Cubs Minor League Wrap: July 3

The number twelve Cubs prospect as chosen by you is infielder Ryan Flaherty. The 23 year-old Flaherty had an awesome second half last season in Peoria and was jumped ahead to AA Tennessee where he struggled. After a demotion to High-A Daytona, he's been back on track, hitting over .300 with more than 20 doubles. He only has two home runs since his demotion, but one thing I'm learning is that it's not easy to hit home runs in the Florida State League. The doubles he's getting there indicates to me the power is still there.  He's often been compared to Mark DeRosa, only left-handed.

So taking his place in the balloting is infielder Matt Cerda. The story of Cerda and the Little League World Series has been well-documented. Truth of the matter is, he hasn't grown much since then. But his size has never prevented him from contributing on the diamond. He missed almost all of last season with a hand injury, but he's picked up where he left off with Peoria.  Although the Cubs planned move of him to catcher didn't take, his willingness to try is an example of the kind of gamer he is. You'll never get less than full effort out of Cerda.

Also, if you're wondering why Hayden Simpson hasn't pitched yet, apparently he's sick. Some kind of virus.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs lost to the Omaha Royals, 6-5.

Starter Mitch Atkins lasted six inning and gave up three runs on a pair of homers. Atkins gave up five hits total. He walked five and struck out five.

Marco Carillo got the loss when he gave up a game-ending home run to Rick Ankiel in the bottom of the ninth. Carillo pitched 1.1 innings and allowed the one run. He walked one and struck out three.

The I-Cubs scored all five of their runs on four home runs. Second baseman Bobby Scales was 2 for 4 with his third home run of the year. He also scored on DH Bryan LaHair's eighth home run, which was the only homer for the I-Cubs with a man on. LaHair was 1 for 2 with two walks.

Center fielder Sam Fuld and right fielder Brad Snyder were both 1 for 4 with a solo shot. It was Fuld's second and Snyder's 11th.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies scored five runs in the top of the ninth to bury the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, 5-0.

Starter Rafael Dolis pitched six shutout innings. He allowed three hits. Dolis struck out four and walked one.

Craig Muschko pitched two innings to get the win. He gave up two hits but no walks. Muschko fanned one.

The big blow in the ninth inning was a bases-loaded triple by second baseman Tony Thomas. Thomas was 1 for 5.

Left fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs were rained out. A makeup date has not been announced.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were prey for the Kane County Cougars, 9-5.

Starting pitcher Jeffry Antigua gave up five runs on eight hits, including two home runs. Antigua walked two and struck out two.

Larry Suarez took the loss when he was hammered for four runs on five hits in only 1.1 innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Third baseman Greg Rohan hit his fifth home run of the year, a second-inning solo shot. Rohan went 3 for 4 with a walk.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI. First baseman Justin Bour went 2 for 5 with a double. He had one RBI and scored once.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks battered the Yakima Bears, 4-3.

Former Northwestern Wildcat and 11th Round draft pick Eric Jokisch picked up his first career win with 1.1 shutout innings of relief. He allowed one hit and walked one while striking out four.

Corey Martin allowed a run on a solo homer in the ninth inning but still got his league-leading sixth save anyway. Martin pitched 1.2 innings and gave up two hits. He struck out three and walked no one.

First baseman Richard Jones was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Reds, 8-2.