Well, kids, I'd like to be rosier but I can't be. The Cubs' minor league system has been absolutely decimated by churning out nearly half of the best team in the NL Central. Well, I exaggerate, but you get the point. It feels absolutely bizare to say, for several reasons, but the Cubs are in first and the farm system is a big reason for the team's success. So, let's take a look at who might next be called up to help the big-league team as we chase a pennant, as well as the rest of our farm system.

Iowa Cubs

Sometimes it feels like the Iowa Cubs are fighting a war of attrition; attrition and the Tuscon Sidewinders win tonight 6-1. Juan Mateo did not exactly cover himself in glory as he gave up three runs in six innings, matching his season line at AAA of 4.50 ERA. Felix Pie and Geovanny Soto hit back to back doubles to provide the I-Cubs' only offense. With the Fighting O's (Theriot, Fontenot and Cedeno) moved up to the bigs, Eric Patterson is now free to... play left field. Ugh.

Oh, and for you Pacific Coast League followers, this Saturday is Dusty Baker Night in Sacramento! That's right, the first 500 kids in the ball park will get free toothpicks and wristbands! And the slower players who draw walks will reject the free pass so as not to clog the bases for the fast guys.

Tennessee Smokies

Former Cubs minor league affiliate West Tenn [Refuse To Write Out That Asinine Name Anymore] lose to the Tennessee Smokies 3-2. Mark Holliman continues to impress, striking out six and only giving up two runs in six innings of work. Tyler Colvin rides the pine tonight, letting Casey McGehey steal the spotlight with a two-run homer (and nothing else).

Daytona Cubs

In a double header with the Palm Beach Cardinals, the Daytona Cubs play 14 innings of not-so-goodball, losing 2-7 and 0-2. A silver lining? Jeff Samardzija strikes out two and gives up only two runs in a six-inning performance.

Peoria Chiefs

Lose to the West Minnesota Whitecaps 1-3. Jeremy Papelbon gives up three runs in five innings.

Boise Hawks

Lose to the Tri-City Dust Devils (and where they come up with these names, I have no idea) 2-4. Al Alburquerque (and one doesn't have to type when one can copy and paste, Josh!) pitches five innings of scoreless relief, which is nice. He strikes out five.

AZL Cubs

Beat the AZL Angels 2-5.