Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 4
by Josh Timmers on Jun 4, 2011 11:31 PM CDT
in Minor Leagues
Email
PrintIowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs brought out the thunder against the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), 10-4.
Starter Ramon Ortiz picked up his fourth win tonight. He pitched seven innings and gave up two runs on ten hits. Ortiz walked one and struck out two.
First baseman Bryan LaHair homered in the bottom of the first inning with a man on to give the I-Cubs an early 2-0 lead. It was LaHair's 14th home run this year. LaHair was 1 for 4 with a walk and three RBI tonight.
Second baseman Bobby Scales hit a two-run home run in the third inning. It was Scales' fifth home run this season, all of them within the past eight games. Scales was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He scored twice and had three RBI.
Right fielder Fernando Perez was 2 for 5 and he scored twice. Shortstop Augie Ojeda was 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Catcher Welington Castillo went 2 for 5 with an RBI.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies were demoted by the Jackson Generals (Mariners), 5-3.
Brooks Raley started and took the loss after giving up five runs on eight hits over six innings. Two of the five runs were unearned. Raley walked three and struck out four.
Most of the offense for the Smokies came from second baseman Ryan Flaherty, who hit his 12th home run of the year. It was a two-run home run in the eighth inning. Flaherty was 3 for 4 with two RBI and two runs scored.
First baseman Rebel Ridling went 2 for 4.
Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs were beaten by the Brevard County Manatees (Brewers), 4-0.
All four runs Daytona allowed tonight were solo home runs. Starter Zacahary Rosscup pitched three innings and gave up two runs on two solo home runs and three hits overall. Rosscup did not walk a batter and struck out three.
Left fielder Rubi Silva was 2 for 4.
Peoria Chiefs
The Peoria Chiefs tarred and feathered the Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers), 11-4.
Starting pitcher Cam Greathouse got the win after going 5.1 innings and allowing four runs on six hits. One of the four runs was unearned and two of the runs scored after Greathouse left the game. Greathouse walked five and fanned two.
First baseman Richard Jones hit home run number nine tonight; a solo shot in the seventh inning. Jones was 2 for 5 and scored twice.
Third baseman Greg Rohan had an RBI double in a 2 for 5 night. Rohan scored twice.
64 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Good to see Flaherty get hot again
Lake and Jackson are strugggggggggling though. Bad. And Vitters and Flaherty haven’t exactly been hot either. It actually feels like the whole minor league system is down the last few days, no prospects are really hot other than Szczur. McNutt has struggled with injuries, Simpson is inconsistent, Whitenack’s gone. Just nothing to go crazy about lately.
Flaherty hasn't been that hot
But he’s been consistent all year. He’s had one hell of year.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
by Unique on Jun 5, 2011 5:50 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Discouraged
I knew going into the season that the major league team wouldn’t be very good but I was hoping Colvin would distinguish himself, albeit with Hendry’s ridiculous expenditures on unproductive outfilelders I knew his abs would be limited, but given any opportunity he has not produced, I have never seen him ahead of the count on any at bat. Secondly, I was hoping Cashner would get a year under his belt starting and being optimistic moving forward, not happening, and thirdly that Castro would start driving the ball more and all I’ve seen the past two weeks are ground balls. I know patience is a virtue but this is maddening.Vitters has become a singles hitter and the AA and hi-A bats have gone silent
Peoria game on milbtv
again tonight. It’s still available on the team site. Apparently the Great Lakes team must televise most of their home games. Their announcers had an interesting discussion of pitch counts for prospects and talked quite a bit about Nolan Ryan’s thought on the subject.
BB tonight for our 4 minor league teams.
BB given 17
BB taken 16
That’s now 4 nights in a row we’ve believed it’s better to give than to receive.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Brooks Raley...
what a bomb this year’s been for him.
I can’t wait for the draft. This system needs some talent injected in here. I’m hoping for one of the 3 HS stahs – Bradley, Starling, or Bell.
Tharr, what’d they say about the pitch counts for those that didn’t watch?
It was a fairly typical discussion
Pitchers are pampered to much versus they have to be protected to protect the investment in them. Ryan was brought up and he was mentioned as trying to get the Texas system to push their prospects harder and faster. They discussed pushing up innings as the guys progress from A to the ML. Maybe 20-30 innings per year and saving a little for players that will be in playoffs.
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
What do you think the Cubs' philosophy should be?
See the thing that makes me buy what Nolan Ryan is doing out there in Texas is that he surrounded himself with people who can help him implement his plan. Mike Maddux, IMO, is the single best pitching coach in all of baseball times ten plus fifty.
I wonder what the Cubs with Greg Maddux as advisor is pushing to have implemented organization wide…we’re a different kind of team because in the NL lineup strategy comes into play with starting pitchers….but I still believe all our starters should be able to eat a pitch count for lunch. I’m excited to watch whatever philosophy they choose to evolve and show itself more over time…
you guys kill me
so depressing on this site…just because the farm teams aren’t sweeping every series, everyone jumps off the ledge…suck it up. we have a ton of prospects that are working their way up…if it only took 2 month for every Arod or Pujols, everyone would have one or three.
I enjoy the updates Josh, and a lot of times, i find myself staying up until midnight just to read them. I read every day, but rarely comment. I have bookmarked most of our minor league sites, but I don’t read into it as much as most people. Would love to get down to Tenn, and see the smokies play.
Bob Brenly on Leo Nunez "Dan Uggla just saved Nunez’ life because Koyie would break him into a million pieces"
BTW: That young upstart Ortiz seems to have found a groove
in AAA. Hopefully Quade and Jim aren’t stupid enough to let this special young arm rot like they did Thomas Diamond or ABD.
Man... we signed Ortiz first, before signig Davis and trading for Lopez.
Yet, he’s been stuck in Iowa the whole time. Could’ve started him first, before Davis or even having to deal for Lopez? It’s the same damn move… 3 old junky guys. Why did we even bother dealing for Lopez?
"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)
We are kinda hurting for the guy they traded for Lopez.
What was his name again?
Doom & Gloom
I hate to add to it but the Whitenack injury seemed like icing on the cake. Sczur,Flaherty, and , to a lesser extent, Ha seem to be the only everyday players to really distinguish themselves. Vitters hasn’t been awful but hasn’t really improved on the area that needs most improvement(OBP). On the ML level, the Cashner injury- which I suspect may be a very big deal-coupled with Colvin’s unsurprising regression are both major setbacks. I hope nobody is looking at what Barney is doing as a sign of real success either. In my mind, he’s establishing himself as a solid utility player. To be honest , I’d much rather see if DeWitt can tighten up his D there, as his bat is much more promising.
by Mmurton on Jun 5, 2011 9:50 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I just don't get it.
What in the world are people getting DeWitt’s upside from? Besides the fact he’s 25.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Probably a mix of...
former prospect status, defensive versatility, the selflessness/team playerness that comes with taking on that role, positive ML production despite insistence that it’s not, and what seems to be some power coming in…
Other than that he’s a nobody who never did nothing.
I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeallly want to stay away from these names but it’s going to bother me all year how the same place (and mostly the same people) that absolutely trash guys like DeWitt and Russell this year have looked to promote and find playing time (STARTS!) for guys like Ortiz, Diamond, ABD, and Montanez.. It’s just so strange to me, a lad from the land of New Jersey rooting for a team in Chicago that hasn’t won in a 100+ years.
Nobody is trashing DeWitt and Russell.
We are only saying that they should be used in roles they are suited for.
I don’t know how many times I have to explain this before you finally understand it.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
As many times as I'll have to explain that...
the most the organization forced them out of those roles for was 4 games. Or as many times as I’ll explain that it was out of necessity. It was a necessity to evaluate the players, it was a necessity to fill positions that got hurt by injuries, and it was necessary to keep crap like those 4 I listed above off the field.
Five games.
That’s how many Russell started, that were basically thrown away.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
So 5 games...in a 2011 season that is going nowhere.
I’d say that the information gathered on where Russell is stuff wise, arm strength wise, control wise, and so on is way more valuable than a single win would have been…And it’s not exactly like he pitched us out of the Red Sox or Dodgers games.
Maybe if we were legit contenders this year I’d care. By that I mean legitimate world series contenders, and not a team hoping to top .500 and win a bad division.
No, it's not.
It was well known that Russell was suited to relief BEFORE these ill-advised starts.
In fact, he’s been quite good in relief this year.
But the Cubs threw away five games by starting someone who had no business starting.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
It's an(other)
indicator that this team was poorly constructed.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
by timh815 on Jun 5, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's another indicator that this is a year they chose
to bring up and introduce and integrate young players in the league.
It was well known that Russell was suited for JUST relief
coming into the year? Then why did they announce they’d be trying him out as a starter during the offseason?
The Cubs did not lose the Red Sox or Dodgers games because of Russell. The Red Sox put up what…4 runs at home in that game? Give me a break. The Cubs lost those 5 games because this team sucks.
I can't speak for anyone else.
But I never said DeWitt or Russell were anything but useful players IF used properly.
Which they weren’t, and still aren’t — DeWitt in LF again today. Over/under on slipping: 4th inning.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
A slip is pretty damning.
Almost as damning as his overall .281 BA or .406 SLG….or his 7 hits in his last 18 ABs…good for a .388 batting average.
See when you insist people, young people especially, should be used a certain way all you’re doing is putting a stupid, unfounded cap on what a player might be able to give.
Considering this is a sport where the best pitcher in the game was sent all the way back to A ball to relearn how to pitch…I’m not sure why you choose to lock in young players you have little to no clue about to any kind of long term future role. Especially since what the Cubs did to those young players is nothing unique in the least….
The best hitter alive was a non-prospect...
The best pitching prospect ever went undrafted out of HS. The #2 and #3 starters of last year’s AL WS rep was a recently converted 29 year old reliever and a former top prospect now in his late 20’s who relearned how to pitch in Japan.
I’m going off tangent but a career is far more complex than you make it seem Al. Locking two guys in at such a young age to such small roles just because they’ve shown to be capable at it is just lame. It’s a limp move that a limp, scared organization would make, and it’s a complete insult to the young players and their career. What would you say if someone, at 25, told you that what you’re doing at 25 is all you’ll ever do?
To be fair, SG...
Your argument also counters your own claim that Montanez is never going to amount to anything because he’s… wait for it… 29.
I understand what you’re saying, and you’re correct – but you need to be careful about countering your own arguments when going after others.
Wilson was a good reliever for years...
before converting to starter.
Not to mention other factors…he’s in top shape, doesn’t drink or do drugs, he works exceptionally hard at his craft, he took to the teachings of Ryan, Maddux, and Cliff Lee….
I have no problem with DeWitt or Russell
being on the roster. He’s useful off the bench.
I could care less about previous prospect status (and those other factors you mentioned) — DeWitt has never dominated the minors, he was a top prospect with the Dodgers because he was drafted in the first round.
And what power do you see coming in? Any evidence of that?
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
You don't need to dominate the minors to become a useful player.
What kind of standard is that?
Um…lets see power evidence….:
Career ~.170 isoSLG from a middle infield prospect in the minors.
Up until yesterday his ISO this year was ~.140.
In his first start in LF (WHERE HE SLIPPED!!!) he hit a double and a triple.
He hit 24 doubles last year along with 5 HRs in less then 500 PAs. Nothing special, but I’m not talking special power here and I’d specify if I was.
Why exactly do you think he has no power? Because he never dominate the minors? What kind of standard is that and why?
Lol.
I really think you like to debate.
Once again, let me say this in caps for you .. I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BLAKE DEWITT BEING ON THE ROSTER.
However, I do not think he is a starter especially in left field. I don’t think he hits for enough power. He is a useful second baseman and backup MI, he’s just not the type of guy that I see being a Mark DeRosa type of player. Just my opinion.
The simple fact is — we both have our own opinions, which is fine.
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
Maybe 4-5 games has clouded your memory but...
Alphonso Soriano is the starting LF. Blake DeWitt is the guy filling in because he’s hurt.
Dominican Update
Missed Friday’s update, so here is the past 2 days worth
DSL Cubs1 lost to the O’s, 5-2, on Friday
-Jeffrey Baez, CF – 1 for 3, 2 BBs, K, 2 SBs
-Francico (Daniel) Sanchez, SS – 2 for 4, BB, 2 Ks
-Alexander Santana, RHP – 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 Ks
DSL Cubs2 lost to the Rangrs, 6-2, on Friday
-Antonio Gonzalez, SS/2B – 0 for 4, BB, 2 K
-Carlos Penalver, SS – 2 for 3, 2 BB
-Jeimer Candlerio, 3B/1B – 2 for 4, 2B, BB, K
DSL Cubs1 pounded the DBacks 16-3 yesterday
-Jeffrey Baez, CF – 2 for 4, 2B, 2 BBs, K, 2 SBs
-Francisco (Daniel) Sanchez, SS – 2 for 4, 2 HRs, 2 BBs, K, 2 SBs
-Gilberto Abreu, RHP – 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BBs, 4 K
DSL Cubs2 got postponed yesterday
Who's hte most legit prospect in this bunch right now?
Is it Baez? That’s really the only name I recognize.
That would be my guess
He has the pedigree ($350K bonus), raw skills and production all going for him right now. Although both Carlos Penalver and Francisco Sanchez are looking pretty dang good too. Just more depth to add to the MIF. It’s only been 5 games or so down there, but it’s fun to follow these guys. It’s not often we have bonus babies in the DSL.
Lots of weather issues down there this year
At least 3 rainouts so far.
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
Baseball America
has been raving about Penalver.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 5, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd believe it
Good D at SS (projects to stay there), good contact and good plate discipline (6 BBs and 0 Ks so far). He doesn’t have much power, and really doesn’t project to have much, but the kid is only 17 and still has a lot of development left.
Good game from Sanchez
not too often we see many people hit two HRs in one game unless it’s against us..
How big is he?
Chances he becomes the next Hak-Ju Lee?
Heh
Someone actually asked Ben Badler at Baseball America if Penalver could be the next HJ Lee and he wrote “I like Penalver, but he’s no Hak-Ju Lee.”
But we really won’t know how good he can be until he gets stateside.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 5, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Lol I had to ask Josh...
I’m really curious to see how they replenish the talent this year and if they get someone with that kind of upside into the system again. I’ll take it at any position.
What the heck
Here’s Baseball America’s pre-season report on Penalver.
In Latin America, the Cubs’ top signing was Carlos Penalver, a Venezuelan shortstop from Maracay who signed for $550,000. A 16-year-old righthanded hitter, Penalver has an athletic 6-foot, 170-pound frame with good hands, body control and footwork. He’s an above-average runner with good instincts and should stick at shortstop. Penalver’s medium frame doesn’t project for power, but he has good bat speed and the ability to control the barrel with a line-drive stroke.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 5, 2011 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Except Lee
is an excellent runner. He’s also potentially better defensively.
by Josh Timmers on Jun 5, 2011 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
You jinxed him.
Down 3-0 now :-)
"It's easy to do what's ordinary, it's difficult to do what's deemed impossible -- I guess that explains why my life is so hard, because nothing is impossible for me"
I'm thinking this board
has a few Jinxes
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
DeWitt
Does anyone honestly think that DeWitt wouldn’t outperform Barney over 500-600 ABs? It wouldn’t even be close. Barney will probably post a 630-650ops, guessing DeWitt exceeds 700.
by Mmurton on Jun 5, 2011 2:58 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
but barneys d is worlds better
A crappy bat is semi-acceptable if a great glove comes with it. Dewitt offers neither a bat nor a glove.
by RynoRooter on Jun 5, 2011 3:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
nor any speed
I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.
DeWitt's bat >>>> Barney's bat.
Going by history and not this year’s results alone.
You’d think with this complete lack of skill DeWitt now has been given by this board because he filled in for a guy in the OF that he’d have a little trouble getting to the big leagues at 22, sticking, and being a positive contributor. I know this board doesn’t care for things like facts because your emotions let you FEEL more, and I realize there’s alot of you feel this way, but that doesn’t actually make you correct.
They’re probably both 1-2 WAR players with maybe a season or two that’ll be better than that in there.
Except that it isn't
It’s better, no doubt. DeWitt’s bat would be acceptable only in a plus fielder somewhere up the middle. He isn’t even an average fielder anywhere on the diamond. Barney’s bat isn’t really acceptable for a starter anywhere on the field, but his D is good enough that he it is starting quality at either of the MIF positions. Since neither has a bat worth starting in the bigs, you have to go with the better fielder.
For the record, I’m not saying DeWitt isn’t worth a 25 man spot for some team somewhere. The Cubs just have better options for the backup infielder position.
They have better options for a backup once
Dewitt/Baker is gone and Barney takes over his rightful role. It’d really help if lemahieu was more publically acknowledged as a 2b prospect…or if he forced the issue.
by SenorGato on Jun 6, 2011 4:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleed Cubbie Blue
Related FanShots on Bleed Cubbie Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Eric Hosmer redefines the Baltimore chop with infield double (Video)
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
