Minor League Wrap--May 11

by Josh Timmers on May 11, 2008 7:28 PM CDT

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs swept a double-header from the Portland Beavers, 3-0 and 3-2.

In the first game, Rich Hill got the start and his first win in the PCL this season. Hill threw 5.2 innings of shutout baseball, allowing only three hits. The bad news was he walked four. More good news is that Hill struck out eight Beavers. Jose Ascanio pitched the final 1.1 innings without allowing a baserunner for his eighth save of the season. Ascanio struck out two.

Sam Fuld went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI. Andres Torres saw his 24 game hit streak come to an end with an 0 for 3.

In the second game, Justin Berg continued to struggle in AAA, as he started and gave up two runs on three hits and two walks in three innings. Berg struck out one. Randy Wells got the win by tossing a perfect fourth inning in relief. Andy Cavazos got his first save of the season with a perfect seventh (and final) inning.

Neal Cotts threw 1.1 innings and allowed no runs on one hit, walked no one and struck out one. Cotts ERA is now 1.31 in 20.2 innings. He's allowed 15 hits, nine walks and has struck out 23. I'm just saying. . . .

Right fielder Josh Kroeger went 1 for 2 with a two-run home run and a walk.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies fell to the Huntsville Stars, 7-2.

Yesterday, Jeff Samardzija struggled. Today, it was Donnie Veal's turn to get knocked around. Veal pitched 4.2 innings and gave up five runs, although only two of them were earned. He allowed eight hits, including two home runs, and walked two. Veal did strike out five. I guess that's something.

First baseman Jake Fox went 1 for 2 with two walks and an RBI.

Daytona Cubs

Scheduled off-day meant doing whatever young, single ballplayers in Daytona Beach do. Needlepoint, I think.

Peoria Chiefs

Although most of the Midwest League was rained out, the Chiefs managed to show up and got chopped down by the Clinton Lumber Kings, 12-4.

Zach Ashwood got walloped and his record dropped to 0-5. Ashwood threw only 2.2 innings and gave up 10 runs, 8 of which were earned. The home run was his enemy as Ashwood allowed four balls to leave the yard. He gave up eight hits and four hits.

First baseman Jovan Rosa went 3 for 3 with a walk and a double. Third baseman Marquez Smith had a 2 for 5 afternoon with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Catcher Josh Donaldson went 2 for 5. Left fielder Elvis Lara went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

I should point out

that Ryne Sandberg was serving the second game of a three game suspension.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh Timmers on May 11, 2008 7:45 PM CDT reply actions

Ugh.

First Samardjiza, now Veal. And what does Jose Ascanio have to do to get called up. If the Cubs only want one lefty, then why not DFA/Trade Fox and call up Ascanio.

by Unique on May 11, 2008 9:10 PM CDT reply actions

Asancio...

...could end up being this year’s Marmol if they give him innings. He’s that good. I’ve noticed that his fastball is registering at 94-95 (according to the Iowa Cubs scoreboard), which has shocked me lately. Earlier in the season, he was throwing 91-92.

I hope we don’t trade him… he gives me hope for our future bullpen.

Well… I’m off to another Iowa Cubs game. Tonight is $1 hotdog night. I’m a vegetarian, so let’s hope they have beandogs.

Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.

by IowaCubs- on May 12, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Ascanio

Everytime that Ive seen Ascanio pitch, I’ve liked what I saw. As everyone knows, he throws hard and his fastball has good movement and unlike Novoa, I mean Ceda, he works around the strike zone pretty consistently and I think will have a pretty solid MLB career. I wouldn’t be too surprised if he get’s a call up sometime this season.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on May 13, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Our long national nightmare is over!

Matt Murton got a double in game two!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.

by daver on May 12, 2008 11:42 AM CDT reply actions

I really think

if Veal continues to struggle, we should put him in the bull pen. He could be an Arthur Rhodes type set-up man.

I am like your Dan Aykroyd and biglow would be Jane, the ignorant slut. -Chad

by thecoolest on May 12, 2008 4:29 PM CDT reply actions

I suspect

that they will at least give him this year to prove himself. If there is no improvement then they might consider options.

by rlpete on May 12, 2008 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Cotts...

...needs to be called up. He has been absolutely nasty lately here. Not sure why we couldn’t use another lefty specialist up in Chicago, especially if Eyre isn’t sharp yet.

Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.

by IowaCubs- on May 12, 2008 4:51 PM CDT reply actions