Minor League Preview: Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the last of a three part installment previewing the 2013 minor league season. We will be discussing each level’s strengths, weaknesses, and things to look for. 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. … [Read more...]
Time for the GMs to Meet … and Other Cubs Notes and Rumors
The annual General Manager Meetings officially begin Wednesday in Palm Springs. The meetings run through Friday and these meetings usually set the groundwork for future trades and free agent signings. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Jason McLeod, Randy Bush and Shiraz Rehman made the trek out west and will continue conversations they've already had with other teams and agents. The Cubs have significant flexibility and are going to be aggressive in free agency according to a report from Comcast … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/17/12
Second Half Minor League Report In looking at the Cubs' minor league system for the second half of the 2012 season, one can break things down into three phases. First there are the AZL Cubs and the Boise Hawks, which received the greatest influence of the Cubs' new front office team. With their rosters heavily populated by players from the 2012 draft and international free agent signings, both ended up in the playoffs at the end of the season, with Boise losing in the finals. Next there were … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/27/12
There looks to be some excitement down the stretch as the minor leagues enter the last week of play. Boise has clinched the second half pennant thanks to players such as Gioskar Amaya, Stephen Bruno, Jeimer Candelario, Willson Contreras, Tayler Scott, and Dan Vogelbach. Peoria is charging to the finish line on the bat of Tim Saunders and the pitching of Michael Jensen. While in Daytona, John Andreoli is sure to make a number of other prospects nervous with the season he is having. And Rubi … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/23/12
Playoffs??!! Are you kidding ME??!! Apparently, no, as both Boise and the AZL Cubs have the post season in their sights. Boise has the post-season on their minds for their second consecutive season as they ride the Northwest League's leading hitter Stephen Bruno, along with Gioskar Amaya, Dan Vogelbach, Albert Almora, and Jeimer Candelario providing the pop to the Hawks' attack. The A-Cubs have gotten contributions from Shawon Dunston Jr., Trevor Gretzky, and some very solid pitching. Peoria … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/20/12
Things continue to look good from the ground up in the minor league system and Iowa surprised by winning three out of four to end the week as Dave Sappelt appears to have his eye on the big league club in September. Boise has stayed in the lead in the second half of the season thanks to Rock Shoulders, Stephen Bruno and Albert Almora joining an already impressive list of hitters in Gioskar Amaya, Jeimer Candelario, Dan Vogelbach, and Willson Contreras. Speaking of promising hitters, Jorge … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/16/12
Changes appear to be in the air for the minor league system, as Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita was fired on Wednesday afternoon. Long deserved promotions for pitcher Austin Kirk and outfielder Rubi Silva have finally happened, while Yoannis Negrin, Willengton Cruz, and Jacob Rogers also received a bump up in level. Tennessee has tightened up their defense, which has resulted in shut out wins for Dae-Eun Rhee and Yoannis Negrin. And Iowa actually posted a couple of wins, with … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/26/12
Movement was once again the focus of the early part of the week, although there were none of significance above the Single-A level. This past week saw the debuts of outfielders Jorge Soler and Albert Almora in the rookie league, while Dan Vogelbach said hello to the fans of Boise. Yao-Lin Wang was also on the move in Peoria, as he went back into a starting role after leading the team in saves. And it was "thank you for the two scoreless innings" from Iowa to Ty'Relle Harris, "but now, go back … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/23/12
There was some questionable roster management as the losses piled up to end the week. Tennessee has dropped five straight, while Boise and Daytona have four-game losing streaks, and Iowa has lost three in a row. Through it all, there were still some outstanding offensive performances by Javier Baez, Rubi Silva, and Josh Vitters. So for the unhappy totals, take a look inside today's Down on the Farm Report ... … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/07/12
While some are still coming down from draft day, there was still baseball taking place in the minor leagues. The Southern League announced their All-Stars, with James Adduci, Justin Bour, Frank Batista, and Kevin Rhoderick representing the Tennessee Smokies. The Dominican Summer League also opened play, with shortstop Luis Acosta putting on an offensive display. Meanwhile, John Andreoli, Arismendy Alcantara, Nelson Perez, and Rubi Silva are heating things up for Daytona. But pitching woes … [Read more...]