Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 15

by Josh Timmers on Aug 16, 2011 12:11 AM CDT in Minor Leagues

Please check out thei signing thread to see what great players are going to be joining the Cubs system. The Ricketts family really busted out the checkbook for this draft, and I expect that in a couple of seasons, we're really going to see the benefits. This is something the Cubs should have been doing for a while, but better now than never.

Again, thank all of you for understanding my internet problems. I've about had it with AT&T. But you guys are all doing a great job on your own.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were stunned by the Tacoma Raniers, 3-2.

Nick Struck had a quality start, going six innings and only allowing one run on a sixth inning solo home run. He allowed five total hits. He walked three and struck out three.

John Gaub blew the save in the ninth inning to take his third loss. He allowed an inherited runner to score and one unearned run of his own over a third of an inning. He gave up one hit and walked one.

DJ LeMahieu went 1 for 3 with a solo home run in the fifth inning. It was his second home run for the I-Cubs. LeMahieu also walked once.

Tennessee Smokies and Daytona Cubs

Off day for both of them.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs were cut down by the Clinton LumberKings, 9-5.

Starter Austin Kirk pitched 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits, including two home runs. He walked one and struck out five.

Yohan Gonzalez took the loss in relief. He allowed four runs, three of which were earned, one three hits over 2.2 innings. Gonzalez walked one and struck out one.

Shortstop Rafael Valdes was 2 for 4 with a double. He scored once and had one RBI.

DH Smaily Borges was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. He knocked two in and scored once. Left fielder Jesus Morelli was 2 for 4 and scored once.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks cleaned up the Tri-City Dust Devils, 6-1.

Starter Jose Rosario got the win with six shutout innings. He surrendered only two hits and issued two walks. Rosario struck out four.

Joe Zeller got the three inning save after allowing a run on two hits. He walked one and struck out three.

First baseman Ryan Cuneo was 2 for 3 with his first home run of the season, a solo home run in the fourth inning. Cuneo was 2 for 3 with two runs scored.

Catcher Yaniel Cabezas went 2 for 4 with a double. He scored once and had two RBI. Second baseman Zeke DeVoss had a double and three walks tonight in a 1 for 2 game. He scored once and had one RBI.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Angels, 7-3.

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Comments

Solid day for a couple guys

Another good game from DeVoss. Rosario could be a nice arm.

by Ryno G on Aug 16, 2011 12:27 AM CDT reply actions

DeVoss' double

almost went yard. Agree on Rosario. What do we know about him?

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

by timh815 on Aug 16, 2011 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Good to hear about DeVoss

I didn’t get to listen to the Hawks last night.

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

heathen

n/p

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

by timh815 on Aug 16, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

I know, I know.

How do I atone for my transgressions? Say 20 “Hail Reggie’s”?

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

DeVoss went all Ted Lilly/Yadi Molina on the catcher

for the second time this year. Dood ain’t afraid of contact. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbJq5sPV3o0

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

by timh815 on Aug 16, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Mesa

I’m getting exited about Hernandez and Amaya, I don’t think Castro or Lake started this well in their first yr in the states. Couple this with DSL2 Cubs team with Candelario, Baez, and Penalver and some interesting arms and the new international FA signings we seem to be adding some possible high end guys. Top it off with a great draft signing period and I’m finally optimistic about our future. I never questioned Ricketts commitment but I think he’s shown that this is what we should expect every year. Let’s hope he makes the appropriate decisions at MLB level.

by joeby231 on Aug 16, 2011 1:25 AM CDT reply actions

Stole my thunder.

I watch for Hernandez everyday. OPS at .901. At 18 years old will have to see the progression and hopefully it is upward.

by Grockcubs on Aug 16, 2011 7:17 AM CDT up reply actions

I've got quite a few guys from this years draft in my top 30 so far..

3. Baez
6. Vogelbach
9. Maples
17. Shawon
19. Easterling
20. DeVoss
26. Rosario

by Ryno G on Aug 16, 2011 5:01 AM CDT reply actions

Obviously they are your rankings

but why do you have Easterling ahead of DeVoss?

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm guessing based on higher ceiling?

Easterling hasn’t been a full-time baseball guy until now.

Also, Easterling is at a higher level and has the potential to develop more power than DeVoss. Though DeVoss is probably faster and has much better plate discipline, so who knows?

by SouthernCub on Aug 16, 2011 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Many think Easterling's power is already maxed out

as he won’t bulk up anymore than he is right now. I hope he can make some changes to get more power, though. Also, just to be clear, I’m not intending to bash Easterling. I like him as a prospect. Just wondering why Ryno G likes him more than DeVoss.

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

The same can be said for DeVoss...

I’d say even moreso, given that DeVoss has more baseball experience than Easterling. The idea with Easterling is that some power might come with more experience rather than “filling out.” Sort of along the same lines as Szczur (though obviously less promising than Szczur).

And to clarify, I don’t see Easterling developing “real” power – just more than DeVoss, given that he’s about 30lbs heavier and is not as far along on the baseball development curve.

by SouthernCub on Aug 16, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

It's MUCH tougher to add power

once your body is maxed out, muscle-wise. I don’t think DeVoss has really even scratched the surface of his potential. He’s only 20 and is skinny. But the real thing between the two is that power isn’t part of DeVoss’s game, whereas it probably has to be a part of Easterling’s game in order for him to succeed.

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree that DeVoss is the better prospect... HOWEVER

1. He’s only one year younger than Easterling, and Easterling hasn’t been playing baseball full-time. So to suggest that DeVoss is just scratching the surface of his potential and Easterling hasn’t seems ridiculous.

2. It’s harder to add power when your body is maxed out IF you’re also mostly developed as a player. However, Easterling is still raw as a player.

3. Easterling is already hitting for more power than DeVoss.

DeVoss is faster than Easterling (though Easterling is certainly fast) and has a much more refined eye at the plate. Thus, I agree that DeVoss is the better prospect. However, I’d say Easterling has much more power potential given his frame and where he is on the development curve.

by SouthernCub on Aug 16, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I haven't moved either of those guys in weeks.

I moved DeVoss in there and didn’t touch him. I guess I should have adjusted that before posting this haha. DeVoss will almost certainly be above Easterling by at least a couple spots.

by Ryno G on Aug 16, 2011 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Big gamr for Candelerio

2b, 3b, hr

Baez had HR as well and Penalver a strong game.

by MVZ on Aug 16, 2011 5:12 AM CDT reply actions

Candelario is a pup

Can’t even single.

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

by timh815 on Aug 16, 2011 5:31 AM CDT up reply actions

DFA him

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Ready to see what they can do stateside.

by Ryno G on Aug 16, 2011 5:36 AM CDT up reply actions

questions pls someone answer them for me

Where will Baez be playing at this year? Also Dunston,Vogelbach,Maples,Shoulders etc? Thanks for anyone who takes time to help inform me and others.

by bleedinblue76 on Aug 16, 2011 6:46 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

They will all start in Mesa

Must pee in cup, and all.

The big time HS pitchers will probably start once or twice, then shut it down. Their main work will come in winter instructional ball.

Relievers and collegiates may advance to Boise or Peoria to get in some extra innings. Zych comes to mind.

The high school hitters will go to Mesa as well. It’s doubtful any are advanced enough now to help in Boise, though there is an outside chance that one or two will surprise and go to Boise. Hopefully most will spend time in Arizona this winter training, to avoid getting out of game shape for 2012.

Most, if not all, of the HS hitters and pitchers will be in Extended Spring Training in 2012, lobbying for a spot in Boise in June.

If it sounds like a long road, it is.

I hope this helped.

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

by timh815 on Aug 16, 2011 7:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes it sure is.

The excitement of the signings, the excitement of possibly one of the better drafts the Cubs have had on record, however the long road it takes to get to Chicago.
Time will tell. There is some nice pieces in the lower ranks of the system.

by Grockcubs on Aug 16, 2011 7:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I think most people need to read this

so they don’t get butt-hurt when the Cubs system gets universally ranked in the bottom half of the league. It will take a year or two before any of these new guys will have an effect on the system rankings.

by RynoRooter on Aug 16, 2011 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks a lot for all this info! I’m really excited for all of our signings and the direction we are making in our farm system!

by bleedinblue76 on Aug 16, 2011 11:15 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Shawon Dunston jr

He seems like a really cool kid. Following him on Twitter and everytime I mention him he replys back. He seems really excited and also seems to be a very hard workeer. I asked him if he will be joining camp Colvin and he said absolutely:) good guy! I hope we get a new Shawon o meter in Wrigley

by bleedinblue76 on Aug 16, 2011 2:44 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

My sentiments exactly.

I don’t think he replied to mine, but it was a throwaway congratulation. Sounds humble, yet confident. Hopefully he’s exciting like his dad, but can lay off the low-and-away slider. :)

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

by timh815 on Aug 16, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions