Cubs Minor League Wrap--May 19

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:12 AM CDT in Minor Leagues

Josh Vitters is on fire, folks.

Iowa Cubs

A good start by the Shark drove the Salt Lake Bees out of their hive, 3-2.

Jeff Samardzija pitched a strong five innings this afternoon, allowing only one run on four hits. Samardzija walked two and struck out six on the way to his first win of the year.

Blake Parker got his first AAA save by throwing a perfect ninth inning. Parker fanned two Bees.

Left fielder Jason Dubois had two doubles in a 2 for 4 afternoon. Dubois scored twice and had one RBI. Right fielder Doug Deeds went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. Deeds scored once and had an RBI. Third baseman Nate Spears was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

They kept DH Jake Fox in the ballpark today, but he did go 2 for 4 with a stolen base and a run scored. Fox raised his batting average to .431.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were hunted down by the Chattanooga Lookouts, 4-2.

Starter Jay Jackson pitched six shutout innings tonight. Jackson allowed seven hits, walked two and fanned eight. He was let down by his bullpen, however, as John Gaub allowed two runs on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings and Brian Schlitter took the loss by allowing another two runs in two-thirds of an inning on two hits and a walk.

Shortstop Darwin Barney was 3 for 5 with an RBI. Second baseman Tony Thomas went 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Center fielder Brandon Guyer had a triple in a 2 for 4 night. He also scored once.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs flooded the Dunedin Blue Jays, 8-3 in a game completed after five and a half innings due to rain.

Starter Ryan Searle allowed three runs in four innings and somehow was awarded the win even though he didn't go five innings. (Someone care to explain that one to me? Is it just because the game only went 5.5 innings? Or is minor league baseball finally listening to me?) Searle gave up six hits, walked two and struck out three. One of the runs was unearned.

Third baseman Jovan Rosa is getting back to his doubling ways. Rosa was 2 for 4 with two doubles and two RBI. Shortstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI.

DH Tyler Colvin returned to the lineup tonight for the first time since his collision with Tony Campana ten days ago. He had an RBI double, but struck out the other three times he went to the plate.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs brought out their thumping stick on the Beloit Snappers, 9-1.

Starter Justin Bristow got his first win of the season. He allowed one run on three hits over five innings. Bristow walked two and struck out three.

Jeff Beliveau had one of the most impressive lines on a save that you will ever see. Beliveau threw four no-hit innings of relief, walking two batters and striking out eight.

Now for the Josh Vitters news. Vitters homered tonight in his fourth straight game and had three hits in his fifth straight game. He was 3 for 5 total with two runs scored and two RBI. He also stole a base. He still isn't drawing walks, but his OBP is at a nice even .400 anyway.

The balls were flying out of Beloit's Pohlman Field tonight--or at least in the first three innings, when Peoria hit all four of their home runs. Second baseman Josh Harrison led off the game with a home run and was 2 for 5 with two runs scored. DH Ryan Flaherty went 2 for 5 with a double and a third-inning home run. Left fielder Kyler Burke also homered in the third inning. He also had a double in a 2 for 5 night. Burke had three RBi.

First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 4 with a walk. Catcher Michael Brenly didn't homer, but he did go 3 for 5 with a run scored and two RBI.

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Comments

When do you think Vitters will get a promotion?

Do you think he has to start drawing walks?

"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko

by DTJchris on May 20, 2009 12:59 AM CDT reply actions

Doubt it

He’s not going to draw a walk until he sees a pitch he can’t hit and it’s pretty clear he’s not going to see one of those in the Midwest League. It’s not like we’re getting reports about his swinging at pitches in the dirt (nor have I seen him swinging at bad pitches when I saw him last season.)

I don’t think he’s long for Peoria. Could be in the next week.

Here’s an article published this evening on Vitters’ hot streak.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions

when he gets called to daytona

what with rosa? are there enough at bats for both in florida, or does rosa go to peoria? it would be unfortunate to take his at bats just as he’s starting to hit.

by tim815 on May 20, 2009 2:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Rosa can play first

I think Rosa is more of a first baseman anyway.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Excited about him and Jay Jackson

this system is slowly on the come up. So far so good.

Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008

by Unique on May 20, 2009 2:54 AM CDT up reply actions

i've been visiting other sites in sb nation

for various reasons. there are a bunch of fanbases reaaally upset with their management teams (oakland, chisox, and the mets, who have a game-by-game assessment of jerry manuel’s manegerial ‘prowess’) or hopeful that things are turning around (pirates, mostly).

we seem to be on the verge of being middle of the pack in regards to minor league systems. jackson, castro, vitters, thomas, mcdaniel. these guys are accomplishing things. i’ve been following since the days of karl pagel, scot thomson, waiting to have a legitimite pipeline. we aren’t there yet, but thanks to bcb, al, and josh, we can be confident of better things, even during a two game losing streak.

by tim815 on May 20, 2009 3:05 AM CDT up reply actions

It sounds like Vitters is similar to a younger Vladimir Guerrero in plate coverage

he may not walk a lot, but he can put his bat on most any pitch. Would that be an apt comparison, Josh?

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Bill Potter on May 20, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I've made that comparison before

He doesn’t have Vladdy long, violent swing, but he does have a similar ability to put wood on horsehide wherever they may be.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stop it josh vitters, you cant get promoted untill i see you june 7th!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life's a garden, dig it.

by easyaspie on May 20, 2009 6:37 AM CDT reply actions

If Vitters sticks at Peoria for just three more weeks...

… anyone in the Chicago area can go see him play at Kane County — it’s a four-game series, June 6-7-8-9.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on May 20, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Doesn't Josh's brother play for Kane County

I believe Christian is the older brother but Josh is the more talented.

Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on May 20, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Last season

Christian Vitters is with Stockton this season. He’s four years older than Josh.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Vitters!

The kid could be on the fast track….

Considering we have A-Ram (if healthy), would they give Vitters any time at 2B?

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions

Not unless

they want to play a cruel joke on one of their pitchers.

No, Vitters can’t play second.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Is his glove that bad? Or is it a lack of range?

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

His glove is OK

for third. He doesn’t have a lot of range. It helps that he has a strong arm. But putting him at second would negate that arm. He’s way too big to be any good at turning the pivot. I doubt he has the range to play second.

On top of that, second base is a high-risk position as far as injuries go. Not a good idea to put Viters there.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Mismanaging Fox

I know Fox is a poor defender, but putting him in to DH is doing nothing to accelerate his promotion to the majors. Yesterday he was catching! Before that 1b? Are they picking his defensive position out of a hat?

I would like to see a sensible strategy in place that is designed to get this guy to the big leagues. Pick a position and develop him. The only value to play him at DH would be as trade bait for an American league team.

by BatCubFan on May 20, 2009 8:38 AM CDT reply actions

He's way past the "developmental" point right now.

He’s not going to excel defensively at any one position…. so, they might as well give him time in a number of places, so he can be servicable enough to get his bat in the lineup somewhere.

As for DH… I would expect to see that every now and then, since there are other players on that roster who need to get on the field as well.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Yabbut...

… the other side of that is, if he plays a number of positions and also DH’s, there isn’t going to be enough time at any one of those positions for him to get any good at any of them.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on May 20, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions

I look at it the other way...

at what position can he help the Cubs? That’s a head scratcher, because he isn’t good defensively at any position. So, the best way for him to help the Cubs is by getting reps at a handful of spots, so if an injury happens, or September comes… we can get his bat in the lineup somewhere.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

I've gotta admit

that the “catcher” thing was a headscratcher for me. I can only assume a scout on a different team asked the Cubs to have him catch to see if he could still do it.

But it’s normal for teams to rotate their players to different positions so other guys get a chance to play. It’s not like Fox is Vitters or Tony Thomas whom they’re going to clear the field for.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

That is exactly an example

of the mismangement I was referring to. From what I hear, Fox could be an outstanding offensive contributor to the big league team – right now. But, his defensive liabilities preclude that. So, if I were Hendry I’d want to see a sense of urgency to make Fox servicable – as soon as possible. Putting him in at DH does not accomplish that. I don’t care about other players right now, Fox has the potential to make the biggest impact. I can’t accept he is “beyond developing”, it that were really true they should cut him.

by BatCubFan on May 20, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Ryan Braun was an absolute butcher at 3B

But, he was knocking the darn cover off the ball every night. So, the Brewers brought him up… saw how badly he played 3rd, and eventually stuck him in LF, after his rookie season (he committed 26 errors at 3rd base in just 112 games, while winning ROY).

Pujols was also tearing the cover off the ball, so the Cards found a way to get him in the lineup: they had him at 3B, LF, RF, and 1B in his rookie season. It wasn’t until his 4th season in the Bigs, that he found a home at 1B.

Now, I’m in no way comparing Fox’s talent to Pujols and Braun… but, I’m just laying out the recipe to get his bat into the line-up, and get him on the field. If there’s an injury, get him up here, and let him learn on the job, while making an impact with his bat.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to play LF doesn’t exist right now for Fox, with Soriano in that spot.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

And let me add...

If Lou’s gonna trot out Fontenot to 3B… then you might as well let Fox play third.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Fox is nowhere near

Braun and Pujols class. He’s more like Dallas McPherson.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

beautiful beloit wisconsin

Went down to Beloit last night see the game. First, let me mention that if you live within driving distance of Beloit it is a nice, inexpensive way to see a ball game. I’d very much recommend it, especially on Tuesday “dollar nights.”

Josh Vitters’ HR in the 1st might have gotten some help from the wind, but there are no bleachers at Pohlman Field so it was hard to tell how far it actually went. In his next three ABs they worked him exclusively away and each time he grounded to the right side, with 2 base hits to show for it. In the 8th inning Vitters crushed a ball foul down the left field line that clearly was not wind-aided before grounding sharply to third. Vitters did show patience at the plate but Josh’s assessment was absolutely correct, Vitters isn’t going to walk much at this level because he can make contact-at-will. For good measure, he also stole a base in the 5th inning.

Strangely, 2 of the Snappers’ 3 hits on the night were bunt singles down the third base line. Vitters was playing behind the bag on both and didn’t attempt a throw on either play.

Vitters, Flaherty and Burke all had good nights at the plate and though it is cliche to say, the ball makes a different sound coming off their bats. Flaherty and Burke’s home runs in the 3rd inning were both no-doubters.

Rebel Ridling has one of the strangest strides I have ever seen. He takes a small stride back to start his swing (sammy sosa-esque) but when he does that he lays his front foot down on his instep before striding forward. It is hard to describe and awkward even to watch. But it works for him, I guess, as he was 2 for 4 with a walk last night.

I was very impressed with Jeffrey Beliveau, but based on what I’ve seen from the big club’s left handed relievers maybe that is to be expected. He throws hard for a lefty and the Snappers’ hitters looked totally overmatched against him.

Although he went 0 for 4 I was intrigued by SS Junior Lake. He hit the ball hard a few times and was robbed of extra bases leading off the 2nd inning. In the field he showed a strong arm and, in general, he just “looks” like a baseball player. He is just 2 months past his 19th birthday and might be someone to keep an eye on, in my unprofessional opinion.

by circuitclout on May 20, 2009 9:22 AM CDT reply actions

I'd like to know if Flaherty is progressing...

but, he was DH-ing last night, with Lake at SS. We need to groom a real Major League SS… big time.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Flatherty

won’t likely be a SS. Even when he was drafted, the expectation was he would eventually be moved to 2nd. Castro is the best long-term option with Lake another option.

by rlpete on May 20, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Flaherty not Flatherty

by rlpete on May 20, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

Ugh... that's disappointing.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Why?

Castro looks promising and it is too early on Lake.

Thomas and Flaherty are the 2nd base propsects.

by rlpete on May 20, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

And don’t forget Darwin Barney who’s hitting .350 at AA. And Hak-Ju Lee who is going to be starting in June.

The Cubs are not lacking for SS prospects. The reason they’re letting Flaherty play short for now is that he wants to—and if he can pull it off, he’s great trade bait. But the overall plan is to move him to second or third eventually

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought about Lee after I posted the response

I’m having a hard time getting excited about Barney. I’ll wait and withhold judgment for now.

by rlpete on May 20, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I think that is the first time I've ever heard Beloit described as beautiful

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on May 20, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the good report!

I’ve added it to the scouting bureau.

Good to hear about Vitters and Lake. Beliveau isn’t someone I know a lot about, but that was an awfully impressive line last night.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Beliveau

Someone mentioned last year in Northside baseball that Beliveau had more swing and misses than anyone in rookie and half season leagues. I dont know how you come up with that stat but I did read that in that blog over there.

by Slamdog on May 20, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions

well...

that they are moving flaherty around already would suggest that his major league future probably isn’t at SS.

and beloit is beautiful, if compared to south beloit or love’s park….it’s all about context.

by circuitclout on May 20, 2009 9:55 AM CDT reply actions

From Kevin Goldstein

Vitters, 3B, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)Monday’s stats: 3-for-5, 2B, HR (6), 3 RBIs
It’s like the best kind of broken record you can imagine if you areVitters. On Saturday, he had three hits, including a home run; Sunday he had three hits, including a home run, and yesterday? You guessed it. Three hits, including a home run. Our data guru, William Burke crunched the number and found that the last time a big leaguer had three straight games with at least three hits and a home run was Rays third baseman Evan Longoria last June. However, it’s more rare than you think, as only 14 occurrences of such a streak have occurred in the majors over the last 40 years.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on May 20, 2009 10:11 AM CDT reply actions

Wow...

To tweak your sig: “Josh Vitters is good.”

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on May 20, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

That was yesterday

Today he wrote:

Hey, I made a promise . . .

Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs (Low-A Peoria)
Tuesday’s stats: 3-for-5, HR (7), 2 R, 2 RBI, SB
Yesterday I said that if Vitters keeps doing it, I’ll keep talking about it, so I’m holding up my end of the bargain as the 2007 first-round pick recorded his fourth consecutive game of at least three hits and a home run, something that hasn’t happened in the majors as far as our game log data is complete, which is the early 1950s. In case you missed it, the game before that was also a three-hit effort, only with no bomb. So that’s now 15-for-22 with three doubles, four home runs, in his last five contests, raising his OPS more than 200 points with a batting line of .371/.408/.598. .

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

All our best hitters right now are playing in the minor leagues...except for Fukudome.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 12:30 PM CDT reply actions

Don't forget about Theriot

"It's been my policy to view the Internet not as an 'information highway,' but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." - Mike Royko

by DTJchris on May 20, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I can if I want. You're not the boss of me.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh no

You’d like to think that, but Theriot’s agents are everywhere. He won’t let you forget about him. Indeed, he’s expecting your vote for All-Star. And he’ll get it, too.

Derrek Lee is good.

by DGU on May 20, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

There is no power in Heaven or on earth to make that happen.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 20, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Is it fair to say Vitters

is untouchable right now?

Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008

by Unique on May 20, 2009 2:40 PM CDT reply actions

and Josh

do you think it’s possible at all that if Jackson keeps pitching like he has been that he might get a chance to make a spot start if somebody gets hurt in the rotation?

Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008

by Unique on May 20, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't touch Vitters

although if you really want Jake Peavy, it’s hard to see how you get him otherwise. That’s why I wouldn’t trade for Peavy.

Anything is possible with Jackson, but I think it’s rather unlikely. I’d think Samardzija would get the call before that and probably even Atkins, although he’s been struggling. And there’s still Randy Wells.

Let’s hope our pitching staff doesn’t get banged up so much that Jackson is an reasonable option. I’d save him for 2010.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions

of the names we're familiar with

and paying close attention to

who has to added to the 40-man this winter to avoid being ‘rule 5’d?

by tim815 on May 20, 2009 3:08 PM CDT reply actions

Oh god, I don't know

Jake Fox. Of course, he was eligible last season and the two before that and no one took him.

The people who become eligible are the high school players taken in 2005 and college players taken in 2006. So the big name on the newly-eligible would be Tyler Colvin. I guess Steve Clevenger would need to be protected. Other than that, I can’t see anyone on those draft lists that would be of any Rule 5 interest. Now I’m not checking all the minor leaguers acquired in trade from other organizations.

by Josh Timmers on May 20, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions