We going to do something new starting today.
Several people have asked me to do an updated mid-season prospect list. It's a good idea except for one problem: I don't want to do it. I want you to do it.
So I'm going to steal an idea from several other websites and run a poll each day. Each day you'll have five choices to be the next highest-ranked prospect in the Cubs system. The prospect who gets the most votes each day will be put on the prospect board and replaced with another prospect of my choosing the next day. Then the whole process starts all over again.
You can rank them in any way you want. Everyone has their own criteria for these lists, so I'm not going to tell you how to vote. Debating and discussing the choices in the comments is highly encouraged and I'm sure several posters will give you guidance on the choices. I'll weigh in from time to time too if I don't think it will influence the voting too much. I'll also give a link to the player's MiLB.com page, so you can check out his stats before you vote if you want.
Quick note: Starlin Castro and Tyler Colvin are not eligible, Andrew Cashner is. It's just based on the number of appearances. (Technically, Colvin is still three plate appearances away from losing prospect status. I think he'll get that on Tuesday.)
Today's choices: Andrew Cashner, Brett Jackson, Jay Jackson, Hak-Ju Lee, Josh Vitters.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs got nuked by the Albuquerque Isotopes, 16-12 in game played at the high altitudes of Des Moines, Iowa.
Starter Mitch Atkins got hammered for nine runs over four innings. Atkins gave up eight hits, three of which left the yard. Atkins walked three and struck out two. One of the runs Atkins allowed was unearned.
The Cubs actually fought back and tied this game after Atkins left, behind three perfect inn
ings of relief by Blake Parker. But then John Gaub entered the game and got torched for four runs on two hits and two walk over two-thirds of an inning. Gaub's record fell to 3-2.
Right fielder Brad Snyder hit a sixth-inning solo home run, his ninth on the year. Snyder was 2 for 5 with three RBI and two runs scored. He also scored a base.
Second baseman Matt Camp was 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI. Center fielder Sam Fuld was also 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored, but he had two RBI.
Left fielder James Adduci was 3 for 5 with two runs scored. Third baseman Marquez Smith had two doubles in a 2 for 4 game. He scored twice and had one RBI.
Tennessee Smokies
Spent the day sipping champagne and celebrating their first half title. Next up: the Southern League Title.
Daytona Cubs
The rainy season has started in Florida. Rained out.
Peoria Chiefs
All-Star Break.
Boise Hawks
The Boise Hawks were sacrificed to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, 5-2
Starter Austin Kirk took the loss. He went four innings and allowed three runs on five hits, including a pair of back-to-back solo home runs in the fourth inning. Kirk walked two and struck out five.
Left fielder Alvaro Ramirez went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.