Minor League Wrap--August 17
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 12:18 AM CDT
55 comments
Iowa Cubs
As hot as the Chicago Cubs are, they aren't the hottest team named "Cubs" in baseball. That honor belongs to the Iowa Cubs, who just won their sixth in a row against the New Orleans Zephyrs, 8-2.
Angel Guzman continued his strong comeback from Tommy John surgery. Guzman pitched the first three innings and allowed no runs and only one hit and one walk. Guzman struck out three.
Randy Wells got credit for the win with four innings of relief. Wells allowed one run on three hits and two walks. He struck out one.
Jose Ascanio threw a perfect ninth inning.
The big bats of Micah Hoffpauir and Jason Dubois connected again this afternoon. Both players were 1 for 4 with a solo home run. It was Hoffpauir's 22nd home run and Dubois 23rd.
Center fielder Andres Torres was 2 for 5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. Shortstop Luis Figueroa had a 2 for 4 afternoon with two RBI and a run scored.
Catcher Tony Richie was 2 for 4 with two doubles and a run scored. First baseman Matt Craig was 2 for 4 with two runs scored.
Tennessee Smokies
It was "Turn Back the Clock" day for the entire Southern League today. Unfortunately, that meant honoring the old blue laws banning the playing baseball on Sunday. The whole league had the day off.
Daytona Cubs
They aren't as hot as the Cubs in Iowa or Chicago, but the Daytona Cubs did their part today by nailing the Jupiter Hammerheads, 8-2.
Maybe Jeremy Papelbon can be as starter after all. Papelbon threw six shutout innings. He gave up only two hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out one.
Todd Blackford picked up his first save of the year by throwing the final three innings. Blackford allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks. He struck out two.
First baseman Russ Canzler just loves August. Today he was 2 for 4 with his twelfth home run of the year. He scored twice and just had that one RBI. So far for the month of August, Canzler is hitting .340 with five home runs and a .421 OBP.
Catcher Steve Clevenger went 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. DH Blake Lalli was 2 for 4 and also crossed the plate twice.
Third baseman Jonathan Mota had two doubles in a 2 for 4 afternoon. He recorded three RBI and scored once.
Peoria Chiefs
Rebel Ridling's two home runs weren't enough as the Chiefs were cut down by the Clinton Lumber Kings, 8-5.
Josh Whitlock started and took the loss. Whitlock allowed three runs on three hits over three innings. He walked only two, but struck out three.
Rebel Ridling's two homers gives him eight in the Midwest League. Ridling was 2 for 4 with four RBI.
Right fielder Elvis Lara was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Second baseman Josh Harrison was 2 for 5 with a double. Shortstop Nate Samson was 2 for 5 with an RBI. First baseman Luis Bautista was 2 for 5.
Boise Hawks
The Hawks took too long to get their bats going and they lost to the Vancouver Canadians, 4-3.
Second-round pick Aaron Shafer was very impressive this afternoon. Shafer threw five shutout innings and allowed only one single. He didn't walk a Canadian and struck out six.
Marcus Hatley allowed three runs in two innings of relief. Harol Tolentino took the loss by giving up a run after the Hawks tied up the game in the top of the ninth. Tolentino allowed the one run on one hit and three walks over 1.1 innings.
DH Sean Hoorelbeke was 2 for 3 with a walk, a double and two RBI. First baseman Ryan Keedy went 2 for 4.
Josh Vitters extended his hit streak to 23 games with a 1 for 4 afternoon.
AZL Cubs
I just spent the weekend with my brother-in-law from Seattle. He would have just said "They are Mariners."
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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Will Dubois get a September callup?
It certainly would be strange to see him back out in a Chicago Cubs uni in Wrigley Field.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 18, 2008 12:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I questioned this too...
We dont really need a right handed power bat….. we could use a lefty which would mean that the Hoff would be called up before Dubois.
DeRosa: And who is the best and who is the worst card player?
Dempster: I think the best is yourself. [ . . .] I think the worst player is D-Lee. I think he bets every time just to bet.
by EJThunder on Aug 18, 2008 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think we need a lefty in the generic sense.
We have Ward and Fontenot on the bench. We could probably use a lefty CF with speed (to give Edmonds rest and to pinch-run) – Andres Torres gives us the lefty CF part. But with Reed Johnson playing CF v. LHP and DeRosa getting run out to RF, it might be nice to have another RH OF to keep DeRosa in the IF. It seems to me that once you expand from 25-man rosters, the RH bat OF becomes a lot more useful than the LH DH.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
by DGU on Aug 18, 2008 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't expect it
He isn’t on the 40 man, and while we have space, I’m not sure we’re going to add him. Not impossible, but I don’t expect it.
by toonsterwu on Aug 18, 2008 4:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read earlier today
that Vitters, Cashner, and Brenly will go to the instructional league after Boise’s season ends. So does that mean definitively that Vitters isn’t going to Peoria this year?
by AceCubbie on Aug 18, 2008 6:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
as the instructional league kicks in....
i look forward to finding out what we’re watching for. obviously wins, but (more importantly) which players need to show what.
i’ve never had the time/resources to follow the minor leagues like i am now. i greatly appreciate the time and effort of not only josh, but also the informed contributors.
regarding brenly, i think he will be included as a PTBNL option in a trade someday. not bad for a late draft pick.
by tim815 on Aug 18, 2008 7:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs and Angels MLB, AAA Teams
It’s interesting to note that with the Chicago Cubs having the best record in the NL that the Iowa Cubs are leading the PCL American North by 8 games over Memphis.
It’s also interesting to note that with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with the best record in the AL that their AAA team, the Salt Lake Bees, maintain a 5-game over Tacoma in the PCL Pacific North.
Having a Cubs-Angels World Series and an Iowa-Salt Lake PCL Championship Series would be great.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Aug 18, 2008 7:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Do you honestly get pumped up over a Triple A Championship Series?
I’m just asking. Sorry, but I can’t get geeked up about a bunch of aging journeyman for Iowa playing a bunch of aging journeyman for Salt Lake.
by MDBNIU on Aug 18, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One more outing like that from Guzman
and he may be replacing Howry in the bullpen. This homestand against the dregs of the NL might be a nice time to get Guzman’s feet wet in a few low pressure situations. If he’s pitching as well as it sounds – mid-90s fastball, good K/BB ratio etc. – it would be like trading the bad Howry for the good Howry.
by the nth on Aug 18, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I gotta admit...
…Guzman’s return has definitely caught my eye. He did some good work out of the bullpen early last season and, given his injury history, that’s probably where he’s bound. Lou still seems unwilling to give up on Howry, but having a healthy Guzman around could be a great insurance policy.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 18, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still don't see a guy...
… who’s still injury-rehabbing, sent in to replace a part of a playoff-contender’s bullpen.
I think we’ll see him in spring training.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 18, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, you certainly have stuck to your guns on this one Al.
But you really don’t think he’ll be a September call up?
by sackings108 on Aug 18, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I don't.
You’re only going to see two or three pitchers added, and at least one of them is likely to be Jon Lieber.
Choose from the following list for the others: Hart, Ascanio, Fox (yes, Chad Fox), maybe Pignatiello if they want a lefty.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 18, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, we'll see I guess. I believe he will be, and I also believe
he’s a better pitcher than all of those guys except maybe Ascanio, although I realize that probably doesn’t matter right now.
by sackings108 on Aug 18, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So there's no chance we'll see Jose Ceda?
I’m not sure whether or not Guzman will be up in September. Given that he’s got great stuff and ML experience, though, I do think it’s a possibility.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 18, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very small chance
Wouldn’t say “no chance.” But I doubt Ceda will get called up. As Al would say, when would he pitch in a crowded bullpen?
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ceda's not on the 40-man roster
Sure, they could add him, but probably won’t till next offseason.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 18, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You just named 3 guys who I never want to see again this year
Ascanio could be helpful, he is the only one of those names that could help the team. I still really like the idea of Guzman’s “power arm” coming out of the bullpen instead of Howry.
Missouri Tigers 2008 Cotton Bowl Champs
by nji232 on Aug 18, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I completely agree.
First of all, I don’t think we have a pressing need. The next and maybe more important consideration is that regardless of his results so far- Guzman is still healing and it’s probably better to not add high stress innings unnecessarily. If he is recovering as well as it sounds, he’ll be like found money in next seasons pitching staff. The Cubs will hopefully do what ever is best for Angel’s long term prospects since they don’t need him to get to the promised land.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
by The Lip on Aug 18, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In September? Why not?
You don’t have to use him in crucial spots – let him pitch mop-up if you really don’t trust him.
by cwyers on Aug 18, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In September? To echo your question...
… Why?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 18, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for a few reasons
1) Isn’t there a 30-day limit to rehab assignments? Guzman began his rehab on August 2nd, which would make September 1st the end of his allowed rehab assignment.
2) If there is a 30-day limit to rehab assignments, then Guzman would have to be optioned to the minors if he wasn’t assigned to the major league roster. Instead, he could be placed on the active roster and potentially not pitch at all. I would think that if he was on the active roster, Lou would throw him out in at least a non-crucial game situation.
by kranskie on Aug 18, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think those don't matter once September 1 begins.
He COULD be optioned… once the minor league season is over, he’s just on optional assignment, if the team has no games, he just rests till next year.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 18, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but then he burns up another option for no reason, right?
I’m not that passionate on this issue either way. I do like what Guzman has for potential, and I hope that he can become a healthy, durable, successful major leaguer. I am more curious about this as a case study of what the roster rules are and how they impact player movement. I haven’t been around baseball for as long as other BCBers, and I can’t think of another situation like this.
by kranskie on Aug 18, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because someone has to pitch those innings...
…and you can save some wear and tear on guys like Wood and Marmol.
by cwyers on Aug 18, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't brining him up for September waste a year of service time?
Would the Cubs want to use him in mop-up duty and put him one year closer to being a free agent?
by dr stabbingworth on Aug 18, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
I don’t believe so. September call-ups don’t burn an “option” and while September does count for service time towards free agency, so does being on a major league disabled list, otherwise Mark Prior never would make it to free agency. So Guzman would burn service time whether he pitched with the Cubs or not.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
Thanks for the insight
by dr stabbingworth on Aug 18, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's true if a player is on the 40-man roster.
If a player has to be added to the 40-man roster, that could burn an option – an option is used if a player on the 40-man is in the minor leagues ( I think if you’re only down for 12 days no option is used). Calling up a player never uses an option; adding him to the 40-man roster does.
by cwyers on Aug 18, 2008 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK
but in this case, Guzman is on the 40 man roster.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.
To be clear, I wasn’t trying to disagree with anything you said, just clarifying the rule in question. There were probably 7-8 posts I could have replied to (options and waivers are probably the two most confusing transactions), just picked this one.
by cwyers on Aug 18, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a transactional standpoint, we're better off with him on the major league team...
…because that preserves the option year. This is why the Cubs have waited so long to start rehabbing him in the first place.
In short, signs point towards the Cubs eyeing a callup for Guzman on September 1st – he was ready to begin rehabbing well before he did, and yet they timed it so that his rehab assignment would end specifically on that date.
by cwyers on Aug 18, 2008 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes sense.
However, I should point out that teams make “callups” every September, with no intention of ever having some of those players play in a game.
Guzman could be one of those, “recalled”, but sent home.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 19, 2008 4:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is his velocity really back to mid-90's?!
I haven’t been keeping up as well as I normally do, so I apologize if this is common knowledge- I’ve just seen box scores and have been really happy to see his command has quickly gotten better. I didn’t realize his velocity was already back as well. If it is, he’s had a pretty amazing recovery I’d say.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
by The Lip on Aug 18, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, his velocity is up in the mid-90s.
If the Cubs have no plans on bringing him up then why are they even throwing him in meaningless minor league games? And why have they moved him quickly up through the system? He can either pitch or he can’t. I say he comes up.
by the nth on Aug 18, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Josh,
I haven’t seen Alex Maestri in your write-ups for a while. Is he playing in the Olympics?
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Aug 18, 2008 1:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
he's been injured
hasn’t pitched since July 3rd, but I don’t remember the injury
by kranskie on Aug 18, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
He’s been out since early July with tendonitis. According to his blog, they’ve shut him down for the minor league season and are hoping he can pitch in the Instructional Leagues in September and October. Apparently, he was pitching through it when he got knocked around in AA.
He says it’s not serious—i.e, no surgery is necessary. But it’s been slow to heal and they aren’t taking any chances. He’s just cooling his heels in Arizona—although it’s Arizona in August—no real cooling is possible. But he’s been working with the Cubs staff in Mesa.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks.
I wonder if the Cubs will allow him to pitch in the WBC…
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Aug 18, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's gonna be hard
I think, if he’s healthy (and there’s no reason right now to think he wouldn’t be healthy in March) that the Cubs would like to make him an NRI to spring training and get a look at him there. On the other hand, he is the most prominent Italian-born baseball player, and I think there would be some pressure to have him play there.
Also, I’m betting Mike Piazza has something to do with the Italian team, either playing or coaching, and Maestri really looks up to Piazza since they met in the last WBC. The Cubs might think he could learn more from Mike than in the Cactus League. On the other hand, I’d bet Rothschild would like to get a look at him.
Of course, Italy will be out in a week, so maybe he could do both.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He may have company.
I’ve heard that DeRo wants to play for Italy.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Aug 18, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Josh not sure if
this is your territory but if not maybe somebody else on here would know who the Cubs might be sending to the Hawaiian Winter League this year. Any chance I’ll see any of the big names…Vitters, Colvin, Ceda?
Clever signature line
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Aug 18, 2008 3:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know part of this answer.
Vitters is going to instructional league, along with Andrew Cashner and Michael Brenly.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Aug 18, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where is the instructional league?
by sackings108 on Aug 18, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming
they mean the one in Arizona. I believe there are ones in Hawai’i and the Dominican Republic as well, but the Cubs mostly use the one in Arizona.
And that’s quite a good sign for Bob’s kid that they’re actually sending him to the instructional leagues. They don’t send organizational fodder there—space is limited.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 18, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the info Al and Josh
Clever signature line
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Aug 18, 2008 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weird question
Weird question. Is Bob Brenly’s son any good?
Go Cubs
by cubstoseriesby100 on Aug 18, 2008 9:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why is that a weird question?
Nanika Ga Okoru!
by dat cubfan daver on Aug 18, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I knew the answer to that question, I'd probably have some other job right now.
by cwyers on Aug 18, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
That’s the best answer I’ve heard.
A longer answer is that the Cubs didn’t think he was that good in June, because they took him in t he 36th round. But they’ve clearly liked what they’ve seen so far, and are thinking they may have underestimated him. But we won’t know until a year from now, probably.
Borowy . . .Sutcliffe . . .Harden?
by Josh77 on Aug 19, 2008 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defer the question until this time next year
Hard to gauge much of anything about lower round picks playing rookie ball. Lets see how Brenly shapes up a low A Peoria. Something tells me he has more upside then perhaps he is being given credit for right now.
by MDBNIU on Aug 18, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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