Intrasquad Notes: Power, Pitching Prospects, Vizcaino, Big Four, More

cactusThe Cubs beat the Cubs today 5-3 in their intrasquad game at Cubs Park, a tuneup before things go full-tilt tomorrow. For those who weren’t following along on Twitter, you can see recaps from Carrie Muskat here and from BCB here, since they were actually in attendance. Among the highlights from the game (which, do I really have to say, should be taken as virtually meaningless?):

  • Kyle Hendricks and Eric Jokisch started the game, and each pretty much held things down. Hendricks retired all eight batters he faced, striking out three. Jokisch gave up a couple singles, but struck out four in his two scoreless innings. Pitchers ahead of hitters and all that.
  • All of the relievers in action gave up a little something, except for Armando Rivero (2 K) and Marcus Hatley (1 BB, 1 K). Tsuyoshi Wada and Neil Ramirez gave up multiple runs, though Wada did strike out three in two innings of work.
  • Arodys Vizcaino was all over the place in his inning of work, which, like, he was probably a little amped up to be pitching in a semi-competitive game for the first time in a couple years. He said he felt good, so that’s all that really matters at this point.
  • Pitchers were on pitch counts, so innings with four outs, innings ending on a walk, etc., were not uncommon.
  • Each of Welington Castillo (Wada), Justin Ruggiano (Ramirez), and Christian Villanueva (Ramirez) went deep. Mike Olt, Kris Bryant, and Jorge Soler drew walks. Javier Baez did not reach base in his two at bats, and all windows were safe. For today.
  • Matt Szczur stole a double from Arismendy Alcantara with a diving catch in left field.
  • Only one position player went the distance. Any guesses? It was Chris Coghlan.
  • Thanks to Bob in the comments, I should add that comeback story Ryan Kalish had a single, which is a fine start, I suppose.
  • The game was not without prospect porn:
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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