It’s Caribbean World Series time again, and the CCO provides a preview of all the participants. Making an appearance in the tournament will pitchers Fernando Cruz and Andres Santiago, who helped propel Santurce to an upset victory in the Mexican Pacific League playoffs. For all the other “Cubs Connections,” take a look at today’s Down on the Farm Report. Note: Coverage of the Winter Leagues runs from Sunday to Saturday Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League Cangrejeros de … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 01/25/16
Its championship week in the Winter Leagues and Santurce showed new life in Puerto Rico behind the pitching of Fernando Cruz. Down in Venezuela, it’s Jean Machi against Armando Rivero as Magallanes and Aragua squared off. Meanwhile, it is time to say goodbye for the winter to Christian Villanueva, as his Obregon Yaquis were eliminated in Mexico. With one more week to go before the Caribbean World Series, it is time for another Down on the Farm Report. Note: Coverage of the Winter … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 01/18/16
Pitching once again took center stage last week as Armando Rivero continued to impress in Venezuela. Fernando Cruz was a bright spot in Puerto Rico, while Felix Pena is starting to make some noise in the Dominican Republic. With high heat to start out a cold week, here’s today’s Down on the Farm Report. Note: Coverage of the Winter Leagues runs from Sunday to Saturday Dominican Winter League Estrellas de Oriente Oriente needs to get their act together if they want to represent their … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 01/11/16
Pitching moved to the forefront this past week as the playoffs went thundering on in the Caribbean Leagues. Both Jean Machi and Armando Rivero had some sparkling performances in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Fernando Cruz continued to impress and Javier Baez was steady in Puerto Rico. In Mexico, Christian Villanueva went yard again as he helped propel Obregon to the second round. With all the details, along with news and notes, today’s Down on the Farm Report is sure to warn your baseball … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 01/04/16
Happy New Year! As we turn the page on the calendar, it means playoff time in the Caribbean. Arismendy Alcantara is powering Licey in the Dominican Republic, while Christian Villanueva helped lead Obregon to the best record in Mexico. Santurce edged their way into the playoff picture in Puerto Rico with Javier Baez moving around the diamond. It all culminates in the Caribbean World Series, but for now, take a look at this week’s Down on the Farm Report. Note: Coverage of the Winter Leagues … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/28/15
As we near the end of the year, it is also nearing the end of the regular season in winter ball, and playoff time! The Dominican Winter League has already concluded their regular season, and the Cubs will be well represented. Five players will be participating, including Arismendy Alcantara and Felix Pena. Meanwhile, playoff spots have yet to be determined in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Christian Villanueva continues to put up MVP-type numbers, while Javier Baez is heating up. With … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/21/15
¡Feliz Navidad! Debuts were the theme of this past week for the Cubs in winter ball. Pitcher Felix Pena made his first appearance of the winter in the Dominican Republic, while newly signed Luis Parra, Juan Perez and Jean Machi made their Cubs debuts. Over in the Roberto Clemente League, Javier Baez lined up for the first time in center field. Getting a jump on the New Year is today’s Down on the Farm Report. Note: Coverage of the Winter Leagues runs from Sunday to Saturday Dominican … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/14/15
In a light week, two players dominated the winter ball conversation for the Cubs. Christian Villanueva is among the leaders in nearly every offensive category in the Mexican Pacific League. Meanwhile, Fernando Cruz has become a dependable presence in the Roberto Clemente League. Also with news from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, the Down on the Farm Report covers the bases. Note: Coverage of the Winter Leagues runs from Sunday to Saturday Dominican Winter League Tigres del … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/03/15
Pitching Analysis – Double-A Tennessee The CCO’s off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system continues today. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple-A, we now turn to where the first pitching prospects of the current front office reside, the staff for Double-A Tennessee. Double-A Starters and Relievers There has never been a question as to the ability of Pierce Johnson. The biggest concern has been if he can ever make through a season in one piece. The 24-year old has … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/30/15
As we move into the second half of the winter season, Christian Villanueva continues to dominate the Mexican Pacific League. Villanueva leads the league in on-base percentage and is in the top ten in four other categories. Tennessee shortstop Carlos Penalver made his debut in Venezuela, while Arismendy Alcantara and Fernando Cruz continue to excel in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Things will start to get interesting down the stretch, so keep up by taking a look inside today’s … [Read more...]