SB Nation - Steve Clevenger

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 27

Josh77 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:20:34 -0000

Hak-Ju Lee and Jose Valdez were named to the Northwest League Post-season All-Star Team.

I think everybody needs some good news tonight and I'm glad to say I've got some tonight. So we're going to lead off with it.

Peoria Chiefs (37-22)

The Peoria Chiefs clinched a playoff spot tonight with a 2-1 victory over the Quad City River Bandits.

Starter Aaron Shafer got the win tonight with six shutout innings. He allowed four hits. He walked one and struck out two.

Kevin Kreier got his third save of the year with two shutout innings. Kreier allowed one hit, issued one walk and struck out three.

Center fielder David Macias went 2 for 4 and scored both runs. Third baseman Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 3 with a walk.

Because the first and second place teams in each half make the playoffs in the Midwest League, the Chiefs clinched a spot tonight. Their magic number to win the second half division title is three.

Iowa Cubs (68-65)

The Iowa Cubs kept their playoff hopes alive by taking a double-header from the Oklahoma City RedHawks by identical 2-1 scores.

In the first game, James Russell started and pitched five shutout innings. Russell allowed four hits, walked one and struck out seven.

David Patton got the win with an inning of relief. Patton didn't allow any runs or hits, but he did walk two. He did not record a strikeout.

Blake Parker allowed an unearned run in the ninth inning, but recorded his 19th save anyway. Parker didn't allow a hit. He walked one and struck out two.

The Cubs only had two hits in the first game, but one of them was a two-run home run in the sixth inning by shortstop Andres Blanco. It was Blanco's sixth home run this season for Iowa. Blanco was 1 for 3.

In the second game the Cubs scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, including a game-winning RBI single by Andres Blanco again. Blanco went 2 for 4 with a double in the second game. Catcher Steve Clevenger was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Esmailin Caridad started the second game and allowed one unearned run over three innings. He allowed two hits, walked no one and struck out five.

John Gaub got the win in relief. He walked two and struck out two in the one scoreless inning of relief he pitched.

Tennessee Smokies

Had the day off.

Daytona Cubs (26-32)

The Daytona Cubs tamed the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 8-5.

James Leverton started and picked up his ninth win. He went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits, including a pair of two run homers. Leverton walked one and struck out five.

Henry Williamson was perfect in 2.2 innings of relief. He struck out five.

Right fielder Brandon Guyer did what we've been waiting for him to do for quite a while: he homered. The three-run home run was his first home run for Daytona (he had hit one for Tennessee) and he went 1 for 4.

Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt was 2 for 4 with two runs scored. First baseman Jake Opitz had a triple (but didn't score) in a 2 for 4 game. Shortstop Nate Samson went 1 for 2 with two walks. He scored twice and had two RBI.

Boise Hawks (30-36)

The Boise Hawks lost to the Spokane Indians, 4-2.

Yohan Gonzalez was very good in relief in this game, tossing three perfect innings from the fourth through the sixth. Gonzalez struck out three.

Left fielder Robert Wagner provided all the Hawks runs with a two-run homer. It was his fourth on the season. Wagner also doubled in a 2 for 4 game.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Giants, 6-4.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--August 25

Josh77 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:00:16 -0000

Len Kasper mentioned this during the game tonight, but Chiefs Rebel Ridling, Josh Vitters, Kyler Burke and Josh Harrison were all named to the Midwest League Postseason All-Star Team. Harrison was traded to Pittsburgh, of course. Chiefs manager Marty Pevey shared the manager of the year award.

Wish I had better news to report tonight.

Iowa Cubs (66-65)

The Iowa Cubs were derailed by the New Orleans Zephyrs, 8-1.

J.R. Mathes took the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits over 4.1 innings. Mathes didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Catcher Steve Clevenger was 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies (31-28)

The Smokies fell out of first place tonight when they were beaten by the Carolina Mudcats, 7-6.

Hung-Wen Chen got the start and picked up the loss. He went six innings and allowed five runs on seven hits. Chen walked one and struck out four.

Catcher Welington Castillo was 3 for 4 with two doubles. He had one RBI and scored once. Center fielder James Adduci was 3 for 5 with a run scored. First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 5 with an RBI.

Daytona Cubs (25-31)

Figures that the teams who have already been mathematically-eliminated would be the teams that won. The Daytona Cubs aren't just playing out the string though, as tonight they tamed the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 6-4.

Starter Craig Muschko got the win. He pitched five innings and he allowed two runs on four hits. He was great around the plate as he didn't walk anyone and struck out eight.

Luke Sommer pitched the ninth to get his second save. Sommer allowed one hit but no runs. He didn't walk anyone and he struck out one.

Second baseman Nate Samson hit a solo home run in the third inning. It was his second home run on the season. Samson was 1 for 4.

Third baseman Josh VItters hit home run number three (and his second in three games) back-to-back with Samson's shot. Vitters was 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Left fielder Tony Campana was 3 for 5 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez had a double and a triple in a 2 for 4 game. Gonzalez scored once and had one RBI. First baseman Jake Opitz went 2 for 4 with two doubles. Opitz had one RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (35-22)

The Chiefs were robbed by the Quad City River Bandits 9-6 in 12 innings.

Starter Jeffry Antigua pitched 5.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits. He only walked one and struck out seven.

Erik Hamren got the loss in relief. Hamren went two innings and allowed three runs, two of which were earned. He allowed two hits and walked two while striking out two. He also balked with an inherited runner on third in the tenth inning.

It was home run number 20 tonight for second baseman Ryan Flaherty. Flaherty's home run was a solo homer in the bottom of the first. He went 3 for 6 with two runs scored.

Center fielder Brett Jackson also hit a solo home run tonight, his fifth for Peoria, in the fifth inning. Jackson went 1 for 5 with a walk and two runs scored.

First baseman Rebel Ridling was 3 for 4 with a run scored. Kyler Burke was 2 for 5 with an RBI.

Boise Hawks (30-33)

The Hawks were stopped by the Spokane Indians, 6-4.

Eduardo Figueroa started and took the loss. He allowed four runs over three innings, but only one of the runs was earned. He gave up six hits and didn't walk anyone, although he did have two wild pitches. Figueroa struck out two.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 5 with two runs scored. However, he did have another one of those two error games. Lee does seem to make errors in bunches, although he does often go a while without making one.

First baseman Greg Rohan had two doubles in a 2 for 3 game. Rohand also walked once. He had two RBI.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Angels, 5-4.

Again, the mathematically-eliminated team wins.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--April 15

Josh77 — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:26:47 -0000

It might have lacked the drama of the Big Z in Milwaukee last season, but the Cubs threw a no-hitter tonight!

Daytona Cubs (19-27)

When a team throws a no-hitter, even of the seven-inning variety, it gets the lead-off position. Tonight four Daytona Cubs pitchers combined to no-hit the Dunedin Blue Jays, 4-0 in the first game of a double-header. They lost 3-2 in the second game.

Craig Muschko started the game tonight and went the longest, going four innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Chris Siegfried pitched one inning and was awarded the win on the "Starter must go five" rule. Siegfried neither walked nor struck out anyone.

Oswaldo Martinez was just signed out of the Mexican League, and made his Cub debut part of a historic one. He pitched two-thirds of an inning and issued a walk and had a wild pitch. David Cales finished out the final 1.1 innings. He didn't walk or strike out anyone.

It was Daytona's first no-hitter in 13 years. Kerry Wood and two relievers threw that one.

Second baseman Nate Samson had a two-run home run and a two-run homer to provide all of the D-Cub offense. Samson also walked once.

In the second game, James Leverton started and took the loss, giving up three runs on three hits, including a two-run home run, over five innings. Leverton walked two and struck out three.

Nate Samson went 2 for 4 in the second game. First baseman Jake Opitz was 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored.

Iowa Cubs (61-59)

The Iowa Cubs summited the Tacoma Raniers, 7-4.

J.R. Mathes picked up the win to improve his record to 11-6. Mathes pitched five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits. One of the runs was unearned. Mathes walked one and struck out one.

Blake Parker got his 15th save, although he did allow a run on a solo home run. He pitched two innings, walked two and struck out three.

Second baseman Luis Rivas had three doubles in a 3 for 4 game. He scored twice. Catcher Steve Clevenger was 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBI.

First baseman Micah Hoffpauir hit a solo home run in the ninth. Hoffpauir went 2 for 5.

Tennessee Smokies (25-25)

The Smokies eclipsed the Jacksonville Suns, 7-4.

Casey Coleman leads the organization in wins this season, and he picked up #13 tonight , although he really didn't pitch that well. Coleman went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on four hits and four walks. He struck out four, of course.

Jayson Ruhlman was perfect over the final 1.2 innings for his fourth save.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 3 for 3 with a triple and a walk. He scored twice. Left fielder Ty Wright and third baseman Marquez Smith were both 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. One of Smith's his was a double.

Peoria Chiefs (28-20)

The Chiefs were robbed by the Quad Cities River Badits, 3-2 in ten innings.

Starter Aaron Shafer allowed two runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings. He didn't walk anyone and struck out three.

Kevin Kreier took the loss. He gave up a run on two hits and two walks over 1.2 innings.

Third baseman Ryan Flaherty hit home run #17 tonight to tie up the game in the eighth inning. Flaherty was 2 for 4 with the one RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling had a double in a 2 for 4 game.

Boise Hawks (25-30)

It took 12 innings, but the Hawks beat the Everett Aqua Sox, 4-3.

Starter Robert Whitenack allowed two unearned runs over five innings. He gave up six hits, walked once and struck out four.

Second baseman Logan Watkins went 4 for 6 and scored the winning run in the 12th inning on shortstop George Matheus's single. Matheus was 2 for 6 with the one RBI and one run scored.

DH Jae-Hoon Ha was 3 for with a double and a run scored.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Dodgers, 10-4.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 24

Josh77 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:47:44 -0000

Some wild games tonight. Of course, almost every game in Albuquerque is wild. The Cubs just need a team in the Cal League so they can play in Lancaster and High Desert too.

Iowa Cubs

It's back to "Coors Field on Steroids" for the I-Cubs tonight as they got pounded by the Albuquerque Isotopes, 16-8.

Mitch Atkins drew the short straw tonight and got the start. He lasted only three innings and allowed five runs on eight hits. Atkins walked three and struck out two.

It got so bad that second baseman Nate Spears pitched the ninth. Spears gave up two solo home runs.

The I-Cubs only had two home runs tonight, both two-run homers in the sixth inning. The first one belonged to Sam Fuld, who was 1 for 6 with his second home run, both of the year and of the last three games. The second one was hit by left fielder Jason Dubois, his 11th of the season. Dubois went 3 for 5 and scored twice.

Bobby Scales was 3 for 4 with a double and a walk. He scored once and had two RBI. Both right fielder So Taguchi and catcher Steve Clevenger went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. He also scored once.

Tennesee Smokies

The Smokies were destroyed by the Mississippi Braves, 10-0.

Jay Jackson had a rough start tonight, not making it out of the third inning. Jackson allowed five runs, four of which were earned, on five hits in 2.2 innings. Jackson walked four (one was intentional), hit one and struck out two.

Left fielder Ty Wright was 3 for 4 with a double.

Daytona Cubs

Daytona is a good hitters park, but it's certainly not "Coors Field South" or anything. Still, tonight the Daytona Cubs hammered the Palm Beach Cardinals, 16-10 on fifteen singles, four walks and only one double.

James Leverton started and allowed three runs on five hits over five innings. One of the runs was unearned. Leverton walked two and struck out four.

Luke Sommer got the win with two innings of scoreless relief. Sommer didn't allow a hit or a walk and struck out three.

The Daytona assault was led by second baseman Josh Harrison who was 4 for 5 with a walk. Harrison had four RBI and scored three times.

Center fielder Brandon Guyer had the one extra base hit. Guyer went 2 for 5 with a double and two RBI and scored once. Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez was 2 for 5 with three RBI.

Third baseman Josh Vitters was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Right fielder Jonathan Wyatt went 2 for 3 with walk. Wyatt scored three times and had one RBI.

Maybe Palm Beach is finally figuring out how to slow down the D-Cubs. Two nights after stealing eight bases and the night after stealing six bases, the Daytona Cubs "only" stole five bases tonight. Wyatt, Guyer and Harrison each had one and Tony Campana had two. Camapana now has 51 steals this season. His 40 steals in the Florida State League are three steals behind the league lead, and that player has played the whole season in the FSL.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs cracked the Lansing Lugnuts, 7-6 on a Jose Made "walk-off bases-loaded walk" in he bottom of the ninth.

Chris Archer started and allowed two runs on four hits in 4.2 innings. Archer had some control problems as he walked four and had a wild pitch. He struck out two.

Chris Huseby threw a perfect top of the ninth to get the win. Huseby struck out one.

Shortstop Ryan Flaherty hit his 12th home run in the third inning tonight. Flaherty was 2 for 3 with two walks. Flaherty scored four times and had the one RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling also homered, a first inning two-run shot that was his tenth of the year. Ridling was 3 for 5 with four RBI total.

Right fielder Kyler Burke had a triple and a walk in a 2 for 4 night.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks were crushed by the Eugene Emeralds, 5-1.

"But coach, I've got a no-hitter going!" Starter Tarlandus Mitchell didn't make it out of the first inning tonight. He didn't allow a hit, but he walked five and hit one batter. That led to him being charged with allowing five runs. Mitchell also had a wild pitch. He did strike out one batter.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee led off the game with a double, stole third and scored the only Hawk run of the game on a Brett Jackson single. Lee was 2 for 4 total.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Brewers, 4-1.

Second-round pick DJ LeMaheiu made his professional debut. He was 2 for 4 with a triple.

Mid-season top-ten prospect rankings

Josh77 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:58:14 -0000

Here it is, my take on the Cubs top-ten prospects at mid-season. Stuff in my personal life has delayed this by a few weeks, but I hope to have the time to do a ranking of the next ten sometime over the weekend, although that may end up as just a list with short commentary as part of a regular minor league wrap.

There's been a lot of talk about how down the Cubs Farm System is right now and I can't really disagree with that. There isn't a lot of depth there right now. But that doesn't mean that there is nothing to get excited about. I do like the top eight listed here quite a bit and after that, there are a lot of guys who could end up being good but that the odds are against them. And certainly there has been a great influx of talent into the Cubs system from the Pacific Rim that could turn around our system pretty quickly.

1. Josh Vitters 3B- 19 years old.: Peoria 70G.316/.351/.535 15 HR. Daytona 18G .225/.247/.310

The top prospect in the Cubs system has been awfully streaky this season. He went on a tear for Peoria in May in which for about two weeks he seemed to be going 3 for 4 with a home run every night. Then the league adjusted and Vitters cooled off for about three weeks before he was able to adjust and started hitting again and was promoted to Daytona. He’s struggling a bit in High-A, although his numbers there looked better before last night’s 0 for 6.

Vitters progress has been slower than we might have hoped, but he’s still very young and has demonstrated all the skills the Cubs thought they were getting when they made him the #3 pick in the draft. He remains the only blue-chip prospect in the system.

2. Starlin Castro SS 19 years old. Daytona .307/.339/.408 3HR. 19 SB

Castro is seven months younger than Josh Vitters, so it was a bit of a surprise when he was jumped over Boise and Peoria all the way to Daytona to start the season. He was the youngest player in the Florida State League at the start of the year, but he hasn’t been overmatched at all. He needs work on developing consistency defensively, especially with his throws, and could end up at 2B one day. He’ll also need to learn to draw some walks if he wants to be a major league leadoff hitter. Otherwise, the potential is there for Castro to be an all-star in the major leagues.

3. Andrew Cashner RHP 22 years old. Daytona 0-0 1.50 ERA 42 IP 15 BB 34 K. Tennessee 0-1 1.37 ERA 19.2 IP 5 BB 17K

The transition of Cashner from reliever to starter has been a slow one, but I have to admit that I might have been wrong thinking that his long-term future would be in the pen. Cashner spent the first half of the season recovering from off-season tendonitis and is still on an 80 pitch count, but he’s been dominating since his promotion to AA. Another very positive sign on Cashner is that he’s only given up one HR so far this season and only one last season as well. When he’s not striking opponents out, he’s keeping the ball on the ground. It is certainly possible to that Cashner will be starting games at Wrigley by the time the ivy blooms next summer.

4. Jay Jackson RHP 21 years old. Tennessee 5-4 3.38 ERA 80 IP 35K 75K

Jackson may not have quite as good stuff as Cashner, but his stuff is plenty good enough and he’s far more savvy on the mound that you would expect from someone who has only been pitching full-time for two years now. He combines a 90-92 fastball with a slider that can be completely nasty at times. He missed some time after getting hit in the leg with a comebacker, and he’s apparently been battling some personal issues in the past two weeks. He’s a bulldog on the mound in the mold of Carlos Zambrano (without the meltdowns) and should be a huge fan favorite if he has any success on the major league level.

5. Brett Jackson OF 20 years old. Boise 18G .333/.487/.433 1 HR 1 SB.

So far, the Cubs first round pick this season has been, well, different that what we were led to believe. His problem with plate discipline in college has been completely absent so far in Boise, as has his power. But it’s way too early to get a good handle on what type of player Jackson is going to be yet.

6. Jeff Samardzija RHP 24 years old. Iowa 5-3 3.72 ERA 67.2 IP 53K 20BB. Cubs 0-1 5.79 ERA 14IP 7BB 11K.

There’s not a lot I can say about Samardzija that you don’t already know from seeing him pitch in the majors. I believe the Cubs are hurting his development by shuttling him between the majors and the minors, the bullpen and the rotation. The Cubs need to decide what they are going to do with the Shark and stick with it.

7. Hak-Ju Lee SS 18 years old. Boise 30G .322/.388/.407 0 HR 13 SB.

So far, so good on Lee. He’s an exciting young prospect with blazing speed, a fantastic glove and the ability to hit to all fields and draw a walk at the plate. He needs to develop more consistency on the accuracy of his throws. He had Tommy John surgery last season, so that might still be bothering him. The only thing negative I can think of to say about him is that he’s young and a long way from the majors. A lot of things could still go wrong on him, but he’s got more potential than anyone in the system other than Vitters.

8. Chris Carpenter RHP 23 years old. Peoria 4-3 2.44 ERA 73.2 IP 33 BB 60K Daytona 2-1 1.71 ERA 21 IP 8BB 30K.

Carpenter is a type of pitcher the Cubs haven’t had a lot of luck with: a guy with first-round stuff but a sketchy injury history. Coming out of Kent State, Carpenter had already had Tommy John surgery and a second follow-up procedure the next season, which dropped him to the Cubs in the third round of the 2008 Draft. But so far, he’s been healthy and very good since turning pro. His health is still the biggest obstacle to him becoming a #2/#3 starter in the majors.

How cool would it be for him to face off against the Cardinals and the "other" Chris Carpenter?

9. Steve Clevenger C 23 years old. Tennessee 26G .364/443/532. I HR. Iowa 41G .269/.305/.331

For a guy who has only been catching for two season, Clevenger has taken to the "tools of ignorance" like a natural. He might never be a gold glover, but he’s apparently solid behind the plate with a good arm. He’s not likely to have the power that you want for a staring catcher, but he can hit for average and draw a walk. He should be a very good major league backup, but being a decent starter is not out of the question.

10. Dae-Eun Rhee RHP 20 years old. Has not pitched.

This is where the system falls off a cliff. I’m not saying that there aren’t guys I’ve ranked below here that can’t end up being quality major leaguers, I just think that after the top eight, everyone left has major question marks. So much so that I’m ranking Rhee at #10 despite the fact that he had Tommy John surgery last season and still hasn’t returned to the mound. But he was very good last season before going under the knife. He has three great pitches, a fastball, curve and splitter and was on the way to developing a nasty slider last year as well.

The Cubs have been pretty tightlipped about Rhee, preferring to let the young Korean phenom rehab out of the spotlight. All they will say is that his rehab is on-track and that he is likely to pitch sometime this season.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--July 18

Josh77 — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:18:34 -0000

And on this day, my little baby girl turned 18 months old. Everybody but Peoria got her a present.

Iowa Cubs

One run in the eighth and one run in the ninth and the I-Cubs drowned out the Nashville Sounds, 2-1.

Casey Fossum had his best start since joining the Cubs, allowing only one unearned run over six innings. He allowed five hits and only walked one batter while striking out five.

Blake Parker got the win in relief. He walked a batter with two outs, but otherwise had an uneventful inning.

Catcher Steve Clevenger was 2 for 4, including the walk-off single that scored John-Ford Griffin. Shortstop Matt Camp was 2 for 3 with a double and a steal of third base. He also scored the tying run in the eighth after a bunt single.

Aaron Miles played third base and was 1 for 3 with a walk and a double that scored Camp in the eighth inning. Miles also stole a base.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies scored five runs in the fourth inning to blot out the Jacksonville Suns, 5-4.

Whatever is going on in his personal life (he's had some cryptic Twitter posts), starter Jay Jackson picked up the win tonight by allowing two runs on five hits over five innings. The runs scored on a pair of solo home runs after Jackson already had a 5-0 lead. He walked four, which is disheartening but he struck out seven, which is, of course, encouraging.

Jake Muyco pitched a scoreless ninth inning and got his first save in AA this season. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

The Smokies pounded out three home runs in the fourth against Sean West, who pitching for the Florida Marlins just last week. Left fielder Ty Wright was first with his sixth home run of the season. Wright was 1 for 4 with a walk and the one RBI. Next up was right fielder Doug Deeds, who went back-to-back with Wright with his fourth homer for the Smokies. Deeds was 1 for 3 with two walks on the night. Finally after a walk, Welington Castillo pounded out a two-run home run, also his fourth. Castillo was 2 for 4.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs blanked the St. Lucie Mets, 3-0.

Starter Chris Carpenter was stunning tonight, allowing only one hit over five innings. He walked three but struck out an eye-opening nine Mets.

Left fielder Tony Campana was 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored. Third baseman Josh Harrison was 2 for 3.

I don't usually talk about the players on the other team, but Mets starting pitcher Scott Moviel hit five Cub batters in his six innings pitched tonight. No, he wasn't ejected. Carpenter only hit one batter.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were chainsawed by the Clinton Lumber Kings, 9-2.

Starter Chris Archer took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits over five innings. One of the runs was unearned. It was a good start for Archer though, as he only walked one batter and struck out five.

Alberto Cabrera gave up six runs, four of which were earned, in only 1.2 innings of relief.

First baseman Rebel Ridling was 3 for 4 with a double. Left fielder Derrick Fitzgerald hit his first home run for Peoria. He was 1 for 4 with the one RBI.

Boise Hawks

It's six out of seven for the Hawks as they successfully appeased the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, 3-2 in 11 innings.

Starter Tarlandus Mitchell went 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing only three hits. Mitchell didn't walk a batter and struck out four.

Ryan Sontag got the win with two innings of hitless relief. He did walk two and struck out one.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 2 for 4 with an RBI.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Royals, 6-4.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 9

Josh77 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:39:52 -0000

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs lost to the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 6-5.

Starter Esmailin Caridad had a rough night, giving up five runs on nine hits in a 6.1 inning stint. Caridad walked two and struck out six.

Greg Reinhard took the loss in relief when he entered a tied game in the ninth and allowed the winning run on a single and a double. He walked one batter intentionally. The only out he recorded was on a sacrifice bunt.

Catcher Steve Clevenger went 3 for 4 with a two-run triple tonight. He also scored once.

First baseman Bobby Scales was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were baked by the Montgomery Biscuits, 6-3.

Andrew Cashner was charged with three unearned runs in the fifth inning to take the loss. Cashner went 4.2 innings and gave up three hits and three walks. He only struck out one. However, since the only runs he allowed tonight were unearned (and two scored after he left the game), his ERA in AA dropped to 0.93.

Third baseman Marquez Smith went 2 for 4 with an RBI. First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 4.

Daytona Cubs

Had a double-header rained out tonight. They'll try again tomorrow.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs forcibly sedated the Great Lakes Loons, 4-2.

Starter Aaron Shafer improved his record to 6-5 tonight. He allowed two runs, only one of which was earned, in five innings. He allowed four hits. He walked only one and struck out five.

Chris Huseby pitched a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save. He struck out two.

Right fielder Kyler Burke had a big game tonight, going 3 for 3 with two doubles and a walk. Burke had two RBI and scored once.

Catcher Michael Brenly was 2 for 4.

Boise Hawks

On a long bus trip to Canada.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Athletics, 8-5.

Cubs Play With Hart, Lose To Braves Anyway 4-1

Al — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:05:08 -0000

More photos » by M. Spencer Green - AP

Kevin Hart, you did good. The rest of the Cubs: not so much.

Browse more photos »

I haven't looked, but I'll bet the Cubs' record is better when the weather is.

Today's 4-1 Cubs loss to the Braves was as dreary as the 63-degree rainy weather. In fact, I mentioned to Mike that today's conditions were almost exactly the same as they were the day Kerry Wood struck out 20 in 1998 -- except that game was on May 6, when you'd expect the temperature to be in the mid-60's and a chance of rain, which is what that day was like. Today's game was played nearly entirely in a gentle rainfall, which delayed the start by 42 minutes.

July 8 is supposed to be, well, a little warmer than that and so are the Cubs bats. They now rank 15th in the National League in runs scored, which as Lou said in his postgame remarks, won't cut it if the Cubs want to remain in playoff contention. Lou sounded utterly frustrated and tired in the press conference, and also took a little swipe at Von Joshua. Lou and Gerald Perry go back a ways, and it wasn't Lou's call to get rid of Perry. Lou told reporters they should go "talk to the players" about why they're not hitting -- or "talk to the hitting coach", a veiled slam on Joshua. Obviously, the hitting coach is an easy scapegoat, and since that position was made the sacrificial lamb a few weeks ago, the implication is that Von Joshua's tutelage should have had magical results.

It hasn't and the Cubs simply must start hitting. They're better than this.

Today's loss could perhaps have been avoided if outfielders didn't keep letting baseballs dive underneath their gloves. The first, by Jake Fox, didn't really affect anything -- it allowed the hitter, Martin Prado, to advance to second, but he had already driven in Nate McLouth with the first Atlanta run. (And a remark from me to our group: "Who knew Fox was a better third baseman than an outfielder?")

But the second, on an easily fieldable ball hit to Kosuke Fukudome in the ninth inning, was damaging. I'm not quite sure whether Fukudome just didn't get his glove down or whether he took his eye off the ball, but a run scored and Prado, who hit that one as well, wound up on third, where he scored on a wild pitch. The next hitter, Garret Anderson, hit a ground ball that, had the runners still been on first and second, might have been an inning-ending double play.

Speaking of which, the Cubs got jobbed on a first-inning DP ball by Ryan Theriot -- replays clearly showed Fukudome safe at second base. They further got a bad call in the fourth when Casey Kotchman appeared to have grounded into a DP, only to have 2B umpire Derryl Cousins (who was clearly having a bad day) rule Yunel Escobar safe. He was later erased on a fielder's choice -- but think about it: that FC would have ended the inning; it was an easy comebacker. Instead, three more batters hit in the inning and perhaps the entire dynamic of the game would have changed.

Kevin Hart pitched OK, but as was the case when he was up briefly earlier this year, too many walks: five (one intentional). That gives him ten walks in 10.1 innings in the major leagues, way too many. If Ryan Dempster is going to be out for any length of time, the Cubs have to think about putting Sean Marshall back in the rotation, which is why I heartily endorse the FanPost by Chicagosportsfan in which he advocates signing B.J. Ryan, just released by the Blue Jays.

To me, that's a no-brainer Jim Edmonds type of move -- it costs you only the minimum salary; if he's bad you just cut him, and if he's good you have a solid performer for almost no money. Do it, Jim Hendry. This team needs bullpen help badly.

They will also miss Geovany Soto for a while; he strained an oblique muscle during BP and will have an MRI sometime this evening. Lou said we'd know more Friday and that temporarily, Jake Fox could back up at catcher. If Geo is out for any extended period, the Cubs will have to think about dealing for a catcher, because Mark Johnson isn't the answer and I don't think Steve Clevenger is ready.

The sun may come out tomorrow on the off day and it's supposed to be hot and humid by Friday. The baseball gets hotter, too; the Cubs really need to take three of four from the Cardinals. Do that and this series loss to Atlanta hurts less.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 5

Josh77 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:29:15 -0000

Good night for all the #1 Draft Picks--well, not Cashner, he pitched great yesterday though.

And we're only going to say good things about the Hawks tonight.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were blown away by the New Orleans Zephyrs, 9-1.

Just when it looked like Mitch Atkins had turned his season around, stuff like tonight happens. Atkins didn't make it out of the first inning as he got rocked for seven runs on four hits, two walks and a hit by pitch in only two-thirds of an inning. At least both of the outs he did record were via the strikeout.

Catcher Steve Clevenger was 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

Better news comes from AA, where the Smokies shut out the Carolina Mudcats, 6-0.

We talk a lot about Jay Jackson around here, but Casey Coleman has pitched every bit as well as Jackson has this season. Tonight Coleman had his best game of the year, throwing eight shutout innings and allowing only two hits and three walks. Coleman struck out four as he improved his season record to 9-3. Oh, he went 2 for 4 with the bat as well.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 3 for 5 tonight with two doubles and his seventh home run in AA. That's in only 104 ABs in Tennessee, too. Colvin scored twice and had two RBI.

Center fielder James Adduci had four singles in five trips to the plate. That led to three RBI. He also stole a base.

Second baseman Nate Samson was 3 for 5 and scored twice.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs were grounded by the Dunedin Blue Jays, 6-4.

The Cubs have been very careful with Rafael Dolis, since he missed all of last season after having arm surgery. But it must have been tough to take him out of the game tonight after five innings as he had a no-hitter going. He only walked one batter for his only baserunner and he fanned five.

Dustin Sasser pitched the final two innings and gave up the Cubs four-run lead. Sasser gave up four runs on five hits and a walk. He also allowed two inherited runners to score. He did strike out three.

DH Josh Vitters had his best game for Daytona tonight as he was 2 for 4 with a double and a triple. He had two RBI.

Shortstop Starlin Castro hit a solo home run in the first inning. It was his third homer of the season. Castro was 1 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were chopped down by the Beloit Snappers, 4-2.

Starter Marcus Hatley took the loss, giving up three runs on five hits over three innings. He walked one and didn't strike anyone out.

For the rehabbers, Aramis Ramirez was 1 for 2 with a walk. Reed Johnson was 1 for 4 and scored a run.

For the real minor leaguers, left fielder Nelson Perez had a solo shot that was his eighth home run on the season. Perez was 1 for 4.

Catcher Michael Brenly was 3 for 4 with a double.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks blew a five-run lead in the top of the ninth. Then the gave up a run in the top of the tenth. But they came back with two runs in the bottom of the tenth to stun the Eugene Emeralds, 9-8 in ten innings.

Let's see, good stuff about the pitching staff. Dionis Nunez threw two shutout innings in the sixth and seventh, allowing only one batter to reach by the hit by pitch and then promptly getting the next batter to hit into a double play. He also struck out two.

Third baseman George Matheus was 3 for 4 with four RBI, including the game-ending single that scored two, although the winning run scored on a throwing error on the play.

DH Jae-Hoon Ha went 2 for 5 with a stolen base. Ha had one RBI and scored three times. And I shudder to think what Ron Santo would say if he even made the major league team.

Just to finish out the #1 Draft picks, Brett Jackson was 1 for 4 with a walk. Jackson scored once and had one RBI.

AZL Cubs

Did not play.

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.