Cubs Down on the Farm Report - 04/29/10

Cubs’ farm hand Brad Snyder was the Pacific Coast League “Batter of the Week” last week. Snyder has led the I-Cubs on a surge that has put them right back into the thick of things. In the mean time, hitters like Starlin Castro and Robinson Chirinos have continued to impress at Double-A while Michael Brenly and Kyler Burke continue to struggle.

All that and more in today’s Down on the Farm Report! AAA-Iowa Cubs – (9-10)
The Iowa Cubs have weathered the storm (literally) at Principal Park this week. A rainout on Saturday caused for a double header against Round Rock on Monday, but then the twin bill ended up getting postponed due to rain as well! Eventually, they did get the games in and took two of three in the series!

On Tuesday Iowa swept the Express in a pair of seven-inning contests. It took three runs in the last at bat for the I-Cubs to notch a 4-3 victory in Game 1. Jeff Samardzija’s 1.2 perfect innings earned him a win while starter Thomas Diamond worked five scoreless frames. Brad Snyder had a two-hit, two RBI night that included a double. Click for full box score.

The I-Cubs put together another late rally in the second game to get a 4-2 win. Casey Coleman gave up two runs in six innings and got the W. Mitch Atkins recorded the save. Marquez Smith doubled twice and drove in one. Click for full box score.

Iowa enjoyed a day off on Wednesday. They will return to action tonight in Omaha.

Upcoming Games and Probable Pitchers:
*All Times CDT
Today @Omaha 6:35 (Mike Parisi)
Friday VS Omaha 6:35 (J.R. Mathes)
Saturday VS Omaha 6:35 (Jay Jackson)
Sunday VS Omaha 1:05 (Thomas Diamond)

AA-Tennessee Smokies – (15-5)
The Smokies have finally hit a small bump in the road, dropping three of five against Birmingham. They have lost back-to-back games for the first times this season. However, a .750 winning percentage after 20 games is still something to write home about.

On Monday, they beat the Barons 9-5. Tony Thomas went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Ryan Flaherty also enjoyed a three-hit, three RBI game. Marco Carrillo was not effective in his three- inning start, but reliever David Cales picked him up with three scoreless frames. Click for full box score.

Hung-Wen Chen gave up three runs in 6.2 innings on Tuesday, but he was outdueled by Birmingham righty Charles Shirek, who gave up just one run. The Smokies dropped the game 5-4. Starlin Castro had three hits and two RBI in the ten-hit Smokie attack. Click for full box score.

Tennessee was handed their second straight loss on Wednesday when they fell to the Barons by a score of 6-5. Russ Canzler and Blake Lalli each had two RBI. Austin Bibens-Dirkx gave up three earned runs in seven innings. A two run eighth was not enough for a win. Click for full box score.

Upcoming Games:
*All Times CDT
Today @Chattanooga 6:15
Friday @Chattanooga 6:15
Saturday @Chattanooga 6:15
Sunday @Chattanooga 1:15

Class-A Daytona Cubs – (8-12)
The Daytona Cubs have continued to be haunted by inconsistent play. They currently sit at 8-12, last in their division. Infielder David Macias has been one pleasant surprise. He leads the club in RBI with 14.

The Cubs started a home stand on Tuesday after an off day Monday. They topped the Lakeland Flying Tigers 3-1. Alberto Cabrera struck out six over 6.2 scoreless frames. Aaron Shafer, who has not allowed an earned run in seven appearances, worked 2.1 shutout innings out of the Cubs’ pen. Rebel Ridling, who was activated from the DL yesterday, hit a solo homer. Ridling had been dealing with an appendectomy issue and spent time rehabbing with the Cubs’ Extended Spring club. To make room for him on the roster, first baseman Ryne White (.182 average in 11 games) was released. Matt Spencer also went deep in the win. Click for full box score.

Brett Jackson’s two hits were not enough on Wednesday as Lakeland won it 5-3 with two runs in the ninth. Chris Archer, Ryan Searle and Chris Siegfried all had decent outings on the mound, but they gave up a combined five earned runs. Click for full box score.

Upcoming Games:
*All Times CDT
Today VS Lakeland 6:05
Friday @Clearwater 6:00
Saturday @Clearwater 5:30
Sunday @Clearwater Noon

Class-A Peoria Chiefs – (12-8)
The Cubs’ Midwest League affiliate made a number of roster moves last weekend. Tim Clubb, who had a 19.64 ERA, was released by the organization. They added a couple of new faces to the mix including Larry Suarez, who’s tossed four scoreless innings thus far. The moves have already played a role in getting the team going.

Logan Watkins had a triple and two RBI on Tuesday to help the Chiefs to a 5-4 win against Wisconsin. Francisco Guzman, an outfielder who was recently called up from Mesa, went 2-3 with an RBI. Click for full box score.

The Chiefs picked up a 4-2 win on Wednesday. Richard Jones, a left-handed hitting outfielder, went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Ronny Morla was the winning pitcher thanks to two strong innings of relief. Click for full box score.

Upcoming Games and Probable Pitchers:
*All Times CDT
Today VS Wisconsin 6:30 (Rob Whitenack)
Friday VS Clinton 6:30 (Nick Struck)
Saturday VS Clinton 6:30 (Jeffry Antigua)
Sunday VS Clinton 1:00 (Trey McNutt)

Top Prospect Watch
Starlin Castro: .370 AVG, .416 OBP, 18 RBI, 19 Games at AA
Brett Jackson: .282 AVG, .420 OBP, 19 games at Daytona
Josh Vitters: .263 AVG, .317 OBP, 19 games at Daytona
Andrew Cashner: 1-1, 3.33 ERA, 24.1 IP at AA
Jay Jackson: 2-2, 2.35 ERA, 23 IP at AAA
Hak-Ju Lee: .246 AVG, .284 OBP, 17 games at Peoria
Logan Watkins: .250 AVG, .286 OBP, 16 games at Peoria
Chris Carpenter: 0-0, 6.00 ERA, 6 IP at AA
Ryan Flaherty: .212 AVG, .295 OBP, 17 Games at AA
D.J. LeMahieu: .247 AVG, .309 OBP, 18 games at Daytona
*Stats accurate going into play on 4/28

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