Report from Iowa...

[ryno4ever]

The Iowa Cubs took a pair of afternoon games from the Portland Beavers on Mother's Day winning 3-0 and 3-2 in the doubleheader.
Rich Hill threw 5.2 innings in the shutout, allowing three hits while striking out eight. Sam Fuld went 2-for-3 with a double and catcher Koyie Hill also added a double and drove in two runs.

LF Matt Murton was 2-3 with an RBI on Friday night. He's had two hits in three straight and five of six games since returning from Chicago and is batting .476 (10-21) in this span. He is tied for the team lead (Kroeger) with nine multi-hit games in 18 starts...RF Josh Kroeger was 2-3 with a stolen base and scored a run on Friday night. He's had a hit in a season-high six straight games and eight of his last nine, with three straight multi-hit games...SS Andres Blanco has hit safely in three straight games and eight of his last nine...1B Micah Hoffpauir has a hit and has scored a run in all three games since coming off the disabled list...RHP Mike Burns' save on Friday night was his first since May 24th last year while pitching for Pawtucket against Syracuse. He was 3-for-8 in save chances with PawSox...C Tony Richie was 4-4 with two doubles, a home run, four RBI, and scored three runs on Thursday afternoon and tied his career-highs for hits, runs, RBI, and total bases.

[LeeEila's/rant]

We are thick with talent in our minors . How long have we been wanting to say that ?? Boy , it sure is nice to hear it now .

[Bockstock]

We are thick with talent in our minors . How long have we been wanting to say that ?? Boy , it sure is nice to hear it now .

Depth, yea; talent, I don't know.

Kroeger, Fuld, Patterson, Murton, Hoffpaiuer, these guys are all 26+ and non-prospects by this point

Besides Russell, Ceda, and the Korean kid there isn't alot to get excited about in the younger crowd, unless Colvin's meagerly improved BB rate falls under that category.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

I believe I read somewhere Tyler Colvin had a terrific night last night. 2 HR's & 2 Doubles for AA Tennessee.

[ryno4ever]

Monday in Iowa:

Micah Hoffpauir homered and the Iowa Cubs cruised to their sixth straight victory with a 10-6 win over the Portland Beavers Monday night at Principal Park.

Cubs lefty Sean Marshall, making his second start of the season for Iowa and first since being optioned by Chicago on Friday, did not factor in the decision. Marshall struck out three and allowed three hits on the night, while throwing only 63 pitches.

Six Cubs had multiple hits in the win, including Hoffpauir who finished the evening 3-for-4 while driving in four. Seven of Iowa's 14 hits were for extra base hits, including a pair of doubles by left fielder Matt Murton.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

Monday in Iowa:

Micah Hoffpauir homered and the Iowa Cubs cruised to their sixth straight victory with a 10-6 win over the Portland Beavers Monday night at Principal Park.

Cubs lefty Sean Marshall, making his second start of the season for Iowa and first since being optioned by Chicago on Friday, did not factor in the decision. Marshall struck out three and allowed three hits on the night, while throwing only 63 pitches.

Six Cubs had multiple hits in the win, including Hoffpauir who finished the evening 3-for-4 while driving in four. Seven of Iowa's 14 hits were for extra base hits, including a pair of doubles by left fielder Matt Murton.

Good to hear Murton's finally starting to hit some XBH's.

[Bockstock]

I believe I read somewhere Tyler Colvin had a terrific night last night. 2 HR's & 2 Doubles for AA Tennessee.

That brings his season OPS to a whopping .690 something

The only thing to like is that he's doubled his walk total from last year at AA in 100 less at-bats. He is also striking out 25% of his at-bats, obviously that could also be due to him trying to improve his pitch selection and patience..

[ryno4ever]

First baseman Micah Hoffpauir has begun playing right field at Triple-A Iowa so the Cubs can bring him up this summer as a reserve outfielder. Hoffpauir, who led the Cubs with a .419 average in spring training, went 2-for-4 Tuesday with a home run and five RBIs. He missed the first five weeks with an oblique strain.

"We're playing him at first and the outfield," general manager Jim Hendry said. "We're just giving him his best chance to be versatile in case we need a left-handed bat. He has hit the ground running. It just makes sense. If you're going to pencil yourself in as a first baseman, you're probably not going to get too much playing time [behind Derrek Lee]."

[Cubbies10]

Just thought would update this thread. Micah Hoffapuier is 3-3 tonight so far with a HR and 4 RBI's. Iowa currently leading round rock 7-4.

[Cubbies10]

Iowa win 11-7 and go 20 games over .500 at 58-38.

Dubois hit his 4th homer in 2 games, Pie had 2 RBI's including a triple and Hoff had 3 hits and 4 RBI's.

[Cubbies10]

Iowa have just won again 6-2 tonight against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Mitch Atkins gets the win in his first start in AAA, throwing 5 innings of 2 run ball, both from HR's, he walked 3 and struck out 4. Good start to his AAA career, he was called up to take Kevin Harts start, who was slated to pitch tonight but obviously he got called up to the Cubs. Hoffpauier had a 3 hit night driving in 2 runs, Dubois went 2-4 with a walk and Koyie Hill hit a homer and ended with a couple of RBI's. Pie also had a multi hit night going 2-4 with a RBI and he was also HBP.

[VanMan]

It seems the Cubs organization is deeper than most think. The big club is dominating the NL, and the I-Cubs are starting to dominate the PCL.

[Cubbies10]

Absolutely, the I-Cubs are 20 games over .500 and hold a 6 game lead over St Louis's AAA team the Memphis Redbirds. Planning on being a great season down in Iowa, play-offs are a deffinate possibility if we continue to play like we have been. We're at Albuquerque again tonight. Mike Burns pitches tonight, he is 6-5 with a 3.63 ERA.

[VanMan]

I think yesterday, the Des Moines Register had a big article about Pat Listasch and how he's been able to keep the I-Cubs winning despite the shuttle between Des Moines and Chicago and the recent trade.

[ryno4ever]

I just read where Rich Hill will be re-joining Iowa after the All Star Break. He had another fairly good outing in Mesa.

[Cubbies10]

The most important aspect of his start in Mesa was the fact he walked only 1 batter through 5 innings i think. Thats great news.

[Cubbies10]

Hoff just hit a 3 run HR, Iowa leads 3-0 in the 3rd

[cubsfan162512]

The most important aspect of his start in Mesa was the fact he walked only 1 batter through 5 innings i think. Thats great news.

agreed :D

[Cubbies10]

Iowa take the loss tonight 8-6. Highlight was Hoff's 3 run homer, other than that Koyie Hill had a RBI as did Blanco and Scales. Saw some pretty poor pitching tonight from Justin Berg, not surprising to see his ERA around 6, Estrada didn't look too bad throwing 2 innings of 1 run ball while striking out 3. Not the best night for Iowa, but wasn't a complete waste, still lead in the pacaific coast.

[Cubbies10]

Crazy game tonight for Iowa ended 14-8 in favor of the Isotopes, Jeff Samardzija pitched for Iowa tonight and he left the game in the 7th with a 3-2 lead. He actually only pitched 6 innings but Iowa scored in the 7th and Wells took over in the bottom of the 7th. Jeff had a good game again, 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 9 K's. He now holds a 3.45Era after his no decision tonight. Kroeger hit a homer and Torres had 4 RBI's on the night. Casey Magehee had 2 errors in the 7th behind Wells where the Isotopes plated 9 runs, Pigmaitello also struggled.

Not the best game for Iowa but they were without there manager who will be managing the AAA all star Pacific league team. Hoff/Pie/Hill all got rests tonight.

[Bockstock]

Wells with a crappy game tonight, but I think the Cubs have enough depth at AAA/AA to cover the bullpen when Howry and Eyre leave next year. Ceda and Blake Parker are vying to be the next Marmol 2007-May2008. Parker is one of a handful of position players the Cubs converted to RP last year.

I want to see Ceda up with the Cubs this season.

Jose Ceda
Jesse Estrada
Randy Wells
Donald Veal
Blake Parker

[Cubbies10]

Mitch Atkins started his second game after being called up from AA tonight, and after getting a win in a a quality start his first game, he comes right back and does it again in his second game. He pitched 7 innings of 2 hit 1 run ball tonight for Iowa and they took the win 8-1. Wuertz pitched the 9th and gave up 1 hit and struck out 1 giving up no runs. Estrada also pitched a perfect inning. So in 2 starts in AAA this season, Mitch Atkins is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA. Cracking start to his AAA career:)

Offensively, felix Pie his his 7th homer of the season but is still only hitting in the mid .200 range. Figueroa did the most damage tonight with a hit a walk and 3 RBI's. He is hitting .290 on the season. Hill Magehee and even Atkins added a RBI.

Nice win for Iowa tonight 8-1

[Cubbies10]

The Iowa game only lasted 6 innings tonight before being called for rain. We did have a 3-1 lead but by the time it was called Nashville had scored 3 in the top of the 6th to take a 4-3 lead, they got the bottom in it was called as it was pouring down.

[VanMan]

Well, since Nashville took the lead, it had to be suspended.

[Cubbies10]

Yep, shame really. We were out hitting them, was pretty confident that we were going to take the lead again. Berg pitched 4 good innings before he started getting roughed up.

Not sure who is scheduled to pitch for us tomorrow.

[Cubbies10]

In fact i just read that it is probably Jeff Samardzija :) So deffo looking forward to that one, its a day game as well.

[Cubbies10]

Jeff Samardzja pitches another fantastic game and Iowa win 2-1. Jeff went 6 innings of 2 hit 1 run ball while striking out 9 and walking just one. Torres and McGehee bothn hit solo shots and thats all the big man needed

Jeff is now 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA

[DLee25]

Jeff Samardzja pitches another fantastic game and Iowa win 2-1. Jeff went 6 innings of 2 hit 1 run ball while striking out 9 and walking just one. Torres and McGehee bothn hit solo shots and thats all the big man needed

Jeff is now 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cubbies10]

He really is coming on this season, he is not far off being Major League ready, his sinker is just nasty, he reminds me of Jason Marquis, just better. He has a electric fast ball to go with a devastating sinker. Can't wait until he is in our rotation. He has the make up and potential to be a ace, still needs experience but he has potential, exciting times.

[Cubbies10]

Also worth mentioning that Michael Wuetz pitched a scorless 9th, allowing 0 hits while striking out 1. His first save in AAA. :)

[Cubbies10]

Iowa lost in extra innings last night. Had a 3 run lead going into the 9th, enter Wurtz to walk 3 and completely blow the game, he also threw a wild pitch. Wells pitched well, going 5 innings of 1 run ball. Soriano was 1-3 with a single and a K. Bobby Scales homered for the Cubs, RBI's went to McGehee (2), Figueroa (1) and Scales (1).

Iowa lose 5-4 in 10

[Bims]

Jeff Samardzja pitches another fantastic game and Iowa win 2-1. Jeff went 6 innings of 2 hit 1 run ball while striking out 9 and walking just one. Torres and McGehee bothn hit solo shots and thats all the big man needed

Jeff is now 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA
We should be getting a look at Samardzja in September.

[Bims]

I'm glad to see that the Cubs have stopped trying to turn Jose Ceda into a starter. His control is much better in smaller samples, with less innings. Out of the pen in Ten, Ceda has a 1.47 ERA 7 SV and in 18.1 innings he has 24 K's to just 5 Walks. We have a very good reliever on our hands. Thank you Todd Walker and Kevin Towers!

[Cubbies10]

We should be getting a look at Samardzja in September.

He has one of the best sinkers i have ever seen. I'm not kidding either.

I'm hoping he carries on his form, i can't remember the last time he had a bad outing in AAA, always gives the team a chance to win. Should get a look in September and he should be pushing coming out of spring training next season. exciting times.:)

[Cubbies10]

Iowa took a 10-7 loss. JR Mathes allowed 4 ER in 6 innings then Burns came in BS royally allowing 5 ER in just 1 inning of work. Koyie Hill his his 10th home run of the season and had 4 RBI's on the night, Josh Kroeger had 2 RBI's and McGehee had 1.

[Cubbies10]

Mitch Atkins wasn't quite as good last night allowing 5 ER in 6 IP but he did get the win to go 3-0 and he still has a respectable ERA in AAA for his first 3 starts (3.79). Hoff was spectacular with a homer a double and 4 RBI's. Torres had a homer a triple and 3 RBI's, Hill had 2 hits and 3 RBI's. Wuertz pitched a scorless inning and the Iowa Cubs win the game 15-7

[Cubbies10]

Haven't updated this in a while.

Iowa back home at the minute against the Colorado Springs, took a 4-3 win last night, back-back homers in the 6th by Hill (14) and Dubois (19) won it. Wells pitched a great game, 6 innings of shut out ball, Ascanio and Hart tried there best to come in and give the game away but they only allowed 3 runs through the final 3 innings. Pie got the night off and Hoffpauier continued his good form going 2-3 with a BB.

[SkullKey]

Haven't updated this in a while.

Iowa back home at the minute against the Colorado Springs, took a 4-3 win last night, back-back homers in the 6th by Hill (14) and Dubois (19) won it. Wells pitched a great game, 6 innings of shut out ball, Ascanio and Hart tried there best to come in and give the game away but they only allowed 3 runs through the final 3 innings. Pie got the night off and Hoffpauier continued his good form going 2-3 with a BB.A nice tidy ERA of 9.00. I have no faith in Hart, I hope Ascanio figures it out sooner or later. How does Pie look? Career minor leaguer or on his way back? Rich Hill?

[Bims]

A nice tidy ERA of 9.00. I have no faith in Hart, I hope Ascanio figures it out sooner or later. How does Pie look? Career minor leaguer or on his way back? Rich Hill?
I think Hart has a chance to be a Jason Bere like starter. Nothing special, but a guy who can eat some innings at the back of a rotation. The Cubs have to stop putting him in the bullpen at the major league level. He's not a reliable reliever. Let Hart start at Iowa and see what he can do. ..... Ascanio has the stuff. He just has to learn how to pitch at this point. I like him though. ..... I think Pie will be back in September but just as a defensive/pinch runner role player. I think the jury is still out on Pie. ..... Rich Hill is still having control problems. Don't expect to see him anytime soon unless a miracle happens and he breaks through that mental wall that's blocking his productivity.

[Cubbies10]

Pie is as usual, he struggled when he came down and now is hitting well again, was on fire in July hiting .373, but then you look back to May and he hit .169. So he is hitting around .290 overall, still really struggling against lefties hitting around .230 i think. He in my opinion is a AAAA player, too good for AAA but not good enough for the majors.

[Cubbies10]

Iowa took the 9-5 loss last night, lost a bit of momentum these last couple of weeks. Mathes took the loss giving up 6 ER in 6 innings of work. Estrada gave up the other 2 runs in his inning of work Pignaitiello came in for a single batter and got him out and Carrasco gave up a single run in the 9th. Hoff was 2-5 with a RBI (62), Kroeger went 4-4 with 2 homers (29,30) and 2 RBI's (54,55). Koyie Hill was 1-2 with 2 BB's whcih moved his AVG up to .298. He was also named PCL hitter of the week recently:

http://iowa.cubs.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080728&content_id=438707&vkey=pr_t451&fext=.jsp&sid=t451

Despite recent struggles Iowa still hold a 4 game lead in the PCL ALN over the Memphis Redbirds.

[Cubbies10]

Iowa wins 7-3 v Salt Lake

Mitch Atkins continued his excellent start to his AAA career, moving his record to a perfect 5-0, going 6 innings allowing the single run while striking out 11. Purely dominating stuff today. Wuertz pitched one inning and gave up the other 2 Salt Lake runs on 2 solo Homers.

Offensively it was per usual, Dubois smashed his 20th homer of the season and Hoffpauier added a 3 run shot to bring his total to 14. He also doubled in 2 runs to end the day 2-5 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Dubois's was a single shot, he went 2-4. Ritchie added the other RBI, he was catching today with Hill acting as the DH, he went 0-2 with 2 BB's.

[Cubbies10]

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080803&content_id=3249659&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Nice article on the main Cubs page about Atkins, i didn't know he had won his last 5 in tennessee as well.....thats 10 straight wins, thats special and he is only 22.

[Bockstock]

the burning question is will Dubois be a September call-up??

[Cubbies10]

Really not sure, he has a .317 AVG to go with his 20 homers, probably more impressive is his .413 OBP this season.

[Cubbies10]

Iowa take the 9-4 loss last night, Salt Lake collected 15 hits on the game... Mitch Burns took the loss surrendering 8 runs in just 4 innings of work. Hoff was 2-5 with a double 2 runs scores and a RBI. Kroeger had 3 hits with a double and a RBi, McGehee had the other RBI. The 4th was on a error. Not a great game, but Salt Lake are one hell of a team.

[Cubbies10]

Micah Hoffpauier makes history hitting 4 homers in his first 4 AB's last night

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080810&content_id=3284430&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

[HOLYCOW!25]

Lou's gotta find a way to get him up to the big leagues cause there's nothing he can't do in the minors anymore.

[Cubbies10]

He is too good for the minors, we just don't have a spot for him, expect him to be a september call up and if Fuku keeps struggling in RF he could play a bit of right for us

[Bockstock]

I think the Cubs are too afraid to cut Ward (and for him to be subsequently picked up by a team like STL) to bring up Hoff, because they pretty much fill the same role.

Another guy who should have been in the majors years ago was Matt Craig (now with Iowa). The Cubs punished him for a substance violation by sending him back to A in 05/06 after he had dominated Tennessee. Who needs a switch-hitting corner infielder with power anyway.

I feel bad for Micah, though. He had the bad injurty a couple of years ago that held him out for a long time just as he was becoming MLB ready.

[Cubbies10]

And just after he had the chance to show us how good he was in spring training he got that Oblique injury that kept him out for over a month.