Cubs Minor League Wrap: July 8

by Josh Timmers on Jul 9, 2011 12:16 AM CDT in Minor Leagues

Carlos Zambrano had a successful rehab start tonight.

Fernando Perez got released. I don't disagree with the decision (he just wasn't hitting) but I'm going to miss him. He also posted interesting pictures or anecdotes about life with the Iowa Cubs (whom he always called the Jr. Cubs) as well as just his ramblings about life. I doubt his career is over as I bet someone is going to give him another chance. But when he does hang it up, I hope he writes about baseball or becomes an announcer. He'd be great at it. Or that he gets his own show on MSNBC. He'd be good at that too.

For the record, he tweeted this about it.

Heartbroken to leave my 4th favorite team in my sporting life ( #1 Peddie HS frosh basketball - #2 '08 Rays - #3 wwpll 8 yr old all stars) A team full of princes. They were so nice even when I was still figuring out I wasn't a lefty! #2011iowacubs

Iowa Cubs

Releasing Perez didn't help, as the Iowa Cubs lost their fifth straight game, 4-0 to the New Orleans Zephyrs, (Marlins)

Jay Jackson starting and took the loss, but he didn't pitch poorly at all. Jackson threw six innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out eight.

The Jr. Cubs only had four hits. First baseman Bryan LaHair had a double and struck out the other three times at bat.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts game was suspended after nine innings and the score tied 4-4. The game had two rain delays totaling over two and a half hours. It was suspended when they hit the 1am curfew.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs were stoned by the Charlotte Stone Crabs (Rays), 8-3.

Jeffrey Lorick had a bad day at the office. His start only lasted 1.2 innings and he gave up eight runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out one. Hey, at least one of those eight runs was unearned.

DH Dustin Harrington hit his first home run of the year tonight. It was a solo home run in the third inning. Harrington also walked and doubled in a 2 for 3 night. He scored twice.

Right fielder Michael Burgess was 2 for 4 with two doubles.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs were broken by the Beloit Snappers (Twins), 4-1 in ten innings.

Carlos Zambrano pitched four innings and allowed only one unearned run on three hits. He walked three and struck out four. For the record, Zambrano threw 68 pitches, 38 for strikes.

Su-Ming Jung threw four shutout innings, allowing only one hit. He did walk four however and struck out no one.

Pete Levitt got tagged with the loss after he gave up three runs in the top of the tenth. Levitt pitched two innings and allowed four hits and a walk. He also hit a batter in the three-run tenth. He struck out three.

Center fielder Matt Szczur was 2 for 5 and scored the one run. Left fielder Anthony Giansanti was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks couldn't keep their powder dry versus the Everett Aqua Sox, 4-3.

Yao-Ling Wang had another good start for the Hawks, going five innings and allowing two runs, but only one earned, on four hits. He walked one and struck out two.

Cam Greathouse took the loss tonight and had an odd line. He pitched 2.2 innings and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks. That part is not odd. The odd part is that he struck out seven in addition to that.

Center fielder Pin-Chieh Chen was 2 for 5 with a double. He had one RBI and scored once. He also stole third base on the top half of a double steal.

I can tell that right fielder Reggie Golden is going to be a fan favorite around here. Tonight he was 0 for 2 with two walks, including one with the bases loaded for an RBI.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Brewers, 5-2.

Taiwan Easterling was 2 for 4 with a double and a triple. Time for Boise.

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Comments

By the way

it sounds like Matt Szczur was finally promoted after the game. Anthony Giansanti tweeted Congrats, about time to him late tonight. But I’ve had false alarms on this before. But I bet this time it’s for real.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 9, 2011 12:18 AM CDT reply actions

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Que the Matty Szczur and Mike Trout comparisons some more! Both promoted on the same day. Obviously very different promotions though.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Vastly different ages too.

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Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Jul 9, 2011 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Obviously.

I’ve said before that he’s the poor man’s Mike Trout. Similar career paths, similar numbers. Same game.

Mike Trout A ball 81 G .362/.454/.526 19 2B 7 3B 6 HR 45 SB 9 CS 46 BB 52 K
Matt Szczur A ball 66 G .314/.366/.431 15 2B 1 3B 5 HR 17 SB 5 CS 21 BB 28 K
Obviously Trout was the better overall hitter, and player, but Szczur has near the speed that Trout does, just doesn’t use it. Doesn’t walk or K as much. I’m not saying Szczur is as good, he’s not, but they’re comparable. Trout took a pretty steep dropoff in A+ as far as average went, I mean it’d be hard not to, those numbers were ridiculous. We’ll see how Szczur’s numbers compare in A+ in the second half. Trout went A and was promoted mid 2010 to A+ like Szczur and started 2011 in AA, and I expect Szczur to do the same.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions

::day dreams::

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Jul 9, 2011 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Finally.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I had a feeling this might be the case

once Perez what let go. The question is whether it will be to Daytona or Tennessee.

by Bradsbeard on Jul 9, 2011 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I kinda thought so as well.

Hopefully only Daytona.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions

perhaps jackson to iowa to take perez spot

And excursion to Tennessee to take jacksons spot?

by MDavis on Jul 9, 2011 4:35 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

ugh stupid autocorrect on my phone

I meant szczur. Not excursion Haha

by MDavis on Jul 9, 2011 4:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Ha ha ha...

We might have to keep that thought as a nickname for him. That’s great.

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Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Jul 9, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, I don't have any confirmation of this yet

Szczur is off to the Future’s Game today. We’ll see where he goes after the game.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 9, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Let's hope this is true

by RynoRooter on Jul 9, 2011 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Is it just me or has Jackson strung together two decent starts in a row?

Even the one before that wasn’t terrible. I think we might see him this year. Or maybe he gets traded.

Golden with more walks. Wang keeping himself under control, and Chen continues to show up. Chen apparently was a big name prospect overseas, so it’s good to see him doing well.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 12:41 AM CDT reply actions

Traded..?

Very, very slim chance. He’ll be up in September, if not sooner.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Why slim?

Just curious. He seems like a perfect trade candidate.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 1:36 AM CDT up reply actions

I take back this comment.

He’d be a better trade candidate in the offseason after surprising success in September.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 1:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Why do you want to get rid of him so badly?

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I do?

To me pretty much all of these guys are potential trade bait. Even Jackson and/or Szczur could be out in any of the more ridiculous. unlikely to happen moves.

Jackson a few starts ago was screaming change of scenery guy. Most of the reason I took back what I said is because the Cubs would be selling low on him now. When I say trade candidate it’s a compliment…It means he just might be worth looking at again.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 2:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Me and you see it differently then

I think Jackson and Szczur are Cubs esentially because we need to build up through the system until the time is right. The next wave are the ones that will most likely be traded for a big piece.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 3:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think it matters what wave they're from tbh.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Jay Jackson

You’re talking about Jay, not Brett, right? Seems like there was some confusion in this thread.

Nice to see Jay showing some signs of life after a brutal first couple months of the season.

by FTLOTC on Jul 9, 2011 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Wow

My bad, SG. We were on totally different pages there.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Ooooh. Yeah. Ok. lol I didn't even notice.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Lol I don't know how I mistook that for Brett

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing:

I’m really hoping he’s turned that corner. I’d much rather see Jay Jackson take the ball every 5th day, over Old Man River, Ramon Ortiz.

Can't we go ahead and officially replace Wayne Messmer with Dwight Smith?

by Eric Foster on Jul 9, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Happy with the last 2 starts

Especially with the K numbers. That at least gives a little hope that his velocity is back.

by RynoRooter on Jul 9, 2011 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

He deserves it. I saw the Chiefs game tonight and

Szczur looks good at the plate, Gibbs threw out 3 of 5 baserunners and looked good behind the plate. 1B Richard Jones drilled the ball three times one of which found the gap, another was caught against the wall, the ball jumps off his bat. He did however make a poor play in the 10th when he failed to get the lead runner on a popped up bunt. Alcantara played 2nd and did not look good, nor did Elliot Soto at short as he tried to turn a couple of somewhat routine plays into a highlight film, one he made, the other he did not.

Z looked like Z, he did not go over 88 on any pitch that I saw, his off speed stuff made the kids look silly. Only two balls were hit hard all night, one was foul and the other was a hard hit single up the middle.

The Chiefs did some fundamentally sound things, they executed a perfect hit and run in the first, effectively hit cut off men, turned 3 double plays, and threw out 3 of 5 base runners.

They also did some fundamentally unsound things, Soto (SS) failed to get in front of two balls, one which he whiffed on giving up an extra base (run), they failed on a suicide squeeze which would have won the game. They also let Jones swing away with the winning run on first and nobody out, this is where he could be learning to bunt something we know is lacking at the major league level.

The Chiefs did an excellent job with the large crowd, their staff was pleasant and the fireworks were very good. Concession prices were high for an A level game, in some cases equal with Wrigley which is too bad.

by jpeters407 on Jul 9, 2011 12:46 AM CDT reply actions

Strikes/Balls ratio looks wild to me

confirm?

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Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Jul 9, 2011 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes, he was a little wild.

You could tell he was frustrated with the umpire several times during the game. It is more of the same as we have seen all year. He either got ahead quickly and then failed to put a batter away, or got behind and then had to scramble.

I thought he looked healthy, knowing him he was probably also ticked that he did not get to hit. I also think he left after he was done pitching although I may be wrong on that count, I think he could do a lot of good talking to the kids and giving them some encouragement, you know the leadership thing.

by jpeters407 on Jul 9, 2011 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice recap

I get food and drink but what did the ticket cost??

Sounds worth it.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry

by Hammer on Jul 9, 2011 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions

We got our tickets for $7.00

as a group discount, they are normally $11. We sat 11 rows behind home plate.

by jpeters407 on Jul 9, 2011 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions

That's what baseball should be.

by SenorGato on Jul 9, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Teaching Jones to bunt?

I’m as big of a bunt advocate as the board has. But Richard Jones? He is a slugging warm body. He has better talent behind him and in front of him. In fact, Greg Rohan, who has no future in a no-DH league is better than RJ. Ryan Cuneo is probably less of a prospect, but it’s close.

Hoilman is more interesting, as is Vogelbach, if we sign him. Krafcynski can play left a bit. Jones isn’t even very good at 1B.

If you’re keeping Jonesy around, let him swing. He only has value if he starts crushing the ball. Then, it would probably be as low-end trade bait.

Nice to hear Micah throwing people out.

I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.

by timh815 on Jul 9, 2011 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree in principle, however when it comes time to win a game

you should win the game, Jones may end up profiling as a 6 or 7 hitter where bunting would be an asset. I only mentioned it because I think it is a weakness at the major league level and it was a situation that cried out for a bunt and we did not do it.

Jones did not look good at first last night. He dropped a pop foul, made the wrong throw in the 10th, and failed to scoop a bad throw out that led to another run.

by jpeters407 on Jul 9, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Good games

from Jay Jackson (his second good start in a row), Szczur, Golden, Chen, Wang, Easterling, and Geiger. Easterling has done well in his few rookie games, and it’s definitely time for Boise. He should probably stay there the remainder of the season though. Chen will probably move up to Peoria to take Szczur’s spot, which leaves Easterling to take over CF in Boise. Geiger needs a promotion to Boise sometime this season, but maybe wait another week or two there. Geiger tonight 1-3 2B RBI BB

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 1:13 AM CDT reply actions

I always like seeing the Pacific Rim guys do well.

GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.

by shoemile on Jul 9, 2011 1:41 AM CDT reply actions

Daytona

Goo Goo Dolls were excellent live at Summerfest, but that’s beside the point. What has happened to this team I thought they had the best record in the minors prior to the all star break. Looks like both full season A teams are composed of organizational filler. Besides Szczur and Ha what is there to look at. Crawford, Cerda, Watkins, and Gibbs are all marginal and Silva and Alcantara may emerge eventually. Short season and DSL teams seem to have more interesting arms and bats. Also what happened to McNutt tonight.

by joeby231 on Jul 9, 2011 2:22 AM CDT reply actions

Rain Delay

But another bad outing.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 3:35 AM CDT up reply actions

And they do.

Peoria and Daytona are pretty weak as far as actual prospects go. They’re mostly all in Tennessee and Boise.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 3:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Interesting pitchers have been hiked beyond their levels due to injuries at all levels.

Enough hitters were getting dinged as well that the DCubs mojo got busted up.

I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.

by timh815 on Jul 9, 2011 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Szczur

Was he promoted or was this regarding the futures game any definitive news.

by joeby231 on Jul 9, 2011 4:03 AM CDT reply actions

I'm pretty positive he got moved

If you read his tweets, Rohan and Giansanti both gave him congrats on the move, about time, and good luck this weekend. I’d say I’m 98% they were talking about promotion. It probably won’t be announced until he gets back from the Futures game though, he’s on his way now.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Roderik Pichardo

He just came over from DSL and pitched well last night ( 3 IP 0 H 0 R 1 BB 4 K) I’m not sure why it took so long to bring him stateside as he’s always had pretty dominant DSL numbers, I’m guessing an injury in 2009. Anyway, he’s 20, and he could be another interesting arm to keep tabs on.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 10:13 AM CDT reply actions

I wondered about him

Good results so far. Do you have any idea what he throws?

by RynoRooter on Jul 9, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

No idea.

I was hoping AZ Phil would write about it, but no sign of that right now.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Jackson's Velocity

Does anyone know if Jackson’s velocity has picked up in recent outings? Keith Law had a made a big deal about his velocity dipping into the upper 80’s. Obviously, his recent results are better and his K totals were good last night.

by Mmurton on Jul 9, 2011 10:59 AM CDT reply actions

Promote Reggie Golden to batting instructor

The whole organization could learn from his plate discipline

"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)

by SackMan on Jul 9, 2011 11:15 AM CDT reply actions

What's the consensus on Marwin Gonzalez?

Could he shift to 2nd and be productive at the MLB level? He’s young.

by thehat34 on Jul 9, 2011 11:45 AM CDT reply actions

I think his ceiling is a utility infielder

Don’t think he’ll hit enough to be a regular.

by Josh Timmers on Jul 9, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions

It's official.

Szczur to Daytona
Ebinger to Tennessee
Jung to Boise
Lopez activated from DL
Klafcynski to Peoria..disappointed as I though it would be Chen

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 1:26 PM CDT reply actions

Blair Springfield to

Boise, as the 1st Place Hawks needed another OF

I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.

by timh815 on Jul 9, 2011 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Would have much preferred Easterling

by RynoRooter on Jul 9, 2011 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions

He gets picked off a lot in Arizona

Probably could use a bit more TOOTBLAN reduction therapy

I'm a Cubs fan. The Jaded Bitterness comes as a Standard Feature.

by timh815 on Jul 9, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

That's as easily corrected at Boise as it is Mesa

At least his bat would get a bit more of a challenge in SS A ball.

by RynoRooter on Jul 9, 2011 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

C'mon

that was one game. He’s been fine on the basepaths the other games. This would have been a much better day with Chen to Peoria and Easterling to Boise, Klafcynzski wasn’t even hitting well in Boise! Still happy they finally moved Szczur. I’m sure Easterling will be moved soon enough.

by Ryno G on Jul 9, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions