Cubs Minor League Wrap--May 2

by Josh Timmers on May 2, 2010 6:26 PM CDT in Minor Leagues

Everybody lost today, although I'm sure no one cares because the parent club has won three in a row.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were swept by the Omaha Royals, 5-4.

Thomas Diamond continues to pitch well this season. He allowed only one run on four hits over 6.1 innings. Diamond walked three and struck out four. Blake Parker got the loss when he allowed one run on three hits over 1.2 innings. The real villain, however, was Jeff Stevens, who gave up three runs in the one inning he pitched.

First baseman Bryan LaHair hit his first home run of the year today, a solo home run in the seventh inning. LaHair was 1 for 3 with a walk. Shortsop Darwin Barney had 3 singles in 4 at-bats. He scored once.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were stopped by the Chattanooga Lookouts, 5-4.

Starter Hung-Wen Chen took his first loss of the year. Chen allowed three runs, one of which was unearned, over 5.1 innings. Chen allowed six hits, including one home run, and walked three. He struck out two.

Shortstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. He had one RBI and scored one run. In more evidence that his baserunning needs work, he was thrown out stealing for the fifth time this year, against four successful steals.

Center fielder Tony Campana was 2 for 4 with a walk. Right fielder Matt Spencer had an RBI in a 2 for 4 day.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs were bitten by the Clearwater Threshers, 8-4.

The Threshers jumped all over starting pitcher Alberto Cabrera. Cabrera got knocked around for seven runs on ten hits over only four innings. Cabrera walked one and struck out five.

Jeff Beliveau threw two shutout innings of relief in his first appearance since being promoted from Peoria.

You probably heard this on WGN, but catcher Michael Brenly went 3 for 5 today and scored twice. Shortstop Junior Lake was 2 for 4 with a stolen base. Center fielder Brett Jackson went 2 for 5.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were chopped down by the Clinton LumberKings, 4-3.

Starter Trey McNutt allowed one run on three hits over four innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Closer Jordan Latham blew the save in the top of the ninth by allowing two solo home runs, the first runs he's allowed since July of 2008. (OK, so he didn't pitch last season.) Latham pitched the one inning and didn't walk or strike anyone out.

Right fielder Richard Jones hit his second home run this year in the fourth inning. Jones was 1 for 4 with two RBI. Third baseman Greg Rohan went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. He had one RBI. Catcher Mario Mercedes was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

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Comments

Maybe someone shoud tell Starlin that the object of stealing a base

is to NOT get thrown out. If he can’t do that, then stop trying.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on May 2, 2010 7:00 PM CDT reply actions

On this level though

Castro’s object is not to steal bases but rather to learn how to steal bases. So he needs to keep trying it even if he gets thrown out.

I never travel far without a little Big Star. R.I.P Alex

by Josh Timmers on May 2, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions

He started out hot.

I believe he had a ratio of 4:1 of SB to CS at one point.

Yeah, he needs to continue trying until he gets it right, because he certainly has the speed.

2010 is OUR year.

by Unique on May 2, 2010 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Josh took the words right out of my mouth

There’s no reason to discourage him from trying at this level so long as he’s showing progress. He started out really hot, and as such it may seem more disappointing that he’s been caught stealing alot of late, but it’s crucial that he figures it out while he has the luxury of being in the minors.

by WearShades on May 2, 2010 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, especially

if we want him batting at the top of the order.

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.

by eswan9 on May 2, 2010 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions

that hasnt stopped theriot

I love Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane in totally manly ways. Kinda.

by jesus christos on May 2, 2010 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions

70-75% Success Rate

Castro doesn’t have to be JImmy Rollins stealing bases, but if he can be in that 70-75% success range in stealing bases, he’ll be fine. I’m not discouraged with his 44% success rate right now. I wish that Vince Coleman was still an instructor in the Cubs minor league system to help Castro in stealing bases. I don’t think the Cubs can get Davey Lopes away from the Phillies as a coach. It’s amazing how successful Philadelphia has been in stealing bases in recent seasons.

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on May 3, 2010 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Castro

“Baserunning needs work”

this seems to imply that he needs to learn how to read throws from the outfield, or learn how to go from first to third on a single to rightfield. What he needs to get better at is base stealing. One of the easiest things to develop for a player with speed is timing. He simply needs to learn how to get a better jump on pitchers. I’m sure his fundamental base running is just fine.

by troutfishin on May 3, 2010 5:19 PM CDT reply actions