Five Players to Watch: Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa This is the last in a series of articles highlighting some of the players not noted on off-season prospect lists. The players are as they are presently listed on rosters, and do not necessarily reflect where each player will start the season. The first report focused on the five players in Rookie Ball and Short-Season A-Ball to watch during the upcoming season, and part two looked at such players as Stephen Bruno, Kyle Hendricks and … [Read more...]
The Long, Hard Road
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...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/19/11
As the regular season in the Caribbean and Mexico begin to wind down, and the holidays approach, this week saw minimal participation of players from the organization. That's not to say things haven't been interesting. Carlos Zambrano and his Caribes de Anzoategui teammates flirted with greatness on Wednesday, while reliever Kyle Smit was on top of his game in his debut for Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican League. Marco Carrillo and Austin Bibens-Dirkx continued to baffle hitters, while … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/09/11
The Cubs Minor League System Quarterly Report We are now at the three-quarter mark of the minor league season. At this point a system philosophy seemed to have emerged. However, the disconnect between the minors and the Major League front office appears to be stronger than ever; the in-season revolving door remains, as does the policy of not placing prospects in a position to succeed at the Major League level. While the Cub affiliates produced twenty-three All-Stars this season, only seven of … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/04/11
As the minor league baseball season enters the final month of the regular season, two of the Cubs top prospects celebrated birthdays with good nights at the park ... and one was named player of the week. Brett Jackson and Trey McNutt celebrated birthdays on Tuesday. McNutt picked up a win with a solid start on his 22nd birthday and Jackson celebrated birthday number 23 by leading off the game against the Redbirds with a home run ... his fourth at the Triple-A level. Greg Rohan was named Florida … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/28/11
Daytona and Tennessee are starting to come back to the level they displayed earlier in the season; with Greg Rohan and Michael Burgess providing a spark for the D-Cubs, while veterans James Adduci and Ty Wright are lifting the Smokies. Iowa got great pitching from Nick Struck and Casey Coleman. Peoria continues to struggle, while Boise juggles their middle infielders. Along with News and Notes, and a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League and the Arizona Rookie League, welcome … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/11/11
A rough end of the week saw only Boise bringing home more than one victory. Austin Kirk had a good follow-up to his no-hit performance, while Carlos Zambrano did well in his rehab assignment. Debuts were less than successful for Nick Struck, Chris Rusin, Matt Loosen, and Frank Del Valle. Iowa saw hot performances by Marwin Gonzalez and D.J. LeMahieu. The organization said goodbye to Augie Ojeda and Fernando Perez, while nine other players found new homes. Matt Szczur participated in the XM … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/07/11
Pitching has been the key, as injuries and promotions created movement all throughout the system. Brett Jackson powered Tennessee to an extra innings victory, while the speedy Hawks stole a couple of wins in Boise ... and more on Austin Kirk's very special Fourth of July. Along with News and Notes, as well as a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League and the Arizona Rookie League... welcome to Thursday's edition of the Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/05/11
In what appears to be a system-wide approach, every team relied on a score-at-will offense; solid, fundamental defense; keep 'em close starting pitching; and a shutdown bullpen as all five teams ended the week with winning records. Jay Jackson, Chris Rusin, Dae-Eun Rhee, Matt Loosen, and Luis Liria all had outstanding pitching efforts, while Marwin Gonzalez has been lights-out in Iowa. Austin Kirk tossed a no hitter for the Chiefs on Monday night ... the first nine-inning no hitter for the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/04/11
The Cubs Minor League System Quarterly Report We are now a little more than halfway through the minor league season. Many of the Cub affiliates have performed well, producing twenty-three All-Stars. Here's how the affiliates in the Chicago Cubs' organization have performed. … [Read more...]