Position Analysis – First Base The position analysis series continues with a look at a position that has some questions in the Cubs’ system: First Base. First Base For the third straight season, the Cubs decided against having a prospect at Triple-A and used 10 different players at first base for the Iowa Cubs. Getting the most reps was third baseman Christian Villanueva, who lined up there 35 times. The I-Cubs also used catchers at first base: Taylor Davis 30 times, Taylor Teagarden had … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/04/15
The week ended in extremes as Eugene held on to a first place lead with big pitching performances from Justin Steele and Oscar De La Cruz. South Bend’s reshuffled line-up produced a blow out win and a big game from Angelo Amendolare. Myrtle Beach and Tennessee are the home of two hitting leaders as Chesny Young and Willson Contreras look to take home their respective league’s batting crown. And Iowa fell out of playoff contention despite the efforts of Mike Baxter. So get the lowdown as … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/31/15
Put all that anticipation of September call-ups on hold as the Iowa Cubs are back in playoff contention with a weekend sweep thanks to John Andreoli, Javier Baez, and newcomer Emilio Bonifacio. Tennessee also is on a roll, wining five straight with fine pitching from Andres Santiago and Pierce Johnson. Eugene had a rough weekend but maintained their first place lead on the bat of Ian Rice and pitching of Carson Sands. Myrtle Beach won in walk-off fashion courtesy of Jason Vosler, and Jeffrey … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/28/15
The end of the week saw another affiliate move into first place, as Eugene used a dominant performance by Oscar De La Cruz to move into the top spot. Iowa continued to roll with the lightning and thunder of John Andreoli and Javier Baez, while Tennessee was able to grind away thanks to the bat of Willson Contreras. Myrtle Beach and the AZL Cubs had to dodge the raindrops, and South Bend just couldn’t put it together despite the effort of Tommy Thorpe. As the playoff races get tighter, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/24/15
Twenty-five games over .500! That’s the record of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans as they went home run happy over the weekend, with Ben Carhart leading the way. Iowa also caught the home run bug as five members left the yard this weekend, with a game-winner by Adron Chambers. Tennessee had to dodge the raindrops as Jacob Hannemann stayed on a roll, while South Bend salvaged a game with home runs from Charcer Burks and David Bote. With scores from the rookie league and the conclusion of the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/21/15
The end of the week saw some highs and lows throughout the minor league system as first and second round picks Ian Happ and Donnie Dewees are heating up for South Bend and Eugene respectively. Chesny Young remains on top of the Carolina League in hitting as Myrtle Beach swept a doubleheader, and Jacob Hannemann is on a tear for Tennessee. Iowa remains on the West Coast, with John Andreoli running wild. And both the AZL Cubs and the DSL Cubs are fighting for playoff berths. All the details … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/19/15
Rain and scheduling resulted in a diminished amount of action in the Cubs’ minor league system to start the week. Eugene was able to rally thanks to timely hitting from Alex Bautista, Adonis Paula, and Eloy Jimenez. Meanwhile, South Bend made some noise as Jeffrey Baez, Ian Happ and David Bote led them to victory. Tsuyoshi Wada had a quality start for the Iowa Cubs, while Danny Spingola and Chris Pieters were swinging hot bats for the AZL Cubs. While lacking in volume, today’s Down on … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/17/15
What is more exciting than a no-hitter? Four pitchers combining for a no-hitter as Preston Morrison, Kyle Twomey, Luis Hernandez, and Trey Masek turned the trick for Eugene on Sunday. Ian Happ is also making noise for South Bend as the first round draft pick banged out two home runs this weekend. Paul Blackburn and Brad Markey were mowing them down for Myrtle Beach, as was Ryan Williams for Tennessee. Iowa also got a great effort out of Carlos Pimentel, while Andri Rondon and Julian Aybar … [Read more...]
Four Pitchers, One No-Hitter for the Eugene Emeralds
For the first time since 1968 and for the fifth time in team history, the Eugene Emeralds have a no-hitter as Preston Morrison, Kyle Twomey, Luis Hernandez, and Trey Masek combined to keep the Everett Aqua Sox out of the hit column on Sunday in a 3-0 win. Facing the best offense in the Northwest League, Morrison was perfect through three innings, striking out four batters. Meanwhile, the Emeralds’ offense provided a little breathing room in the third inning after Kevonte Mitchell singled, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/12/15
When you’re hot, you’re hot and several of the prospects are on fire. While Albert Almora Jr. of Tennessee and South Bend’s Jeffrey Baez are high profile players scalding the ball, don’t forget Carlos Sepulveda and Robert Garcia with the AZL Cubs, along with Edgar Rondon of the DSL Cubs. But it wasn’t the batters alone that were hot streak. Ryan Williams continues to sizzle for Tennessee, and Jonathan Martinez flirted with a no-no for Myrtle Beach. Meanwhile, Kyle Twomey and Preston Morrison … [Read more...]