Minor League Ball posted its pre-season ranking of the farm systems this week. And the Cubs landed at the top of John Sickels’ list. The Cubs are one of five elite organizations in the game according to John Sickels, along with the Red Sox (2), Twins (3), Dodgers (4) and Rangers (5). Sickels thinks the Cubs system has “impact talent with no fewer than three hopefully future stars in Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler.” Sickels doesn’t think Kyle Schwarber is too far behind the top … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – Myrtle Beach Pelicans Preview
Minor League Preview – High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans The third installment of a series previewing the 2015 minor league season focuses on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. 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. Click here for the Cubs’ minor league … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 12/18/14
Position Analysis – High-A Myrtle Beach Pitching Staff The CCO’s off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system continues today. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee, we now look at the pitching prospects for High-A Myrtle Beach. High-A Myrtle Beach Starters and Relievers A rotation that may go eight deep and a staff containing the remnants of the Florida State League runners-up and members of the Midwest League Champions, the pitching squad for … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/08/14
For the second year in a row, the Cubs have placed two affiliates in their respective league championships as Daytona squared off against Ft. Myers (Twins) in the Florida State League Championship. In the Midwest League, the Kane County Cougars, owners of the best record in the minors, have blitzed their way to the Championship by beating Cedar Rapids (Twins) in two games straight. For all of the details, have a look at today’s Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on Farm Report – 09/02/14
An 829-game minor league regular season ended Monday with three teams from the Cubs’ system making the playoffs: The Daytona Cubs, the Kane County Cougars, and the Boise Hawks. It took the final days of the season before Daytona and Boise could lay claim to the post-season, thanks to the efforts of hot-hitting shortstops Marco Hernandez and Gleyber Torres. Kane County had the best record in the minor leagues as the Cougars received excellent pitching performances in the final days from Tyler … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/25/14
With one week to go in the minor league season, streaking is what seems to be the trend in the Cubs’ system. Kane County was winners of 13 straight thanks to excellent pitching from Jonathan Martinez, Tyler Ihrig, and Ben Wells. Both Daytona and Kyle Schwarber went on a five game roll, with the first round pick belting six home runs over that span. Boise won three in a row, including the debut of second round pick Jake Stinnett. Meanwhile, Iowa has been going in the opposite direction, losing … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/18/14
The playoffs are looming in the minors and both Daytona and Tennessee moved into first place over the weekend. Iowa slipped into second as they continued to lose players to the Major League team. Kane County continued to find new and interesting ways to win games, while Boise looks like it is ready to go on a roll. There are too many details to do an introduction any justice, so you need to open today’s Down on the Farm Report to read how the players and teams performed. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/11/14
It appeared as if many of the minor league teams want to get as much baseball in as they can with the season drawing to a close, as doubleheaders and extra innings dotted the landscape. One of the hottest players in the system is Daytona’s Rock Shoulders, who was 6-for-13 with three home runs over the weekend. Iowa is experiencing a power surge, with Kris Bryant, Mike Olt, Manny Ramirez, Jorge Soler and Elliot Soto all with home runs. Shawon Dunston Jr. continues to be an excellent table-setter … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/31/14
The reshuffling that happens at this time of the season in the minors had an effect throughout the system as several teams struggled. Rehabbing players Josh Conway and Danny Lockhart had excellent performances for Boise. Kane County lost three straight despite good pitching from Duane Underwood, Daury Torrez, and Jen-Ho Tseng. Daytona had a six-game winning streak that included a walk-off homer from Kyle Schwarber and Jacob Hannemann’s first Florida State League home run. Tennessee scuffled a … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/24/14
It was “Promotion Day” Wednesday as several prospects received word that they would be moving up a level. There was some activity leading up to the day, as RHP Juan Carlos Paniagua was promoted to Daytona, while RHP Ben Wells went to Kane County and RHP Dillon Maples reported to Boise. That set in motion “outfielder roulette” as Jorge Soler moved up to Iowa, Albert Almora to Tennessee, Jacob Hannemann to Daytona, and Jeffrey Baez to Kane County. Meanwhile, RHP Kyle Hendricks and LHP Tsuyoshi … [Read more...]