SB Nation - Chris Robinson

Cubs September Callups Announced

Al — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:02:01 -0000

There will be eight players added to the Cubs' active roster over the next several days, now that the September 1 roster-expansion date has arrived.

Gordon Wittenmyer has the list, and all eight have been major league Cubs at one time or another already during 2009:

The Cubs plan to recall outfielder Micah Hoffpauir and right-hander Justin Berg from Class AAA Iowa and reinstate infielder Andres Blanco from the disabled list when rosters expand today.

Right-hander David Patton is expected to rejoin the active roster from the DL on Wednesday, and four more I-Cubs are to be recalled as the Class AAA season winds down: infielder Bobby Scales and right-handed pitchers Jeff Samardzija, Jeff Stevens and Esmailin Caridad.

I'd quibble with Gordo's description of Hoffpauir as an "outfielder", but the activation of Andres Blanco is good news. It means that we have likely seen the last of Aaron Miles in any games this year, unless some upcoming game goes deep into extra innings. As Josh tweeted yesterday, Hoffpauir is now the Iowa Cubs' all-time career RBI leader (281 RBI). This isn't necessarily a positive thing; it likely means a player has spent way too much time in the minor leagues. Also, with Jason Dubois swapped to the Mets and, as also noted in Josh's tweet, Chris Robinson leaving Iowa for the Canadian national team, Jake Fox is likely to be the Iowa team leader in RBI this season with 53, despite playing only 45 games there. (Not to mention that Fox is also tied for sixth on the major league Cubs with 39 RBI.)

Try to enjoy the rest of the season.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 30

Josh77 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:28:49 -0000

If you can believe it, I turned off today's Cub game and watched opera on PBS instead. That's how bad things have gotten. (No, I'm not an opera fan, but my wife is and my baby girl loves all music. So there was a bit of making the rest of the family happy going on there. But my wife is a baseball fan too, so it wasn't to stop an argument of anything.)

It may be the Dog Days of August in the majors, but it's crunch time in the minors.

Iowa Cubs (71-65)

The I-Cubs won their fifth game in a row today with a 2-0 shutout of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Starter Mitch Atkins has had a rough season, but today he was great, throwing six shutout innings. He allowed only five hits. He gave up one walk and struck out eight.

David Patton, John Gaub and Blake Parker each tossed a shutout inning to end the game. Parker got his 21st state with a perfect inning. He struck out two.

Shortstop Andres Blanco led off the bottom of the first with a triple and scored on a groundout to give the Cubs a lead they would never relinquish. Blanco was 1 for 3 with a walk. Catcher Chris Robinson went 2 for 3.

The I-Cubs are in second place in the PCL American North Division, tied with Nashville and one-half game behind Memphis. The Cubs hold the tie-breaker over Memphis, but Nashville has the tie-breaker over the I-Cubs. They have seven games left: four against Omaha and three against Albuquerque.

Tennessee Smokies (34-29)

The Tennessee Smokies were mauled by the Mobile Bay Bears, 5-1.

Andrew Cashner ran into trouble today, giving up all five runs in six innings. One of the runs was unearned. Cashner allowed six hits. He walked two and struck out only one.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin hit his thirteenth home run today. He was 1 for 4 with the one RBI.

West Tennessee also lost, so the Smokies remain tied for first. The Smokies have two more games left with Mobile, and then play a five game series at West Tennessee that will decide the second-half champs.

Daytona Cubs (27-35)

The D-Cubs were beaten by the Clearwater Threshers, 4-2.

Starter Craig Muschko took the loss. He went seven innings, allowing four runs on nine hits. Muschko walked one and struck out three.

DH Brandon Guyer hit his second home run tonight, a solo home run in the ninth inning. Guyer was 2 for 4 with a double and the home run. Guyer scored twice. First baseman Jake Opitz went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (39-23)

The Chiefs banged out 24 hits as they harvested the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 16-5.

Jeffry Antigua started and got the win. Antigua pitched six innings and allowed five runs, four of which were earned, on seven hits. Antigua struck out five and walked no one.

Josh Whitlock got the three-inning save, but he really earned it. He was perfect for three innings. He struck out one.

First baseman Rebel Ridling was 4 for 6 with a double and four RBI. Ridling took over the Midwest League lead with 96 RBI.

Left fielder Nelson Perez was 5 for 6 with two doubles. Cruz scored twice. Second baseman Ryan Flaherty went 2 for 3 with a walk, two runs scored and two RBI.

Third baseman David Macias went 2 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored. Shortstop DJ LeMahieu was 3 for 6 and scored three times. Catcher Mario Mercedes went 2 for 6 with a double, three RBI and one run scored. DH Junior Lake went 2 for 6 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Center fielder Jose Valdez has had a successful start to the Midwest League. He went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBI.

Boise Hawks (31-36)

The Hawks snapped a six-game losing streak by cleaning up the Tri-City Dust Devils, 2-1.

The Hawks pitching staff allowed only two hits tonight. Starter Kevin McNutt went three innings and allowed one run on one hit. He walked three and struck out three.

Austin Kirk made his Boise debut a successful one. He picked up the win by pitching three innings and allowing no hits. He walked one and struck out three.

Daniel Keefe pitched the final three innings and got his fourth save. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out four.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 5 with a stolen base and a run scored. First baseman Justin Bour was 3 for 3 with two walks, a double and a stolen base. Left fielder Derrick Fitzgerald went 3 for 5 with a steal.

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 12

Josh77 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:24:46 -0000

You know it's bad when I decide to mow the lawn in the middle of a Cubs game.

But I do have some good news coming from the minors, especially Peoria. So let's shake up the lineup and put the Chiefs in the leadoff spot tonight. That way the people who don't read beyond the fold have something to smile about.

For the Smokies, D-Cubs and Chiefs, the numbers are their second half record. For the I-Cubs and Hawks, it's for the entire season.

Peoria Chiefs (26-19)

The Chiefs ripped the Burlington Bees, 11-1.

Here's the news you all want to hear: Ted Lilly threw five shutout innings. He gave up only two hits. He walked one and struck out two. After the game, Lilly said:

"Everything felt good," said Lilly. "I was glad I was able to do this as opposed to a simulated game. I'm glad I was given the chance to play with these guys. You can feed off their energy. It was definitely motivating."

Austin Biebens-Dirkx got his first save by pitching the final four innings. He gave up one run in the ninth inning, but otherwise gave up four hits, walked only one and struck out four.

Center fielder Brett Jackson hit two home runs tonight: A three-run home run in the fifth and a solo shot in the eighth. Jackson was 3 for 4 with a walk. He scored three times and had the four RBI.

DH Rebel RIdling also homered tonight, his 14th on the season. Ridling went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and the one RBI.

Shortstop DJ LeMahieu went 3 for 5. Catcher Michael Brenly went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored. I'm sure his dad would like me to mention that he caught a couple of very good pitching performances as well.

Iowa Cubs (60-58)

The Iowa Cubs turned their ray guns on the Las Vegas 51s, 5-4.

(Boy, it's going to stink if they go back to being the Las Vegas Stars next year.)

Starter Casey Fossum allowed three runs over six innings for the textbook quality start. He gave up seven hits, only walked one and struck out seven.

Jeff Stevens got the win in relief, despite allowing a run on three hits over 1.2 innings. Stevens struck out one and didn't walk a batter. Blake Parker shut them out the rest of the way for save number fourteen. Parker allowed one hit in the 1.1 innings. He didn't walk or strike out anyone.

Catcher Chris Robinson was the hitting star, going 4 for 4 with a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Robinson had three RBI total.

Shortstop Andres Blanco was 3 for 5 with a double and run scored in what I guess is technically a rehab appearance.

Tennessee Smokies (23-24)

The Smokies were outshined by the Jacksonville Suns, 4-3.

Jeremy Papelbon started and took the loss. He went six innings and also gave up the QS three runs. He gave up four hits, two of which were home runs. Papelbon walked one and struck out three.

Right fielder Doug Deeds went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

Daytona Cubs (18-26)

The D-Cubs were shut out by the Tampa Yankees, 6-0.

Starter Rafael Dolis took the loss, giving up two runs on four hits over 4.1 innings. He walked one and fanned one.

The D-Cubs still can't hit.

Boise Hawks (22-30)

The Hawks made five errors and were tossed in the wash by the Everett Aqua Sox, 6-2.

Starter Christopher Rusin allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings. He didn't walk anyone and struck out four.

Center fielder Burundi Davis went 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee made three of the five Hawk errors. He was 0 for 3 with a sac bunt at the plate.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Athletics, 10-8.

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 7

Josh77 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:15:01 -0000

Maybe when Bruce Miles wrote that Andrew Cashner wouldn't get called up in September, he meant because he'll be up next week to replace Zambrano. (I'm not advocating that now, but the way things are going, I might soon.)

As Al noted in a fanshot, Jason Dubois was traded to the Mets. Good luck, Jason.

Iowa Cubs

Four of a kind beats a pair as the Iowa Cubs busted the Reno Aces, 4-2.

Starter Casey Fossum improved his record to 3-4 by allowing only one run on two hits over six innings of work. Fossum walked two and struck out six.

Vince Perkins gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth, but still got his second save. Perkins struck out one Ace.

First baseman Bobby Scales was 3 for 4 with an RBI. Left fielder John-Ford Griffin was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Catcher Chris Robinson also went 2 for 4 with a double.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were vassalized by the Birmingham Barons, 4-3.

Starter Jeremy Papelbon went 6.1 innings tonight, giving up three runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out six.

Alex Maestri gave up the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on a two-out single. Maestri pitched the final 2.1 innings of the game, allowing the one run on three hits. He walked two and struck out four.

Right fielder Doug Deeds was 3 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs were blanked by the hated Brevard County Manatees, 3-0.

Starter Rafael Dolis went four innings. He gave up one run on three hits and three walks. Dolis also struck out three.

Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez went 2 for 3 with a walk.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs defanged the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 6-5.

Starter Jeffry Antigua only gave up one hit tonight in 4.2 innings. Unfortunately, it was a solo home run. He also walked two batters in the fifth that came around to score after he left the game, so he was charged with three runs on one hit and two walks. Antigua struck out six.

Chris Huseby pitched the final 1.1 innings to pick up the win. Huseby allowed only one baserunner on a hit batsman. He struck out two.

Right fielder Kyler Burke had a big night tonight, going 4 for 5. He scored one run. Center fielder Brett Jackson hit his second home run for Peoria, a solo shot to lead off the bottom of the first. Jackson was 1 for 4 with an (intentional) walk and two runs scored.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks hung the Everett Aqua Sox out to dry, 3-0.

A good start tonight for Robert Hernandez, who went six innings and gave up six hits. He didn't walk a batter (although he hit two) and struck out four.

Dionis Nunez finished out the game with two perfect innings to notch his fourth save. Nunez fanned three.

Third baseman Greg Rohan hit his third home run in a 3 for 4 effort. Catcher Richard Jones went 2 for 4 with a double and a triple. He scored twice.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Angels, 5-0.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--August 1

Josh77 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:08:00 -0000

Apparently there's some "bromance" on the Boise Hawks.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs zapped the New Orleans Zephyrs, 14-0.

The I-Cub pitching staff threw a combined one-hitter tonight. Starter James Russell gave up the lone hit in his four innings. Russell walked one and struck out two.

Justin Berg got the win in relief because Russell didn't go five. Berg walked one and hit one in his two innings. He struck out one Zephyr.

B.J. Ryan, John Gaub and Blake Parker finished out the game with an inning a piece. Ryan and Gaub both struck out two in perfect innings. Parker walked one and didn't strike out anybody.

Catcher Chris Robinson led the 19 hit I-Cub attack today by going 4 for 5 with a double. He scored twice and knocked two in. Center fielder Matt Camp was 3 for 5 with a stolen base and three runs scored. Third baseman Nate Spears was 2 for 4 with two walks. Spears scored once and had two RBI.

John-Ford Griffin was 2 for 5 with a double. He scored twice and batted one in. Shortstop Darwin Barney had two doubles in a 2 for 6 game. Barney had one RBI.

Bobby Scales had the lone I-Cub home run tonight, his fifth of the year in AAA. Scales was 1 for 5 with a walk and three RBI. He scored twice.

Even second baseman Aaron Miles got into the act. Miles was 2 for 6 and scored twice.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies won their sixth in a row tonight as they deep-fried the Carolina Mudcats, 4-1.

There was a good rehab appearance tonight by David Patton, who allowed one unearned run in a three-inning start. Patton gave up two hits, didn't walk anyone and struck out four.

Marco Carillo got the win with three innings of shutout relief. Carillo gave up one hit, didn't walk anyone and struck out one. Brian Schlitter got his 15th save by pitching the ninth inning. He allowed one hit, but erased the runner with a double play. Schlitter didn't walk or strike out anyone.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin is on fire right now, following up yesterday's 5 for 5 with a 3 for 3 game, including a double and his eighth home run of the season. He also reached once on catcher's interference. Colvin scored twice and had two RBI.

Shortstop Jonathan Mota was 3 for 5 with a double, although he also committed two errors. Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4 with a triple and a stolen base. He also scored once.

Catcher Welington Castillo had two doubles in a 2 for 4 game. He had one RBI.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs were shut out by the Charlotte Stone Crabs, 8-0.

Starter Rafael Dolis didn't make it out of the third inning tonight. He allowed three runs on five hits over 2.2 innings. Dolis walked two and struck out four.

The D-Cubs only had two hits tonight.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs clipped the South Bend Silver Hawks 3-2.

Austin Biebens-Dierkx started tonight and picked up the win with eight solid innings. He allowed two runs on four hits. He only walked one and struck out five.

Chris Huseby got his fourteenth save with a hitless ninth, although he did walk two batters, albeit one intentionally.

Second baseman Ryan Flaherty was 3 for 4. DH DJ LeMahieu went 2 for 3 with a walk. Brett Jackson's 28 game on-base streak came to an end.

Some kid I've never heard of named Michael Brenly hit his fourth home run of the season tonight, a solo homer in the third inning. Brenly was 2 for 3 with a walk and scored twice

Boise Hawks

The shutouts continued tonight as the Hawks blanked the Vancouver Canadians, 9-0 behind a seven-run third inning.

Christopher Rusin, Yohan Gonzalez and Dionis Nunez each threw three innings of the shutout.

Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha went 3 for 5 with a double. Ha scored twice and had two RBI. First baseman Justin Bour went 2 for 5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Rangers 7-6.

Geovany Soto was the DH tonight and he went 1 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--July 26

Josh77 — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:20:37 -0000

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs lost the Albuquerque Isotopes, 4-2.

Esmailin Caridad kept the ball in the park, but allowed six doubles on the way to allowing four runs in five innings. Cardiad gave up eight hits total. He walked three and struck out three. Caridad saw his record fall to 5-10.

Catcher Chris Robinson was 2 for 4 and scored once. Second baseman Aaron Miles was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

Sunday is a day of rest, isn't it?

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs blacklisted the Sarasota Reds, 3-1.

Starter Chris Carpenter pitched tonight after having his last start bumped back two days and allowed only one unearned run over four innings. He didn't walk anyone and struck out three.

Jose Pina threw a perfect seventh inning to get the win. He didn't strike out anyone.

David Cales pitched the final two innings without allowing a run for his 12th save. Cales allowed one hit. He didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Center fielder Tony Campana hit a bases-loaded triple in the eighth inning to account for all of Daytona's scoring. Campana was 1 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs skinned the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 12-5.

Aaron Shafer started and got the win with five innings of work. He allowed two runs on five hits. Shafer walked one and struck out three.

First baseman Rebel Ridling hit his 11th home run today in the first inning. Ridling was 1 for 2 with three walks this afternoon. Ridling scored three times and had two RBI off of the HR.

Third baseman Jovan Rosa hit a grand slam in the third inning. It was his second home run in the Midwest League. Rosa was 2 for 5 with a double and six RBI total. He also scored twice.

Right fielder Kyler Burke went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Burke scored twice and had one RBI.

Center fielder David Macias was 2 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. Macias scored once.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks expelled the Eugene Emeralds, 7-4

Jeff Antigua earned the win today with an impressive relief outing. Antigua pitched 4.2 innings and allowed one run on two hits. That's pretty good, but the impressive part was that he struck out eleven. Antigua walked two.

Ryan Sontag pitched a scoreless ninth and got his second save. He gave up one hit and struck out one.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee and right fielder Jose Valdez both were 2 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. Valdez also had a steal.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was only 1 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI, but that was good enough to extend his streak of reaching base to 22 games. He has a seven-game hitting streak.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Angels, 7-5.

DJ LeMahieu was 3 for 5.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--July 25

Josh77 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 06:57:07 -0000

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs detonated the Albuquerque Isotopes, 11-2.

Starter J.R. Mathes kept the ball down as he went seven innings and only allowed two runs in the best hitter's park in baseball. Mathes gave up seven hits and didn't walk anyone. He struck out one. He induced 14 groundouts and allowed only 6 fly outs.

Catcher Chris Robinson had five RBI on two doubles in a 2 for 4 night. He also walked once. Center fielder Sam Fuld went 2 for 5 with a double and triple. Fuld walked once and stole a base. Fuld scored twice and had one RBI.

Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 5 with a triple. Barney had one RBI and scored once.

Second baseman Aaron Miles was 1 for 6 with 2 RBI and two runs scored.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were shut down by the Mississippi Braves 4-1.

Starter Casey Coleman saw his record fall to 9-5 as he allowed four runs over five innings. One of the runs was unearned. Coleman gave up four hits, walked three and struck out two.

The Smokies only managed four hits tonight.

Daytona Cubs

Rained out.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs whupped the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 9-1.

Jeffrey Beliveau picked up the win tonight with a five-inning start, allowing only one run on four hits. The one run scored on a solo home run. Beliveau struck out four and didn't walk anyone.

Center fielder Kyler Burke had a double and his eighth home run in a 2 for 3 game. He also walked once. Burke scored twice and had one RBI.

Shortstop Ryan Flaherty hit home run #13 tonight, a three-run tater in the sixth inning. Flaherty was 1 for 4.

Second baseman Junior Lake was 2 for 4 with a stolen base and two runs scored. Catcher Michael Brenly went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks scored four runs with two out in the top of the ninth to polish off the Eugene Emeralds, 10-9.

Dionis Nunez pitched the final 1.1 innings of the game and picked up the win. He gave up one hit in the eighth (which actually scored two inherited runners) but pitched a perfect ninth to close out the game. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 3 for 5 with a double and three RBI. DH Jae-Hoon Ha went 2 for 5. He scored twice and had one RBI.

Left fielder Jose Valdez scored once and had one RBI in a 3 for 5 game. Third baseman George Matheus was 2 for 5 and scored twice.

AZL Cubs

Did not play.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- July 21

Josh77 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:08:44 -0000

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 Chiefs

Good 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

Beat the Angels, 2-1 in 11 innings.