Tuesday was the deadline for eligible players to file for salary arbitration. 146 players across the league filed for salary arbitration, including the eight remaining players on the Cubs’ roster. It is not believed the front office will end up in an arbitration hearing in February (Feb. 1 – Feb. 21) with Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, Darwin Barney, Luis Valbuena, Justin Ruggiano, Pedro Strop, Nate Schierholtz or James Russell. Darwin Barney said last month he has spoken with management about … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/17/12
Second Half Minor League Report In looking at the Cubs' minor league system for the second half of the 2012 season, one can break things down into three phases. First there are the AZL Cubs and the Boise Hawks, which received the greatest influence of the Cubs' new front office team. With their rosters heavily populated by players from the 2012 draft and international free agent signings, both ended up in the playoffs at the end of the season, with Boise losing in the finals. Next there were … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/10/12
The CCO's post-season minor league awards continue with the Minor League Player of the Year. Tim Saunders and Daury Torrez were named Short-Season Player and Pitcher of the Year last week. Several players took positive steps forward in the Cubs' system this season as a new philosophy was implemented throughout the organization. But one position player stood out from the rest and delivered a strong, consistent season from the beginning to the end. The Boise Hawks season came to an end on Sunday … [Read more...]
The Long, Hard Road
Name: Davis, Lawrence (Crash) Position: Catcher Bats: Both, Throws: Right Height: 6'1", Weight: 190 lb. Born: January 18, 1955 in Lynwood, California, US (Age 57) Known for his defense and game-calling ability, the 33-year old switch-hitting catcher was moved from the Triple-A Richmond Braves to the Advanced-A Durham Bulls at the beginning of the 1988 season. During his 12 year minor league career, he hit a then-record 247 home runs, the last for the Asheville Tourists of the Single-A Southern … [Read more...]
Cubs Announce Minor League Managers, Coaching Staffs and Coordinators for 2012
The Cubs announced their 2012 Minor League managers, coaching staffs and coordinators on Wednesday. Dave Bialas moved from minor league field coordinator to manager of the Iowa Cubs. The I-Cubs will also have a new hitting coach. Dave Keller, who was on Mike Quade's staff last season will replace Von Joshua as Iowa's hitting coach. Jeff Fassero received a promotion to the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. Fassero was pitching coach in Peoria last year. The Cubs also shifted Bill Dancy for the third … [Read more...]
Rambling While Saying Sayonara
Hello, good day, hope you are all doing fantastic. It is Friday, and as well all know, that means it is time for some ramblings. It is time to just throw some thoughts out there, see what sticks, then ask some hopefully intriguing questions and create some debate. That is what we do here at the CCO, so let's get it on. The trade deadline is Sunday, and a certain third baseman might be changing his tune. So, without further ado ... … [Read more...]
Baseball America’s Top Cubs Prospects 2005 – 2010
Baseball America is viewed as the leader in ranking prospects and minor league systems. While publications like Baseball Prospectus have garnered a lot more respect in recent years, Baseball America remains the industry leader. A good ranking by Baseball America can increase a player's value overnight and that alone can be worth it's weight in gold ... or at least on the trade market. A well-stocked Minor League system with high praise from Baseball America can end up being the difference in … [Read more...]
Cubs Announce Minor League Coaching Staffs and Coordinators
The Cubs announced their 2011 Minor League coaching staffs and coordinators on Thursday. While five former Cubs remain in the system, Jody Davis is no longer with the organization as both sides decided to go in different directions. Bill Dancy received a promotion to Triple-A after earning Southern League Coach of the Year honors last year with the Smokies. Mark Johnson will manage the Boise Hawks. Frank Castillo will serve as one of the Mesa Cubs' pitching coaches and Jason Dubois will begin … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/15/10
The Mesa Solar Sox are eliminated from postseason contention. One Cubs prospect is named an All-Star and is released all in the span of 24-hours. Eight minor leaguers in the organization become free agents while four others re-sign with the club. A few Cubs farmhands are set to play in Australia, while Austin Bibens-Dirkx is still mowing 'em down in Venezuela. All that and more in today's Down on the Farm Report! … [Read more...]
Cubs Moves from Down on the Farm
The Cubs continued making roster moves this week, both at the Major and Minor League levels. John Grabow was activated from the 60-day DL on Tuesday. Brad Snyder was outrighted off the Cubs 40-man roster Wednesday and became a free agent. Eight players in the Cubs' system filed for free agency on November 6 and the Cubs re-signed four Minor League players eligible for free agency according to the transaction wire on Baseball America. Bryan LaHair, Mitch Atkins, Mario Mercedes, Jeff Gray, Mark … [Read more...]