Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 10

I'm going to add a caveat to the points I've been making about Dan Vogelbach for the past few days. If he keeps hitting two home runs a night for the rest of the season, then yes, he will end up as a Top 100 prospect. However, the Cubs will not, and should not, worry about him being blocked in the system for a long time. Playing him in left field is still a bad idea.

If you haven't heard yet, Cubs Scouting Director Tim Wilken is leaving that position to become a Special Assistant to President Theo Epstein. The new Scouting Director is current San Diego Padres Scouting Director Jaron Madison. Madison has been the Scouting Director for the Padres since December of 2009. There's more at this fanshot.

Sometimes I wish I was a newspaper and could just write "Late Game" under the scores.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were abducted by the Las Vegas 51s (Blue Jays), 4-3.

Chris Rusin came oh-so-close to conquering the altitude and high air of Las Vegas. He was not scored upon for five innings, but with two out in the sixth, he gave up a three-run home run. Rusin finished with 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits. He walked three and struck out two.

Jaye Chapman allowed a run in the bottom of the ninth to take the loss. He threw 1.2 innings and allowed two hits and walks, one of which was intentional. Chapman struck out one.

Center fielder Tony Campana was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. The double just missed leaving the park on the fly, instead bouncing over the wall.

Third baseman Greg Rohan hit a two-out, two-run single in the top of the ninth to temporarily tie the game 3-3. Rohan was 1 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were bit players to the Huntsville Stars (Brewers), 4-3.

Eric Jokisch continued to put a claim on Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year with six strong innings tonight. Jokisch allowed only one run on five hits. He struck out six and didn't walk anyone.

Kevin Rhoderick pitched the top of the ninth inning and took the loss after he allowed two runs on four hits, including a solo home run. Rhoderick walked one and struck out no one.

Right fielder Matt Szczur was 2 for 4 with a triple. He scored one run and had one RBI.

Second baseman Logan Watkins and right fielder Nelson Perez were both 2 for 4 with a double. Watkins had one RBI and a run scored whereas Perez just scored one run.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs are really sick of losing to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 8-5.

Starter Matt Loosen started and allowed five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. Loosen walked two and struck out one.

Scott Weismann took the loss in relief. He pitched two innings and allowed two runs in the eighth and one in the ninth. Weismann gave up three hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Catcher Rafael Lopez was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. DH Micah Gibbs was 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs were swarmed by the Burlington Bees (Athletics), 10-5.

It was a rare bad day for starter Michael Jensen, who was hammered for six runs on eight hits over five innings. Jensen walked one and struck out two. Jensen's record fell to 9-5.

Catcher Chadd Krist was 2 for 4 with two doubles and a walk. He batted three Chiefs home and score one time.

DH Yaniel Cabezas was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Right fielder Jorge Soler had a two-run single in the seventh inning. He was 1 for 4.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks dried out the Everett AquaSox (Mariners), 11-8.

Starting pitcher Ian Dickson had a rough night, as he allowed at least one run in all three innings he pitched. He finished with six runs on six hits and four walks. He did strike out five in three innings though.

Believe it or not, Dickson exited with the lead so Rafael Diplan was awarded the win in relief. He pitched two innings and allowed a run on four hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Nathan Dorris threw the final two innings and got his second save. He did not allow any runs and only one hit. Dorris walked one and struck out two.

First baseman Dan Vogelbach stayed stinking-hot tonight with another two home runs. The first was with a man on in the first and the second was with two on in the second. He didn't homer the rest of the night, but he did finish the game going 3 for 4 with a walk. Vogelbach "just" had the five RBI.

DH Marco Hernandez also homered to lead off the second inning. It was his fourth Boise home run and sixth overall. Hernandez was 2 for 5 with two RBI.

Third baseman Jeimer Candelario also had a good night, going 4 for 5 with two doubles. Candelario scored three times and knocked two home.

Shortstop Stephen Bruno was 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored two runs and batted one home.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Rangers, 7-3.