Position Analysis – Low-A Pitchers The position analysis series continues today and shifts to the South Bend Cubs. After viewing the possible pitching staffs for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee and High-A Myrtle Beach, we now look at the prospects at Low-A South Bend. With South Bend being fed by a pitching staff that nearly led the Northwest League in every category, the future looks rather rosy for fans in Northwest Indiana. Low-A Starters and Relievers Probably the Cubs’ most … [Read more...]
Minor League Ball’s Top 20 Cubs Prospects for 2017
Minor League Ball released its ranking of the top prospects in the Cubs’ system. And the list, headlined by Eloy Jimenez, looks a lot different than it did a year ago. The 20-year old outfielder Eloy Jimenez tops John Sickels ranking of the top prospects in the Cubs’ system. Jimenez is the only Grade A prospect in the organization, right now, according to Minor League Ball. Jimenez had an excellent year, one that started with Low-A South Bend and recently ended with an AFL Championship. … [Read more...]
Eugene Takes Down Hillsboro, Advances to Northwest League Finals
Cubs’ Class-A Short-Season affiliate Eugene Emeralds defeats Hillsboro Hops to advance to Northwest League Finals The Eugene Emeralds advanced to the Northwest League Finals late Friday night with a 2-1 victory over two-time defending champs Hillsboro Hops. The Ems held off the Hops late for the one-run win to move on and play for a championship. Three Cubs affiliates played in win or go home games on Friday night. Myrtle Beach and Eugene advanced to their league championship series. South … [Read more...]
Cubs Top Prospect Watch – 08/30/16
Cubs Top Prospect Watch It was a good week Down on the Farm for a majority of the Cubs top prospects. Things remained rather quiet without any changes made to the Watch this past week, as the minors are set for their last full week of play. Dylan Cease and D.J. Wilson were still burning it up for the Eugene Emeralds, but Ian Happ and Chesny Young had a rough week. And today’s wild card is a real favorite of the CCO readers. Here then, is how the top prospects have fared this season, … [Read more...]
The CCO’s Top 20 Cubs Prospects – July Update
A flurry of trades and promotions has thrown the Cubs’ Top 20 Prospect list into a whole other direction. The changes have been so radical two more spots were added in order to accommodate all the deserving players. Here then, is a list on how the current prospects rate. 1) Eloy Jimenez, OF (Low-A South Bend Cubs) The accolades continue to pile up for Eloy Jimenez, who is steaming his way toward organizational Player of the Year. The 19-year old has won his second Midwest League Player of … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/29/16
Debuts marked the end of the week as pitchers Erling Moreno and Dakota Mekkes made their first appearances for Eugene, and Jose Paulino started for South Bend. Donnie Dewees had a hot start to his Myrtle Beach career, while Tennessee bade good bye to Chris Coghlan and Jorge Soler. With highlights from the Rookie League and the Dominican Republic, the Down on the Farm Report turns that page on another week. Short Season Class-A – Eugene Emeralds (29-11) The Emeralds could not solve … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/29/16
If you like pitching, the Cubs’ minor league system had what you want to start the week. Jesus Castillo was a wrecking crew for Eugene and Carson Sands was throwing blanks for South Bend. Brad Markey was dealing for Tennessee and Erling Moreno made an impression for the AZL Cubs. There’s even more inside, along with Dominican League action, today’s Down on the Farm Report. Short Season Class-A – Eugene Emeralds (8-3) It was another game, another great pitching performance by the Emeralds on … [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 Down on the Farm Report – 07/15/15
It was an abbreviated schedule to start the week due to the Midsummer Classic. Pitching once again was the big news as youngster Junior Marte tossed five innings of no-hit ball for the DSL Cubs. Zach Hedges dominated with seven strikeouts for South Bend, and Paul Blackburn returned from the disabled list with three shutout innings. Meanwhile in Arizona, rehabbing pitchers Trey McNutt and Erling Moreno made some progress. With news from both Eugene and Tennessee, today’s Down on the Farm … [Read more...]
Cubs Added Quality and Quantity to the System with International Signings
Baseball America posted a review last month of the players the Cubs signed on the International amateur market this past year. The Cubs not only signed several of the top rated prospects that were available, the team signed a total of 27 players and according to Baseball America, "no team landed more potential impact talent on the international amateur market last year that the Cubs." According to MLB.com’s ranking of the top 30 International prospects that were available on July 2, the Cubs … [Read more...]