Position Analysis – High-A Pitchers The CCO’s off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system continues today. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple- and Double-A, we now look at the prospects for High-A. With a rotation that can go eight to nine deep, the pitching squad for Myrtle Beach in 2017 may turn out to be very special. High-A Starters and Relievers The 2015 draft provided several high-end pitching prospects. The foremost of these was eighth round pick Preston … [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 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...]
How the First Ten Picks of the Cubs 2015 Draft Class Performed
Baseball America recently posted stats for each player taken in the first 10 rounds of June’s Draft which begged the question, how did the players taken by the Cubs perform? The Cubs' draft did not garner the same attention it had in the previous three years under the current administration with the focus back on the Major League team. Here are the numbers the Cubs first 10 picks put together during their pro debuts. OF/2B Ian Happ OF/2B Ian Happ, the Cubs first round pick in the draft, … [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 – 08/31/15
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 – 08/28/15
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...]
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 – 08/21/15
The end of the week saw some highs and lows throughout the minor league system as first and second round picks Ian Happ and Donnie Dewees are heating up for South Bend and Eugene respectively. Chesny Young remains on top of the Carolina League in hitting as Myrtle Beach swept a doubleheader, and Jacob Hannemann is on a tear for Tennessee. Iowa remains on the West Coast, with John Andreoli running wild. And both the AZL Cubs and the DSL Cubs are fighting for playoff berths. All the details … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/17/15
What is more exciting than a no-hitter? Four pitchers combining for a no-hitter as Preston Morrison, Kyle Twomey, Luis Hernandez, and Trey Masek turned the trick for Eugene on Sunday. Ian Happ is also making noise for South Bend as the first round draft pick banged out two home runs this weekend. Paul Blackburn and Brad Markey were mowing them down for Myrtle Beach, as was Ryan Williams for Tennessee. Iowa also got a great effort out of Carlos Pimentel, while Andri Rondon and Julian Aybar … [Read more...]