There was some questionable roster management as the losses piled up to end the week. Tennessee has dropped five straight, while Boise and Daytona have four-game losing streaks, and Iowa has lost three in a row. Through it all, there were still some outstanding offensive performances by Javier Baez, Rubi Silva, and Josh Vitters. So for the unhappy totals, take a look inside today's Down on the Farm Report ... … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/19/12
You can't tell the players without a scorecard, as a number of player movements have changed the faces of some of the lower minor league teams. Boise has seen outfielder Bijan Rademacher move to Peoria, and have Northwest League player-of-the Week Trey Martin more than replace his offense. Rademacher will try to help improve the Chiefs' firepower, as Javier Baez was voted Midwest League player-of-the Week. Tim Saunders was moved all the way to Daytona from the Rookie League. The D-Cubs won two … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/16/12
It's not a good time to be a relief pitcher in the organization, as the bullpens at all levels cost their teams a chance to win to end the week. That doesn't mean that the hitters have stopped hitting, as Trey Martin has emerged for Boise while Peoria has a new hero in Chadd Krist. Teammate Javier Baez is now tied for the team lead in home runs, and Daytona's Rubi Silva is scorching hot. Pitching was the key in Tennessee, as Nick Struck recorded his organization leading tenth win, Eric Jokisch … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/0912
It's a hot time to be at the hot corner in the Cubs' organization this week, as third base seems to be where it's at. Peoria's Dustin Geiger tied a club record for home runs, while Boise's Jeimer Candelario remained a hitting machine. Greg Rohan made a big splash in his debut at Tennessee, and Josh Vitters continues to be clutch for Iowa. So trust your instincts and don't guard the line. Take a look at today's Down on the Farm Report, and we promise no bad hops. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/05/12
As Independence Day marks the traditional halfway point in the baseball season, the Cubs' affiliates are all hoping for a better second half, as the top five teams were able to only eek out three wins to start the week. Young players are taking some of the spotlight, as Dan Vogelbach and Tim Saunders are impressing in Mesa, while Jeimer Candelario keeps on hitting in Boise. Dustin Geiger remains a player to be reckoned with in Peoria, while Daytona has recently seen a burst from Elieser … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/03/12
Mid-Season Report Time has passed quickly, as we are now halfway through the minor league season. The system has endured a rash of injuries, as 16 players who were at Single-A or higher last season were either inactive or on the disabled list to start the year. Among the positions most depleted were catcher and third base. The injury bug plagued mostly the offense, as players such as Matt Cerda, Evan Crawford, Dustin Geiger, Anthony Giansanti, Micah Gibbs, Reggie Golden, and most notably, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/02/12
The roller-coaster ride that is the minor leagues had its dips and turns as we roll into Independence Day. Boise slugger Jeimer Candelario may have a new partner, as Bijan Rademacher has burst onto the scene. Peoria struggled against the first half champs, while Iowa continues to flounder despite the surge from Josh Vitters. Another player on the rise is Daytona's Matt Szczur, as the D-Cubs look to even their record. And Tennessee became the first affiliate to win 40 games, thanks to the power … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/28/12
With Anthony Rizzo now up in Chicago, who will be the next player the Cubs' faithful turn their eyes to? Boise Third baseman Jeimer Candelario can stake his claim, as he continues to roll in the Northwest League. Peoria infielder Javier Baez suffered a minor setback with a hand injury, but is still on a steady pace. Flying under the radar is Daytona shortstop Arismendy Alcantara, who is quietly putting together a good season. Also in the shadows a bit is Tennessee first baseman Justin Bour, who … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/25/12
With the twelfth week of the season, the Cubs have finally gotten all of their teams into play as the AZL Cubs began their season on Wednesday. Tennessee, Daytona, and Peoria are now all back from All-Star break, with the Smokies out of the gate fast thanks to Justin Bour, Logan Watkins, and Junior Lake. Daytona has started fast also, riding the arms of Austin Kirk and Frank Del Valle. However, Peoria cannot get untracked despite the efforts of Paul Hoilman. Boise finally got into the win … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/18/12
With a new week, some new teams are beginning play to complete the minor league system for the season. Boise started their season on Friday, while Arizona is set to start on Wednesday. Streaks were the theme as Tennessee used the pitching of Nick Struck and Eric Jokisch, along with the bat of Justin Bour to push its record over the .500 mark for the first time since week two. Peoria evened their record through the hitting of Dustin Geiger and Javier Baez and the pitching of Jose … [Read more...]