Position Analysis – High-A Pitchers The CCO’s off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system continues today. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple- and Double-A, we now look at the prospects for High-A. With a rotation that can go eight to nine deep, the pitching squad for Myrtle Beach in 2017 may turn out to be very special. High-A Starters and Relievers The 2015 draft provided several high-end pitching prospects. The foremost of these was eighth round pick Preston … [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 – 07/27/15
It was a pretty good start to the week for some pitchers from the 2014 draft class. Lefty Tommy Thorpe is not thriving in the rotation for South Bend, while Brad Markey was blowing hitters away for Myrtle Beach. Austyn Willis also had a good outing for the AZL Cubs, and Ryan Williams kept rolling for Tennessee. Iowa squandered a good effort from Jeffry Antigua, and relievers Adbert Alzolay, Trey Masek, and Jae-Hoon Ha were all effective for Eugene. Back from a week of R & R, the … [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 Down on the Farm Report – 07/13/15
Tennessee pitching drew the spotlight to start the week as Ryan Williams and Pierce Johnson did everything but sell popcorn in the stands for the Smokies. Meanwhile, Dylan Cease continues to dazzle the Arizona rookie league. Myrtle Beach remains in a lurch in the second half despite excellent outings from Jonathan Martinez and Daury Torrez, while South Bend was carried to two victories thanks to outfielder Yasiel Balaguert and pitcher Tyler Ihrig. In Iowa, Junior Lake blasted two home … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/06/15
While perhaps a little late to the party, the Cubs made their midseason reshuffle of their personnel over the weekend. Myrtle Beach is back after scuffling for a while, thanks to the red-hot hitting of Jeimer Candelario. Another player who is swinging it well is Jacob Hannemann, who helped ignite the Tennessee offense. Pitching was also in the spotlight as South Bend’s Michael Wagner, Iowa’s Donn Roach, and Dylan Cease of the AZL Cubs all had outstanding efforts. So take a look at Down … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/29/15
Streaks were the big story to start the week as South Bend came off of All-Star break and extended their winning streak to five games thanks to Gleyber Torres. Winning four games in a row brought Eugene’s record even as Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ came up big. Both Tennessee and Iowa had modest two game streaks with strong performances from Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber. On the downside, Myrtle Beach has yet to win a game in the second half of the season despite an excellent outing by … [Read more...]
Cubs Announce Signing OF Ian Happ, and Nine Draft Picks
The Cubs made it official Thursday. The team announced the signing of first round draft pick, OF/2B Ian Happ. The Cubs did not disclose the terms of his contract. According to multiple reports, the Cubs signed Happ for $3 million. The slot allotment for the No. 9 pick in the draft was $3,351,000. The Cubs also announced the signing of nine other players taken in last week’s draft. LHP Ryan Kellogg (Fifth Round), RHP Dave Berg (Sixth Round), RHP Craig Brooks (Seventh Round), INF Vimael Machin … [Read more...]