Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 20

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 12:22 AM CDT in Minor Leagues

Here's to all the Fathers out there on Father's Day. Here's why today is special: taking your daughter to her first game.

And the first person to give me gruff about her wearing a Giants T-Shirt, you owe me a Cubs 2T shirt that you can mail out to me at your own expense. I'm not paying full-price and shipping and handling to have one shipped to me when I can pick up a Tim Lincecum one cheap at Marshall's. She's going to grow out of it by next year anyway.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs melted down against the Albuquerque Isotopes, 4-0.

Casey Coleman pitched well tonight, but got the loss anyway. Coleman allowed only one run on four hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Catcher Chris Robinson had two of the Cubs three hits today. He was 2 for 3 with a walk.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies finished out the first half by beating the Mobile Bay Bears, 3-1.

Hung-Wen Chen picked up his eighth win with an impressive start. Chen threw six shutout innings and allowed five hits, all singles. He didn't walk anyone and struck out five.

David Cales allowed two hits and an inherited runner to score in the ninth, but otherwise grabbed his eighth save. He pitched two-thirds of an inning and did not have a walk or a strikeout.

Second baseman Tony Thomas hit a solo home run in the second inning. It was his fourth on the season. Thomas was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Daytona Cubs

Spent the day calling their fathers.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs incarcerated the Quad City River Bandits, 12-2.

Robert Whitenack allowed a solo home run in his five inning start, but otherwise shut the Quad Cities down. He gave up two hits total, walked none and struck out three. Whitenack improved his record to 6-4.

Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha hit two doubles in a 3 for 5 game. Ha had two RBI and scored once.

Logan Watkins was 2 for 4 with a walk. Watkins scored three times and batted one in. Second baseman Matt Cerda was 2 for 4 with three RBI and a run scored. Third baseman Charles Thomas was 2 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Aramis Ramirez was the DH and he was 1 for 3 with an RBI single. He also walked and scored in the first inning.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks caught the Yakima Bears hibernating, 7-6 in 11 innings.

Rogelino Carmona blew a save in the eight inning when he allowed two inherited runners to score, but eventually picked up the win when Boise scored in the 11th. Carmona went 2.1 innings and gave up two hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out three.

First baseman Brandon May was a 36th round pick last year, and tonight he hit his first professional home run. It was a three-run homer in the first inning. May was 3 for 4 with a double and four RBI.

DH Jesus Morelli went 2 for 4 with a double. He scored once and knocked two in.

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Comments

Haha, no gruff here

Only reason my little bro has a Cubbie Lee jersey is because I got it second-hand. So, I share your cost concern. xD

Happy (belated) Father’s Day, Josh, I’m pretty sure that little girl has a heck of a dad. :D

A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!

by Azul Cachorro on Jun 21, 2010 2:14 AM CDT reply actions

Adorable girl

We had a squishy ball exactly like that when our boys were that little. Memmmreeees…

Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"

by cubzfan on Jun 21, 2010 8:12 AM CDT reply actions

Took two of my three to the Boise game in Yak last night...

Being a Dad first and scouting wannabe second, I didn’t see the game with a lot of detail, but I did come away from the game with some observations.

Alvaro Ramirez (LF) and Arismendy Alcantara (SS) showed some talent defensively, with Alcantara solid with a sharp arm and Ramirez already having a major leaguer’s outfielders arm – he threw a line drive strike from mid left field that got to the catcher in what seemed like 2 seconds. Can’t say a lot about the hitting, aside from May’s really good game, but Ramirez was right in the middle of this great sequence of hustle and infields hits to seal the game, including scoring from second on Darvil’s infield single. This was all good because it was WAY past my kids bedtime and he HAD to get to the end of the game to run the bases:

Boise Top 11th

Alvaro Ramirez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Zachary Walters.
Runey Davis out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Yazy Arbelo. Alvaro Ramirez to 2nd.
Jose Guevara strikes out swinging.
Wes Darvill singles on a ground ball to second baseman Michael Noboa. Alvaro Ramirez scores.
With Kyung-Min Na batting, Wes Darvill steals (2) 2nd base.
Kyung-Min Na reaches on fielding error by third baseman Tom Belza. Wes Darvill to 3rd.
George Matheus grounds out, shortstop Zachary Walters to first baseman Yazy Arbelo.

by DisCUBbobulated on Jun 21, 2010 8:45 AM CDT reply actions

Alcantara

is one of the more intriguing guys down there. That said, his bat is considered average at best.

I know there were some folks intrigued with Alvaro Ramirez,‘s bat this spring, but I’m sort of in a wait and see mode. Considering his age, he sort of has to tear it up in Boise and move up the ladder quick.

Hope you had a good time. Been several years since I was out in that neck.

by toonsterwu on Jun 21, 2010 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Coleman

What kind of repertoire does he have? Is a he a finesse or power guy?

by Mmurton on Jun 21, 2010 9:20 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Mostly Ordinary stuff

but he uses the stuff he has really well. It’s been said before that both his Dad and Grandfather were all-star pitchers, but you can also add that his dad was the bullpen coach for the Angels in the late 90s and he spent his formative years quizzing major leaguers for tips. His dad is still a pitching coach in the minors.

He also shuts down the running game when he’s on the mound.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Sounds a lot like Randy Wells

"Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off." ~ Bill Veeck

by Musicdude10 on Jun 21, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

That's a very good comp from what I hear.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2010 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Casey

high 80/low 90’s fb with some sink, decent curve/change, improving cutter/slider. The kid has a good understanding of his stuff and pitches to his capabilities. He’s a fairly athletic guy as well, but for the most part, there’s little expectation of any more juice, and the biggest issue is whether or not he can improve the cutter/slider. Has solid command/control.

by toonsterwu on Jun 21, 2010 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed on the Jersey

and Happy Belated Fathers Day to you.
My son has a Braves Maddux jersey that is his prized possession, so someday, I hope to have it signed and framed for him.
But I completely understand the getting anything baseball, my son didn’t care, it was the game and hanging out with Dad he was thrilled with.
So my point, keep up the good parenting, the jersey won’t ever matter.

by chrisw95 on Jun 21, 2010 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

She calls it

her “baseball shirt.” She loves to play baseball, which for her consists of throwing the ball about two feet and then running around the house or the yard yelling “Play baseball! Play baseball!” She does this until you can convince her to pick up the ball again. Sometimes she’ll pretend a paper towel roll (or one of her other toys) is a baseball bat, but she doesn’t swing it, she just runs around the house with it yelling “Play baseball!”

Lately she’s been in to soccer too. Wonder why.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Going to Fresno August 13-16?

Is your daughter going to see her first Iowa Cubs game in August in Fresno?

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jun 21, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope so

But it’s possible that I go by myself.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Josh

Happy belated Father’s day!

I remember when my daughters were that age, only 12-15 short years ago. I never succeeded in getting them interested in baseball, beyond a game of catch with me. I am sure that you will have more luck.

"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk

by vonde6 on Jun 21, 2010 9:56 AM CDT reply actions

More or less OT...

But I wasn’t sure where else to put this and it didn’t seem worthy of its own post. So I’m slapping this here as he could very well be mentioned in future minor league wraps.

Cubs’ 29th round draft pick Casey Harman, a LHP from Clemson, is pitching today against #1 Arizona State in the College World Series. The game is being made of from weather delays last night. It is currently airing on ESPNU (I believe) and is also available on ESPN3.

by fsuapollo on Jun 21, 2010 11:23 AM CDT reply actions

As a further plug...

Josh, you might consider tossing his pitching line into the wrap from today’s game, especially since the parent club is off. Just a thought.

by fsuapollo on Jun 21, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Harman

got the win for Clemson 6 IP, 3 runs allowed. Gave up seven hits. He walked three and struck out five.

Clemson won 6-3.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

O Ver Slot

O ver slot
Overslot, overslot.

by timh815 on Jun 21, 2010 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I posted this somewhere

either here or elsewhere when the draft occurred, but I thought Harman was terribly underrated by the draft publications. No, he won’t be great, but he has the stuff to perhaps be a solid mid-end of the rotation guy. Might be a tough sign, though, and I’d rather see the Cubs spend on getting Ben Wells and some of the other HS guys locked down.

by toonsterwu on Jun 21, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

How's about taking your sons to their first game too!

I know you assume fathers will do that, but in this day and age with so many competing interests for boys…videogames, Xsports, internet, facebook, thousands of alternative sports…baseball continues to decline in interest for children. Having dad teach them to throw a ball around and play with them gives them a fighting chance besides being something you two will remember forever. Take your daughters and your sons to their first game! It’s the right thing to do as their first step in a lifetime of memories.

"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach

by Sandberg's evil twin on Jun 21, 2010 11:32 AM CDT reply actions

That's a good thing too

But I didn’t have a picture of my son going to his first game since I only have a daughter. But you can see lots of other sons playing catch with their dads in that photo.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Baseball America's Hot Sheet

Just ranked Trey McNutt as the 9th hottest Prospect in the minors.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2010/2610207.html

Logan Watkins played a bit of CF last night for Peoria.

Yao-Lin Wang gave up 4 in the first, but held Yakima scoreless the rest of his outing.

by timh815 on Jun 21, 2010 12:55 PM CDT reply actions

That's good

just so everyone knows, the Hot Sheet ranking does not mean that they think McNutt is the #9 prospect in baseball. It means that McNutt is a name you should know and that he’s among the top ten players who’s overall ranking is rising.

There is also a “subscriber-only” story on McNutt on Baseball America. A short summary is that he was a guy who had to learn how to pitch because he had a below average fastball. Scouts wrote him off early in the season, but later he made some adjustments and now he has a plus fastball. The Cubs got him because they scouted him late, rather than early. That and he told the Twins he wouldn’t sign for what they were offering, although that’s not in the article. The Cubs offered the 32nd round pick 9th round money, which is why he signed.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Josh...

…. do you think McNutt will be promoted to Daytona later this year?

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes

The only reason I can think he’s still in Peoria is for the “Road to Wrigley” game. But he could get promoted even before that.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

All Star Game this week.

It would be unfortunate to rob a guy at a shot at the ASG for one extra start.

Or the RTW game.

by timh815 on Jun 21, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

The RTW game is on July 7.

They could still give him a couple months at Daytona after that. McNutt won’t be 21 until August. He’s got time.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2010 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

watch for him to get promoted when

some of the Daytona arms start moving up to Tennessee. A lot of people will be fairly surprised if Archer isn’t up in AA sooner than later, and McNutt would slide in there. Dolis may make a AA move up for the pen.

by toonsterwu on Jun 21, 2010 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Also...

The Cubs offered the 32nd round pick 9th round money, which is why he signed.

Guess that belies all the complainers saying the Cubs are “cheap”.

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

by Al Yellon on Jun 21, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep

The Cubs spend a lot of money on the guys they like. Logan Watkins was a guy they threw a ton of money at, even though publications like Baseball America didn’t think he was worth the kind of money the Cubs offered. (They did like Watkins, just not that much.)

Wilken marches to his own drummer, as we saw this year.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

I truly believe

that if Cerda/Watkins/Lee continue up the ladder together, that we will slowly start to see Cerda take over at 2nd base a bit more, with Watkins slowly getting moved to the OF.

by toonsterwu on Jun 21, 2010 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

That's a good guess

I think they want Watkins to be a guy who can play all over the diamond—he’s athletic enough to play SS. He’s maybe a little short to play 1b, but I bet they’d like the ability to put him at any position but pitcher and catcher. He’d still get MI starts in that scenario, though.

I don’t think Cerda projects anywhere but second base.

by Josh Timmers on Jun 21, 2010 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions