Name: Davis, Lawrence (Crash) Position: Catcher Bats: Both, Throws: Right Height: 6'1", Weight: 190 lb. Born: January 18, 1955 in Lynwood, California, US (Age 57) Known for his defense and game-calling ability, the 33-year old switch-hitting catcher was moved from the Triple-A Richmond Braves to the Advanced-A Durham Bulls at the beginning of the 1988 season. During his 12 year minor league career, he hit a then-record 247 home runs, the last for the Asheville Tourists of the Single-A Southern … [Read more...]
Hoyer Speaks on the State of the Cubs … and Other News, Notes and Rumors
Jed Hoyer addressed several topics with the mainstream media including Bryan LaHair, Anthony Rizzo, the roster, Jeff Samardzija and the Jorge Soler rumors in a sort of a State-of-the-Cubs address. Hoyer said the Cubs are not done tinkering with the roster and they will be active in trade conversations as Spring Training comes to an end. Hoyer clarified his comment about possible trades by saying they would not be doing their job if they were not talking to other teams. The Cubs are expected to … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/19/12
Minor League Preview - Low-A Peoria Chiefs and High-A Daytona Cubs Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! This is the second of a three part installment previewing the 2012 minor league season. Like in last week's report about the Boise Hawks, another team that will benefit from great seasons by the DSL Cubs, AZL Cubs, and Boise will be the Peoria Chiefs, as some of their talent will filter up to them. The defending Florida State League Champion Daytona Cubs continue to look strong with plenty … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 02/27/12
Five Players to Watch: Low-A Peoria Chiefs and High-A Daytona Cubs This is the second in a series of articles highlighting some of the players not noted on off-season prospect lists. The players are listed in alphabetical order, and as they are presently listed on rosters. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily reflect where each player will start the season. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/27/11
After taking a look at the infield and catching prospects throughout the Cubs' system on Monday, next up on the CCO's Minor League position analysis is the outfield. Three of the Cubs' top position prospects roam the outfield down on the farm. Brett Jackson, Jae-Hoon Ha and Matt Szczur had good seasons and each figure to be in big league camp next spring ... Jackson and Ha on non-roster invites and Szczur as a part of the 40-man roster. Position Analysis - Outfield … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/08/11
The Cubs Minor League Fourth Quarter Report As the minor league regular season has drawn to a close, players from Triple-A Iowa and Class-A Peoria are looking toward their off-season, with many looking to attend the Arizona Fall League or Winter Baseball. Double-A Tennessee, High Class-A Daytona, and Short Season-A Boise have furthered their seasons by making the playoffs. Rookie League AZL Cubs narrowly missed their chance at the post-season, and the Dominican Summer League Cubs bowed out in … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/06/11
The end of the regular season is here, and the organization got a pleasant surprise as Boise rode the power bats of Ryan Cuneo, Reggie Golden, Paul Hoilman, and Rafael Lopez to qualify for the post-season in their last game. Boise joins Daytona and Tennessee as playoff teams, with the D-Cubs still struggling in all phases of the game. Tennessee got leadership down the stretch from Josh Vitters, while youngsters Junior Lake and Jae-Hoon Ha are finally coming of age. While Peoria and Iowa are out … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/01/11
Playing out the string is not what they have in mind in Boise, as Paul Hoilman looks for a home run crown while Reggie Golden is heating up. Peoria's Richard Jones continues his pursuit of 100 RBI, as All-Stars Evan Crawford, Justin Bour, and Frank Batista of Daytona prepare for the playoffs. With five games left in the season, Josh Vitters and the Tennessee Smokies remain tied for the second half championship and a first round bye. Meanwhile, Bryan LaHair is making history in Iowa. Along with … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/29/11
As the regular season enters its final week, Daytona struggles to find consistency before the playoffs as Logan Watkins continues to lead the way. Tennessee is only a game out of the second half championship thanks to the hot hitting of Jae-Hoon Ha. While Boise, Peoria, and Iowa are playing out the string, there continues to be excellent performances for each club. Ryan Cuneo and Wes Darvill were red hot for Boise, while Taiwan Easterling and Ben Klafczynski have been demonstrating good … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/23/11
Special Assignment - Peoria Chiefs v. Kane County Cougars Recently, I had the pleasure of being able to cover a game between the Chiefs and Kane County. Not only was I able to have a birds-eye view from the press box, I was able to interview some of the members of the team. I'd like to thank Shawn Touney, Director of Public Relations for the Kane County Cougars, as well as Manager Casey Kopitzke, Broadcast and Media Manager Nate Baliva, and Team President Rocky Vonachen of the Peoria Chiefs … [Read more...]