Down on the Farm

Young prospects drawing attention in Boise

Please excuse the lack of posting the past couple days. Anyways, here are a couple young prospects making headlines in Boise:

Brett Jackson, OF: In seven games for Boise, Jackson is hitting .320 with a .414 on-base percentage. He has walked four times to six strike outs, and looks comfortable at the plate through his first 25 at-bats.

Hak-ju Lee, SS: Lee is hitting a solid .286 with a .360 on-base percentage and 7 stole bases. Despite not having any home runs, Lee has 7 doubles and has walked 9 times. Lee continues to show his advanced skills at the plate and in the field and could make for an interesting prospect down the road. 

Jae-Hoon Ha, RF: Ha is adjusting nicely to baseball in the U.S., hitting .290 with 4 extra-base hits and just five strike outs. Ha is hitting .314 in his last ten games.

Jeffery Antigua, LHP: In 4 appearances, 3 of which coming as starts, Antigua is 1-1 with a 1.00 ERA and 17 strike outs. Coming off an impressive 2008 campaign with a 3.05 ERA in 14 games, Antigua is back at it with improved command and poise.


White Sox agree to terms with Mitchell

The White Sox have come to terms on a deal with first round draft pick Jared Mitchell. Mitchell hit .327 for LSU this season with 11 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. Mitchell was considered one of the most athletic players in this years draft, which comes as no surprise being a two-sport star for LSU. 

Mitchell will begin his career for the Kannapolis Intimidators. 

Cubs to call up Stevens?

The Cubs optioned Kevin Hart back to Triple-A Iowa to get more work in as a starter. The Cubs would like to have Hart start either the July 19th game against Washington or the July 20th game against the Phillies. 

In his place, the Cubs will call up reliever Jeff Stevens from Iowa. Stevens, who came over in the Mark DeRosa, has a 2.08 ERA and an impressive 1.09 WHIP in 30 games this season. Stevens is a very smart and experience pitcher for his age, and should find success if given an opportunity in the Cubs bullpen.

White Sox trade prospect Allen

The White Sox traded first base prospect Brandon Allen to the Diamondbacks for power arm reliever Tony Pena. Allen, considered one of the teams top prospects, was hitting .290 through 62 games at the Double-A level before being promoted to Triple-A. He had a .372 on-base percentage with 7 home runs before his promotion to Charlotte where he hit .246 in 15 games. 

Allen has the potential to be a productive first baseman for the White Sox. He hits for decent power and average, which would definitely help the Sox when Paul Konerko moves past his prime. However, the White Sox have highly touted prospect Tyler Flowers working his way through the minor league ranks and because of his size and potential at the plate, it may be safer long term to have him at first. 

Pena has a career 4.08 ERA, but owns a 4.24 ERA in 37 appearances this season with a 1.53 WHIP.

White Sox promote Infante to Dash

After putting up impressive numbers for the Kannapolis Intimidators, the White Sox have promoted pitching prospect Gregory Infante to the Winston-Salem Dash. In 88 1/3 innings, Infante was 3-5 with a 3.26 ERA and striking out 75. Infante struggled in May, but was impressive enough in April and June for the White Sox to give him the opportunity in Double-A.

The White Sox have shown this season that they are not afraid to give their young prospects an opportunity. Both Gordon Beckham and Aaron Poreda have been summoned to the big leagues from Birmingham, and prospect Brandon Allen has been promoted to Triple-A. At this point in time, it is highly unlikely that Infante will join the Barons before the season is over, but it is not out of the realm of possibility to see him there next season if he can continue to progress and develop. 

Infante, who will be 22 on July 10th, surrendered two earned runs through five innings in his first start with the Dash.

Cashner impresses in Double-A debut

After giving up an impressive seven earned runs in 42.0 innings for the Daytona Cubs, pitching prospect Andrew Cashner gave up one run in five innings of work, striking out six. The Cubs' experiment to move Cashner from the closer role to the starter role is proving to be a success, as he has a 1.53 ERA this season. 

The Cubs would be smart to let Cashner get comfortable at the Double-A level before promoting him again. If that means finishing the season there, so be it. Cashner is looking like a legitimate pitching prospect, and it is important for Cashner to build up his stamina before he starts facing a mixture of former major league hitters and veteran minor leaguers.

Cubs first rounder debuts for Boise

After hitting .455 in three games with the Mesa Cubs, 2009 first round draft pick Brett Jackson is hitting .200 (2-for-10) in his first three games for the Boise Hawks, with an RBI and a walk. Jackson is playing with a slew of minor league prospects, including Hak-ju Lee, Robert Hernandez, and Larry Saurez, among others.

Jackson should receive time with the Peoria Chiefs this season. He is coming from UC Berkeley, and has an advanced approach at the plate.


Cubs acquire Baker

The Cubs have traded minor league prospect Al Alburquerque to the Rockies for infielder Jeff Baker. To make room for Baker, the Cubs designated Ryan Freel for assignment. The Cubs bring in another player to fill the role that was left when they traded Mark DeRosa last off season. Baker is a career .257 hitter, however, he hit .268 with 12 home runs last season for the Rockies, with 23 extra-base hits and playing time at first, second, third, and right field. 

Alburquerque, 23, was off to a great start for Single-A Daytona, going 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 24 appearances. He is one of the older players down in Single-A, but could benefit from an opportunity at the Double-A level with the Rockies. 

Flowers closes promising June

White Sox prospect Tyler Flowers ended the month of June with a .338 batting average, 4 home runs, and a .443 on-base percentage. Flowers was voted to the teams Futures Game at the All-Star Game this month, and is hitting .360 in his last ten games.

Flowers' plate discipline combined with his power makes him a candidate to be promoted before the season is over. His 51 walks to just 68 strike outs, along with 11 home runs and 17 extra base hits is extremely impressive for a young prospect like Flowers.

Cubs recall Samardzija, option Ascanio

The Cubs have recalled pitcher Jeff Samardzija from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jose Ascanio in his place. Samardzija went 5-3 with a 3.72 ERA and 53 strike outs in 67 2/3 innings with Iowa, including one complete game. Samardzija will work out of the bullpen with the Cubs, something the young starter has struggled to make the transition to. However, a rejuvinated Samardzija could help the Cubs bullpen, which has been inconsistent during the month of June.

In 14 games with the Cubs, Ascanio was 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA. In Ascanio's best outing with the Cubs, he threw three scoreless innings in extras to keep the Cubs in the game. His slider is inconsistent, but if he can command it better, he could become a very dominant reliever. 

Lang continues hot streak with Barons

White Sox prospect C.J. Lang is tearing it up for the Barons, hitting .394 in his last 10 games. Lang hit .286 in 14 games with the Winston-Salem Dash and is now hitting .355 in 20 games with a .467 on-base percentage. Lang, 25, was signed by the White Sox in 2006 and is starting to put things together.

While he is 5-foot-8, he could make for a small ball type player or reserve infielder. He is aggressive at the plate, hitting .350 with runners in scoring position and only striking out four. The Sox should hold off on promoting Lang until he can get into a more consistent streak at Double-A. 

Cubs place Miles on DL, call up Fuld

The Cubs have place second baseman Aaron Miles on the disabled list with a hyper extended right elbow. The Cubs will call up Sam Fuld in his place after he hit .286 with 20 stolen bases in his campaign with the Iowa Cubs. Fuld has been hitting .417 in his last ten games, and hits an impressive .326 versus lefties. 

It will be interesting to see what role Fuld takes with the Cubs. Fukudome has been in a bit of a slump, and Bradley seems to be considered day-to-day everyday, so he may get some at-bats over the next two weeks.

Fox continues hot streak with Cubs

Cubs prospect Jake Fox continued his hot streak in his second go around with the Cubs, going 3-for-4 with a double and a home run. Fox is hitting .395 in 17 games this season, with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs. Fox is confident in his ability to play third base and is even more confident in his ability to hit, which could set up for a intimidating middle of the order with the Cubs.

It is obvious that the Cubs need to play him more. His bat can have a serious impact on a lineup, and his attitude and aggressiveness at the plate make for potentially dangerous hitter. I think it's time for manager Lou Piniella to give him more playing time to see if his hot back could carry the team for a couple weeks.

Cashner impressive, but needs more innings

Cubs top pitching prospect Andrew Cashner is putting together an impressive season for Daytona Cubs, posting a 1.66 ERA in 11 starts. The Cubs are slowly converting Cashner from a reliever to a starter, and are mindful of his innings. In his last ten outings, Cashner hasn't gone more than five innings, but has only walked 11 batters, an impressive statistic considering he has pitched in 35.1 innings. 

Cashner is still a long way away from contributing at the big league level, but he could see time at the Double-A level if he can work himself up to six or seven innings on occaision. 

Greene heating up for Kannapolis

White Sox prospect Justin Greene is starting to heat up for the Intimidators, hitting .375 with a double, triple, and home run in his last 10 games. He had an average April, but turned it on in May with a .325 average and is now hitting .391 in June with a .476 on-base percentage. 

Greene was a 20th round pick by the Sox in 2008, and has garnered attention for his speed and ability to make contact. His athletic ability along with his aggressiveness versus lefties has made him a legitimate prospect for the Sox. While he is 23, he could rise fast if he continues to play well. 

Atkins heating up in Iowa

Iowa Cubs pitcher Mitch Atkins has won three of his last four starts, going 3-0 with 12 strike outs and four walks. In his last outing, Atkins went 7.1 innings, not giving up a hit until the eighth inning. He did strike out four but was handed a no decision. This is Atkins' best month so far, going 3-1 with a 4.15 ERA in five starts with 22 strike outs and 4 walks. 

Atkins' contract was bought by the Cubs at the end of last season in order to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Since the move, he hasn't give the Cubs any reason to promote him. Atkins still has a lot of maturing to do before he can be considered a major league starter. However, if he pitches well, he could receive an opportunity to get his feet wet in September with the parent club. 

Cubs, Sox sending four to All-Star Game

The Futures Game at the All-Star Game is a way to give fans a inside look at the games youngest talent. The game is split between a World Team and a USA team, with players from the Cubs and Sox representing both sides. For the Cubs, they will be sending Josh Vitters and Starlin Castro while the Sox will be sending Tyler Flowers and Dayan Viciedo. 

The 23-year old catcher, Flowers is hitting .281 with 10 home runs and has walked 46 times in 61 games. At 6-foot-4, he has the potential to be a big time power hitter, who might need to move to first base. Dayan Viciedo will be representing the World team after hitting .274 with 6 home runs and has hit 11 doubles. 

The Cubs will be sending Josh Vitters after hitting .386 with 12 home runs in the first half of the season. He is participating in the Midwest All-Star Game and could receive a call up to Double-A if he continues to hit the ball. Starlin Castro, 19, hit the ball very well through May and continues to play well in June. In 63 games this season, Castro is hitting .305 with 2 home runs and a .336 on-base percentage. 

The Futures game is a great way for players to play at the next level, against the top prospects in baseball. Keep an eye on these four guys to see how they do after the break. 

Fox, Hart play well despite fourth straight loss

The Cubs' June hot streak appears to have been just a fluke as they fell to the Tigers for their fourth straight loss. However, Cubs prospect Jake Fox had a breakout game as the teams DH, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. Fox was a triple short of the cycle, bringing his average up to .353. After Ted Lilly went six innings, pitching prospect Kevin Hart pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, walking two and surrendering just two walks.

Fox deserves more playing time. He was playing out of his mind in Triple-A and giving him regular playing time could really give him the spark he needs. Obviously the Cubs don't feel the same way. Kevin Hart has been given more of an opportunity than Fox, and could have a long term spot in the bullpen he  can continue to be effective. One game under .500 in the NL Central - it may be time for the Cubs to exercise other options. 


Caridad, Stevens pitch well in Cubs loss

It was a promising outing for Cubs pitching prospects despite a 5-2 loss to New Orleans. The game's starter, Esmalin Caridad, surrendered one hit over four innings and struck out five. Caridad hasn't been spectacular, but he is preforming better than his numbers show. Despite being 3-8, he owns a 4.14 ERA in 15 starts striking out 57 and walking 26. Caridad was relieved by pitcher Jeff Stevens, who has been one of the top relievers in the Pacific Coast League. 

Stevens pitched an inning of relief, striking out two. Stevens is 0-3 in 26 games this season, with a 2.62 ERA and 33 strike outs. He has walked 19, but is holding hitters to a .194 batting average. If the Cubs bullpen continues to struggle, Stevens should be called up. He is way to effective of a reliever to be waiting in the wings in Iowa.

Barons prospects continue to play well

In yesterday's defeat to Mississippi, White Sox prospect Dayan Viciedo went 2-for-3 with a walk, bringing his season average to .279. Viciedo has been hovering around the .280 mark for over a month, and I do not see the White Sox promoting him unless he can bring his average way up. He is still adjusting to professional baseball in America, and deserves a full season to get adjusted. 

Another prospect - Tyler Flowers - came in as a pinch hitter to walk twice and scored a run. Like Viciedo, Flowers has been hovering around the .280 mark for over a month. He shows incredible plate patience, and has the potential to hit for serious power. He is a smart player, having player catcher most of his life. But the 6-foot-4 prospect might be forced to move in the future.

On the mound, prospect John Ely went six strong innings, giving up three earned runs and striking out five. Ely is 6-1 on the year with a 3.36 ERA and 68 strike outs. He is commanding the ball really well in Double-A, and could receive a promotion to Triple-A if he continues to out perform. 

Cubs sign top pick Jackson

The Cubs and their first round pick Brett Jackson have agreed to terms, pending a physical. Jackson is coming off an amazing season at the University of California Berkeley, hitting .321 with 42 runs scored, 23 extra-base hits, and 8 home runs in 53 games this year.  

Jackson is considered the second most athletic player coming into the 2009 draft, according to Baseball America. The lefty hitter has the potential to be a true power hitter at the major league level, possibly making the switch to the corner if he gets any bigger.

White Sox Prospect Update

-1B Brandon Allen continued his torrid start in Triple-A, sporting a .417 batting average with a home run and 4 RBI's. I think its safe to say this trend won't continue all season, but his ability to adapt quickly to Triple-A pitching has been extremely impressive. After making his way around the league and adjusting the opposing team's adjustments will he prove if he is ready for the Big Show. Either way, these gaudy numbers are sure catch the eye of the White Sox front office.

-RHP John Ely is someone to keep an eye on, as he has Someone to keep an eye on as he has an impressive 3.27 ERA to go with a 6-1 record for Double-A Birmingham. The White Sox have an abundance of young promising arms and one of the best bullpens in the league, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him with the big league club before the year is done.

Cubs Prospects Making Presence Felt

-It was a good weekend for the Chicago Cubs and much of the credit goes to their unheralded minor league call-ups, with Randy Wells, Andres Blanco, and Jake Fox all making key contributions in their sweep of the Cleveland Indians. Blanco hit a game tying single in the 13th inning and went on to score the winning run in Saturday's extra inning thriller. His stellar defense and strong arm seemed to have gained the trust of Lou Piniella, who has said he will use Blanco to give shortstop Ryan Theriot some rest. Fox led the Cubs with 3 RBI's on Sunday in support of Wells, who went 6 2/3 strong innings to secure the weekend sweep and his first career win. The energy and care-free attitude of these youngsters seems to have lifted a weight off of the team's collective shoulders, and fans can only hope their success continues to be a spark for the improving Cubs. 

-Cubs RHP Angel Guzman has been placed on the 15 day DL with a right triceps strain. It stings to see Guzman go down just as he was shaping up to be a major cog in the Cubs bullpen this year, but injuries have always been his achilles heel. The Cubs recalled RHP Kevin Hart to replace Guzman. Hart has been back and forth between Triple-A the last two seasons, but his 1.41 ERA in his last six games has given him another chance to prove himself as a consistent reliever at the major league level.

White Sox Prospect Roundup

Brandon Allen, Charlotte Knights: In his first game at the Triple-A level, Allen went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI. We could see Allen replace Gordon Beckham if he continues to play well at Triple-A. He is hitting .298 with 7 home runs in 63 games between Double-A and Triple-A. 

Tyler Kuhn, Winston-Salem Dash: After hitting .299 in Kannapolis, Kuhn is hitting .600 (3-for-5) in 2 games for Winston-Salem. He is a very aggressive hitter, and should continue to climb the minor league ladder if he continues to play well.

Dexter Carter, Kannapolis Intimidators: Dexter Carter had an unbelievable outing tonight, pitching seven strong innings of one hit ball, striking out seven. Carter is 2-0 in June, and should stay in Kannapolis to show that he can handle the long summer grind of minor league ball.  

Cubs prospects power past Burlington

Peoria Cheifs prospects Josh Vitters, Ryan Flaherty, and Kyler Burke powered the Peoria Chiefs to a 12-10 victory over Burlington. Ryan Flaherty, who is trying to get into a hot streak, went 1-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBIs. Flaherty is hitting .242 in June, but has hit 4 home runs and is hitting .301 with runners on base. Flaherty, a compensation pick in the 2008 MLB draft, is taking a little bit longer to find his swing at the professional level. 

Cubs top prospect Josh Vitters continues his strong play, going 1-for-5 with a run. Vitters is hitting .318 with 13 home runs and a .356 on-base percentage. Vitters has walked 7 times to just 36 strike outs, and is hitting .325 with runners on base. Vitters should be promoted before the season is over, possibly to Double-A if the Cubs want to challenge him. 

Kyler Burke is a rather unknown prospect, but he is starting to turn heads after going 3-for-5 with a double, triple, and 4 RBIs. He was acquired in the Michael Barrett trade along with Rob Bowen back in 2007. The lefty hitter is hitting .382 in his last 10 games, bringing his season numbers to .293 with 5 home runs and a .369 on-base percentage. He could be moved up to Daytona in a couple weeks if his strong play continues. His ability to hit lefties is impressive, along with his ability to hit with the bases empty. He has the potential to be an effective top of the order hitter. 

Viciedo coming together for Barons

White Sox prospect Dayan Viciedo is starting to come together for the Barons, hitting .277 with 5 home runs and 41 runs batted in. Viciedo struggled in April, hitting .234, but he turned that around in May, hitting .293 but with an unimpressive .314 on-base percentage. Viciedo is still defining his approach at the plate, but he is very aggressive with runners in scoring position, hitting .295 with 2 home runs. 

Viciedo has brought up his on-base percentage from .244 in April to .333 in June, but still has a .298 OBP on the year. Viciedo has tremendous talent and will improve, but he needs to refine his approach at the plate. He's walked just 9 times to 50 strike outs, and is still struggling to hit righties more consistently. The White Sox should keep Viciedo in Double-A for the rest of the 2009 season, and probably the start of the 2010 season.

Daily Roundup - June 18th

CUBS

Iowa 9, Memphis 3: Pitcher Mitch Atkins pitched seven strong innings, giving up two earned runs but giving up two home runs.

Tennessee 7, Carolina 6: Tyler Colvin powered the Smokies past Carolina with two home runs, bringing his season average to .319.

Carolina 6, Tennessee 3: Jason Adduci went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.

Peoria 5, Burlington 4: Catcher Michael Brenly continued his hot streak, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Hitting in the DH spot, Ryan Flaherty went 0-for-4 with 3 strike outs.

WHITE SOX

Charlotte 5, Pawtucket 0: Carlos Torres pitched a rain shortened perfect game, striking out five. This is the second rain shortened no-hitter for the White Sox minor league teams this season.

Birmingham 5, Huntsville 4: White Sox prospect Tyler Flowers went 1-for-2 with a home run and two walks..

Winston-Salem versus Wilmington - Postponed

Kannapolis 5, Greensboro 0: Jon Gilmore went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs in a 5-0 shutout over Greensboro.

Cubs recall Fox

It's about time. The Cubs have recalled hitting prospect Jake Fox from Triple-A Iowa after placing lefty pitcher Jason Waddell on the disabled list for a non-baseball related medical issue. The move gives Fox, who hit .417 (5-for-12) with 2 doubles in 8 games for the Cubs, another opportunity to earn more playing time. Since his demotion, Fox was hitting .231 with 2 runs, a triple, and 4 walks. 

Now that he is reunited with his hitting coach from Triple-A, Fox should see more consistent playing time. The Cubs can look at it two ways. Fox will give the Cubs the offensive boost they need and if he does well, they could shop him to teams who may have a spot open for him. It does not make sense for the Cubs to hold onto Fox, 26, especially if they do not plan on using him. 

Daily Roundup - June 17th

CUBS

Iowa 5, Oklahoma City 4: Cubs prospect Matt Camp had a big date at the plate, going 4-for-6 and bringing his average up to .340. He is hitting .312 this season between Double-A and Triple-A.

Tennessee versus Carolina - Postponed


St. Lucie 4, Daytona 1: Cubs pitching prospects struggled against St. Lucie tonight. Ryan Searle and Jose Pina walked four batters, allowed four earned runs, and gave up six hits in 5.1 innings. These promising young pitchers need to make the proper adjustments so they can continue to find success this season.

Peoria 7, Quad Cities x3 Cubs prospect Ryan Flaherty is starting to show signs of life, hitting 2-for-4 with a triple. Catcher Michael Brenly went 3-for-3 with an RBI.


WHITE SOX

Pawtucket 9, Charlotte 3: The Knights were dominated by John Smoltz and Clay Buchholz, but catching prospect Cole Armstrong went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Birmingham 11, Huntsville 5: White Sox Tyler Flowers contributed in a big way for the Barons, going 2-for-5 with 5 RBIS, a triple, and a home run. Clevelan Santeliz pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball to pick up his third win of the season.

Winston-Salem 8, Frederick 7: Prospect Brent Morel broke out of his June slump with a 3-for-5 night, hitting a double and scoring three runs. Chris Marrero continued his hot streak, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. If he continues his hot streak, he should receive a promotion to Double-A.

Kannapolis 14, West Virginia 4: Prospect Tyler Kuhn went 4-for-6 in Wednesday's rout over West Virgina, with a double and a RBI.

Daily Roundup - June 16th

CUBS

Iowa 6, Oklahoma City 2: Cubs prospect Kevin Hart threw six innings of one run ball, striking out seven. He improves to 3-3 with a 3.10 ERA, despite walking three. Hart does have pretty good stuff that could suit a struggling bullpen, like the Cubs. However, he is inconsistent and needs to command his secondary pitches before the Cubs give him another chance.

Daytona 6, St. Lucie 0: Since including him in my 'Who's Hot-Who's Not' post, Opitz has been on a tear, going 5-for-8 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs. Opitz may not project long term as a power hitter, but if he can develop a better idea of the strikezone, he could make for an average major league hitter.

Peoria 10, Quad Cities 0: It was a very promising outing for Cubs prospects, who two-hit the Quad Cities. Aaron Shafer and Jeremy Beliveau combined for a two hitter, walking two and striking out 13. Cubs infield prospect Ryan Flaherty broke out of his June slump with a 2 hit, 4 RBI night.


WHITE SOX

Pawtucket 3, Charlotte 2: Derek Rodriguez struggled with his command tonight, lasting just 0.1 innings and walking two. He has a 1.21 ERA, so keep an eye on him if his strong start starts to fizz.

Winston-Salem 4, Frederick 1: Although Carter struggled with his command, he pitched six strong innings to pick up his sixth win of the year.

West Virgina 6, Kannapolis 0: The bats were just not awake against West Virgina, as they were shut out for the fourth time this season.

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