The mid-May shuffle is now having an impact on all levels of the organization. Unfortunately, it is injuries, and not performance that is causing the shake-up. However, that doesn't mean that some players haven't deserved some consideration. Anthony Rizzo is posting MVP-type numbers, while Matt Szczur and Jae-Hoon Ha are bouncing back from rough stretches at Daytona and Tennessee respectively. And the organization has gotten excellent pitching from PJ Francescon, Frank Del Valle, Travis Wood and … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/17/12
With the return of some players from injuries, the system took a turn for the better, going 8-2 to start the week. Peoria welcomed back Anthony Giansanti, as he played a big part in their three wins. Daytona had an off-day and a rainout, but won on Monday thanks to Austin Kirk. Junior Lake has reached base in all nine of his games since returning from injury, as Tennessee won two of three. And out on the west coast, Iowa received great hitting from Anthony Rizzo, as well as an outstanding … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 05/10/12
The beginning of this week experienced a bounce back for the Cubs' system, as their combined 7-5 record was the first winning stretch of the year. Casey Coleman took things into his own hands at Iowa, while Tennessee finally welcomed back shortstop Junior Lake. Daytona appears to be on a roll, as great pitching performances by Austin Kirk and Eric Jokisch were complimented by Matt Szczur and Arismendy Alcantara. The hot-hitting Taiwan Easterling may have to take a back seat to Paul Hoilman in … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/19/12
Minor League Preview - Low-A Peoria Chiefs and High-A Daytona Cubs Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! This is the second of a three part installment previewing the 2012 minor league season. Like in last week's report about the Boise Hawks, another team that will benefit from great seasons by the DSL Cubs, AZL Cubs, and Boise will be the Peoria Chiefs, as some of their talent will filter up to them. The defending Florida State League Champion Daytona Cubs continue to look strong with plenty … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/06/11
The last of the CCO's five-part series on the Cubs minor league system focuses on the pitching in the lower levels of the organization ... the Boise Hawks and both the rookie league and Dominican summer league teams. Pitching Analysis … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/06/11
The end of the regular season is here, and the organization got a pleasant surprise as Boise rode the power bats of Ryan Cuneo, Reggie Golden, Paul Hoilman, and Rafael Lopez to qualify for the post-season in their last game. Boise joins Daytona and Tennessee as playoff teams, with the D-Cubs still struggling in all phases of the game. Tennessee got leadership down the stretch from Josh Vitters, while youngsters Junior Lake and Jae-Hoon Ha are finally coming of age. While Peoria and Iowa are out … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/29/11
As the regular season enters its final week, Daytona struggles to find consistency before the playoffs as Logan Watkins continues to lead the way. Tennessee is only a game out of the second half championship thanks to the hot hitting of Jae-Hoon Ha. While Boise, Peoria, and Iowa are playing out the string, there continues to be excellent performances for each club. Ryan Cuneo and Wes Darvill were red hot for Boise, while Taiwan Easterling and Ben Klafczynski have been demonstrating good … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/25/11
As the season begins to wind down in the minors, player movement again seems to be the norm. Arizona, Boise, Peoria and Daytona have all struggled as they have tried to integrate new players. But Peoria's Richard Jones is still in play for the Midwest League Triple Crown, while Bryan LaHair is also in the hunt for the same honor in the Pacific Coast League. Meanwhile, Tennessee is trying to take the second half title in the Southern League and secure a playoff bye. Along with News and Notes, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/22/11
It's a brand new day for the Cubs' Farm System. Here's hoping for sunny skies ahead. The system's teams responded by going a collective 12-7 over the past weekend, buoyed by Tennessee's five-game winning streak. Iowa has also won four out of its past five games, while Peoria and Boise each posted a 2-2 record. Brett Jackson continues to be on fire in Iowa, while Matt Spencer, Rebel Ridling and Justin Bour delivered key home runs. Chris Rusin and Ryan Searle also had top-notch pitching … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/18/11
All the teams in the system suffered their ups-and-downs to begin the week. The Iowa offense let down a couple of their young pitchers, but came through for Jay Jackson. Tennessee still has some struggles on offense as well, but Brooks Raley was the beneficiary of an outburst. Daytona battled weather problems; bullpen collapses plagued Peoria; while Boise actually split with archenemy Tri-City. Along with News and Notes, and a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League and the … [Read more...]