Cubs shake up minor league coaching staff

by jessica on Nov 29, 2006 5:56 PM CST

This just up on Cubs site
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061129&content_id=1747559&vkey news_chc&fext.jsp&c_id=chc

I have no idea how to read these things. This appears to
be promotion for Jody Davis or is that a lateral move?
I don't know anything about the new guy managing Iowa
Those of you who follow these things please let the rest
of us in on what you think

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

That's a promotion

for Jody. Low-A to High-A.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh Timmers on Nov 29, 2006 6:06 PM CST reply actions

I'm surprised about Listach

I thought that with Mike Quade leaving the organization, Pat Listach would take over at AAA as a thank you for being the token minority candidate interviewed for the manager's position.

by Invalid User on Nov 29, 2006 6:07 PM CST reply actions

Me too

although Quade's not leaving the organization--he's our new third base coach.

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh Timmers on Nov 29, 2006 6:15 PM CST up reply actions

Here's

A little on Buddy Bailey. Seems to have been successful in the BoSox organization managing Pawtucket--although I can't tell you why he's not still with them.

I'm a little surprised Listach got passed over for the Iowa job, although Bailey does seem qualified.

Think maybe Ryno would be willing to manage in Peoria this year?

A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants

by Josh Timmers on Nov 29, 2006 6:14 PM CST reply actions

Lots of moves

We've seen lots of moves with the Cubs system. Alan Dunn has taken over as minor league pitching coordinator. Harkey, Dernier, Wilson, Kopitzke and others were added to the organization, along with the managers mentioned in this article.

Hopefully this is part of an organization wide assessment of player development. It has been simply horrid over the past decade and if this is something that John McDonough has dictated, perhaps under the supervision of Tim Wilken, then perhaps we'll see some improvement in this area.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 29, 2006 6:15 PM CST reply actions

Player SCOUTING

has been the horrible thing. Can't develop players if you can't scout and select the right ones in the first place.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Nov 30, 2006 7:59 AM CST up reply actions

prospects

There have been many players who have put up excellent numbers in rookie league and low A ball. They've been touted not only by the organization but also by the media and have been in high demand in trades...but the Cubs refused to let them go. These players all too often stalled before hitting AA.

It may be scouting, however it seems that the lack of any Cub position player who came up through the system to succeed in the majors is a product of this team's development staff.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 30, 2006 9:37 AM CST up reply actions

there is more to development than merely talent

Baseball is as much a mental and preparation game as it is a phyiscal talent game.

Change is good when it is in an organization that is not meeting expectations.

Bill Veeck planted Ivy during 'The Depression', and over time the Ivy Walls has become the most distinct symbol of Wrigley Field.

by Ivy Walls on Nov 30, 2006 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

My concern...

... is change for changes sake. I hope that the hirings were done with some overarching philosophical change that has not been present over the past many years.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 30, 2006 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

Ex-Cubs

http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/transactions

From the transaction wires it appears that the Devil Rays have hired a few ex-Cubs. Gary Gaetti will be the hitting coach for their AAA team. They've also hired former Cub outfielder Ozzie Timmons and former Cub pitching coach Marty DeMerritt.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 29, 2006 8:33 PM CST reply actions

Wow - Ozzie Timmons

Wasn't he a Cub for about a day and a half?

by Ihatethecards on Nov 30, 2006 7:59 AM CST up reply actions

Parts of two seasons...

... 1995 and 1996. He was a decent spare part in '95 (.263/.314/.474), terrible in '96 (.200/.282/.379), then was traded to the Reds for pitcher Curt Lyons, who was at the time considered a decent prospect, but who never threw a major league pitch for the Cubs.

by Al Yellon on Nov 30, 2006 8:06 AM CST up reply actions