn’t be ironic if the Yankee’s were to bring Silva up to pitch against the Cubs? We(Cubs) would be paying Silva to beat us. That should wake Ricketts up.

      • cubtex

        With Colon going down…now is the tme to get Z to try and approve a trade to the Yanks. Yankees should be pretty desperate now.

        • paulcatanese

          I would like to see that happen. the major block for Z would be the New York stage, as those fans would not put up with any of his temper tantrums. They can run someone out of the state. It would though fit Z,s ego to be in the Big Apple and could be what he would jump at. Unless he does not have confidence in himself, no one knows what can happen with this player, and don’t forget, he wouldn’t be able to get his at bats. That I think is a major priority with him.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

      The first move I would do would be call the Pirates about Koyie Hill. They have a serious need at catcher right now and we could actually get some of the bats and balls we need.

      Update: Pittsburg traded for Mike McKenry from Boston for the infamous player to be named later. There is one market that we were not quick enough on the draw for.

      http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/06/pirates-acquire-mckenry-from-red-sox.html

  • paulcatanese

    When will the Cubs have an impact player? I mean a TRUE IMPACT player. Someone like Ted Williams,Joe Dimmagio, or Stan Musial? I was forunate enough to see all of them play in person either at Wrigley or Comiskey Park. There was no doubt the fear that they instilled when they came to bat. We had Banks,but no longer, Sandberg, no longer.

    The only other I can think of would be Pujols(who even reveres Musial himself) he may be good  for the Cubs but then Quade would squelch that because he dosent think Pujols can hit, and Quade proved that in the last St Louis series. Pujols could only hit home runs and doubles, and Quade thought ,
    thats not really hitting the ball! I know we can pitch to him, he’s a fluke.

    Whether or not we were ever to get Pujols, I doubt it would turn this team around as
    long as Quade and JH are at the helm. After all Pujols is not a bullpen pitcher and thats what Quade wants more pitchers to go with the 13 he already has and dosent know what to do with them.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

      The guys you are talking about are once in a lifetime players for the league let alone an organization. Do I want the next Musial or Williams? Yes but lets keep our idea’s or Impact Prospect in proper prospective.

      • paulcatanese

        Richard, I think the point I was trying to make was even with a once in a lifetime player as long as the Cubs have the present management nothing will happen. I agree that the Cubs have nothing in that category, but lets face it, if they did they would abuse it. The closest thing they have to making an impact are Castro and Barney and both are virtualy unproven at this point in their respective careers. The rebuilding of the Cubs could start with one impact player, but not likely, they have too many holes to fill. The players that I had mentioned had great teams that supported their efforts and at this time the Cubs do not. And as good as our prospects would be from the minors they are blocked or mis-handled and re-building can not have it both ways, it must be done one way or the other.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

          I do agree with you on that point. I was just trying to keep your idea of a player that steps in and bats .330 and is in the 100/100/30 club (runs/rbis/homers) is not what should be expected of any rookie.

          We do have to rebuild and we need to change the culture starting today. The question then becomes are we willing to loose for the next couple years in order to be a player for 5 to 7 years afterwards. We are loosing big now and it is not going to get better until we get a consistent, realistic idea of where we are going.

           There are a number of questions to be asked and moved on quickly. The first being who is leaving. Someone has to be held accountable for the laughing stock that is the Cubs.It doesn’t matter if  you think it should be the manager, GM or team president, that move needs to happen ASAP.

          The goal should be stated everytime there is a microphone in front of Ricketts. That goal is to win a world series period. Not have a good team, not make the playoffs, NOT FILL WRIGLEY. Win the big one that has to be the final goal. If Ricketts wants to play with the big boys he needs to get his ducks in a row and start building a winner today.

          • paulcatanese

            Than you Richard,you got the point,sorry I wasn’t able to express it more clearly. I agree 100% with you. And that will take time, but the sooner the better to find a direction and get it going.

    • Brp921

      I think the Cubs need to play out these bad contracts while going to a youth movement. Once the bad contracts are gone, and they have a solid foundation built, then and only then, is when they should pick and choose the free agents they feel can put them over the top. Signing Pujols next year would only do what the Cubs have always done, that is aquiring someone just to put fans in the seats, without worrying about winnig. Unfortunately with the current ownership and front office personnel that are in place, that will probably be what happens.

      • paulcatanese

        I would hope the Pujols thing would not happen and do agree that it would be all about putting fans in the seats, and man is not a team. The solid foundation is what I have been talking about . The Cubs will need some free agents but should be cautious how they go about doing it. Getting rid of top prospects in their own system would not be the answer, as well as long term contracts that free agents demand, I think we have been burned enough with that path.

        • Brp921

          I definitely agree with you about long term contracts. The ten year contract that Albert Pujols is rumored to be wanting would be one of those bad contracts in the end.

          • paulcatanese

            I would be completely amazed if Pujols were to leave the Cardinals I just do not think that would ever happen, even if another team were to consent to his salary demands and the Redbirds would offer less. He is Cardinal thru and thru. I read the article that was in last years SI that featured Musial, and Pujols is a staunch believer in Cardinal tradition and admires Musial,almost his idol.

          • Brp921

            I would admire him for doing that. So many players today are just out for themselves. A good example would be ARod when he signed the big contract with Texas and then almost immedietly demanding a trade when he didn’t like it there. He sure didn’t volunteer to go to New York for the original amount of money they had offered him to go there in the first place.

  • paulcatanese

    Tom, how far away is Ha? His stats show he can hit the ball and just wonder.
    Not that the Cubs could use a hitter,probably ride the bench anyway. Nice complete post Tom,thank you.

    • GrantJones7

      Il awnser from my view, i think he will be in Daytona, until BJax heats up and goes to iowa or Chicago, then he will eb in Tenn. Ha is very goood and i think he could deffinatly be a starter, or high impact 4th OFer, we are deep at OF now with Jackson, Ha, Sczcur, Colvin, Golden ect

      Just remember, i was the first to have Ha in a top ten list! Last fall! Always been a big fan of Ha

      • paulcatanese

        Thank you for the reply, I hope you had a chance to see him play, and I hope your’e foresight pays off for him as he does seem to have good power from what Tom says.

        • GrantJones7

          I saw him around 20 times last season in Peoria, and him and Bour impressed me the most, along with Hak Ju (whos gone) and Cerda also was very interesting,

          I can see Ha becoming a MLBer for sure, Bour can deffinatly be a future 1st basemen, i want to see him play at a higher level soon though. Cerda i want to see play higher soon too, i can see him in the majors also.

    • Tom U

      Paul, Grant is probably right with the pace of Ha’s progress. Remember, Jae-Hoon Ha is only 20 years old, and the organization likes to be conservative with their promotion.

      When Ha was promoted to Tennessee, he fared much better than Junior Lake is right now. That’s why I can see him promoted, he’s already somewhat proven that he can at least hold his own,

      It will be interesting to see what transpires between now and next Monday, when the rookie league opens play. As soon as the organization signs some of its draft picks, expect to see some movement, particularly at the upper levels of the minors.

      • paulcatanese

        Thanks Tom, one other thing, is Ha subject to military service? I don’t what country he is from, that makes no difference to me, but some players have that obligation.

        • GrantJones7

          I assume so

          Unless he wins a medal for Korea or something liek Choo did, he has a 2 year requirment i THINK

          • Tom U

            I’m not sure, but I think he has to play on the national ream to get an exemption from service.

            Aaron or Cubtex (or both), help me out on this one!

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

            All S Koreans are required to serve for 2 years unless they get a waiver for public service. Meaning he could have gotten a waiver like Choo did a couple years ago by playing on the National Team and other community service. I do not know exactly what it requires other than it must be before he is 25.

          • Tom U

            Thanks for the help, Richard! :-)

          • paulcatanese

            Thank you Richard, lets hope he can get a waiver.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

    Good Report Tom. It is nice to think about something other than the big club after these last 10 games.

  • Matt

    When is Reggie golden going to be in extended spring training!?

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

      He is getting ready to go to short season ball. Probably Boise or one of the rookie leagues.

    • Tom U

      Matt, like Richard posted Golden will be either in the rookie league or Boise. Currently, he is on the roster for the Arizona Cubs, but Boise’s roster has only 8 players, including 2 outfielders. Golden has been with the team since spring training, and has played a lot in extended spring training. It’s just my guess, but I believe he’ll start out in Boise.

  • cc002600

    Hello All,
    I went to Philadelphia and Baltimore over the weekend to watch a couple games. At this point, I could care less about what happens in the cubs games, but I just enjoy going to other cities and seeing the different parks. Over the past 15 years, I’ve probably been to around 20 different stadiums. As I went to Phlly and Baltimore this weekend, I was again reminded of something, and it really, really hurts me to say this because like all of you, I have grown up at Wrigley and love the charm, history, etc, etc…….but when you compare it to the new stadiums, it really, really is a dump.  There’s just no getting around it.

    The cleanliness, amenities, parking, food, etc, of the new stadiums really are incredible.

    It wouldn’t bother me in the least if they tore down Wrigley and built a replica on the same spot with the modern new amenities. If they can tear down Yankee stadium, Tiger stadium, old comiskey, etc why not Wrigley ? Time marches on. 

    In many ways, I’m starting to think that as long as they are in Wrigley, they will never win. I do think the theory about the multitude of different starting times the players have to endure while playing for the Cubs does have some merit. 

    How else can you explain why so many players have their worst years while playing for the cubs ? Doesn’t it seem to happen all the time ?

    Oh well, just thought I would share my thoughts, curious to hear some of your opinions.

    • paulcatanese

      I can agree with you on all the different starting times. As I had posted some time ago I had left Chicago in 1963, they were without lights (everyone knows that) and all of the games started at the same time every day 1:30 PM with the exception of doubleheaders, I believe they started a little earlier. I don’t really know if consistant starting times would help the players, it just seems they fall apart when joining the Cubs as is the opposite when they put on the pinstripes of the Yankees.

      As far as the stadium, I agree, the Giants park out here is magnificant and has all of the things one would want at a ballgame. But it costs an arm and a leg to go to a game and is completely unafordable for most.

      The old Candlestick park out here was the oppisite of the new one, very cold, damp etc.

      If I could afford it I would love to come back to Chicago and Wrigley to see a Cub game, but with all I have read about the condition of the park,I am not so sure. The high ticket prices,food and I imagine parking (if any) does say fans there deserve a new facillity. I for one agree with you on a new stadium, but under present owners I do not see that happening. I believe that the Ricketts are just there to take as much money as they can out of Wrigley and the fans and then selling, I said that last fall and still believe it.

      • cc002600

        No, I know…..there is no such talk of a new stadium, so it ain’t happening anytime soon.

        I was just making the comment that at this point I wouldn’t mind seeing it. I would have never said that 10 years ago, but when you see these new stadiums and what they bring, I ‘m starting to think that Wrigley has outgrown its usefulness. In some ways its kind of embarrassing – like the falling concrete, the disgusting bathrooms, zero parking, etc. 

        But don’t misunderstand me, Wrigley is still a special place and I love going there still, but I am starting to think a replica stadium would be the best thing for the organization as a whole.  And oh, I’ve been to AT&T stadium in SF – Awesome…..just like the rest.

  • GrantJones7

    Not sure if anyone does Twitter but i just made one, will update with MiLB stuff i find out, and mainly why i made it, to talk about moments in the dugout (as im the Kane County Cougars batboy) so if anyone wants to follow me, go ahead!

  • Tom U

    Thank you to everyone for their comments.