Position Analysis – Left Field The sixth installment of the off-season series to summarize and project how the minor league system looks on a position-by-position basis focuses on left field. Left Field With the parent club seemingly set in the outfield having veterans Chris Coghlan, Justin Ruggiano, and Ryan Sweeney joining Arismendy Alcantara and Jorge Soler, it looks as though Junior Lake will be crowded out. Lake’s hold on the big leagues seems even more tenuous with the organization’s … [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 – 07/28/14
Heroes came in all shapes and sizes to end the week as Iowa witnessed the thundering bat of Javier Baez, while Tennessee’s Addison Russell put on his own power show. Russell’s teammate Taylor Davis had a five RBI night, and Daytona remained on a roll thanks to the muscle of Dan Vogelbach. In Kane County, Shawon Dunston Jr. appears to be thriving in the leadoff role, while new faces Charcer Burks and Bryant Flete are hot for Boise. So if you like your baseball with a little pop, see what’s … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/10/14
Success is beginning to show itself from top to bottom in the system as Boise moved to within one game of first place and are poised to join Iowa, Tennessee, Daytona, Kane County, and the AZL Cubs as the other first place teams in the system. Outfielder Rashad Crawford is leading the way for the Hawks, while RHP Paul Blackburn continued his dominance for Kane County. Daytona continues to be led by Albert Almora, with Rock Shoulders beginning to heat up. Tennessee took a step back from all of … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 06/26/14
Winning seems to be the key word across the minor leagues to start the week as Iowa received excellent pitching performances from Dallas Beeler and Tsuyoshi Wada, while Kris Bryant provided the muscle. Tennessee evened their season record thanks to the hot hitting of Stephen Bruno, Rubi Silva, and Christian Villanueva. Daytona moved into first place with the bats of Albert Almora and Dan Vogelbach coming to life. Meanwhile, Kane County keeps chugging along thanks to Jacob Hannemann and Kyle … [Read more...]
Boise Hawks Release Tentative Opening Day Roster
The Boise Hawks, the Short-Season A-Ball affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, released a tentative Opening Day roster Monday afternoon. Gary Van Tol’s team begins the 2014 season this Friday against Tri-City at Memorial Stadium in Boise. For those familiar with the minor leagues, the Hawks’ first roster is chocked full of names that you may have heard before. Eleven of the 25 players have seen action already in affiliated minor league games, with six of those eleven appearing at Low-A Kane County … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/10/14
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first of a three part installment previewing the 2014 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. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 02/17/14
Five Players to Watch: Rookie and Short Season-A Ball It is time once again to look beyond the top 20 lists and explore the other players in the Cubs' organization that may have an impact on the Major League club down the road. Over the years, the CCO has profiled players such as Arismendy Alcantara and Kyle Hendricks before they were recognized as top prospects. Here is the first in a series of three articles highlighting some of the players. The players are listed in alphabetical order, … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/31/13
Position Analysis The CCO’s off-season look at each position in the Cubs’ farm system continues today. The series of articles to summarize and project how the organization stacks up on a position by position basis has already examined all four infield positions, catcher, left field and centerfield. Up next is right field, a position that has some of the most interesting players in the system. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 03/11/13
Minor League Preview – Rookie and Short Season-A Ball Good Morning to everyone at the CCO! Today is the first of a three part installment previewing the 2013 minor league season. A brief overall look at the system will precede the team summaries. We will be using a new format, discussing each level’s strengths, weaknesses, and things to look for this season. Please note that the previews are based on current roster assignments and anticipated Spring Training success. All assignments, both as … [Read more...]