As the regular season in the Caribbean and Mexico begin to wind down, and the holidays approach, this week saw minimal participation of players from the organization. That's not to say things haven't been interesting. Carlos Zambrano and his Caribes de Anzoategui teammates flirted with greatness on Wednesday, while reliever Kyle Smit was on top of his game in his debut for Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican League. Marco Carrillo and Austin Bibens-Dirkx continued to baffle hitters, while … [Read more...]
Are the Cubs In or Out on Fielder?
The Cubs are interested in signing Prince Fielder. The Cubs do not have the money to sign Prince Fielder. The Cubs are the front-runner to sign Prince Fielder. The Cubs have not spoken to Prince Fielder. Industry consensus: Prince Fielder will sign with the Cubs. Dale Sveum: "We haven't had any talks with Prince Fielder." Until Prince Fielder signs his new mega-deal, the conflicting reports will continue to surface ... and there will be no way to avoid them. The bottom line is, the Cubs have a … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/28/11
As we paused this past Thursday to give thanks, the winter leagues saw many comings and goings. However, to answer some concerns of the Cubs Faithful, several pitchers stepped up their games. Austin Bibens-Dirkx, Marco Carrillo, and Jay Jackson were perfect in their starts, while Blake Parker and Oswaldo Martinez continue to mow them down in relief. Meanwhile, infielder Junior Lake had a memorable season debut in the Dominican Republic. To see where some of the prospects are now turning up, … [Read more...]
The Cubs First Interview Is In the Books … and Other News and Notes
Team Epstein completed their first formal interview on Friday for the Cubs managerial position ... current Phillies' bench coach, Pete Mackanin. Mackanin said he enjoyed the interview and described it as "thorough and a little exhausting." According to multiple reports, Mackanin said the interview was comprehensive and Team Epstein did not let him up for air ... they just kept pounding questions at him. Mackanin added that the interview process was similar to the one he went through in Boston … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/31/11
A Happy Halloween to all from the CCO, and una suerte de vísperas del día de los muertos to everyone in the Winter Leagues. Rafael Dolis and Hung-Wen Chen experienced the "tricks" of life as a professional baseball player, while Marco Carrillo, Robert Coello, and Bryan LaHair provided the "treats". Meanwhile, Chris Carpenter continued to bewitch AFL hitters, while D.J. LeMahieu and Junior Lake were running like the proverbial "bat out of hell". Along with a recap of the Pan-American Games … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/26/11
With the minor league season well in the rearview mirror and only three games remaining on the Cubs' schedule, it is time to take a look at each position throughout the Cubs' minor league system. For the most part, the Cubs system had a good year and saw several players take steps forward in their development. First up in a series of articles, are the infielders and catchers in the Cubs' minor league system. Position Analysis - Infield and Catcher … [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 – 09/01/11
Playing out the string is not what they have in mind in Boise, as Paul Hoilman looks for a home run crown while Reggie Golden is heating up. Peoria's Richard Jones continues his pursuit of 100 RBI, as All-Stars Evan Crawford, Justin Bour, and Frank Batista of Daytona prepare for the playoffs. With five games left in the season, Josh Vitters and the Tennessee Smokies remain tied for the second half championship and a first round bye. Meanwhile, Bryan LaHair is making history in Iowa. Along with … [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...]