The CCO's Minor League analysis will focus on the pitchers in the Cubs' system over the next three reports. For those that missed last week's reports, the CCO took a look at the Cubs infield and catching prospects and then the outfielders down on the farm. First up, the pitching staffs of the Iowa Cubs and Tennessee Smokies. Pitching Analysis … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/15/11
Tennessee and Daytona each guaranteed a winning season, as both teams collected their 70th win as part of a system sweep on Friday. The minor league organization was a collective 11-7 to end the week. Great pitching performances from Eric Jokisch, Frank Del Valle, Matt Loosen, Casey Harman, Dae-Eun Rhee, Ryan Searle, and Casey Coleman were the highlights, as well as Josh Vitters emerging as a clutch performer. All of that, and more, in this edition of the CCO's Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/11/11
Who are those guys in the blue pinstripes? They certainly don't look the Iowa team we know, as they ripped off three wins and obliterated league-leading Sacramento. Peoria went on their own winning streak, while Tennessee has gone back to their winning style of playing baseball. However, Boise was still having problems with their nemesis Tri-City, while Daytona split a pair with Clearwater. Along with News and Notes, and a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League and the Arizona … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/09/11
The Cubs Minor League System Quarterly Report We are now at the three-quarter mark of the minor league season. At this point a system philosophy seemed to have emerged. However, the disconnect between the minors and the Major League front office appears to be stronger than ever; the in-season revolving door remains, as does the policy of not placing prospects in a position to succeed at the Major League level. While the Cub affiliates produced twenty-three All-Stars this season, only seven of … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/04/11
As the minor league baseball season enters the final month of the regular season, two of the Cubs top prospects celebrated birthdays with good nights at the park ... and one was named player of the week. Brett Jackson and Trey McNutt celebrated birthdays on Tuesday. McNutt picked up a win with a solid start on his 22nd birthday and Jackson celebrated birthday number 23 by leading off the game against the Redbirds with a home run ... his fourth at the Triple-A level. Greg Rohan was named Florida … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/25/11
The organization saw some signs of breaking out of their collective mid-season slump. Tennessee put together back-to-back victories, while Daytona earned their 60th win of the year. Zeke DeVoss continues to run wild in Boise, while Peoria got some good pitching from Eric Jokisch, Frank Del Valle, and Luis Liria. However, Iowa couldn't buy a win, as they struggled for consistency. All of this and more in this edition of the CCO's Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/21/11
The recent roster shake-ups have given all the teams in the Cubs' system 'The Promotion Blues'. Zeke DeVoss started out with a bang in Boise, while Luis Liria and Kyle Smit starts were more like a thud in Peoria and Daytona. Marco Carrillo had a nice "welcome back" in Tennessee, and the young Cubs in Iowa continue to impress. Along with News and Notes, and a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League as well as the Arizona Rookie League, welcome to Thursday's edition of the Down on … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/18/11
Consistency has suffered on all levels, as continued roster moves have played havoc. One time offensive juggernaut Tennessee is now struggling. Peoria is searching for answers offensively, while Boise seemed to run into a buzz saw in Vancouver. However, the name of the game is speed, speed, speed in Daytona and Iowa, as the improvement has made their pitchers happy, and opposing batteries nervous. All of that, and more, in this edition of CCO's the Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
From the Wire … Cubs Ink Dave Bush to a Minor League Deal
According to multiple reports, the Cubs signed veteran right-hander Dave Bush to a minor league contract. Bush will report to the Iowa Cubs this weekend and pitch in Bill Dancy's rotation. The Cubs parade of signing pitchers off the scrap heap continues ... the Rangers designated Dave Bush for assignment on July 1 (released July 9) after posting a 0-1 record in 17 games, three starts, with a 5.79 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. … [Read more...]