SB Nation - Brandon Guyer

Tennessee Smokies Wrap -- Game 3

Josh77 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:21:48 -0000

Shortstop Starlin Castro singled home Brandon Guyer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Smokies a 5-4 win over the Jacksonville Suns. The win keeps the Smokies title hopes alive. They now trail Jacksonville two games to one.

There was a lot of scoring early in this game, as Smokies starting pitcher Casey Coleman allowed a run in the top of the first after a one-out double, a pair of walks and a sacrifice fly. But the Smokies came roaring back for three runs in the bottom of the inning, scoring on singles by first baseman Blake Lalli, third baseman Marquez Smith and catcher Welington Castillo.

Coleman couldn't hold the lead, however, as he allowed a two-run home run in the second inning and another run in the third to give the Suns a 4-3 lead. Coleman's final line for the evening was four innings pitched, allowing four runs on five hits. Coleman walked three and struck out four.

The bullpen then stepped in and kept the game close. David Cales pitched two shutout innings in relief of Coleman. He allowed only one hit and one (intentional) walk. Cales struck out two.

The Smokies tied the game in the fifth inning when right fielder Tyler Colvin doubled home left fielder Ty Wright. The score would stay knotted at four until the ninth inning.

Pitching in his third inning of relief, Marcos Mateo allowed a one-out triple in the ninth inning. With the Smokies season on the line, Mateo got a shallow fly out and a strike out to get out of the inning with no damage. Mateo, who was credited with the win tonight, went three innings and allowed two hits. He struck out three and isssued one intentional walk in that ninth inning.

With one out in the ninth, Guyer pinch-hit for Mateo and singled to left. He then stole second base and was singled home by Castro to end the game and keep the season going for the Smokies.

Castro was 2 for 5 with that one huge RBI. Wright went 2 for 4 and scored twice. Lalli was 1 for 1 with one RBI and three walks.

Andrew Cashner takes the mound for the Smokies tomorrow night as they look to stave off elimination one more time and even the series. This has been an exciting series, as two games were ended on singles in the bottom of the ninth and all three games were one-run affairs.

Cubs Minor League Wrap--September 6, 2009

Josh77 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:41:52 -0000

For some teams, the season ended today. For others, the good stuff is just starting.

We're going to start with the good news today.

Tennessee Smokies (38-31)

Cover the furniture with plastic, Ryno, because you've just led the Tennessee Smokies to a second-half division title with a 7-0 shutout of the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx.

Starter Hung-Wen Chen has been much better in the second half than the first half, and his improvement has played a role in the Smokies turnaround. So it's only fitting today that he shut down the Diamond Jaxx for seven innings. He gave up only three hits and issued only two walks, although he plunked another two batters as well. Chen fanned six Diamond Jaxx.

Left fielder James Adduci broke the game open with a two-run home run in the sixth, which made the score 3-0 at the time. It was Adduci's fourth home run of the season. Adduci later added a two-run single. Adduci was 2 for 4 overall with four RBI and two runs scored.

Center fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4 with a double. He had one RBI and scored twice. DH Blake Lalli and first baseman Russ Canzler were both 2 for 4 with a run scored. One of Canzler's two hits was a double.

The Smokies have one more game tomorrow and then will face first half champion Huntsville in a best of five series that will start in Alabama on Thursday.

Iowa Cubs (72-71)

The Iowa Cubs ionized the Albuquerque Isotopes, 3-1.

Well, Jay Jackson never got a chance to pitch again for Tennessee, but today he got his first start for AAA Iowa. He was pretty good as gave up only one run over six innings to get the win. Jackson gave up five hits, including a solo home run that accounted for all the Albuquerque scoring. Jackson walked three and struck out four.

Blake Parker pitched the ninth and got save number 22. He didn't allow any hits but he walked one and struck out one.

Third baseman Matt Camp went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Left fielder John-Ford Griffin went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Right fielder Brad Snyder was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI.

Catcher Mark Johnson has been injured most of the season. The last time he made the Minor League Wrap was May 29. Today he makes it one more time before the season ends by going 2 for 4 with an RBI triple.

The I-Cubs will play their final game tomorrow. The only thing they have left to play for is to see if they can finish the season with a winning record.

Daytona Cubs (30-38, 64-71 overall)

The Daytona Cubs finished their season today with a 7-4 loss to the Clearwater Threshers.

Oswaldo Martinez started but only went two innings as the D-Cubs were giving several pitchers one last time on the mound. Martinez allowed one run on one hit, which was a triple. He didn't walk a batter and struck out three.

Ryan Searle got the loss in relief. Searle gave up three runs on two hits over 1.2 innings of work. He walked two and struck out one.

Shortstop Nate Samson went 3 for 4 with a double and two RBI. DH Jericho Jones was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (42-26)

The Chiefs lost to the Clinton LumberKings, 5-4.

Starter Chris Archer was solid today, allowing only one run on four hits over five innings. Even better news is that he struck out six and only walked one.

Kevin Kreier took the loss with a rough inning of relief. Kreier allowed three runs, two earned, on three hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out one.

Right fielder Kyler Burke hit home run number 15 today with a man on in the first inning. Burke was 2 for 4 with a walk.

DH Jovan Rosa was 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored. Left fielder Nelson Perez went 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Michael Brenly has had a nice season. Today he went 2 for 4 with a double.

The Chiefs finish their regular season tomorrow and play Cedar Rapids in a best-of-three series starting on Wednesday.

Boise Hawks (34-42)

The Hawks season ended today with a 7-6 win over the Tri-City Dust Devils.

Yohan Gonzalez got the win with three innings of relief. He gave up only one run on one hit. He walked one and struck out two.

Steven Grife got the save. He went one scoreless inning. He walked one and struck out one. He did not allow a hit.

Catcher Richard Jones was 2 for 3 with his second home run of he year. He scored twice and also walked once.

Left fielder Runey Davis was 2 for 3 with a triple. He scored once and had two RBI.

We'll see the Hawks again next June.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- September 5

Josh77 — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:55:10 -0000

I'm back. (No thanks to AT&T) Did anyone miss me?

I'm not going to bore you with the details. . .oh what the heck, I am. My DSL modem/router decided to blow up on its one month birthday on Monday. After a long call to AT&T and tech support telling me to balance it on my knee and bark like a seal while rubbing my tummy and patting my head to see if that would make it work, it was concluded that the thing truly melted down and that it was bad and had to be replaced. We were told that we would have a new one by Wednesday, Thursday by the latest. By the time we actually got a hold of someone on Friday, it became very clear that not only was a modem not coming, no one had even bothered to record that there was even a problem. And of course, because I live on the West Coast, everyone who could help us had already gone home for the Labor Day Weekend. They told us to go to an AT&T wireless store in my area and they could help me. They laughed in our faces and told me they didn't do that kind of stuff. (So clearly some CSR had just made something up to get us off the phone) Finally around 7pm tonight, I found someone who could help us--Best Buy. Of course, because I live out in the boonies now, the nearest Best Buy is a half hour away and they could only help us after we gave them $110.

So yes, I am going to start looking for alternatives to AT&T. Unfortunately, because of my current rural life, my options may be limited or even non-existent.

Let's be honest--without the internet, following the minor leagues on a daily basis is impossible. Oh, I know how the River Cats and the Grizzlies have been doing because that's in the local news, but I've had no idea what's been going on in the Cubs minors this week. So I'm going to try to get up to speed this weekend as the playoffs start this week.

I'm sorry for my absence during this critical week. But living in Hooterville along with caring for an 18 month old girl made it nearly impossible to go out and do the MLW, and beside, AT&T lied to me about how quickly this would all be taken care of.

Good news out of AA after the jump.

Iowa Cubs (71-71)

I see the I-Cubs playoff hopes went down the toilet while I was away. Tonight they lost their sixth straight game as they were atomized by the Albuquerque Isotopes, 8-3.

Ezequiel Astacio started and . . .hey, when the heck did we get him? Man, you miss a lot. Anyway, Astacio started and got the loss, giving up two runs in four innings. He surrendered six hits. Astacio walked one and struck out three.

Shortstop Darwin Barney went 2 for 3 with a double. He scored twice and had one RBI.

Tennessee Smokies (37-31)

The magic number is now one for the Smokies playoff birth as they caved in the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, 3-1.

Last time we saw Andrew Cashner, he had been struggling. Not tonight as he threw seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. He only struck out two, however.

Brian Schlitter collected his 22nd save with a perfect ninth inning. He struck out one.

The Smokies only had four hits tonight and were greatly aided by five Diamond Jaxx errors. Catcher Welington Castillo went 1 for 4 with a double.

I notice Brandon Guyer got promoted back to AA while I was "away." He was 1 for 4 tonight with a run scored and an outfield assist.

Daytona Cubs (30-37)

The Daytona Cubs are finishing this season out on a high note, winning their third in a row 4-1 over the Clearwater Threshers.

Craig Muschko improved his record to 7-3 with 5.2 shutout innings tonight. He gave up only one lone single. Muschko walked three and struck out nine.

I see right fielder Kevin Soto has joined the D-Cubs with the end of the rookie league team's season. Tonight Soto went 2 for 4 with a stolen base. Soto scored twice and had one RBI.

Center fielder Tony Campana was 2 for 5 with a double. Catcher Luis Flores went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (42-25)

The Chiefs clinched a while ago, but they haven't eased up at all. Tonight they committed regicide against the Clinton LumberKings, 8-3.

Jeffry Antigua started and got the win with five shutout innings. He gave up three hits and walked three. He also struck out three as his record in the Midwest League improved to 4-0.

Center fielder Jose Valdez hasn't had a problem with the Midwest League at all. Today we was 3 for 4 with a triple and three stolen bases. That's some impressive speed stats there--although he was caught stealing once. Valdez scored twice.

Second baseman Ryan Flaherty went 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

Left fielder Nelson Perez hit his 11th home run tonight with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Perez was 1 for 5.

Boise Hawks (33-42)

The Hawks were left in the dirt by the Tri-City Dust Devils, 3-2.

Starter Dae-Eun Rhee had gopheritis tonight, allowing two home runs in the two innings he pitched. He gave up all three runs on four hits. He walked one and didn't strike out a batter.

Robert Whitenack had three shutout innings of relief and Josh Lansford and Corey Martin each had two scoreless innings.

Second basema Logan Watkins was 2 for 4 with an RBI.

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 29

Josh77 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:48:05 -0000

Iowa Cubs (70-65)

The Iowa Cubs made it four in a row tonight with a 7-4 thumping of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Casey Fossum improved his record to 6-4 by allowing only one run on two hits over five innings. Fossum walked four and hit two batters. He struck out nine.

Blake Parker pitched the ninth inning and picked up his 20th save. Parker allowed one hit and didn't walk anyone. He struck out two.

First baseman Micah Hoffpauir went 2 for 4 with three RBI and a run scored. Third baseman Andres Blanco was 2 for 5 with two runs scored. Shortstop Darwin Barney was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Tennessee Smokies (34-28)

Ryno's Boys stayed tied for first place by beating the Moblie Bay Bears, 7-4.

Starter Jeremy Papelbon gave up two home runs in his five-inning start, but got the win anyway. Papelbon allowed four runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Brian Schlitter got save number twenty-one. He pitched the final 1.1 innings, allowing no runs on one hit. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

Right fielder Tyler Colvin hit a bases-loaded triple and a solo home run for four RBI tonight. Colvin was 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Third baseman Marquez Smith was 2 for 4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Shortstop Starlin Castro went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Castro also stole his third base for Tennessee.

Daytona Cubs (27-34)

The D-Cubs were thrashed by the Clearwater Threshers, 6-2.

Rafael Dolis started and only went three innings. He gave up two runs on three hits, although one of the two runs was unearned. Dolis walked four and struck out three as his record dropped to 3-9. His ERA is a respectable 3.54 though.

Left fielder Marwin Gonzalez hit his second home run, a solo home run in the fifth inning. Gonzalez was 1 for 3.

DH Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Second baseman Jake Opitz was 2 for 3 wih a walk.

Peoria Chiefs (38-23)

The Chiefs shucked the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 11-1.

Austin Bibens-Dirkx continues to dominate the Midwest League. Tonight he improved his record to 7-1, tossing 6.2 innings and allowing only one run on five hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out six. The Chiefs expect Bibens-Dirkx to start the playoffs for them, but I really think he needs to get a September call-up. Please?

It was a six RBI night for right fielder Kyler Burke, including a triple and a grand slam. It was Burke's 14th homer this year. Burke was 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored twice.

DH Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. He scored twice and had two RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 5 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Center fielder Jose Valdez made his Midwest League debut a successful one. He was 2 for 5 with two runs scored.

Boise Hawks (30-38)

The Hawks lost their sixth game in a row as they were messed up by the Tri-City Dust Devils 3-1.

Starter Robert Hernandez was pretty good tonight. He went five innings and allowed only one run on four hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out five.

Eduardo Figueroa got the loss in relief. He gave up two runs, one earned, over his 1.2 inning relief stint.

Shortstp Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

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 23

Josh77 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:15:23 -0000

Iowa Cubs (65-64)

The Iowa Cubs split a double-header with the New Orleans Zephrys, losing the first one, 6-0 and then taking the second one, 2-1.

Jeff Samardzija started and lost the first game. Samardzija threw four innings and gave up six runs, four earned and two unearned, on eight hits. Two of the hits were home runs. The Shark walked one and struck out four.

The I-Cubs only had four hits in Game 1.

They only managed six hits in game two, but that was enough as Casey Fossum dominated the Zephyrs tonight for five shutout innings. Fossum gave up a leadoff double to start the game, and then proceeded to retire 15 batters in a row. Fossum struck out eight.

Blake Parker pitched the ninth inning and got save number 18. He walked one batter but otherwise struck out the other three Zephyrs.

Left fielder John-Ford Griffin was 2 for 2 with a double and both I-Cub RBI. He also walked once.

Tennessee Smokies (30-27)

The Smokies moved back into a tie for first place with a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Mudcats.

Jeremy Papelbon was impressive in his start today. He picked up his fifth win by pitching five shutout innings. He gave up four hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out four. David Cales got his first save with the Smokies (15th overall) with 1.1 innings of relief. He didn't allow any runs but allowed two hits in the ninth before pitching out of trouble. Cales fanned one.

Shortstop Starlin Castro went 2 for 5 with a double He scored once. First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 5 with an RBI. Outfielder Doug Deeds had two doubles in a 2 for 4 game. Deeds also scored once.

Daytona Cubs (24-31)

Daytona beat up the Brevard County Manatees, 11-2.

Rafael Dolis started and picked up the win. He allowed one run on five hits over five innings. He didn't walk anyone and struck out one

The D-Cubs banged out 16 hits today. Right fielder Brandon Guyer had 3 hits in 5 ABs. He scored twice and had two RBI. Center fielder Tony Campana was 3 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored. Campana also had one RBI.

Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt was 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored. Second baseman Nate Samson went 2 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBI.

DH Jericho Jones was 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored. Catcher Mark Reed went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Peoria Chiefs (34-21)

The Chiefs finally lost one tonight as they were cut down to size by the Clinton LumberKings, 4-1.

Starter Justin Bristow went five innings and allowed two runs on three hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Third baseman Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling was just 2 for 5.

Both right fielder Kyler Burke and DH Nelson Perez were 2 for 3 with a walk.

Boise Hawks (30-32)

The Hawks spanked the Spokane Indians, 4-3.

Corey Martin was awarded the win in relief since the starting pitcher, Christopher Rusin, didn't go five innings. In this case, however, the win was well-deserved as Martin pitched the final three innings without allowing a run. Martin gave up one hit and issued one walk. Martin struck out two.

The following six Hawks went 2 for 4: Second baseman Logan Watkins, third baseman Greg Rohan, left fielder Robert Wagner, catcher Richard Jones, DH Derrick Fitzgerald and shortstop George Matheus, Wagner and Watkins both had one double as one of their two hits. Watkins also stole a base.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Brewers 9-6.

Cubs Minor League Wrap - - August 21

Josh77 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:20:47 -0000

Iowa Cubs (64-63)

The Iowa Cubs were zapped by the New Orleans Zephyrs, 3-0.

James Russell started and got no support on offense. He took the loss despite allowing only one run on three hits over five innings. He did have some problems throwing strikes, however, since he walked five. Russell struck out three.

The I-Cubs only managed three hits tonight.

Tennessee Smokies (29-27)

The Smokies slipped by the Carolina Mudcats, 5-4.

Chris Carpenter went five innings tonight, allowing three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Alex Maestri got the win in relief after blowing the save. Maestri allowed one run on two walks and a hit batter over the two innings he pitched. He didn't allow any hits and struck out one.

Brian Schlitter pitched the final two innings to get the save. He allowed two hits but no runs. He didn't walk anyone and struck out two.

Second baseman Tony Thomas went 3 for 4 with a double. He had two RBI and scored once. Shortstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Castro had one RBI.

Third baseman Jonathan Mota was 2 for 5 with a double. Catcher Welington Castillo had an RBI and scored once in a 2 for 4 game.

Daytona Cubs (23-31)

The Daytona Cubs harpooned the Brevard County Manatees, 5-2.

Ryan Searle started and picked up his seventh win of the year tonight. Searle allowed two runs on five hits over six innings. Searle struck out three and didn't walk anyone.

Chris Siegfried faced the final two batters and retired them both to record his first save of the year. Siegfried struck out one.

Third baseman Josh Vitters hit his second home run for Daytona. It was a three-run home run in the seventh inning. Vitters went 1 for 4. Right fielder Brandon Guyer was 2 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs (34-20)

The Chiefs aren't just winning anymore, they're humiliating opponents. Tonight they shut out the Clinton LumberKings, 8-0.

Aaron Shafer started and got the win. He pitched six innings and allowed only three hits. Shafer walked two and struck out five.

Shortstop DJ LeMahieu was 3 for 4 with four RBI and one run scored. First baseman Rebel Ridling went 3 for 5 with two runs scored. Second baseman Junior Lake tripled and scored in a 2 for 3 game. He also had one RBI. Catcher Mario Mercedes was 2 for 3 with two RBI.

The Chiefs have won nine of their last ten games. Over that ten game span, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 83-17.

Boise Hawks (29-32)

The Hawks beat the Yakima Bears, 10-3.

Starter Jonathan Nagel allowed two unearned runs over three innings. He allowed three hits and a walk. Nagel fanned three. Josh Whitlock got the win with three innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 5 with a triple and a walk. Watkins scored twice. On defense, he had two unassisted double plays. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He had two RBI and scored once.

Catcher Matt Williams, DH Richard Jones and third baseman George Matheus each had two singles.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Giants, 2-1.

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 17

Josh77 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:48:10 -0000

Quick note: Today in Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein wrote ($) "Midwest League scouts are wondering how [Brett] Jackson dropped to the 31^st overall pick. . . Jackson's power/speed combination is moving him up prospect lists while others wait to get their pro career even started."

Thought you might want some good news.

Iowa Cubs (63-59)

The Iowa Cubs topped the Tacoma Raniers, 5-3.

Starter Casey Fossum got the win tonight, going five innings and giving up two runs on four hits. Fossum walked one and struck out three.

Blake Parker pitched the ninth inning and gave up a run, but qualified for his sixteenth save anyway. He allowed one hit, which was a solo home run. He didn't walk or strike out anyone.

I guess Andres Blanco is doing well in his "rehab" assignment. Tonight he homered and doubled in a 2 for 4 game. He scored twice and had the one RBI. Blanco also walked once.

Left fielder John-Ford Griffin was 2 for 5. Shortstop Darwin Barney went 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies (26-25)

The Smokies blinded the Chattanooga Lookouts, 3-2.

Chris Carpenter went five innings and allowed one run on only two hits. He did walk three batters, but he struck out four.

Dustin Sasser got the win in relief after he allowed the tying run to score in the seventh inning. Brian Schlitter retired all four batters he faced to get his 18th save. He didn't have a strikeout.

First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 3 with a two-run double and a walk. Right fielder Tyler Colvin was 2 for 4 with a triple. Shorstop Starlin Castro was 2 for 2 with a walk and a run scored.

Daytona Cubs (21-28)

The Daytona Cubs split a double-header with the Tampa Yankees, 3-2 and 0-13.

Ryan Searle started the first game and allowed only one run over 4.2 innings. He surrendered four hits, walked one and struck out two.

Jose Pina got the win, although he gave up a run over. 1.1 innings of relief. He didn't give up a hit although he walked two. Dan McDaniel got the final two outs for his first save without incident.

Third baseman Josh Vitters went 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt was also 3 for 4 with a ribbie. First baseman Jake Opitz went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.

In the second game, starter Billy Muldowney got rocked for five runs on six hits over 1.2 innings. He walked two and didn't have a strikeout.

Right fielder Brandon Guyer went 2 for 3. Third baseman Josh Vitters was also 2 for 3, so maybe everyone can stop panicking about him.

Peoria Chiefs (30-20)

The Chiefs continue to roll as they apprehended the Quad City River Bandits, 7-1.

No one has been a bigger surprise this year than Austin Biebens-Dirkx. Tonight he went six innings and allowed only one unearned run on two hits. ABD walked two and struck out one. Since being signed out of the independent leagues in July, Biebens-Dirkx has gone 5-1 with a 1.93 ERA. His two walks tonight were the most he's allowed in any appearance all season.

For the third straight game, DH Ryan Flaherty homered. The third inning solo shot was his 19th of the season. Flaherty was 3 for 5 and scored twice.

Right fielder Kyler Burke was 2 for 2 with a double and two walks. He scored once and had two RBI.

Boise Hawks (26-30)

The Hawks won their fourth in a row as they stopped the Spokane Indians, 5-1.

Josh Whitlock picked up the win with four innings of shutout relief. The Indians had three hits and a walk off of Whitlock, but he struck out five.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee was 2 for 5 with two stolen bases and two runs scored. Second baseman Logan Watkins went 2 for 2 with a walk and two runs scored.

AZL Cubs

Thumped the Royals, 9-3.