There were several moves involving Cubs’ minor league players announced Monday. RHP Trey McNutt signed a minor league contract with the Padres. The Cubs released OF Kevin Encarnacion, LHP Carlos A. Rodriguez, 3B Carlos Jimenez and OF Kevin Brown. And INF Wes Darvill signed with a new team. Trey McNutt was the Cubs top pitching prospect just four years ago. McNutt was one of the top five prospects in the system in consecutive years (2011, 2012) before injuries derailed his career. McNutt … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/24/15
Pitching Analysis – Lower Minors Today, the CCO completes its off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system. After reviewing the pitching staffs for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, it’s time for the pitching prospects in the lower minor leagues. Lower Minors Starters and Relievers Moving to the Short Season-A Eugene Emeralds for the 2015 season, Oscar De La Cruz became one of the most dominant pitchers in the Northwest League. The 20-year … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/25/15
Happy Memorial Day! The aces were wild in South Bend, Myrtle Beach, and Tennessee as pitchers Ryan Williams, Duane Underwood, and Frank Batista each pitched gems while the SB Cubs and the Pelicans also received excellent performances from Jeremy Null and Paul Blackburn. Meanwhile, Iowa used the big fly to take three in a row from Tacoma as Arismendy Alcantara, Javier Baez, and Rubi Silva all hit home runs. Including scores for the Venezuelan Summer League, the Down on the Farm Report … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/16/15
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first installment of a series previewing the 2015 minor league season. 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. Overview After three seasons, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 01/02/15
Position Analysis – Lower Minors Today, the CCO completes its off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, we now look at the prospects in the lower minor leagues. Starters and Relievers – Lower Minors As exciting as the pitching prospects are at Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, the young pitchers beginning their careers in the low … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/10/14
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first of a three part installment previewing the 2014 minor league season. 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. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/05/13
Pitching Analysis The off-season season series focused on the Cubs’ minor league position players and pitchers concludes today. After taking a look at the possible pitching staffs for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A Daytona and Low-A Kane County, the pitching analysis wraps with an overview of the prospects in the lower levels of the Cubs’ system. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/26/13
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/26/13 The intensity has ramped up as we move into the final week of the minor league regular season. Tennessee moved closer to clinching a playoff spot as Javier Baez continued to wreak havoc in the Southern League. Daytona looked like an unstoppable force once the weather let up and Kris Bryant was unleashed. Kevin Encarnacion and Justin Marra have helped move Boise into a first place tie, while Kane County and Iowa also experienced some successes. For … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/12/13
The Cubs’ farm system went streaking at the end of the week. Kris Bryant ran his hitting streak to 15 games while the Boise Hawks won three games in a row. Iowa posted five consecutive victories and enjoyed a 13 game hit streak from Jae-Hoon Ha. Daytona broke their streak of being rained out as they got enough of a break in the weather to win two in a row. Kane County notched a couple of wins while Tennessee also won two out of three games. And Kyle Hendricks did not disappoint in his … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/08/13
Nothing could overshadow the big news out of the minors to end this week as Javier Baez was promoted to Double-A Tennessee. Pierce Johnson had his best start with the D-Cubs that helped keep Daytona on track. There were a lot of moves throughout the system while Boise and Iowa kept struggling but Kane County managed to win a couple of games. To find out more, check out today’s Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]