The Cubs minor league system is playing a lot like the big league club….inconsistent. Felix Pie and Micah Hoffpauir have continued swinging their hot bats but Donald Veal struggled in his second outing of the season. Here’s what has been going on down on the farm…. Iowa Cubs – Record: 6-4
The Iowa Cubs have put together a 3-game winning streak behind some good pitching and some good games on the offensive side. Carlos Marmol was the most impressive going 5.1 innings, giving up five hits, no earned runs, no walks and striking out 10 batters for the win. Les Walrond got a win after pitching six strong innings, giving up only two hits, one earned run, a walk and striking out two. J.R. Mathes continued his improvement to pick up his first win in three tries. He pitched six innings, gave up two earned runs on five hits, with one walk and three strikeouts.
Angel Pagan had a solid three games going 3-for-10 with a stolen base. Felix Pie was 3-for-7 as he continued his hot hitting and Micah Hoffpauir was 4-of-11 with a grand slam. Mike Fontenot was solid in the two games he played in with four hits in eight at bats.
Tennessee Smokies – Record: 3-5
The Smokies are 1-2 in their last three games. The Smokies have been solid offensively but their pitching has let them down. Chris Walker is 4-of-11 with a stolen base over the last three games. Jake Fox had the same number, 4-of-11 with a stolen base. Josh Kroeger was 4-of-9, Gary Cates was 4-of-10 with a stolen base and Matt Craig was 3-of-10.
The Smokies have had a rough stretch on the mound. One outing of note was that of reliever Carmen Pignatiello. He pitched two scoreless innings for the only win in the three games. Donald Veal, the Cubs’ #2 prospect, had another rough outing. He pitched four innings, gave up two hits and three earned runs with seven walks and three K’s. That leaves Veal with 10 free passes in 7.2 innings. He definitely needs to work on his control.
Daytona Cubs – Record: 5-5
The Daytona Cubs are 2-2 since the last update and this time it is the pitching that has been mediocre. Chris Amador is still hitting well going 4-for-9 with a stolen base. Matt Matulia was 5-of-11, Ryan Norwood was 3-of-11, and Jesus Valdez was 3-of-8.
Jeff Samardzija pitched well in his outing going five innings, giving up five hits, two earned runs, two walks and two strikeouts. The bullpen blew the save so he failed to get the win and they eventually lost the game.
Peoria Chiefs – Record: 3-5
After starting the season 3-0 the Chiefs have dropped five in a row. There are a few players that have been good offensively in the last four games. Joshua Lansford was 5-of-11, Russell Canzler was 3-of-7 with a stolen base and Yusuf Carter was 4-of-11 with three stolen bases.
There was little of note to report on from the mound. Obviously no one was able to get a win and the best outing was put forth by Jose Pina who pitched 4.0 innings, giving up three hits, one earned run, three walks and three strikeouts. The Chiefs were shutout in that game 2-0. Things have gotten bad for the Chiefs so I hope they can turn things around soon for rookie manager Ryne Sandberg.
That is the latest from down on the farm. More updates to come Friday.