SB Nation - Nate Samson

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 -- 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 -- 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--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 -- August 11

Josh77 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:21:36 -0000

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs uncovered the Las Vegas 51s, 4-2.

James Russell got the start and pitched out of some trouble, giving up eight hits but only one run in 4.2 innings. It helped that he didn't walk anyone, He struck out three.

Jon Gaub threw 2.2 innings of hitless relief. He allowed only one walk and struck out four. He would have been in line for the win, except that Vince Perkins vultured the win by allowing one run on one hit, one hit batsman and four walks over 1.2 innings.

Micah Hoffpauir hit was turned out to be the game-winning home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Hoffpauir was 1 for 3 with a walk, two RBI and two runs scored.

Second baseman Luis Rivas had a double and a triple in a 2 for 4 effort. He also scored once.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were burned by the Jacksonville Suns, 9-0.

Starter Chris Carpenter got knocked around tonight for five runs in only 4.1 innings. Carpenter surrendered five hits, walked one and struck out three. One of the five runs Carpenter allowed was unearned.

Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 4.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs lost to the Tampa Yankees 8-3.

Starter Ryan Searle lasted 4.1 innings tonight. He gave up five runs on six hits, although two of the runs were unearned. Searle walked three and struck out two.

Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt hit his second home run of the season with a man on in the ninth inning. Wyatt went 1 for 3 with a walk.

First baseman Jake Opitz had two doubles and a run scored in a 2 for 4 game. Second baseman Nate Samson was also 2 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs

The sloppy play continued tonight as the Chiefs made four errors en route to getting stung by the Burlington Bees, 4-2.

Justin Bristow pitched the first 3.2 innings and allowed all four runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out four. Only one of the runs was unearned though, despite the four errors.

Jeffry Beliveau pitched the final 5.1 innings of the game without allowing a run. He did give up four hits and one walk. Beliveau only struck out one.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 2 for 5. Shortstop Junior Lake committed three of the four Chief errors. Lake was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks washed out the Everett Aqua Sox, 13-7.

He didn't get the win, but Yohan Gonzalez did pitch 2.2 innings of no-hit relief tonight. He only walked one and struck out two.

Catcher Richard Jones had a double and a home run to pace the Hawks tonight. His home run was a three-run shot in the sixth, and he had four RBI total. Left fielder Derrick Fitzgerald also hit a two-run homer in a 1 for 5 game.

Shortstop Hak-Ju Lee and second baseman Logan Watkins were both 2 for 6 with an RBI and two runs scored. One of Lee's hits was a triple. DH Greg Rohan and third baseman Robert Wagner both had three hits tonight, including a double for each of them.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Angels, 5-4.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- August 6

Josh77 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:43:16 -0000

Casey Lambert got promoted to Iowa to replace the released Jason Waddell.

I'd plug the I-Cubs "Road to Wrigley" game this Sunday, but something tells me that Len and Bob have done that enough and that you're all aware of it by now.

Iowa Cubs

They scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth and had the bases loaded with two outs, but in the end the Iowa Cubs folded against the Reno Aces, 6-5.

Starter James Russell took the loss tonight as he gave up three runs on six hits over four innings. Russell didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

Third baseman Nate Spears was 2 for 4. Bobby Scales entered the game in the seventh inning during a double switch and went 2 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were subjugated by the Birmingham Barons, 2-0.

Starter Chris Carpenter was perfect through four innings tonight. But he walked the first batter in the fifth, who then scored after a stolen base and a single by the next batter. Carpenter was then removed from the game, taking the loss despite allowing only the one run on one hit over the four plus innings. Carpenter struck out five.

Dustin Sasser allowed one run over three innings of relief in his AA debut.

The Smokies only managed three hits tonight.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs were beached by the Brevard County Manatees, 6-3.

Starter Ryan Searle took the loss, allowing three runs over three innings. Only one of the runs was earned, however. Searle gave up three hits, walked two and struck out one.

Second baseman Nate Samson was 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez had a rough night. He made three throwing errors during the game.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs ran over the Beloit Snappers, 7-2.

The Cubs may actually have something in Austin Biebens-Dirkx. Tonight ABD improved his record to 4-1 with seven strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, and one of the runs was unearned. He walked one and struck out eight. Biebens-Dirkx lowered his ERA to 2.18, which I believe justifies promoting him to the majors immediately so that Al has to type his name from now on.

The Chiefs hit three home runs tonight. DH Ryan Flaherty jacked his 15th of the season. It was a ninth inning solo homer. Flaherty was 1 for 4. Shorstop Junior Lake hit his sixth home run in the fourth inning with two men on. Lake was 2 for 4. Finally, third baseman Jovan Rosa hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Rosa was 1 for 5.

First baseman Rebel Ridling had two doubles in a 3 for 5 effort. Ridling had one RBI. Right fielder Nelson Perez was 2 for 4 with a run scored. and a stolen base. Left fielder David Macias went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 2 for 5 with a double. He scored twice.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks got run through the ringer by the Everett Aqua Sox, 4-0.

Starter Christopher Rusin took the real hard-luck loss tonight. He allowed only one unearned run over five innings. He gave up just two singles, didn't walk anyone and struck out six. He did hit one batter, however.

The Hawks only had three hits tonight as well.

AZL Cubs

Beat the Mariners, 5-4.

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.

Cubs Minor League Wrap -- June 28

Josh77 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:03:34 -0000

Anyone else want to just chuck the whole major league team and start over? Let's see the lineup: 1. Thomas 2B 2. Castro SS 3. Vitters 3B 4. Fox 1B (We'll count him as a minor leaguer) 5.Colvin LF 6. Clevenger C 7. Burke CF 8. Guyer RF 9. Jackson SP. OK, they'd lose 120 games. But they'd at least be interesting. And we'd get Bryce Harper next year.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs were stopped by the Round Rock Express 8-4.

Greg Reinhard started and took the loss, giving up five runs in only three innings. Reinhard surrendered eight hits and a walk while fanning four.

Right fielder So Taguchi led off the game with his first home run of the year. It was his only hit in five trips to the plate.

Second baseman Luis Rivas went 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies were eclipsed by the Huntsville Stars, 3-2.

Marcos Mateo pitched well, allowing only one run on five hits in his five inning start. The one run scored on a solo home run. Mateo didn't walk anyone and struck out two. He did hit two batters.

Jake Muyco took the loss in relief when he allowed a solo home run in the ninth. Muyco pitched one inning and allowed only that one home run. He struck out two.

Right fielder Doug Deeds was 2 for 4 and scored a run.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs denied the Fort Myers Miracle, 5-1.

Andrew Cashner continues to put up zeros on the scoreboard, pitching another four innings today, allowing no runs on two hits. Cashner walked three and struck out three. He has now not allowed a run in his last three starts, which spanned 12 innings.

Dustin Sasser got the win because Cashner didn't go five. He pitched three innings and allowed one unearned run on two hits and a walk. Sasser struck out four.

Second baseman Nate Samson had a big day. He went 4 for 5 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs rode a nine-run eighth inning to skin the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 15-6.

Starter Aaron Shafer had a rough game, allowing five runs on six hits over five innings. Shafer walked two and struck out two.

Jeffrey Beliveau is putting up some ridiculous numbers for Peoria this season. Today he pitched four innings and allowed one run on two hits and two walks. The ridiculous part was that he struck out eight. Beliveau has now struck out 72 batters in only 53 innings this season.

The Chiefs banged out 17 hits today, led by Drew Rundle, who was 4 for 5 with a double. Rundle scored three times and had one RBI.

Josh Vitters, Ryan Flaherty and Rebel Ridling each went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Vitters had one RBI, Flaherty two and Ridling three. Both of Ridling's hits were doubles.

Right fielder Nelson Perez was 2 for 6 with two RBI and a run scored. We're also past the MWL All-Star Break and I don't think I've called him Nelson Cruz yet, which is something of a miracle. Not only do they have similar names, they're similar players.

Boise Hawks

The Hawks came home today and managed to defeat the Yakima Bears, 3-2.

Jeffry Antigua got the win with four innings of shutout relief. He gave up three hits and a walk while striking out three.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 4. Catcher Alvaro Sosa went 2 for 3.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Giants, 11-3.