Jed Hoyer addressed several topics with the mainstream media including Bryan LaHair, Anthony Rizzo, the roster, Jeff Samardzija and the Jorge Soler rumors in a sort of a State-of-the-Cubs address. Hoyer said the Cubs are not done tinkering with the roster and they will be active in trade conversations as Spring Training comes to an end. Hoyer clarified his comment about possible trades by saying they would not be doing their job if they were not talking to other teams. The Cubs are expected to … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/26/11
With the minor league season well in the rearview mirror and only three games remaining on the Cubs' schedule, it is time to take a look at each position throughout the Cubs' minor league system. For the most part, the Cubs system had a good year and saw several players take steps forward in their development. First up in a series of articles, are the infielders and catchers in the Cubs' minor league system. Position Analysis - Infield and Catcher … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/01/11
Playing out the string is not what they have in mind in Boise, as Paul Hoilman looks for a home run crown while Reggie Golden is heating up. Peoria's Richard Jones continues his pursuit of 100 RBI, as All-Stars Evan Crawford, Justin Bour, and Frank Batista of Daytona prepare for the playoffs. With five games left in the season, Josh Vitters and the Tennessee Smokies remain tied for the second half championship and a first round bye. Meanwhile, Bryan LaHair is making history in Iowa. Along with … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/25/11
As the season begins to wind down in the minors, player movement again seems to be the norm. Arizona, Boise, Peoria and Daytona have all struggled as they have tried to integrate new players. But Peoria's Richard Jones is still in play for the Midwest League Triple Crown, while Bryan LaHair is also in the hunt for the same honor in the Pacific Coast League. Meanwhile, Tennessee is trying to take the second half title in the Southern League and secure a playoff bye. Along with News and Notes, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/22/11
It's a brand new day for the Cubs' Farm System. Here's hoping for sunny skies ahead. The system's teams responded by going a collective 12-7 over the past weekend, buoyed by Tennessee's five-game winning streak. Iowa has also won four out of its past five games, while Peoria and Boise each posted a 2-2 record. Brett Jackson continues to be on fire in Iowa, while Matt Spencer, Rebel Ridling and Justin Bour delivered key home runs. Chris Rusin and Ryan Searle also had top-notch pitching … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/18/11
All the teams in the system suffered their ups-and-downs to begin the week. The Iowa offense let down a couple of their young pitchers, but came through for Jay Jackson. Tennessee still has some struggles on offense as well, but Brooks Raley was the beneficiary of an outburst. Daytona battled weather problems; bullpen collapses plagued Peoria; while Boise actually split with archenemy Tri-City. Along with News and Notes, and a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League and the … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/15/11
Tennessee and Daytona each guaranteed a winning season, as both teams collected their 70th win as part of a system sweep on Friday. The minor league organization was a collective 11-7 to end the week. Great pitching performances from Eric Jokisch, Frank Del Valle, Matt Loosen, Casey Harman, Dae-Eun Rhee, Ryan Searle, and Casey Coleman were the highlights, as well as Josh Vitters emerging as a clutch performer. All of that, and more, in this edition of the CCO's Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/11/11
Who are those guys in the blue pinstripes? They certainly don't look the Iowa team we know, as they ripped off three wins and obliterated league-leading Sacramento. Peoria went on their own winning streak, while Tennessee has gone back to their winning style of playing baseball. However, Boise was still having problems with their nemesis Tri-City, while Daytona split a pair with Clearwater. Along with News and Notes, and a weekly recap of action in the Dominican Summer League and the Arizona … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/04/11
As the minor league baseball season enters the final month of the regular season, two of the Cubs top prospects celebrated birthdays with good nights at the park ... and one was named player of the week. Brett Jackson and Trey McNutt celebrated birthdays on Tuesday. McNutt picked up a win with a solid start on his 22nd birthday and Jackson celebrated birthday number 23 by leading off the game against the Redbirds with a home run ... his fourth at the Triple-A level. Greg Rohan was named Florida … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/01/11
It was a rough end of the week for a majority of the system as player moves continued down on the farm. The Cubs added two players in the Kosuke Fukudome deal and both Abner Abreu and Carlton Smith made their organizational debuts. Tyler Colvin was promoted back to the show while one of the Cubs top prospects showed off his power and another was placed on the DL. Brett Jackson had a big weekend with homers in back-to-back games but Welington Castillo strained his right hamstring and had to be … [Read more...]