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 – 10/22/15
Position Analysis – Third Base The position analysis series continues with a look at a position which is still rich in talent after the promotion of the potential National League Rookie of the Year: Third Base. Third Base After everything that has transpired with the Cubs this season, it is hard to believe that Rookie of the Year candidate Kris Bryant was the Opening Day third baseman for the Iowa Cubs. His stint lasted all of seven games before Bryant joined the big league team and set … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/02/15
The week started with a very hot South Bend team as Jeffrey Baez was Grand and Rashad Crawford also went deep. Tennessee experienced highs and lows with Bijan Rademacher leading the way. Iowa played marathon baseball as Emilio Bonifacio ran wild, while Myrtle Beach ended on a sour note despite the efforts of Tyler Skulina. And our congratulations on a fine season to the AZL Cubs. The devil is in the details, which are in today’s Down on the Farm Report. Short Season Class-A – Eugene … [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 – 08/24/15
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 – 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 – 10/23/14
Position Analysis - Shortstop The third installment of the off-season series to summarize and project how the minor league system looks on a position-by-position basis looks at a position which will probably have most fans and media members talking about this off-season: Shortstop. Shortstop The fans of the Iowa Cubs can sing a version of the classic folk song “Where have all the Flowers Gone?”, with the verses going something like “Where have all the shortstops gone?...Gone to the big … [Read more...]