Tennessee pitching drew the spotlight to start the week as Ryan Williams and Pierce Johnson did everything but sell popcorn in the stands for the Smokies. Meanwhile, Dylan Cease continues to dazzle the Arizona rookie league. Myrtle Beach remains in a lurch in the second half despite excellent outings from Jonathan Martinez and Daury Torrez, while South Bend was carried to two victories thanks to outfielder Yasiel Balaguert and pitcher Tyler Ihrig. In Iowa, Junior Lake blasted two home … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/06/15
While perhaps a little late to the party, the Cubs made their midseason reshuffle of their personnel over the weekend. Myrtle Beach is back after scuffling for a while, thanks to the red-hot hitting of Jeimer Candelario. Another player who is swinging it well is Jacob Hannemann, who helped ignite the Tennessee offense. Pitching was also in the spotlight as South Bend’s Michael Wagner, Iowa’s Donn Roach, and Dylan Cease of the AZL Cubs all had outstanding efforts. So take a look at Down … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/29/15
Streaks were the big story to start the week as South Bend came off of All-Star break and extended their winning streak to five games thanks to Gleyber Torres. Winning four games in a row brought Eugene’s record even as Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ came up big. Both Tennessee and Iowa had modest two game streaks with strong performances from Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber. On the downside, Myrtle Beach has yet to win a game in the second half of the season despite an excellent outing by … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/26/15
The end of an exciting week saw three affiliates start the second half of their seasons as Tennessee got a big boost from catcher Taylor Davis. South Bend also started off with a win as Jason Vosler went deep. Iowa swept a doubleheader thanks to an excellent pitching performance by Carlos Pimentel and Eugene took a series thanks to some patience and the pitching of Justin Steele. The affiliates also saw rehabbers galore as Mike Olt, Neil Ramirez, Rob Zastryzny, and Trey Masek are on the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/16/15
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first installment of a series previewing the 2015 minor league season. A brief overall look at the system will precede the team summaries. Please note that the previews are based on current roster assignments and anticipated Spring Training success. All assignments, both as to position and level, are subject to change pending the completion of Spring Training. Overview After three seasons, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 01/02/15
Position Analysis – Lower Minors Today, the CCO completes its off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, we now look at the prospects in the lower minor leagues. Starters and Relievers – Lower Minors As exciting as the pitching prospects are at Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, the young pitchers beginning their careers in the low … [Read more...]