Minor League Preview – Low-A South Bend Cubs The second installment of a series previewing the 2015 minor league season focuses on the South Bend Cubs. And 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. Click here for the Cubs’ minor league camp … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/06/14
Position Analysis - Catcher The fifth installment of the off-season series to summarize and project how the minor league system looks on a position by position basis focuses on a position that was once considered the weakest in the entire organization, but now holds much promise: Catcher. Catcher The organization looks like it is willing to take a step in trusting the back-up catcher position to Rafael Lopez next season. A 16th round selection in 2011, Lopez came to the Cubs as a slightly … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/10/14
Position Analysis – First Base A series of reports over the off-season will summarize and project how the minor league system looks on a position by position basis. Today, the CCO looks at a position that was once a strength in the organization but now has some questions: First Base. First Base For the second straight season, the Cubs decided against having a prospect at Triple-A when they left Justin Bour unprotected, and he was selected in the Rule 5 draft. In his place, the Cubs used … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/04/14
Its playoff time in the minor leagues, and the Daytona Cubs are on the way to the FSL Championship Series. Daytona beat Dunedin in the best of three series and were crowned Florida State League North Division Champs late Wednesday night. Daytona begins the defense of its title Thursday night against Ft. Myers in the opener of the best of five series. Kane County put its best record in the minors to test Wednesday and posted a win with the help of a rehabbing Mike Olt. Boise lost in their … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on Farm Report – 09/02/14
An 829-game minor league regular season ended Monday with three teams from the Cubs’ system making the playoffs: The Daytona Cubs, the Kane County Cougars, and the Boise Hawks. It took the final days of the season before Daytona and Boise could lay claim to the post-season, thanks to the efforts of hot-hitting shortstops Marco Hernandez and Gleyber Torres. Kane County had the best record in the minor leagues as the Cougars received excellent pitching performances in the final days from Tyler … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/28/14
It’s getting down to the nitty-gritty as Boise is still fighting for a playoff spot while welcoming its newest addition, shortstop Gleyber Torres. Daytona’s magic number is down to one as the red-hot Bijan Rademacher has carried the D-Cubs of late. Tennessee remains in the hunt with a crucial weekend series on the horizon. The Smokies will be looking for Addison Russell to come back from injury to lead them to the post-season. Meanwhile, Kane County tied a franchise record for wins behind the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/25/14
With one week to go in the minor league season, streaking is what seems to be the trend in the Cubs’ system. Kane County was winners of 13 straight thanks to excellent pitching from Jonathan Martinez, Tyler Ihrig, and Ben Wells. Both Daytona and Kyle Schwarber went on a five game roll, with the first round pick belting six home runs over that span. Boise won three in a row, including the debut of second round pick Jake Stinnett. Meanwhile, Iowa has been going in the opposite direction, losing … [Read more...]
Cubs Notes from Down on the Farm – 08/23/14
There is another high profile prospect that could be on shaky ground, RHP Dillon Maples. After needing extended spring training with yet another injury, Maples had four quick starts for the AZL Cubs and had a modest 3.48 ERA with ten strikeouts in 10.1 innings before being whisked away to Boise. In five games with the Hawks, Maples can’t seem to get anyone out as he has allowed 20 earned runs in 14 innings for a 12.86 ERA and 2.786 WHIP. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/18/14
The playoffs are looming in the minors and both Daytona and Tennessee moved into first place over the weekend. Iowa slipped into second as they continued to lose players to the Major League team. Kane County continued to find new and interesting ways to win games, while Boise looks like it is ready to go on a roll. There are too many details to do an introduction any justice, so you need to open today’s Down on the Farm Report to read how the players and teams performed. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/14/14
The Cubs minor league teams just keep winning ballgames as the countdown to the end of the regular season down on the farm has begun. Boise won three straight before dropping a game in the 10th inning Wednesday night. Kane County keeps rolling along as innings limits are pushing the starters in and out of the rotation. Daytona split a doubleheader before Wednesday’s off day and Albert Almora delivered a pinch-hit double in the bottom of the ninth that sent the Smokies home winners. Dan … [Read more...]