In our last installment, we analyzed a starting pitching staff that despite a lack of depth was one of the best in all of baseball. While their accomplishments were impressive, what may be even better was a bullpen that finished eighth in overall ERA at 3.38 with 20 pitchers and two position players making at least one appearance. Let’s take a look back at the Cubs patchwork bullpen. Much like last year, the bullpen was again headlined by three pitchers, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Justin … [Read more...]
Cubs Sign RHP Drew Rucinski to Minor League Contract, Re-Sign LHP Jeffry Antigua
According to Baseball America, the Cubs signed RHP Drew Rucinski and re-signed LHP Jeffry Antigua to minor league contracts. Drew Rucinski was ranked by Baseball America as the Angels 18th best prospect after the 2014 season. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander has pitched in seven games in the majors with one start over the last two seasons. Rucinski is 0-2 with a 6.28 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. In four games, one start, in 2015, Rucinski was 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA and 2.28 WHIP. Rucinski allowed … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/19/15
Pitching Analysis – Triple-A Iowa After covering every position in the Cubs’ system, it’s time to move to the position analysis series to pitching side of the organization. Today, the focus is on the pitching staff at the Cubs’ highest minor league level, Triple-A Iowa. Triple-A Starters and Relievers Iowa Cubs: The Cubs’ organization is in a precarious situation with the parent club in need of pitching, but the current front office’s best prospects are still far down the chain. What is left … [Read more...]
Cubs Prospect Jeimer Candelario Named Co-Player of the Week in the AFL and News from the Farm
Cubs prospect Jeimer Candelario has gotten off to an excellent start in the Arizona Fall League. And the 21-year old switch hitting third baseman was named Co-Player of the Week on Tuesday, splitting the recognition with the Tigers’ JaCoby Jones. Jeimer Candelario went 5-for-5 with three doubles, two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored last Friday. In three games during the first week of the AFL, Candelario went 8-for-10 with four doubles, two home runs and a walk (.800/.818/1.800) for a … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/09/15
After 830 games in which the Cubs system compiled a 444-386 record, the 2015 minor league regular season has ended for the Cubs’ affiliates. The Cubs had two teams, High-A Myrtle Beach and the AZL Cubs of the Rookie League, make the playoffs. The Cubs also had two players in the organization, Willson Contreras and Chesny Young, win batting championships. The Cubs’ affiliates had 20 All-Stars, 19 players or pitchers of the week, and Carlos Pimentel was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/07/15
Happy Labor Day! The traditional last day of the minor league season will see us back where we started as Eugene completed their season falling one game short of the playoffs despite the hot hitting of P.J. Higgins. Both Myrtle Beach and Tennessee are creating a buzz as Willson Contreras could take home a batting championship for the Smokies, while the Pelicans are going to the playoffs with their own hitting champ Chesny Young. South Bend will put their first season as a Cubs’ affiliate … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Cubs Improve Standing in Wild Card Race, Bryant More Time in the Outfield? And Other News
The Cubs did not throw a ball or swing a bat Thursday and yet gained ground on the Pirates while the Giants slipped a little further back of the Cubs in the NL Wild Card race. The Pirates lost for the fourth day in a row at Miller Park as the Brewer completed the four-game sweep. And the Giants were blown out at Coors Field by Chris Rusin and the Rockies. The Cubs will enter play Friday afternoon against a very tough Diamondbacks team at Wrigley Field seven games in front of the Giants and … [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 – 08/28/15
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...]
From the Wire: Cubs Acquire RHP Fernando Rodney from the Mariners for PTBNL or Cash
The Cubs announced Thursday afternoon the team acquired RHP Fernando Rodney from the Mariners for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Rodney will be with the Cubs on Friday and available for the opener of the Dodgers’ series. LHP Zac Rosscup was optioned to Iowa to make room on the active roster for Rodney. The Cubs designated RHP Brian Schlitter for assignment to open a spot on the 40-man roster for Rodney. The Cubs active roster consists of 13 pitchers (five starters, … [Read more...]