Over the past weeks, fans have been treated to an annual ritual, the posting of the organizational rankings by Baseball America (henceforth to be known as BA) and Baseball Prospectus. This year's rankings have generated concerns by Cubs fans as to the state of the minor leagues and the organization as a whole. To accompany the publishing of these lists, the CCO linked our article from January of this year highlighting BA's Top Ten Cubs Prospects from 2005 to present. While looking these over, I … [Read more...]
Rambling While Saying Sayonara
Hello, good day, hope you are all doing fantastic. It is Friday, and as well all know, that means it is time for some ramblings. It is time to just throw some thoughts out there, see what sticks, then ask some hopefully intriguing questions and create some debate. That is what we do here at the CCO, so let's get it on. The trade deadline is Sunday, and a certain third baseman might be changing his tune. So, without further ado ... … [Read more...]
Baseball America’s Top Cubs Prospects 2005 – 2010
Baseball America is viewed as the leader in ranking prospects and minor league systems. While publications like Baseball Prospectus have garnered a lot more respect in recent years, Baseball America remains the industry leader. A good ranking by Baseball America can increase a player's value overnight and that alone can be worth it's weight in gold ... or at least on the trade market. A well-stocked Minor League system with high praise from Baseball America can end up being the difference in … [Read more...]
Cubs Release Ryan Harvey
According to a report from Scout.com, the Cubs released former first round draft pick Ryan Harvey on Tuesday. Harvey was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2003 from Dunedin High School in Florida. In six seasons in the Cubs' system Harvey was never promoted past the Double-A level. Ryan Harvey compiled a career batting average of .247 in 471 games with a career .298 OBP. Harvey was ranked as high as third in the Cubs' organization by Baseball America in 2004 and 2005...and eighth in both … [Read more...]
Minor League Report – 04/18/08
The Iowa Cubs had a better week and so did the Tennessee Smokies. The Daytona Cubs lost three in a row before beating the Palm Beach Cardinals in 10 innings on Thursday, 1-0. Sean Gallagher had a good week, despite losing on Thursday night to New Orleans, 5-1. Gallagher gave up 3 runs on 7 hits in 6 2/3 innings. The Smokies lost on Thursday as well but Tyler Colvin doubled and Ryan Harvey hit his second home run of the year in the loss. Here is the latest from down on the farm.... … [Read more...]
Hit and Misses….but mostly Misses
As the 2002 MLB draft was approaching, the Chicago Cubs' farm system was highly regarded. Baseball America had it ranked in the top 3 in 2002, and 2001 and the trend would continue in 2003. Their biggest strength at the time was pitching. The club had four out of the first thirty-eight picks in 2002 and spent them all on promising pitching prospects. Unfortunately for the Cubs, only one of them tasted AAA ball and he, Bobby Brownlie, is in independent ball now. I was planning on writing this … [Read more...]
Weekend Update – 01/26/08
The last weekend in January....only 18 days until pitchers and catchers report. The next couple of weeks could be very interesting around baseball. There are still a lot of big name free agents on the market and trades that could still happen. This off-season has been centered around Johan Santana and some of the experts still feel once he is dealt and sets the market, other teams will be able to fill their holes on their roster. Speculation continued on Friday about the future of Matt Murton. … [Read more...]