Minor League Wrap--June 4

Before we start with the minor leagues, I need to address the scandal that is rocking the entire Cubs organization right now.  In a chat at Baseball Prospectus, Cubs announcer Len Kasper admitted that he sometimes gets the answer to the AFLAC trivia question in advance.

Where is Arlen Specter on this issue?  If the cheating that almost destroyed the quiz shows in the 1950s is allowed to continue in baseball, it might destroy baseball as well.  What are we going to tell the children who look up to our baseball announcers?  That "everybody cheats" on the trivia questions?  That "it's OK" to get the answers in advance if it helps "our team" to win?

I'm not condemning Len Kasper on this.  He's the only announcer to have the courage to admit the shady dealings going on.  He should be praised for this, but only after he gets hauled in front of Congress to explain the practice and to name the names of those engaged in this horrific practice.

In the meantime, I believe we should take action to restore faith in our nation's pastime.  I suggest immediately tarring and feathering Thom Brennaman.

Reminder:  The Rule 4 Amateur Draft is tomorrow at 1pm Central.  You can watch on ESPN2 or on-line at MLB.com.

Iowa Cubs

I think they spent their off-day at the Amana Colonies.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies lost to the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, 10-6.

Mitch Atkins got the start and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks in six innings.  Atkins struck out four.

Darin Downs got the loss.  He only lasted a third of an inning (recording one strikeout) and allowed three hits and a walk, leading to three runs in the seventh. 

Grant Johnson pitched out of trouble in that inning, but then allowed four runs to score, three of which were earned, in the eighth.  Johnson allowed four runs total in 1.2 innings of work.

Second baseman Nate Spears was 3 for 4 with two doubles, a run scored and three RBI.  Center fielder Tyler Colvin was 3 for 5 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI.  Left fielder Joe Simokaitis was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.

Daytona Cubs

Despite banging out fifteen hits, Daytona lost to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 5-4.

Marcos Mateo started and allowed four runs on six hits in 4.1 innings.  Mateo struck out four and didn't walk a batter.  Reliever Casey Lambert took the loss, allowing a run on a solo home run in the only inning he worked.

First baseman Russ Canzler was 3 for 4 with three RBI.  Right fielder Yusuf Carter was 3 for 5 with two runs scored.  DH Steve Clevenger was 3 for 4 with a double and a run while third baseman Josh Lansford was also 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were outclassed by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 6-1.

Starter Chris Siegfried gave up all the Wisconsin runs tonight.  He got tagged for all six runs on nine hits and two walks in only three innings.  Siegfried struck out two.

Center fielder Leon Johnson was 3 for 4 with a double.  Catcher Mario Mercedes was 2 for 3 with a walk.