Position Analysis – Second Base Next up in the position analysis is second base, a position that became a little tarnished, but still holds a lot of potential. Second Base Problems developed at second base for the Major League level almost before the season began after Javier Baez could not secure a roster spot in the spring, and was sent to Triple-A. Shortly after the season began, off-season acquisition Tommy La Stella went down with an injury. After a couple of weeks, the parent club made … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/07/15
Happy Labor Day! The traditional last day of the minor league season will see us back where we started as Eugene completed their season falling one game short of the playoffs despite the hot hitting of P.J. Higgins. Both Myrtle Beach and Tennessee are creating a buzz as Willson Contreras could take home a batting championship for the Smokies, while the Pelicans are going to the playoffs with their own hitting champ Chesny Young. South Bend will put their first season as a Cubs’ affiliate … [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 – 09/02/15
The week started with a very hot South Bend team as Jeffrey Baez was Grand and Rashad Crawford also went deep. Tennessee experienced highs and lows with Bijan Rademacher leading the way. Iowa played marathon baseball as Emilio Bonifacio ran wild, while Myrtle Beach ended on a sour note despite the efforts of Tyler Skulina. And our congratulations on a fine season to the AZL Cubs. The devil is in the details, which are in today’s Down on the Farm Report. Short Season Class-A – Eugene … [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...]
The Daily CCO: Cubs Set to Call-Up Javier Baez Tuesday as Part of First Wave of September Additions
The Cubs struggles on the six-game road trip continued Saturday night at Dodger Stadium. The offense could not come up with a hit with runners in scoring position. And Jon Lester gave up four runs in the seventh that ended up being the difference in the game. With the Giants losing to the Cardinals, the Cubs lead over San Francisco for the second Wild Card remains at 4 ½ games, five in the loss column. The Cubs slipped further behind the Pirates and the Cardinals in the NL Central. The Cubs … [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 Sign INF/OF Emilio Bonifacio to Minor League Contract
The Cubs announced Tuesday the team re-signed INF/OF Emilio Bonifacio to a minor league contract. Bonifacio was assigned to Triple-A Iowa and he was added to Iowa’s active roster. Emilio Bonifacio inked a minor league contract with the Cubs in February 2014 after he was released by the Royals. Bonifacio was added to the 40-man before the season and spent the first four months of the year with the Cubs. Bonifacio batted .279/.318/.373 with 14 doubles, three triples and two home runs for a … [Read more...]
Front Office Continues to Explore Options to Add Veteran Players to Cubs Roster
The front office continues to explore ways to improve the big league roster with 11 days left before the waiver trade deadline. The Cubs would like to add veteran players to the bench and pitching staff according to Bruce Levine. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer like internal options that will be recalled when rosters expand on Sept. 1 but the front office is still trying to add veteran players to help the team for the stretch run. Hoyer told Comcast SportsNet, “We’ve had discussions about … [Read more...]
The Daily CCO: Lester’s Agents Talked to Kansas City, Hammel is Looking for Three-Year Deal and Other Cubs News
What was thought to be a two-team race for Jon Lester might have another entry in the Kansas City Royals. The Red Sox and Cubs are considered the favorites to land Jon Lester this winter, but according to a report from FOX Sports Kansas City, Lester’s agents spoke with the Royals about their client. Dayton Moore would not comment on meeting with Lester’s agents, reportedly in Kansas City on Wednesday night. Moore said the Royals “are talking to everyone at this point” and “trying to determine … [Read more...]