Cubs Minor League Wrap - - August 21

by Josh Timmers on Aug 23, 2009 1:20 AM CDT in Minor Leagues

Iowa Cubs (64-63)

The Iowa Cubs were zapped by the New Orleans Zephyrs, 3-0.

James Russell started and got no support on offense. He took the loss despite allowing only one run on three hits over five innings. He did have some problems throwing strikes, however, since he walked five. Russell struck out three.

The I-Cubs only managed three hits tonight.

Tennessee Smokies (29-27)

The Smokies slipped by the Carolina Mudcats, 5-4.

Chris Carpenter went five innings tonight, allowing three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Alex Maestri got the win in relief after blowing the save. Maestri allowed one run on two walks and a hit batter over the two innings he pitched. He didn't allow any hits and struck out one.

Brian Schlitter pitched the final two innings to get the save. He allowed two hits but no runs. He didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Second baseman Tony Thomas went 3 for 4 with a double. He had two RBI and scored once. Shortstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Castro had one RBI.

Third baseman Jonathan Mota was 2 for 5 with a double. Catcher Welington Castillo had an RBI and scored once in a 2 for 4 game.

Daytona Cubs (23-31)

The Daytona Cubs harpooned the Brevard County Manatees, 5-2.

Ryan Searle started and picked up his seventh win of the year tonight. Searle allowed two runs on five hits over six innings. Searle struck out three and didn't walk anyone.

Chris Siegfried faced the final two batters and retired them both to record his first save of the year. Siegfried struck out one.

Third baseman Josh Vitters hit his second home run for Daytona. It was a three-run home run in the seventh inning. Vitters went 1 for 4. Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs (34-20)

The Chiefs aren't just winning anymore, they're humiliating opponents. Tonight they shut out the Clinton LumberKings, 8-0.

Aaron Shafer started and got the win. He pitched six innings and allowed only three hits. Shafer walked two and struck out five.

Shortstop DJ LeMahieu was 3 for 4 with four RBI and one run scored. First baseman Rebel Ridling went 3 for 5 with two runs scored. Second baseman Junior Lake tripled and scored in a 2 for 3 game. He also had one RBI. Catcher Mario Mercedes was 2 for 3 with two RBI.

The Chiefs have won nine of their last ten games. Over that ten game span, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 83-17.

Boise Hawks (29-32)

The Hawks beat the Yakima Bears, 10-3.

Starter Jonathan Nagel allowed two unearned runs over three innings. He allowed three hits and a walk. Nagel fanned three. Josh Whitlock got the win with three innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 5 with a triple and a walk. Watkins scored twice. On defense, he had two unassisted double plays. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He had two RBI and scored once.

Catcher Matt Williams, DH Richard Jones and third baseman George Matheus each had two singles.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Giants, 2-1.

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Comments

Sounds like Iowa is suffering from trickle down effect from the Cubs

And I was counting on their hitters to help the Cubs.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Aug 23, 2009 1:43 AM CDT reply actions

Don't worry, the way the Chiefs are playing the iCubs will be unstoppable in about 3 years.

by lswaidz on Aug 23, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

The Chiefs

are starting to remind me of the 1999 Lansing Lugnuts—even down to the WGN color guy deciding to be their champion. But that’s kind of a cautionary tale, since Carlos Zambrano was the only all-star that team produced. Michael Wuertz ended up having a nice career too, but out of the bullpen rather than in the rotation.

But Corey Patterson, Hee-Seop Choi and David Kelton ended up being major disappointments. But I don’t think anyone on that team was as disappointing as catcher Jeff Goldbach, who looked like he was going to be a solid major league catcher. He hit .271 with a .377 OBP and 18 HR as an 19 year old in the Midwest League. He never had a good season again. He never made it above AA.

For those who don’t remember, Steve Stone decided to adopt the Lansing Lugnuts as his team and whenever there was a slow point in the action (which was often in 1999), Chip Caray would ask Stone how the Lugnuts were doing. Of course, Stone didn’t have a son playing for the Lugnuts like Brenly does with the Chiefs.

by Josh Timmers on Aug 23, 2009 2:17 PM CDT reply actions

Junior Lake looks to be

in a curious spot. Years ago, a 19 year old SS in the MWL with adequate numbers (.657 OPS) would have been one of the high points in the system. Now, he’s already behind Castro, playing alongside LeMahieu and Flaherty, and if he stays in Peoria, Hak-Ju Lee will steal his job. Logan Watkins will take over at second, so that isn’ an option, really.

Competition is good. Except, of course, for Junior Lake.

by tim815 on Aug 23, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Lake's Ks

and low walk totals have me writing him off as a prospect. Maybe I shouldn’t because he’s so young, but 126 strikeouts to 17 walks? I’d like to know if anyone who put up those kinds of numbers in the Midwest League has ever become a decent major leaguer. (I really don’t know. I doubt it, but if someone knows of someone, tell me.)

But the fact that the Cubs moved him to second base so LeMahieu could play short tells me the Cubs aren’t real high on Lake anymore either.

by Josh Timmers on Aug 23, 2009 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions

competition is great

It was lacking in the system. We need guys pushing up from every squad in the system. It’s one of my laments that Hendry always seems determined to have his roster set by the time Spring Training starts. I always want one spot open in the IF, OF, and in the bullpen for some hard charger. It also tells young guys if you push you will be rewarded. One thing about all the SS depth is it could lead to a move in the offseason. We can’t add much salary this upcoming offseason, so addition might have to come via the trade.
Another reason why I want to see a lot of Fox and Fuld in the last 40 games. They might not be in our plans, but they could be the difference another team needs. I see Fuld and I think of Brett Butler.

by Nibbles on Aug 23, 2009 8:59 PM CDT reply actions