The annual General Manager Meetings officially begin Wednesday in Palm Springs. The meetings run through Friday and these meetings usually set the groundwork for future trades and free agent signings. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Jason McLeod, Randy Bush and Shiraz Rehman made the trek out west and will continue conversations they've already had with other teams and agents. The Cubs have significant flexibility and are going to be aggressive in free agency according to a report from Comcast … [Read more...]
Baseball Operations Staff Structures, Theo Epstein and Other Cubs News, Notes and Rumors
The Cubs announced several changes to the front office, scouting and field staff, plus a three-year contract extension for Assistant General Manager, Randy Bush. Dale Sveum finalized his coaching staff on Tuesday with the hiring of David Bell to replace Pat Listach as the team's third base coach. The Cubs also removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson. Theo Epstein discussed his first year at the helm of baseball operations. Epstein stepped down from his position with the Red Sox … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/26/12
Minor League Preview - Double-A Tennessee Smokies and Triple-A Iowa Cubs Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! This is the last of a three part installment previewing the 2012 minor league season. With players from the defending Florida State Champion Daytona Cubs and Southern League runner-up Tennessee Smokies, the top two squads in the Cubs' system look to compete for championships this season. Here's how the Tennessee Smokies and Iowa Cubs look for 2012. … [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 – 09/19/11
Special Playoff Edition In the Southern League championship, Tennessee received great performances from Jae-Hoon Ha, Brooks Raley, and Nelson Perez. But it was not meant to be, as the Smokies ended up falling to Mobile 3 games to 1, ending the 2011 minor league season. To find out how each game unfolded, take a look as this special edition of the Down on the Farm Report. … [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 – 08/08/11
Look at me coach! I'm ready to play, today! Centerfield took center stage once again in the organization. In Boise, Reggie Golden took his first shot at the position with good results. Peoria's Taiwan Easterling had a game to remember, while Tennessee's Jae-Hoon Ha is turning things around. And Iowa's Brett Jackson is on a tear that may put him in a big league uniform. Jackson's line over the last ten days: .429/.524/1.000/1.524 (15-for-35 with two doubles and six home runs with seven walks and … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/01/11
It was a rough end of the week for a majority of the system as player moves continued down on the farm. The Cubs added two players in the Kosuke Fukudome deal and both Abner Abreu and Carlton Smith made their organizational debuts. Tyler Colvin was promoted back to the show while one of the Cubs top prospects showed off his power and another was placed on the DL. Brett Jackson had a big weekend with homers in back-to-back games but Welington Castillo strained his right hamstring and had to be … [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 – 07/18/11
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...]