According to Baseball America, RHP Nick Struck and OF Reggie Golden were among the minor league players released prior to the end of Spring Training as the front office assembled the minor league rosters. Nick Struck was the Cubs’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2012 after posting a 14-10 record in 28 games, 26 starts, for Double-A Tennessee with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Struck struggled in the fall league and did not pitch well as a non-roster invitee to Major League Spring Training … [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 – 10/10/13
Position Analysis The CCO’s off-season series of articles to summarize and project how the Cubs’ minor league system stacks up on a position by position basis continues today. Second base was first on the list followed by third base, shortstop and first base. Today, the CCO focuses on a position that may be the weakest in the entire organization: Catcher. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/05/13
As we enter August, the final push of the minor league season begins. Iowa will need to straighten things out after a nine-game losing streak pushed them back in the division. Tennessee clings to a half game lead in the Southern League as they ride the bats of Justin Bour and Javier Baez. The team approach, and a very good starting rotation, has worked for Daytona as they have opened up a four and a half game lead in the Florida State League. Unfortunately, Kane County remains in last place … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/22/13
“That’s Baseball” is usually the response when something out of the ordinary happens in the game we love, but even the most diehard fans couldn’t expect to see the declared tie Daytona experienced on Saturday. A slew of recently drafted pitchers have helped Boise to a seven game winning streak, while weather played havoc with both Daytona and Kane County. Tennessee and Iowa came back from All-Star break with mixed results. To see what else strange and unusual has happened, check out today’s … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 07/15/13
As the season moves into the second half, some stories remain the same. Kane County continues to struggle winning games while Tennessee and Daytona keep rolling along. Iowa is still hovering around .500, as are the AZL Cubs, but Boise found trouble winning north of the border. Pierce Johnson, Zach Cates and Matt Loosen led the D-Cubs’ pitching staff with three excellent outings while Ivan Pineyro made his debut with five scoreless innings. Chang-Yong Lim also made his D-Cubs’ debut and … [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...]