There was a fanshot on this, but Kevin Goldstein over at Baseball Prospectus wrote an article on the sorry state of the Cubs farm system (sub. req.) which he sees as keeping the Cubs out of the Halladay sweepstakes. He criticizes the Cubs for some bad drafts and a failure to develop any plate discipline in the minor leagues. He also criticizes the Jeff Samardzija signing, believing the money could have been better spent elsewhere. One thing he doesn't mention, but he could have, is that the Cubs compounded their bad drafts with some bad free agent signings that cost the team draft picks that would have given them more margin for error. But if you want the good news, he does see a light at the end of the tunnel for the Cubs farm system and that they've made some great international signings, especially in Asia. I'd also add the past couple of drafts have been much better, as Josh Vitters and Andrew Cashner are both doing quite well in the minors.
So the system is down but not out.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs deposed the Omaha Royals, 4-3.
Esmailin Caridad started and got his fifth win today by allowing only two unearned runs in six innings. He gave up five hits and issued two walks while striking out seven.
Vince Perkins 24.1 inning scoreless streak came to an end today, but he was still good enough to pick up his first save. Perkins allowed one run on three hits over two innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out one.
Catcher Chris Robinson was 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored. Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4. Right fielder (really utility guy) Matt Camp was 2 for 3 with a walk. Camp scored once and had one RBI.
Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies counted coup against the Mississippi Braves, 3-2 in ten innings.
Andrew Cashner threw six brilliant innings tonight, allowing only one single; the only baserunner he allowed. Cashner struck out five. He was also 1 for 1 at the plate, meaning he had as many hits as he allowed.
Alex Maestri pitched the top of the tenth inning and got the win when James Adduci scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the inning. Maestri walked one but his inning was otherwise without incident.
Shortstop Jonathan Mota was 2 for 5 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored. Right fielder Tyler Colvin went 2 for 5.
Daytona Cubs
The D-Cubs were pounded by the St. Lucie Mets, 8-2.
Starter Henry Williamson went three innings and gave up a run on two hits. He walked three and struck out three.
Dan McDaniel pitched out of the bullpen tonight and took the loss. He gave up two runs, one of which was unearned, on three hits over two innings. McDaniel walked two and struck out three.
Mike Perconte allowed three runs and Jose Piña gave up two.
Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 3 for 4 with a stolen base. Center fielder Tony Campana was 2 for 5 with an RBI. Left fielder Josh Harrison was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. Harrison scored once.
Peoria ChiefsGood looking young men with a day off in Peoria. Need I say more?
Boise Hawks
The Hawks were beaten by the Salem-Keizer Volanoes, 8-6.
Let's see. . . Josh Lansford pitches well in relief, throwing two shutout innings, allowing only one hit. He didn't walk anyone and struck out two.
Every other pitcher? Bad.
Center fielder Brett Jackson went 3 for 5 with a double and two runs scored. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 2 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. He also stole a base. Left fielder Jose Valdez was 3 for 4.
AZL Cubs