Position Analysis – Left Field Happy Thanksgiving! It’s time to move to the outfield after taking an in depth look at catcher, first base, second base, shortstop and third base in the Cubs’ system. Today, the CCO focuses on a position that has a lot of promise: Left Field. Left Field Left field seemed like a black hole for the Cubs at the major league level when Kyle Schwarber went down to an injury early on. Jorge Soler took over until he was injured, and after that a mash-up of Matt … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – Eugene Emeralds Win NWL Championship
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/14/16 Congratulations to the Eugene Emeralds, the Northwest League Champions! The pitching of Manuel Rondon and key plays by Kevonte Mitchell helped the Emeralds secure their first title in 41 years. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach took a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five series as High Class-A Pitcher of the Year Trevor Clifton obliterated Lynchburg. For all of the happy totals, come inside today’s Down on the Farm Report. Short Season Class-A – Eugene Emeralds … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/19/16
When you win 14 games in a row and tie the Northwest League record, they come in all sizes as Eugene demonstrated thanks to Dylan Cease and Kevonte Mitchell. The AZL Cubs also shined with 17-year old Isaac Parades and 19-year old Gustavo Polanco leading the way. Duane Underwood. Jr. had a rehab assignment with South Bend and Chesny Young regained the batting lead in the Southern League for Tennessee. Meanwhile, Jeimer Candelario keeps hitting for Iowa and Fernando Kelli keeps stealing in the … [Read more...]
Eugene Emeralds Release 2016 Opening Day Roster
The Eugene Emeralds, the Short-Season Class-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, opens its 2016 season on Friday at home against the Boise Hawks. The Emeralds released its Opening Day Roster. And the first roster of the Ems season is loaded with prospects. RHP Dylan Cease and LHP Bryan Hudson headline the Emeralds’ pitching staff. D.J. Wilson, Kevonte Mitchell and Matt Rose standout on the positon player side along with Chris Pieters, Wladimir Galindo and Robert Garcia. Dylan Cease is widely … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – Minor League Predictions
Minor League Predictions Once again it is time for me to step out of my comfort zone and make some predictions. Every season, I wildly grope to try and make some prescient comments concerning the approximately 300 players that will don a uniform in the Cubs’ minor league system. The upcoming minor league season looks like to be very exciting, with teams expected to challenge for league honors at all levels. Whether some of those players make it to the big leagues will have a lot to do with … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/14/16
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season A Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first installment previewing the 2016 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 The pipeline to the majors was a … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 11/12/15
Position Analysis – Right Field The organizational position analysis continues with a look at a position that may hold the key to how the system is shaped for 2016: Right Field. Right Field While its number 9 on your scorecard, right field is not a position of least importance as most teams look for major run production out of this position. That is true of the Cubs, who began the season with young Jorge Soler in right. Injuries limited his time during the regular season, but fans across the … [Read more...]
Cubs 2015 Instructional League Roster
Baseball America posted the Cubs roster for the upcoming Instructional League that begins on Sept. 21. And the roster features several of the organization’s top prospects as well as recent International free agent signings. RHP Dylan Cease, LHP Carson Sands, LHP Justin Steele, LHP Bryan Hudson and RHP Oscar De La Cruz are among the pitchers that will participate in fall instructs. Dylan Cease, 19, appeared in 11 games and made eight starts for the AZL Cubs less than a year after undergoing … [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...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/19/15
Rain and scheduling resulted in a diminished amount of action in the Cubs’ minor league system to start the week. Eugene was able to rally thanks to timely hitting from Alex Bautista, Adonis Paula, and Eloy Jimenez. Meanwhile, South Bend made some noise as Jeffrey Baez, Ian Happ and David Bote led them to victory. Tsuyoshi Wada had a quality start for the Iowa Cubs, while Danny Spingola and Chris Pieters were swinging hot bats for the AZL Cubs. While lacking in volume, today’s Down on … [Read more...]