Minor League Discussion & Boxes 7-7-2007

[Guest]

Bwahaha, what?

 

Like I said above it was real confusing because everybody was just assuming Ball 4, but I guess the pitcher got it too close to the plate and Eric went for it.

 

Awesome.

 

In a 2-2 game, with the winning run at third in the bottom of the ninth, the New Orleans Zephyrs tried to intentionally walk Eric Patterson. However, on the fourth pitch, Patterson reached out and slapped a single past surprised Zephyrs thirdbaseman

[Guest]

All boxes posted!!

 

IowaCubs.com[/url]"]Eric Patterson's Surpise Single Brings Home Winning Run

Cubs Win Third In a Row

http://www.iowacubs.com

 

In a 2-2 game, with the winning run at third in the bottom of the ninth, the New Orleans Zephyrs tried to intentionally walk Eric Patterson. However, on the fourth pitch, Patterson reached out and slapped a single past surprised Zephyrs thirdbaseman Andy Tracy to bring home Chris Walker with the game winning run in a thrilling 3-2 comeback Cubs victory.

The Cubs entered the ninth inning down 2-0. Josh Kroeger, who was 2-for-2 , led off with a walk. Tony Richie singled and Chris Walker bunted safely to load the bases. New Cub John Nelson doubled off the right field wall for his first Iowa hit to drive in two runs and tie the game 2-2. Patterson followed with the winning RBI for Iowa.

 

New Orleans scored in the top of the first for a 1-0 lead on a Jason Alfaro RBI single. The Cubs left eight stranded before entering the ninth inning.

 

Buck Coats extended his hit streak to 15 games with a single in the sixth.

 

Ben Howard picked up the win for Iowa, dealing two and one third scoreless innings in relief of J.R. Mathes. Steve Schmoll was tagged with the loss for New Orleans.

 

SmokiesBaseball.com[/url]"]Stars Spank Smokies on Saturday, 7-1

 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Huntsville jumped out to an early lead on Saturday afternoon over Tennessee, and never looked back in defeating the Smokies 7-1 at Joe Davis Stadium. The Stars scored five of their runs in their first three innings at the plate off Smokies starter Donnie Veal, now 5-6 on the year.

 

The Stars' Steve Moss fueled the scoring spree as he cracked his seventh home run of the year in the second inning. Stars' teammates Adam Heether and Brendan Katin would then add to the lead with back-to-back RBI doubles in the third inning..

 

The Stars' Sam Narron (4-6) had more then enough run support, pitching seven strong innings in the start. He yielded only one run on six hits, with seven strikeouts. He would not walk a single Smokies batter.

 

The lone run for the Smokies came on a Tyler Colvin solo home run in the seventh. It was his second as a member of the Smokies.

 

DaytonaCubs.com[/url]"]Devil Rays Snap Slide, Shut Out Daytona 7-0

Butler Turns Tables on Cubs

 

By: Dan Watson

 

[VERO BEACH, FL] Just six days after being knocked around by the Daytona Cubs, Vero Beach starter Josh Butler exacted some revenge. The right-hander shut down the Cubs as the Devil Rays snapped a 12-game losing streak, topping Daytona 7-0 at Holman Stadium.

 

Butler took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and picked up his second win of 2007. Less than a week ago in Daytona, Butler didn't make it through the fifth inning. He gave up eight runs on eight hits, but Saturday was a different story. In just his fourth start at the Advanced-A level, Butler went six scoreless innings and allowed just one hit. He walked four, struck out four and hit a batter.

 

Butler made sure the Cubs' offense continued their struggles; Daytona has now gone 16 innings without a run. The Cubs managed just three hits on the night.

 

The Devil Rays also turned the tables on Daytona starter Mitch Atkins, as Atkins picked up the win when he faced Vero Beach six days ago. Vero got on the board by manufacturing a run in the first inning. Jackson Brennan started the inning with a single to left, stole second, moved to third on a groundout and scored on a sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton. Upton was in Vero Beach on a rehab assignment.

 

Vero Beach struck again in the third, this time with the long ball. Atkins plunked Hunter Vick to start the frame. Two batters later, Jackson Brennan pounded a home run to left to give the Rays a 3-0 advantage. Later in the inning, Upton belted a long two-out home run to right field to put Vero Beach up, 4-0.

 

In the fifth inning, the Devil Rays scored a run but it could have been a much bigger inning. A single, an error and a walk to start the frame loaded the bases with nobody out. Atkins induced a shallow flyout to left field, but Upton hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Vick and push the Vero Beach lead to 5-0. Atkins limited the damage from there as Shawn Riggans, another Major Leaguer on a rehab assignment, grounded out to end the frame.

 

While Vero Beach was padding their lead, Butler silenced the Daytona offense. The Cubs didn't get their first hit until the sixth inning, when Ryan Harvey bounced a two-out single into center field.

 

The Devil Rays kept it rolling in the eighth against reliever Mike Phelps. After Aaron Sisk was hit by a pitch, J.T. Hall ripped a two-run homer to right-center to extend the Vero Beach advantage to 7-0.

 

Butler's victory upped his record to 2-2 as the Devil Rays (3-12) got their first win in 13 tries. The Cubs lost their third straight game to drop to 6-11 in the second half. Atkins (6-6) was tagged with the loss.

 

Upton had a big night for the Devil Rays, going 1-for-2 with a home run, two sacrifice flies and three runs batted in. Brennan went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Harvey, Brian Dopirak and Mark Reed accounted for the Cubs' three hits.

 

PeoriaChiefs.com[/url]"]Renshaw, Chiefs Beat Kernels 3-1

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Peoria Chiefs rebounded for a 3-1 win Saturday night over the Cedar Rapids Kernels with three early runs and strong pitching from Jake Renshaw and Jeremy Papelbon. The win moves the Chiefs to 10-7 on the half and keeps them in a tie for first place in the Western Division.

 

For the second straight night, Jonathon Mota started the game with an extra base hit when he doubled past a diving Matt Sweeney down the third base line. Unlike Friday night, the Chiefs brought Mota home for an early lead. After a wild pitch moved Mota to third, Alfred Joseph put the Chiefs on top 1-0 with a RBI groundout to second. Josh Lansford followed with a single but hurler Jeremy Haynes got a double play to end the inning.

 

After leaving the bases loaded in the second, the Chiefs added two runs in the third inning without a basehit. Alfred Joseph led off with a walk before a crazy play brought him around to score. Lansford laid down a sacrifice bunt and Joseph streaked for third when first baseman Mark Trumbo dropped the throw form Haynes. Second baseman Wil Ortiz picked up the loose ball and fired wildly past third as Joseph scored and Lansford reached second. After a groundout moved him to third base, Lansford scored on a wild pitch.

 

Cedar Rapids picked up their first hit of the game against Chiefs starter Jake Renshaw in the fourth inning. In the fifth they got on the board thanks to a Chiefs error. With two outs, Anderson Rosario doubled to left. Ortiz followed with a grounder to short and Russ Canzler couldn’t handle Nate Samson’s one-hop throw as Rosario scored from second. Renshaw got a flyout from Abel Nieves to end the frame with the Chiefs leading 3-1.

 

The Kernels threatened in the sixth with Matt Sweeney and Mark Trumbo led off with back to back singles. A 6-4-3 double play off the bat of Brian Walker sent Sweeney to third with two outs. Jim Adduci saved the day with a sliding catch in right field to rob Julio Perez of extra bases and end the inning.

 

Renshaw went six innings for the third time in his last four starts. The All-Star didn’t allow an earned run over six innings while giving up five hits and one walk. Renshaw struck out two while improving to 9-4 on the season. Lefty Jeremy Papelbon picked up his third save of the season with three innings of work in which he faced just 10 batters. Papelbon stuck out four and allowed just one infield hit as he struck out the side in the ninth.

 

Gorman’s Pub Player of the Game: Jake Renshaw (SP) – Jake has won three straight starts and is just the fourth pitcher in the MWL this season to win nine games. He didn’t allow an earned for the third time this half. Renshaw’s ERA on the half is now 0.76 in four starts.

 

BoiseHawks.com[/url]"]Tri City Comes Back for 6-5 Win Over Hawks

 

PASCO, WA -- The Tri-City Dust Devils staged a three-run rally in the eighth inning on Saturday night to beat the Boise Hawks, 6-5. The Devils used two hit batters, two walks and just one hit to overcome a 4-3 dificit, scoring three times in the eighth inning. The Hawks got one back in the ninth but their rally fell short.

 

Wasted on the night was an outstanding pitching performance by Chris Huseby who allowed three runs in six innings of work before handing the game over to the bullpen.

 

Ty Wright, Josh Donaldson and Mark Sawyer all had three hits for the Hawks who took the lead with two runs in the fifth inning but could not hold on.

[TruffleShuffle]

They actually were intentionally walking EPatt and he stuck his bat out and hit ball 4 past the 3rd baseman :lol: it was amazing.

 

that's what they call "baseball instincts" folks!

[TruffleShuffle]

DH N. Perez 0/4, 3 K

 

i thought we agreed not to write it this way :lol:

[CubColtPacer]

Taking a quick look at Boise, I of course am impressed with Donaldson's start:

 

17 AB's, 2 HR, 2 2B, 4BB/5K .353/.476/.824

 

I also think Ty Wright could end up being a pretty good prospect, and his Boise numbers so far would indicate that as well:

 

59 AB's, 2 HR, 6 2B, 1 3B, 7BB/5K, .305/.406/.542, 3 SB/1 CS

 

I'm especially impressed with the strikeout to walk ratio especially when you consider it with the power numbers.

[Outshined_One]

Wright and Wyatt are both putting up pretty good numbers in Boise, but the Cubs might want to promote them in the near future, considering both are 22 and old for the Northwest League.

[seanhopper]

Taking a quick look at Boise, I of course am impressed with Donaldson's start:

 

17 AB's, 2 HR, 2 2B, 4BB/5K .353/.476/.824

 

I also think Ty Wright could end up being a pretty good prospect, and his Boise numbers so far would indicate that as well:

 

59 AB's, 2 HR, 6 2B, 1 3B, 7BB/5K, .305/.406/.542, 3 SB/1 CS

 

I'm especially impressed with the strikeout to walk ratio especially when you consider it with the power numbers.

 

Not to diminish their numbers, but at short season A ball, I would put more of the blame on the pitchers for walks than I would for an offensive player having a good eye. You often see higher walk rates in the low minors. It's still nice to see--but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it.

[chattbaseball]

Wright and Wyatt are both putting up pretty good numbers in Boise, but the Cubs might want to promote them in the near future, considering both are 22 and old for the Northwest League.

 

For some of you that are more "in-the-know," what does the outfield situation look like at Peoria and Daytona? Seems like there is a logjam at the lower levels on outfielders. I agree with this post, but is there a place to move them?

 

From what I can see, there's not anything overly impressive about the OF numbers in Peoria. Looks like same scenario in Daytona...except Amador has pretty good power numbers. I will say though that my observations are strictly based on statistics...any other more educated thoughts?

[chattbaseball]

Also...

 

Ty Wright has hit consistently since his debut.

 

Jonathan Wyatt has been more inconsistent, with his production coming in streaks.

 

If any of the OF at Boise were going to move, it would be Wright in my opinion.

[Guest]

Wright and Wyatt are both putting up pretty good numbers in Boise, but the Cubs might want to promote them in the near future, considering both are 22 and old for the Northwest League.

 

For some of you that are more "in-the-know," what does the outfield situation look like at Peoria and Daytona? Seems like there is a logjam at the lower levels on outfielders. I agree with this post, but is there a place to move them?

 

From what I can see, there's not anything overly impressive about the OF numbers in Peoria. Looks like same scenario in Daytona...except Amador has pretty good power numbers. I will say though that my observations are strictly based on statistics...any other more educated thoughts?

 

Daytona's OF situation is kind of crowded (though Alberto Garcia plays 1B and OF) but Peoria sure could use Wright or Wyatt's bat.

 

Wyatt has been streaky - but he has come on very strong after missing a few days due to some sort of virus. I will cut him some slack for his struggles in his first 35 or so AB since he was just getting started with pro ball and there probably was an adjustment period there.

 

Wright and Wyatt are ready to go to Peoria and Cliff Andersen and Leon Johnson are ready to go to Boise, imo.

[Outshined_One]

Not to diminish their numbers, but at short season A ball, I would put more of the blame on the pitchers for walks than I would for an offensive player having a good eye. You often see higher walk rates in the low minors. It's still nice to see--but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it.

 

To some extent, yes, there is something to be said for the quality of the pitching at the lower levels. Most guys you come across in the various levels of A ball tend not to have a well-developed arsenal of pitches, namely offspeed and breaking stuff, and hitters can have an easier time of things by just sitting dead red on a fastball in the zone in most at bats. It's part of the reason you see guys like Brian Dopirak and Ryan Harvey look like all-world talent in Peoria, then flounder at higher levels.

 

However, there is an important distinction that I think needs to be made. While drawing walks can certainly be learned over the course of a player's career, a player has a much easier time of it if he already has good habits instilled in him at lower levels, be it in college or little league. A guy who displays plate patience at lower levels is going to have an easier time of continuing that as he advances. Harvey and Dopirak never displayed drawing walks as a plus tool in their arsenals.

 

Remember, while the pitchers are not that advanced, neither are the hitters. Both sides need to keep adjusting to one another.

 

So, in my opinion, there is much to be said for a hitter who displays an excellent IsoD (OBP-AVG) at any level.

[Keener98]

Taking a quick look at Boise, I of course am impressed with Donaldson's start:

 

17 AB's, 2 HR, 2 2B, 4BB/5K .353/.476/.824

 

I also think Ty Wright could end up being a pretty good prospect, and his Boise numbers so far would indicate that as well:

 

59 AB's, 2 HR, 6 2B, 1 3B, 7BB/5K, .305/.406/.542, 3 SB/1 CS

 

I'm especially impressed with the strikeout to walk ratio especially when you consider it with the power numbers.

 

Hell call up Donaldson, I bet he can put up the the type of offense that we are currently getting at C. :D

[ChiefsVoice]

Not that I dont want all the top ranked guys, but id rather get some new arms at this point...our hitting has taken care of itself. Team is 6th in the league in Batting avg right now and all 9 starters yesterday were .250 or higher. After Renshaw we dont have much consistency in starting pitching...or long relief. the end of games is no problem with Maestri, Paps, Ruhlman and now Lambert....But getting through 7 has been our problem lately....

 

Unless Adduci is ready to go back up, there isnt anywhere to play one of those OF guys anyway cause Camp is staying in CF every day and Joseph/Leclerc/Canzler in LF....

[Guest]

Not that I dont want all the top ranked guys, but id rather get some new arms at this point...our hitting has taken care of itself. Team is 6th in the league in Batting avg right now and all 9 starters yesterday were .250 or higher. After Renshaw we dont have much consistency in starting pitching...or long relief. the end of games is no problem with Maestri, Paps, Ruhlman and now Lambert....But getting through 7 has been our problem lately....

 

Unless Adduci is ready to go back up, there isnt anywhere to play one of those OF guys anyway cause Camp is staying in CF every day and Joseph/Leclerc/Canzler in LF....

 

Hernandez and Carrillo have been good lately, no? (Granted they don't go deep into games, but Renshaw doesn't get past the 6th too often either.) Someone's going to have to replace Mateo soon in the rotation too - wonder if it will be one of the college arms at Boise like Sasser or if they'd bump up Tuero.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Since the SEC is equivalent to AA, why not go ahead and send Donaldson to Tennessee?

[chattbaseball]

Since the SEC is equivalent to AA, why not go ahead and send Donaldson to Tennessee?

 

lol, who is that directed towards? (sorry I'm new - if that's an inside joke)

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Why would you think I'm joking?

[chattbaseball]

Well I honestly don't know...

[Guest]

Why would you think I'm joking?

Sorry to burst your bubble, Vance, but the SEC isn't close to AA ball.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Why would you think I'm joking?

Sorry to burst your bubble, Vance, but the SEC isn't close to AA ball.

 

:)

[the splendid splinter]

Since the SEC is equivalent to AA, why not go ahead and send Donaldson to Tennessee?

The best SEC team which I guess would have been Vandy, (even thou Miss State made it to the CWS) wouldnt play 400 ball in the Appy League, maybe the Arizona/Gcl league, the pitching staff are so weak after the 2nd game in 3 game series in the SEC or any college league for that matter.

[ChiefsVoice]

Not that I dont want all the top ranked guys, but id rather get some new arms at this point...our hitting has taken care of itself. Team is 6th in the league in Batting avg right now and all 9 starters yesterday were .250 or higher. After Renshaw we dont have much consistency in starting pitching...or long relief. the end of games is no problem with Maestri, Paps, Ruhlman and now Lambert....But getting through 7 has been our problem lately....

 

Unless Adduci is ready to go back up, there isnt anywhere to play one of those OF guys anyway cause Camp is staying in CF every day and Joseph/Leclerc/Canzler in LF....

 

Hernandez and Carrillo have been good lately, no? (Granted they don't go deep into games, but Renshaw doesn't get past the 6th too often either.) Someone's going to have to replace Mateo soon in the rotation too - wonder if it will be one of the college arms at Boise like Sasser or if they'd bump up Tuero.

 

They are highly inconsistent...Renshaw is 4-0 with a 0.76 ERA since the all-star break and has gone 6 plus in 3 of those...Carrillo is turning things around nicely....and it wont be a college guy from Boise replacing Mateo...

[seanhopper]

Not to diminish their numbers, but at short season A ball, I would put more of the blame on the pitchers for walks than I would for an offensive player having a good eye. You often see higher walk rates in the low minors. It's still nice to see--but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it.

 

To some extent, yes, there is something to be said for the quality of the pitching at the lower levels. Most guys you come across in the various levels of A ball tend not to have a well-developed arsenal of pitches, namely offspeed and breaking stuff, and hitters can have an easier time of things by just sitting dead red on a fastball in the zone in most at bats. It's part of the reason you see guys like Brian Dopirak and Ryan Harvey look like all-world talent in Peoria, then flounder at higher levels.

 

However, there is an important distinction that I think needs to be made. While drawing walks can certainly be learned over the course of a player's career, a player has a much easier time of it if he already has good habits instilled in him at lower levels, be it in college or little league. A guy who displays plate patience at lower levels is going to have an easier time of continuing that as he advances. Harvey and Dopirak never displayed drawing walks as a plus tool in their arsenals.

 

Remember, while the pitchers are not that advanced, neither are the hitters. Both sides need to keep adjusting to one another.

 

So, in my opinion, there is much to be said for a hitter who displays an excellent IsoD (OBP-AVG) at any level.

 

Strong points. I agree with your assertion that it's good to see a player at any level have a high IsoD. Patience is something the Cubs need to do a better job of teaching in the minor leagues (at least over the past few yrs.), so it's nice to see these new additions doing a better job.

 

By the way, is Gary Hughes still with the organization? After reading some recent interviews, it appeared as if he was becoming a stubborn old time scout. I respect his views and of course his past record, but it started to sound as if he was relying on his old school scouting skills too much and almost stubbornly not looking at the available statistics when evaluating a player. Hendry really needs to put strong people around him if he ever wants to succeed.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Since the SEC is equivalent to AA, why not go ahead and send Donaldson to Tennessee?

The best SEC team which I guess would have been Vandy, (even thou Miss State made it to the CWS) wouldnt play 400 ball in the Appy League, maybe the Arizona/Gcl league, the pitching staff are so weak after the 2nd game in 3 game series in the SEC or any college league for that matter.

 

There was a joke hidden somewhere in my post.

[Guest]

They are highly inconsistent...Renshaw is 4-0 with a 0.76 ERA since the all-star break and has gone 6 plus in 3 of those...Carrillo is turning things around nicely....and it wont be a college guy from Boise replacing Mateo...

 

It'll be Wade Miller.