Position Analysis – Low-A Pitchers The position analysis series continues today and shifts to the South Bend Cubs. After viewing the possible pitching staffs for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee and High-A Myrtle Beach, we now look at the prospects at Low-A South Bend. With South Bend being fed by a pitching staff that nearly led the Northwest League in every category, the future looks rather rosy for fans in Northwest Indiana. Low-A Starters and Relievers Probably the Cubs’ most … [Read more...]
Eugene Takes Down Hillsboro, Advances to Northwest League Finals
Cubs’ Class-A Short-Season affiliate Eugene Emeralds defeats Hillsboro Hops to advance to Northwest League Finals The Eugene Emeralds advanced to the Northwest League Finals late Friday night with a 2-1 victory over two-time defending champs Hillsboro Hops. The Ems held off the Hops late for the one-run win to move on and play for a championship. Three Cubs affiliates played in win or go home games on Friday night. Myrtle Beach and Eugene advanced to their league championship series. South … [Read more...]
Four Cubs Prospects Named Northwest League All-Stars
OF Robert Garcia, DH/OF Chris Pieters, RHP Jesus Castillo, RHP Michael Knighton named Northwest League All-Stars The Eugene Emeralds, the Short-Season Class-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, announced OF Robert Garcia, RHP Jared Cheek, DH Chris Pieters and RHP Jesus Castillo will represent the Emeralds and the organization in next week’s Pioneer League-Northwest League All-Star Game in Ogden, Utah. LHP Jose Paulino was also named to the Northwest League All-Star team but he will not play in … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/17/15
Big offensive performances marked the beginning of the week as Arismendy Alcantara had a two home run game for Iowa, while rookie Jose Rojas also hit two in the same game in Venezuela. In Myrtle Beach, Jacob Rogers came close to a cycle as they closed in on a playoff spot. And Duane Underwood Jr. dominated on the mound again. Rafael Mejia belted a home run for the first place DSL Cubs, and pitcher Ryan Williams dazzled batters for Tennessee to keep their slim playoff hopes … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/16/15
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 – 01/02/15
Position Analysis – Lower Minors Today, the CCO completes its off-season look at the Cubs’ minor league system. After viewing the possible pitching staff for Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, we now look at the prospects in the lower minor leagues. Starters and Relievers – Lower Minors As exciting as the pitching prospects are at Double-A Tennessee, High-A Myrtle Beach, and Low-A South Bend, the young pitchers beginning their careers in the low … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/28/14
It’s getting down to the nitty-gritty as Boise is still fighting for a playoff spot while welcoming its newest addition, shortstop Gleyber Torres. Daytona’s magic number is down to one as the red-hot Bijan Rademacher has carried the D-Cubs of late. Tennessee remains in the hunt with a crucial weekend series on the horizon. The Smokies will be looking for Addison Russell to come back from injury to lead them to the post-season. Meanwhile, Kane County tied a franchise record for wins behind the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/21/14
With time running out in the season, all of the Cubs’ top five minor league teams remain in the hunt for the playoffs. Boise will need some help, but is starting to get some production for Kevin Brown. Kane County is already in, and outfielder Jeffrey Baez is starting to make his presence felt. Daytona got some dramatics from Kyle Schwarber, while Tennessee received excellent pitching from Corey Black, C.J. Edwards, and Pierce Johnson. Meanwhile, Iowa looks like they will have to go down the … [Read more...]
Cubs Select Pitching and Possibilities on the Third Day of the 2014 Draft
The 2014 First-Year Player Draft wrapped up on Saturday with rounds 11-40. The Cubs used six of their picks in rounds 11-20 on pitching and used a total of 13 picks on pitching during the last day of the draft. The Cubs used 21 of their 40 picks over three days on pitchers while drafting 19 position players. Six of the 19 position players the Cubs drafted were classified as catchers, seven infielders (two second basemen, two shortstops, three third basemen) and six outfielders. The Cubs … [Read more...]