The Cubs made several roster moves in the minor leagues Thursday, the most notable was the promotion of OF Billy McKinney to Double-A Tennessee. Billy McKinney more than earned the move from High-A Myrtle Beach to Double-A Tennessee. The 20-year old outfielder was recently named the Carolina League Player of the Week after a sensational nine-game stretch. Between May 4-10, McKinney was 13-for-30 with four doubles, two triples, a home run, nine runs scored, 12 RBI, eight walks and two … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/11/15
For the first time since the season began, none of the Cubs affiliates has a losing record as Carlos Pimentel led Iowa both on the mound and at the plate to even the I-Cubs’ record. South Bend also moved to .500 despite good efforts from starters Trevor Clifton and Ryan Williams. Tennessee lost two despite excellent outings from Ivan Pineyro and Felix Pena, but maintained their winning record. At 19-12, Myrtle Beach remains the best team in the Carolina League as league leading hitter and … [Read more...]
Cubs Notes from Down on the Farm – 05/10/15
With centerfielder Dexter Fowler on the last year of his contract, it’s never too early to start speculating as to what will happen at the position for 2016. The Cubs have plenty of in-house candidates to keep the spot warm until Albert Almora Jr., Jacob Hannemann, or Billy McKinney are ready in Arismendy Alcantara, Junior Lake, and Matt Szczur. But a new/old prospect has emerged in Triple-A, John Andreoli. Shelved for most of all last season with a shoulder injury, the 24-year is starting … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/06/15
Myrtle Beach now has the best record in the Carolina League as they have ridden the hot hitting of Billy McKinney for two wins to start the week. Tennessee remains in first although the Smokies lost two close games even with receiving a record setting performance from Pin-Chieh Chen. South Bend remains in striking distance of first place as Jeremy Null had a game to remember. And in Iowa, the I-Cubs are close to evening their record as they received excellent pitching performances from Eric … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/04/15
The needle seems to be pointing up for the Cubs’ affiliates to start the week, as three of the four have reached their 13th win of the season. South Bend is riding the extra base bat of Yasiel Balaguert as Ryan Williams’ ERA keeps getting smaller. Myrtle Beach swept a series on the road behind the pitching of Duane Underwood Jr., Paul Blackburn, and Tyler Skulina. The bat of Kyle Schwarber and the arm of Ivan Pineyro allowed Tennessee to take two out of three from White Sox affiliate … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/01/15
Gleyber Torres and Jeremy Null continue to be the story for the South Bend Cubs as the organization’s Low-A affiliate improved to a game over .500. Torres finished his first month with South Bend with a .352/.446/.423 slash line with a .868 OPS. And Null was a perfect 2-0 in four starts with a 0.79 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. In 22.2 innings, Null has allowed two runs on 18 hits with no walks and 23 strikeouts. Myrtle Beach’s bullpen held up Wednesday but could not hold a lead in the ninth inning … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 04/27/15
Grabbing the attention to start the week is Double-A Tennessee and their high octane offense. Riding a four-game win streak, the “Bash Brothers” of Kyle Schwarber and Dan Vogelbach have been joined by Stephen Bruno and Willson Contreras in providing the opposition multiple headaches. South Bend evened their record over the weekend behind outstanding starting pitching from Trevor Clifton and Ryan Williams. Myrtle Beach dropped three in a row as Jacob Hannemann and Billy McKinney are emerging … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – Myrtle Beach Pelicans Preview
Minor League Preview – High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans The third installment of a series previewing the 2015 minor league season focuses on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. 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. Click here for the Cubs’ minor league … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/18/14
Position Analysis – High-A Myrtle Beach Pitching Staff The CCO’s off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system continues today. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee, we now look at the pitching prospects for High-A Myrtle Beach. High-A Myrtle Beach Starters and Relievers A rotation that may go eight deep and a staff containing the remnants of the Florida State League runners-up and members of the Midwest League Champions, the pitching squad for … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/11/14
The beginning of the week was marked by beginnings and endings as we said goodbye to the Daytona Cubs for 2014 as they bowed to Fort Myers in the Florida State League Championship. Meanwhile, in the west suburbs, the Midwest League Championships got underway as Kane County faced off against Lake County. With all of the highlights, look inside today’s Down on the Farm Report for all of the latest in post-season news. … [Read more...]