SB Nation - Matt Craig

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 28

Josh77 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:59:54 -0000

Believe it or not, the D-Cubs threw another no-hitter tonight, less than two weeks after the last one. It was another one of the seven-inning no-nos.

Generally good news from the farm tonight, although Brett Jackson went on the DL with a sore right wrist.

Iowa Cubs (69-65)

The Iowa Cubs moved into second place with a 4-2 victory over the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Jeff Samardzija dominated tonight for six shutout innings tonight. He gave up only three singles and one walk. The Shark struck out six.

Jeff Stevens threw two perfect innings of relief, striking out three.

The I-Cubs were paced tonight by a pair of solo home runs. The first as a third-inning shot by right fielder Brad Snyder, his 14th on the season. Snyder was 1 for 3 with a walk overall. The second one was an insurance run in the eighth inning by DH Matt Craig. It was his fourth home run for Iowa, seventh in the PCL and 11th overall. Craig was 2 for 4 on the night with two runs scored.

Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 3 with two stolen bases. Barney had one RBI and scored once. Left fielder John-Ford Griffin was 2 for 3 with a walk.

The Iowa Cubs are two games behind the Memphis Redbirds in the standings with ten games to play. They have no games left with Memphis, however.

Tennessee Smokies (33-28)

The Smokies late-inning heroics just keep on coming. They scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to stun the Mobile Bay Bears, 3-2 and move back into a tie for first place.

Starter Chris Carpenter allowed one run on five hits in his six inning start. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

David Cales got the win with two innings of relief. Cales gave up two hits and a walk, but didn't allow any runs. He did not strike anyone out.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin had the big blow, an RBI double that tied the score in the two-run ninth. He later scored the winning run on Doug Deeds' pinch-hit single. Colvin was 1 for 4.

Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4. Catcher Welington Castillo went 2 for 3.

Daytona Cubs (27-33)

The Daytona Cubs split a double-header tonight, losing the first game, 3-2 in nine innings and winning the second game, 3-0 as the D-Cubs staff tossed their second seven-inning no-hitter in less than two weeks.

In the first game, Ryan Searle started and allowed two runs on six hits over 5.2 innings. Searle walked one and struck out six.

Chris Siegfried pitched the ninth inning and took the loss, allowing a run on two hits. He struck out one.

Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. First baseman Jake Opitz and center fielder Tony Campana were both 2 for 4.

The no-hitter was in the second game, as starter Oswaldo Martinez pitched the first four innings, walking two and striking out one. Martinez has now pitched in four games since signing out of the Mexican League: two of those games were no-hitters. He pitched two-thirds of an inning in his Cub debut on August 15.

Mike Perconte finished the no-no and got the win since Martinez didn't go five innings. Perconte walked one and fanned three.

Jake Opitz was the DH for the second game and was 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (37-23)

The Peoria Chiefs were knocked on their ears by the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 8-3.

Justin Bristow started but only lasted two innings. He allowed three runs on four hits. Bristow walked four and struck out two.

Jeff Beliveau pitched much better in relief, but got the loss anyway. Beliveau allowed one run over his four innings of relief. He surrendered five hits. He didn't walk anyone and he struck out four.

Center fielder David Macias had a two-run double in a 1 for 4 game. The Chiefs did not have a hit after the second inning tonight.

Boise Hawks (30-37)

The Hawks were officially eliminated from the playoffs tonight with a 7-2 loss to the Spokane Indians.

Chris Rusin started and took the loss. He went four innings and gave up four runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out three.

Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha hit his second home run in the second inning. The solo shot was his only hit in a 1 for 4 game. Shortstop George Matheus went 2 for 5 with a double.

AZL Cubs (13-15, 29-27 overall)

Beat the Brewers, 3-0.

The rookie league team's season is now over.

Cubs Minor League Wrap - August 19

Josh77 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:19:50 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

Bill Murray went to the Cubs/Padres game tonight, since the Chiefs had the day off.

Browse more photos »

Iowa Cubs (63-61)

The Iowa Cubs lost to the Portland Beaver, 10-9 in 13 innings.

A long time ago, Mitch Atkins started this game and he got knocked around for six runs in only four innings. Atkins surrendered six hits and three walks. He struck out four.

Jeff Stevens and Justin Berg each threw two shutout innings before Blake Parker entered the game in the 13th and allowed the winning run. Parker was credited with a third of an inning pitched, and he gave up one run on three hits and an intentional walk. Parker struck out one.

Catcher Chris Robinson was 2 for 4 with a double and two walks. Robinson had four RBI tonight and he scored once himself. First baseman Matt Craig hit two doubles and walked once in a 3 for 6 night. Craig scored twice and had two RBI.

Right fielder Micah Hoffpauir went 2 for 5 with two walks. Hoffpauir also had two RBI and scored twice. Finally, shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies (28-25)

The Smokies pushed two runs across in the bottom of the ninth inning to blindside the Chattanooga Lookouts, 5-4. It was their fifth win in a row and moved them into a tie for first place in their division.

Starter Andrew Cashner had a few troubles tonight, as he allowed three runs on five hits in only four innings. He walked two. The good news was that he struck out six.

Marco Carrillo pitched the top of the ninth and got the win. He gave up one hit, didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin stayed hot tonight, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base. Colvin is hitting .383 in August.

First baseman Russ Canzler went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Robinson Chirinos was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Daytona Cubs

Rained out.

Peoria Chiefs

Did not play

Boise Hawks (27-31)

The Hawks beat the Spokane Indians, 1-0.

Robert Hernandez was excellent tonight, throwing six innings and allowing four hits and a walk. Dionis Nunez pitched the ninth inning and got his fifth save. He allowed only one hit and struck out one.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 4.

AZL Cubs

Did not play.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 18

Josh77 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:39:34 -0000

Sure. My internet is out all night and then comes back on just as I'm going to bed.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs were dammed by the Portland Beavers 6-3.

Starter Jeff Samardzija tossed four shutout innings tonight, allowing only one hit. He walked two and struck out three. The bullpen let him down, however. Justin Berg got credited with the loss after allowing two runs in the one inning he pitched.

Shortstop Andres Blanco had another 3 for 4 game with a run scored. He also stole a base. First baseman Matt Craig was also 3 for 4. Craig had two RBI. Micah Hoffpauir was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Second baseman Darwin Barney went 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennesee Smokies snuck past the Chattanooga Lookouts, 2-1 on a Tyler Colvin solo home run in the bottom of the ninth.

Starter Jeremy Papelbon allowed only one unearned run tonight. He went six innings and allowed only four hits. Papelbon walked one and struck out six.

Brian Schlitter entered the game with two on and two out in the top of the ninth. He walked the bases loaded before getting a fly out to end the inning. He picked up the win when the Smokies scored in the bottom of the ninth.

Colvin's game-winning home run was his tenth in Tennessee. Colvin was 1 for 4.

Catcher Welington Castillo's 11th home run accounted for the other Smokies run. Castillo was 2 for 3 with a stolen base. Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4 with a double.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs split another double-header with the Tampa Yankees, winning the first game 5-4 and dropping the second game 1-0.

Chris Siegfried got the win in the first game in relief. Siegfried allowed one run on two hits over 2.1 innings. Siefgfried walked one and struck out two.

David Cales pitched a perfect bottom of the seventh to get his thirteenth save. He struck out one.

Four D-Cub hitters were 2 for 4 in the first game: RF Brandon Guyer, DH Josh Vitters, first baseman Mark Reed and catcher Luis Flores. Guyer and Vitters each scored a run, Flores had a double and two RBI. Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt went 2 for 3 with a walk. Wyatt had two RBI and scored twice as well.

In the second game, starter Oswaldo Martinez pitched 3.1 shutout innings. He allowed two hits an a walk while fanning two. Mike Perconte pitched 2.2 innings of relief, but got the loss when he allowed a walk, a stolen base and a game-ending single in the bottom of the seventh.

Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 3.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs are red hot right now. Tonight they crushed the Quad City River Bandits, 14-1.

Jeffry Antigua started, went six innings and picked up the win. Antigua allowed only one run. He surrendered three hits, walked one and struck out four.

Left fielder Nelson Perez hit home run #10 in the sixth inning. Perez was 1 for 4 with a walk. He scored twice and had three RBI. Right fielder Kyler Burke hit home run #12 in the seventh. Burke went 2 for 3 and also had, naturally, a double. Burke had four RBI total and scored three times.

Shortstop DJ LeMaheiu went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Catcher Michael Brenly went 2 for 4 with a double. Brenly scored once and had two RBI.

Tempers flared in this game as there were a couple of bench-clearing incidents, although apparently no punches were thrown either time. The first was after the QC pitcher threw three balls at Brett Jackson, hitting him the third time. The second was when Erik Hamren retaliated in the next half inning. Hamren was ejected.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks lost to the Spokane Indians, 6-1.

Hawk pitchers gave up 16 hits tonight, and that's about all I want to say about this game.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Royals, 7-6 in ten innings.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--August 10

Josh77 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:04:14 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Esmalin Caridad has been waiting for the Cubs to call him up to the majors all season.

Browse more photos »

Boy, I'm glad I didn't hang around for much of the Cubs game tonight.

Congratulations to Esmailin Caridad, who had to make his major league debut under some tough circumstances and didn't do terribly, all things considered. For those who don't know or who didn't read my post in the Caridad story, Caridad actually got into two games with the Hiroshima Carp in 2007, as he was signed out of the same Dominican baseball academy that Alfonso Soriano came out of. You got a good sense of his stuff tonight and his biggest problem--leaving pitches up.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of good news to report tonight either. Chicago native David Cales was promoted to Iowa from Daytona. Congratulations, David, although . . .

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were abducted and probed by the Las Vegas 51's, 16-8.

Casey Lambert got the start because it was Caridad's turn to pitch, and he lasted three innings, allowing three runs on five hits. One of the runs was unearned. Lambert walked one and struck out three.

David Cales AAA debut didn't go well, as he gave up two home runs and five runs total in the 1.2 innings he pitched. However, only one of the five runs was earned as the Cub defense made four errors tonight. Backup infielder Matt Matulia came off the DL yesterday and got into his first game in a month (and only his second since Memorial Day) by pitching two innings. He allowed three runs too.

DH Matt Craig had a good game though. He was 2 for 5 with a grand slam and five RBI. The home run was his sixth of the year. Right fielder Brad Snyder also homered and doubled in a 2 for 5 effort. Snyder's home run was a sixth inning solo shot and he had two RBI total.

Left fielder So Taguchi was 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Catcher Chris Robinson was 2 for 5 with a double. Shortstop Darwin Barney went 3 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Tennessee Smokies

The only good news today came from the Smokies, as they blitzed the Birmingham Barons, 11-4.

Casey Coleman got the win tonight, improving his record to 12-5. This was despite having allowed four runs on seven hits in only five plus innings. Coleman walked two and struck out two.

Brian Schlitter managed to notch a save in a game the Smokies won by seven runs. He retired all four batters he faced, two by the strikeout.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Center fielder James Adduci was 3 for 5 with a stolen base, and RBI and a run scored.

DH Blake Lalli had a double and two RBI in a 2 for 4 game. He also walked and scored three times. First baseman Russ Canzler also had a double and two RBI, although he went 3 for 4. Canzler also scored three times.

Daytona Cubs

The Cubs lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 2-1.

Starter Jay Jackson continues to serve his penance by blowing away the Florida State League. Jackson threw seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. Jackson struck out four.

Dan McDaniel walked a man and allowed a two-run home run in the one inning he pitched to take the loss. He did strike out the other three batters he faced, though.

Center fielder Brandon Guyer was 3 for 4 with two doubles. Third baseman Josh Vitters got in two at-bats tonight, going 0 for 2.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were snakebit by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 1-0.

Aaron Shafer took the hard-luck loss tonight. He went six innings and allowed the one run on five hits. Shafer walked one and struck out three.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 2 for 4 with a double. Right fielder Kyler Burke was 2 for 4.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks were mauled by the Yakima Bears, 5-0.

Starter Robert Whitenack allowed all five runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings. He walked two and struck out one.

The Hawk hitters had two hits and 12 strikeouts tonight.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Giants, 10-3.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 8

Josh77 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:19:08 -0000

If you're the type who doesn't click on the "keep reading" button, the Chiefs had a big offensive night.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs used a five-run sixth inning to shoot down the Reno Aces, 10-7.

You know you're living right when you give up seven runs as a starting pitcher and don't get the loss. Tonight that's what Mitch Atkins did, giving up the seven runs in 5.1 innings. One of the runs was unearned. Of the seven hits that Atkins gave up, three of them were home runs. Atkins walked two and struck out three.

Casey Lambert only faced two batters, but he retired him both and that was good enough for his first win in AAA.

Blake Parker pitched a perfect ninth inning to collect his twelfth save. He struck out one.

Right fielder Brad Snyder was 3 for 4 with a double. He scored three times. First baseman Matt Craig was also 3 for 4. He scored twice and had one RBI. Second baseman Nate Spears went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were humiliated by the Birmingham Barons, 15-0.

I'm just going to ignore this game other than to say that Andrew Cashner had a really, really bad start.

Daytona Cubs

Daytona lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 3-1.

Starter Craig Muschko took the loss. Muschko allowed two runs on five hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out four. He really only made one mistake, a third inning two-run home run.

The D-Cubs only managed five singles on offense tonight.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs pounded out 19 hits while skewering the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 14-5.

Starter Alberto Cabrera got the victory with five shutout innings. He gave up only three hits. He walked two and struck out three.

Eight Chiefs had at least two hits tonight.

For the second night in a row, right fielder Kyler Burke went 4 for 5. Burke had two doubles tonight. He scored twice and had three RBI.

First baseman Rebel Riding was 3 for 4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Center fielder Brett Jackson was 2 for 6 with a stolen base and two runs scored. Third baseman Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored.

Second baseman DJ LeMahieu went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. He scored twice and had an RBI. DH Jovan Rosa was 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI. He scored once and knocked one in. Catcher Mario Mercedes went 2 for 5 with a stolen base. He also scored once and had one RBI.

Left fielder Nelson Perez had the only Chief home run tonight, a three-run jack in the fourth inning. Perez was 2 for 3. It was his ninth homer of the year.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks hung on to trap the Yakima Bears, 5-4.

Josh Whitlock started and threw three shutout innings. He allowed two hits. He neither walked nor struck anyone out. Eduardo Figueroa got the win in relief. He gave up one run over three innings.

Center fielder Jose Valez had a big night, going 4 for 4 with a walk and two stolen bases. Valdez only scored once though. Second baseman Logan Watkins was 3 for 5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

DH Derrick Fitzgerald had a double and a triple in a 2 for 4 game. He scored once.

AZL Cubs

Crushed the Giants, 13-3.

Billy Muldowney threw two more shutout innings in his rehab appearance.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 22

Josh77 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:06:27 -0000

I don't normally comment on the Major League Cubs figuring it's Al's job, but since he's traveling, I thought I'd start out with a short comment that I'm pretty confident Al would agree with.

The Cubs have not been a good team so far this season. Most of the year, they've simply been treading water. They've had moments where they've looked like the world-beaters of the past two seasons, but mostly they've been pedestrian. Not bad, mind you. Cub fans know a bad team when they see it. They just don't look like a playoff team.

But here we are past the All-Star Break, and the Cubs are only a game out of first and a game up on the first-place Cardinals in the loss column. Speaking of the Cardinals, for the first half of this decade, they were a pretty dominating team, making the playoffs every season from 2000 to 2005 except for a minor blip in 2003 which we all remember. But during that time, they never won the World Series, despite some pretty amazing teams led by either Mark McGwire or Albert Pujols.

Yet when 2006 rolled around, the Cardinals were clearly down. Albert Pujols by himself gave the team an offense that was a bit above average, but there were major holes in the lineup. The pitching staff was decidedly mediocre. But the rest of the division was down, too, and the Cards just sneaked past the Astros the final weekend of the season to crawl into the playoffs. We all know that Cardinal team, which was easily the worst Cardinals playoff team of the decade, won the World Series.

Once you make the playoffs, anything can happen, as we found out the bad way over the past two seasons. I'm not saying that this team is going to win it all. I'm just saying that if you think a team that is only a game back in July and a game up in the loss column can't win it all, you're dead wrong.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs lost to the Omaha Royals, 9-6.

Jose Ascanio had a terrible start tonight, not making it out of the second inning. Ascanio gave up six runs, five of which were earned, in only 1.2 innings. He was tagged for six hits and failed to strike anyone out. He walked one batter and hit one too. He also had a wild pitch. This awful outing did only raise Ascanio's ERA to 2.91 though.

John Gaub threw an inning of scoreless relief and Blake Parker had two shutout innings out of the pen. I mention them because they're both having good seasons that have been mostly under the radar here.

Center fielder Sam Fuld returned to Iowa and hit his first home run of the season. Fuld was 2 for 4 with a walk and two RBI from the home run.

First baseman Matt Craig and DH Jason Dubois had identical lines of 2 for 4 with a double an a run scored. Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Shortstop Aaron Miles was 1 for 5.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were kicked off the reservation by the Mississippi Braves, 8-5.

David Patton made a rehab start and it didn't go very well either. Patton pitched two innings and gave up three runs on a three-run home run in the second inning. Patton allowed two hits and walked one. He also struck out one.

First baseman Blake Lalli ws 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Second baseman Tony Thomas was 2 for 3 with an RBI sac fly.

Shortstop Jonathan Mota was 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored. Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4 with a walk and an RBI. Third baseman Marquez Smith was 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Catcher Welington Castillo was 1 for 3 with a solo home run, his eighth of the season.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs lost to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 5-3 in 13 innings.

Rafael Dolis started and allowed three runs on four hits over four innings. Dolis walked three and struck out two.

Joe Simokaitis had an ERA of 8.68 in 9.1 innings of relief in Boise. So naturally the correct move is to promote him all the way to Daytona. He responded to the promotion with two shutout innings of relief. He allowed two hits and he hit a batter. He didn't strike anyone out.

Luke Sommer pitched the 13th inning and took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits.

Left fielder Josh Harrison went 2 for 6 with four stolen bases. Center fielder Tony Campana went 3 for 7 with a run scored and two stolen bases. Shortstop Starlin Castro had the final two of the Cubs eight steals tonight. Castro was 2 for 5 with a double and two walks.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were pounded by the Lansing Lugnuts, 6-2.

Austin Bibens-Dirkx got his first start tonight, but it didn't go well as he picked up his first loss. ABD gave up five runs on six hits, inculding two home runs, over five plus innings. One of the runs was unearned. The positive sign was that he struck out four and didn't walk anyone.

Right fielder Andrew Rundle hit his second home run, a two-run shot in the sixth inning. Rundle was 1 for 3.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks were outslugged by the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, 10-8.

Robert Hernandez started tonight and continued tonight's theme of bad starts with three runs over 5.1 innings. Actually, tonight that's not so bad. He gave up four hits and issued three walks. Hernandez struck out five. One of Hernandez's runs was unearned.

Corey Martin allowed five runs, three of which were earned, in only one inning to take the loss.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 3 with a walk. He scored three times and had one RBI.

First baseman Justin Bour was 2 for 4 with a walk and a double. He had two RBI. Left fielder Jose Valdez was 2 for 3.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 1 for 3 with a run scored and two more walks. He struck out once.

AZL Cubs

Were the only winner tonight, shutting out the Athletics, 7-0.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 16

Josh77 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:34:38 -0000

I'll try to do this as a story rather than as a front page fanpost like I did last night. Maybe I should do these a little earlier in the evening.

Full schedule again tonight.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs scored six in the seventh and five in the eighth to triumph over the cacophony of the Nashville Sounds, 11-4.

Esmailin Caridad started and allowed four runs on nine hits over six innings. He walked three and struck out three.

Justin Berg got his fourth win with an inning of scoreless relief. A runner reached on an error, but Berg promptly got the next batter to hit into a double play to end the inning.

First baseman Matt Craig hit home run number four, a three-run homer, in that six-run seventh. Craig went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Second baseman Nate Spears didn't enter the game until the sixth inning, but he was 2 for 3 with a double and four RBI. Right fielder So Taguchi was 2 for 4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Aaron Miles was 0 for 3 in his rehab start.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies blotted out the Jacksonville Suns, 9-2.

Jeremy Papelbon had a great start tonight, allowing only one run on three hits over five innings. He didn't walk anyone and struck out five. But Alex Maestri got the win with a perfect inning of relief, striking out one.

Catcher Welington Castillo has had a miserable season, but tonight he banged out three hits, including two doubles, in five at bats. He scored once and had three RBI.

Third baseman Marquez Smith went 2 for 3 with two walks. He had three RBI and scored once. Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. He also stole a base.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs fell to the Tampa Yankees, 5-3.

Starter Dan McDaniel saw his record fall to 5-7 by allowing four runs on eight hits over five innings. McDaniel also walked three and struck out one. One of the four runs was unearned, but it was his error, so he can't complain.

Center fielder Tony Campana and Robinson Chirinos were both 2 for 3. Chirinos also drew a walk and Campana earned himself an umpire ejection in the fifth inning.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were flooded by the West Michigan Whitecaps, 11-7.

Marcus Hatley's evening only lasted two innings. He allowed five runs on seven hits, including two home runs. He failed to strike anyone out and walked one.

Chris Siegfried took the loss in relief. He gave up four runs on five hits over 2.2 innings. Siegfried walked three and struck out two.

First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 4 with his ninth home run of the year. Ridling scored once and had two RBI. He also walked once.

Right fielder Kyler Burke hit his seventh homer in the third inning. Burke was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and the one RBI.

Catcher Michael Brenly was 2 for 3 with a walk and two runs scored, but Bob will probably be bragging about him stealing home tonight. It was the back end of a double-steal with shortstop Junior Lake taking second base. Lake was 2 for 4 with a run.

Second baseman Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 5.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks' offense exploded tonight in a 14-5 drubbing of the Yakima Bears.

Starter Josh Whitlock got his first start of the season tonight and he made it a great one. Whitlock only allowed one hit in four shutout innings. He didn't walk anyone and struck out four. He didn't get the win because he didn't go five, so the win went to Eduardo Figueroa, who allowed two runs over two innings. Does that rule make sense to anyone?

When June ended, Logan Watkins was hitting .231. After he went 5 for 6 tonight with a double, his average has risen to .344. Watkins scored three times and had one RBI. Watkins is 16 for 23 over the past five games. I think that's what they mean by "in a zone."

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 3 for 5 with a double and a triple. Lee had four RBI and scored twice. Second baseman George Matheus was 3 for 5 and scored twice.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was only 1 for 2, but he walked four times. It wasn't the opposing pitchers either, since the rest of the Hawks only had one walk.

First baseman Justin Bour homered for the first time for Boise. He was 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored twice and had two RBI.

Catcher Richard Jones had a double and four RBI in a 2 for 6 game. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 2 for 5 with a run scored.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Padres, 5-4.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 12

Josh77 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:44:15 -0000

You're officially forgiven if you didn't watch today's Futures Game, which was long-delayed and shortened by rain. But Starlin Castro had an infield single and scored the tying run from second base on an infield hit and error. Josh Vitters was 0 for 1 with a walk.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs were battered by the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 7-3.

Starter Casey Fossum gave up all seven runs and didn't make it out of the third inning. Fossum lasted only 2.1 innings and got rocked for ten hits, including one home run. He didn't walk anyone and struck out one.

First baseman Matt Craig and third baseman Bobby Scales had identical lines of 2 for 4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. Second baseman Nate Spears continued his hot July by going 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

Started their All-Star Break today. Six Smokies are going to the festivities: Pitchers Jay Jackson, Casey Coleman and Brian Schlitter. First baseman Blake Lalli will be starting and outfielder James Adduci and second baseman Tony Thomas are reserves. Shortstop Darwin Barney was named to the team but was recently promoted to Iowa.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs harpooned the Clearwater Threshers, 12-3.

Chris Carpenter dominated for his first FSL win. He allowed only one run on two hits over six innings. The one run scored on a home run. Carpenter didn't walk anyone and struck out eight.

Second baseman Josh Harrison hit his first FSL home run tonight in a 3 for 4 game. Harrison also doubled. He had two RBI and scored twice.

Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez was 2 for 5 with two stolen bases. He also walked once. Gonzalez scored twice. Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt went 3 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored.

Center fielder Tony Campana was 1 for 4 with a walk and three stolen bases. Campana scored three times and batted one in.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs lost to the Ft. Wayne Tin Caps, 8-4.

Starter Chris Archer got the loss. He allowed three runs on five hits over four plus innings. Archer walked two and struck out seven.

Shortstop Junior Lake had a double in a 2 for 4 game. Lake scored once and had one RBI. Third baseman Jovan Rosa was 2 for 3 with a walk and two stolen bases--only one fewer steal than he had all last season for Peoria. Rosa scored once.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks hung on to beat the Vancouver Canadians, 8-7,

Starter Robert Hernandez was solid tonight in picking up the win. He allowed only one run on two hits over five innings. Hernandez didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

Center fielder Brett Jackson hit his first professional home run tonight with a two-run blast in the first inning. Jackson was 1 for 4 and was walked intentionally once.

Burundi Davis was 3 for 4 with two RBI. Logan Watkins had four RBI tonight. He went 3 for 4 with a double. He also scored once.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Brewers 6-2.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--July 10

Josh77 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:17:03 -0000

RHP Mike Perconte was promoted from Boise to Daytona. Outfielder Burundi Davis was moved from Arizona to Boise. Boise outfielder Cliff Andersen was released.

I'm travelling back to California tomorrow, so any posting tomorrow is likely to be late.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs rode a seven-run sixth inning to a 11-5 beatdown in Bricktown of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Starter Mitch Atkins was the beneficiary of all this offense, getting the win despite allowing five runs on eleven hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out four. Atkins upped his record to 6-9.

Left fielder John-Ford Griffin hit a three-run homer in the third inning, his third with the Cubs. Griffin went 2 for 5 and scored twice.

The I-Cubs had eight straight men reach base in that sixth inning: seven hits and one walk. Right fielder So Taguchi was 2 for 2 with two walks and two runs scored. Second baseman Nate Spears had three hits in four at-bats, including a double. He scored once and had one RBI.

First baseman Matt Craig and catcher Chris Robinson were both 2 for 5 with a run scored. Craig also had an RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were extinguished by the Montgomery Biscuits, 15-1.

After I praised Casey Coleman last time out, he got rocked tonight for seven runs, five of which were earned, in only 3.1 innings. He gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out only one.

Marco Carillo had a rough inning of relief, allowing five runs on five hits.

Left fielder Ty Wright his this fifth home run for the lone Smokie run. He was 1 for 3 with a walk.

DH Blake Lalli was 2 for 4 with a double. He also pitched the ninth inning, allowing two runs, one of which was unearned. He did strike out two, which was more than any other Smokie pitcher struck out tonight.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs split a double-header with the Tampa Yankees, winning the first 2-0 and dropping the second one 2-1.

James Leverton pitched out of trouble in 5.2 shutout innings to collect the win tonight, allowing five hits and four walks, one of which was intentional. Leverton struck out one.

David Cales got his 11th save with 1.1 innings of perfect relief. He struck out one.

In the second game, Dan McDaniel took the loss, although he only allowed two runs on four hits over five innings. McDaniel walked two and struck out three.

Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt was 1 for 2 with a walk and a double in the first game and was 2 for 3 in the second game.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were edged by the Great Lakes Loons, 7-6.

Marcus Hatley started and got the loss, allowing all seven runs in only 3.2 innings. He gave up seven hits, two of which were home runs, and walked five. Hatley struck out two.

Austin Biebens-Dirkx then threw 5.1 shutout innings to close out the game. He gave up only two hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Center fielder David Macias hit his first home run of the season to lead off the bottom of the first inning. Macias was 3 for 5 with two runs scored.

Right fielder Kyler Burke hit his sixth home run tonight, a grand slam in the fifth inning that cut the Loon lead to one. Burke was 2 for 4.

Second baseman Ryan Flaherty went 2 for 4 with two runs scored. First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks were beaten by the Vancouver Canadians, 5-4.

Jeffry Antigua had a great start wasted tonight as he threw five shutout innings and only allowed one lone single. He struck out six.

This loss is all on Joe Simokaitis, who got rocked again for four runs in only a third of an inning.

The Hawks only had three hits tonight, but stayed in the game because of six walks and three Canadian errors. DH Burundi Davis was 0 for 2 with two of the walks. He also stole two bases.

AZL Cubs

Had the day off.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 3

Josh77 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:35:01 -0000

After ten hours on the road, here I am in Boise bringing you the recap of tonight's exciting minor league action.

But you'll have to forgive me if it's somewhat incoherent, After driving for ten hours, I'm seeing two computer screens and two keyboards.

Some guy named Ramirez played for Peoria.

Oh, Ryne Sandberg had an interesting night too.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs blasted the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 7-1.

Angel Guzman started and faced six batters and threw 25 pitches, 15 for strikes. He allowed a hit and a walk in 1.1 innings and struck out one.

Casey Fossum made his Cub organizational debut after that and picked up the win, going 4.2 innings and allowing one run on four hits and two walks. The run scored on a solo home run. Fossum struck out five for a pretty impressive I-Cub debut.

See, that's how you get a starting pitcher the win despite not going five innings. Have a rehabbing reliever pitch the first inning.

Third baseman Nate Spears had 3 hits in 4 ABs tonight. Spears scored once and had one RBI.

Second baseman Luis Rivas had a double in a 2 for 4 game. Rivas had two RBI and scored once. Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Catcher Steve Clevenger was 2 for 5 with a stolen base.

I didn't even notice that first baseman Matt Craig rejoined the Cub organization a couple of days ago. Craig was 2 for 5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. Craig had been playing for the Marlins this season after spending seven seasons in the Cub organization.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies eclipsed the Huntsville Stars, 5-3.

After a horrible start to the season, Marcos Mateo is starting to right the ship in Tennessee with his third straight start allowing only one run. Tonight he pitched six innings and surrendered only the one run on three hits and a walk. Mateo fanned five.

The ninth inning was when things got interesting. Brian Schlitter came in for the save and walked four while grabbing only two outs. But Ryno didn't think the calls were very good and asked the umpire where the pitches were. After his questions were ignored, Sandberg went ballistic and bumped the home plate umpire in a heated argument. This was Sandberg's third ejection in the past seven games and his sixth of the season. Sandberg is certain to be suspended for this one as contact was made with the umpire "multiple times" according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Jayson Ruhlman walked in another run in the ninth but got the final out and the save after that.

Third baseman Marquez Smith was 2 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base. Shortstop Nate Samson, recently promoted from Daytona to replace Darwin Barney, was 2 for 5 with a stolen base.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs lost to the Brevard County Manatees, 4-2.

James Leverton, who was taken in the draft last season one round before Jay Jackson, saw his record fall to 5-8 by allowing three runs on five hits in only three innings. Leverton walked one and struck out one.

Second baseman Jake Opitz was 2 for 2 with a triple and two walks. Opitz scored once and had one RBI.

Josh Vitters had a rough night: 0 for 4 with two errors. He did have an RBI on a ground out though.

Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. Guyer also scored once.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs hunted down the Kane County Cougars, 7-1.

Jeff Beliveau has got to be opening some eyes down in Peoria this season. Tonight he allowed only one run on three hits over five innings. He walked only one and struck out six. So far this season, he's struck out 78 batters in 58 innings. He's walked 28, which while that's not good, it's acceptable for someone who has struck out so many and has held opposing hitters to a .207 average. He's also only allowed two home runs so far, and that's excellent.

Aramis Ramirez started his rehab and went 1 for 2 with a double and a walk. He scored twice and had two RBI. He played four innings of third base before exiting the game.

Right fielder Kyler Burke was 2 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He scored twice and had two RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling went 2 for 5 with a double and three RBI.

Boise Hawks

Lost to the Tri-City Dust Devils, 12-0.

The less said about this game, the better.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Dodgers, 6-5 in ten innings.