Spring Training Game Twenty-Three – Cubs 16, Giants 14 WP – Brandon Gomes (1-0) LP – Josh Osich (0-2) Save – Starling Peralta (1) Jake Arrieta could not complete the first inning of Thursday’s exhibition game. Arrieta left with one out in the first inning due to a blister on his right thumb. The Cubs dug out of an early hole, scored eight runs in the fifth inning and outlasted the Giants on a wild, wild night in Scottsdale. Jake Arrieta and Joe Maddon downplayed the blister on his right … [Read more...]
A Grimm Night for Cubs Bullpen in Goodyear – Indians 10, Cubs 5
Spring Training Game Nineteen – Cubs 5, Indians 10 WP – Corey Kluber (3-0) LP – Justin Grimm (0-1, BS 2) Save – None The Cubs took an early lead against Corey Kluber in front of a record crowd of 11,616 in Goodyear on a RBI single from Kris Bryant. Pierce Johnson pitched four innings of scoreless ball before the bullpen could not find the strike zone. The Indians scored nine runs off Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez and handed the Cubs a spring loss late Saturday night. The Cubs had six … [Read more...]
Bryant and Ross Smack Long Home Runs, Cubs Drop Another Cactus League Game – Dodgers 7, Cubs 3
Spring Training Game Seven – Cubs 3, Dodgers 7 WP – Pedro Baez (1-0, BS 1) LP – Armando Rivero (0-1) Save – None Kris Bryant homered for the first time this spring and drove in two runs. David Ross went yard and doubled. Kyle Schwarber collected two hits off Clayton Kershaw. Kyle Hendricks pitched three shutout innings. Travis Wood struggled and the bullpen gave up all seven of the Dodgers’ runs as the Cubs lost Tuesday’s spring game in Mesa. The Cubs scored first in Tuesday’s … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/28/15
As we near the end of the year, it is also nearing the end of the regular season in winter ball, and playoff time! The Dominican Winter League has already concluded their regular season, and the Cubs will be well represented. Five players will be participating, including Arismendy Alcantara and Felix Pena. Meanwhile, playoff spots have yet to be determined in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Christian Villanueva continues to put up MVP-type numbers, while Javier Baez is heating up. With … [Read more...]
Cubs Minor League Signings
The Cubs have signed several players to minor league contracts over the last six weeks. And among the players that have been inked to minor league deals are three rather intriguing pitchers that should be in big league camp this spring. The front office has brought in veteran relievers Brandon Gomes and Jean Machi and swingman Stephen Fife to create options in the bullpen. The Cubs have not announced or posted all of the players the front office has signed this off-season to minor league … [Read more...]
Cubs Sign RHP Drew Rucinski to Minor League Contract, Re-Sign LHP Jeffry Antigua
According to Baseball America, the Cubs signed RHP Drew Rucinski and re-signed LHP Jeffry Antigua to minor league contracts. Drew Rucinski was ranked by Baseball America as the Angels 18th best prospect after the 2014 season. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander has pitched in seven games in the majors with one start over the last two seasons. Rucinski is 0-2 with a 6.28 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. In four games, one start, in 2015, Rucinski was 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA and 2.28 WHIP. Rucinski allowed … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/19/15
Pitching Analysis – Triple-A Iowa After covering every position in the Cubs’ system, it’s time to move to the position analysis series to pitching side of the organization. Today, the focus is on the pitching staff at the Cubs’ highest minor league level, Triple-A Iowa. Triple-A Starters and Relievers Iowa Cubs: The Cubs’ organization is in a precarious situation with the parent club in need of pitching, but the current front office’s best prospects are still far down the chain. What is left … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/02/15
The Iowa Cubs take center stage for this week as outfielder Adron Chambers and pitcher Armando Rivero made their winter debuts in Venezuela. In Mexico, Christian Villanueva is still shredding LMP pitching while Ryan Buchter is emerging as a reliable closer. And in the Dominican Republic, Arismendy Alcantara remains consistent. In the Arizona Fall League, future I-Cubs Jeimer Candelario and Willson Contreras continue to be a wrecking crew, while pitching is still a concern. With all of the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/09/15
After 830 games in which the Cubs system compiled a 444-386 record, the 2015 minor league regular season has ended for the Cubs’ affiliates. The Cubs had two teams, High-A Myrtle Beach and the AZL Cubs of the Rookie League, make the playoffs. The Cubs also had two players in the organization, Willson Contreras and Chesny Young, win batting championships. The Cubs’ affiliates had 20 All-Stars, 19 players or pitchers of the week, and Carlos Pimentel was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the … [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...]