The end of November is the traditional half way point of the winter leagues and Hermosillo was crowned first half champion of the Mexican Pacific League. Both Junior Lake and Rubi Silva continue to be the hitting stories, while Carlos Pimentel, Yoanner Negrin, and Frank Del Valle all had good outings on the mound. For more details, take a look inside this week’s report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 09/04/12
Hurricane Isaac, which played havoc with the Daytona Cubs' schedule last week, moved inland and forced the cancellation of Peoria's final home game and Iowa's last series of the season in New Orleans. The Cubs' system claimed two champions, with Boise's Stephen Bruno winning the Northwest League batting title while Daytona's John Andreoli led the Florida State League in stolen bases. Tennessee used the power pitching of Chris Rusin and Nick Struck to put them in position to join the AZL Cubs … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/27/12
There looks to be some excitement down the stretch as the minor leagues enter the last week of play. Boise has clinched the second half pennant thanks to players such as Gioskar Amaya, Stephen Bruno, Jeimer Candelario, Willson Contreras, Tayler Scott, and Dan Vogelbach. Peoria is charging to the finish line on the bat of Tim Saunders and the pitching of Michael Jensen. While in Daytona, John Andreoli is sure to make a number of other prospects nervous with the season he is having. And Rubi … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/23/12
Playoffs??!! Are you kidding ME??!! Apparently, no, as both Boise and the AZL Cubs have the post season in their sights. Boise has the post-season on their minds for their second consecutive season as they ride the Northwest League's leading hitter Stephen Bruno, along with Gioskar Amaya, Dan Vogelbach, Albert Almora, and Jeimer Candelario providing the pop to the Hawks' attack. The A-Cubs have gotten contributions from Shawon Dunston Jr., Trevor Gretzky, and some very solid pitching. Peoria … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 08/16/12
Changes appear to be in the air for the minor league system, as Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita was fired on Wednesday afternoon. Long deserved promotions for pitcher Austin Kirk and outfielder Rubi Silva have finally happened, while Yoannis Negrin, Willengton Cruz, and Jacob Rogers also received a bump up in level. Tennessee has tightened up their defense, which has resulted in shut out wins for Dae-Eun Rhee and Yoannis Negrin. And Iowa actually posted a couple of wins, with … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 04/09/12
Welcome everyone to a new minor league season. This week, timely hitting, great defense, and some fine pitching performances allowed Peoria to start out 2-1 for the season. Rubi Silva and Arismendy Alcantara came out swinging in Daytona. Nick Struck pitched an Opening Day gem in Tennessee, while Brett Jackson showed why he is the organization's number one prospect in Iowa. To see how your favorite teams fared ... check out this week's Down on the Farm Report. … [Read more...]
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 10/06/11
The last of the CCO's five-part series on the Cubs minor league system focuses on the pitching in the lower levels of the organization ... the Boise Hawks and both the rookie league and Dominican summer league teams. Pitching Analysis … [Read more...]