Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first installment of a series previewing the 2015 minor league season. A brief overall look at the system will precede the team summaries. Please note that the previews are based on current roster assignments and anticipated Spring Training success. All assignments, both as to position and level, are subject to change pending the completion of Spring Training. Overview After three seasons, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/27/14
Position Analysis – Right Field The eighth installment of the off-season series to summarize and project how the minor league system looks on a position by position basis focuses on a position that has some of the most interesting players in the system: Right Field. Right Field Currently, the Cubs do not have a solid option in right field for its Triple-A Iowa affiliate. With Jorge Soler looking as if he will be part of the parent club’s Opening Day roster, the most likely option may veteran … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 02/17/14
Five Players to Watch: Rookie and Short Season-A Ball It is time once again to look beyond the top 20 lists and explore the other players in the Cubs' organization that may have an impact on the Major League club down the road. Over the years, the CCO has profiled players such as Arismendy Alcantara and Kyle Hendricks before they were recognized as top prospects. Here is the first in a series of three articles highlighting some of the players. The players are listed in alphabetical order, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/24/13
Position Analysis The CCO’s off-season look at each position in the Cubs’ system continues today. The series of articles to summarize and project how the organization stacks up on a position by position basis has looked at all four infield positions, catcher and left field, next up is centerfield, a position that holds a lot of promise for the organization. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/11/13
While the Boise Hawks slipped a little last week, four of the Cubs’ eight affiliates have stayed in first place. Iowa used some offensive explosion from Luis Flores and Logan Watkins. Boise saw the debut of second round draft pick Rob Zastryzny, while Kane County and Tennessee struggled. But the big news to end this week once again came out of Daytona as the CCO’s preseason Pitcher of the Year Matt Loosen tossed a no-hitter for the D-Cubs. For more information, see what’s inside of this … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/04/13
Happy 4th of July from the CCO! First place has a nice ring to it as five of the Cubs’ eight affiliates are currently at the top of their division. The I-Cubs rode the strong pitching of Barret Loux and the hot hitting of Brad Nelson earlier in the week. Boise’s Yasiel Balaguert was named Northwest League Player of the Week. While down in the Dominican Republic, strong pitching has moved the DSL Cubs firmly into first. The Cubs named Javier Baez and Chris Rusin the organization’s pitcher … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/20/13
Daytona remained in the spotlight this week as Javier Baez and Tim Saunders each hit grand slams on Tuesday. Iowa received excellent pitching performances from Chris Rusin and Nick Struck. Pitching also took center stage for Boise, as Loiger Padron extended the team’s scoreless streak for starters. Kane County wrapped up the first half with a win, while Tennessee split a pair. Along with recaps from the Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues and the Midwest All-Star game, see what’s inside of this … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/11/13
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first of a three part installment previewing the 2013 minor league season. A brief overall look at the system will precede the team summaries. We will be using a new format, discussing each level’s strengths, weaknesses, and things to look for this season. Please note that the previews are based on current roster assignments and anticipated Spring Training success. All assignments, both as … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 02/18/13
Five Players to Watch: Rookie and Short Season-A Ball This is the first in a series of articles highlighting some of the players not noted on off-season prospect lists. The players are listed in alphabetical order, and as they are presently listed on official rosters. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily reflect where each player will start the season. … [Read more...]