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 – 07/25/16
Pitching was the story this past weekend as Oscar De La Cruz showed he may be ready in Eugene, and South Bend got good efforts from Kyle Miller and Casey Bloomquist. Ryan McNeil is angling for Minor League Pitcher of the Year in Myrtle Beach, while Michael Wagner and Brad Markey kept Tennessee’s hopes afloat. And in the Rookie League, two more pitchers saw the beginning their professional careers as Bailey Clark and Tyson Miller had their first appearances. Take a look inside as Down on … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/27/16
It was a busy weekend and the pitching staff of Eugene led by Dylan Cease, Bryan Hudson, and Manuel Rondon dominated. South Bend’s starters Preston Morrison, Casey Bloomquist, and Kyle Miller were also in top form. Erick Leal and Jake Stinnett pitched well for Myrtle Beach, and Jen-Ho Tseng and Paul Blackburn lead the way for Tennessee. However in Iowa, it was the bats of Jeimer Candelario and Dan Vogelbach in the forefront. With some impressive pitching in both the Arizona Rookie League and … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/20/16
Congratulations to the South Bend Cubs on becoming the First Half Champions of the Eastern Division and securing the best record in the Midwest League! Doubleheaders and extra innings were part of the weekend landscape, with Ian Happ heating up for Myrtle Beach, and John Andreoli in Iowa. Dylan Cease and Bryan Hudson had good starts for Eugene. Back in South Bend, the heroics belonged to Carlos Sepulveda, Ian Rice and Kyle Miller. Along with Dominican League highlights, the Down on the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/15/16
Looking to finish the first half strong, South Bend got some needed punch from Eddy Julio Martinez and pitchers Kyle Miller and Adbert Alzolay. Gioskar Amaya continued to swing a hot bat for Myrtle Beach, and Jen-Ho Tseng was a breath of fresh air in Tennessee. Jeimer Candelario launched his first Triple-A home run and played first base in a doubleheader that saw Willson Contreras, Mark Zagunis and Dan Vogelbach remain on a tear for Iowa, while Jose Gutierrez was busy tearing up the Dominican … [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 – 08/31/15
Put all that anticipation of September call-ups on hold as the Iowa Cubs are back in playoff contention with a weekend sweep thanks to John Andreoli, Javier Baez, and newcomer Emilio Bonifacio. Tennessee also is on a roll, wining five straight with fine pitching from Andres Santiago and Pierce Johnson. Eugene had a rough weekend but maintained their first place lead on the bat of Ian Rice and pitching of Carson Sands. Myrtle Beach won in walk-off fashion courtesy of Jason Vosler, and Jeffrey … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/24/15
Twenty-five games over .500! That’s the record of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans as they went home run happy over the weekend, with Ben Carhart leading the way. Iowa also caught the home run bug as five members left the yard this weekend, with a game-winner by Adron Chambers. Tennessee had to dodge the raindrops as Jacob Hannemann stayed on a roll, while South Bend salvaged a game with home runs from Charcer Burks and David Bote. With scores from the rookie league and the conclusion of the … [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...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/14/15
With pennant races for the Cubs organization extending down throughout the minor leagues, the balls are now flying out of the park. Andrew Ely and Ian Rice went downtown for Eugene, while Matt Rose and Ian Happ came up big for South Bend. Jason Vosler continues to surprise with his power output for Myrtle Beach, and Jacob Rogers belted his first for Tennessee. And Arismendy Alcantara and Tommy La Stella each had big flies for Iowa. So bring your mitt and watch out for fly balls while … [Read more...]