Almora is coming. That was the big story of yesterday, and it is likely to remain the story until he takes the field in a Kane County uniform someday quite soon. For the first time in 2013 the Cubs three best prospects are finally going to be playing in games that matter. That will leave Arodys Vizcaino and Junior Lake as the last two of the Cubs’ best still rehabbing in Arizona.
If, like me, you live too far away to see Almora play in person, then circle Saturday June 29th on your calendar. That is the date of the Cougars’ next trip to Wisconsin, and that means that will be the first time we are likely to get to see Almora on MiLB.TV. Make your plans now.
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – A rainout yesterday means a doubleheader today.
Tennessee – Tennessee split a doubleheader yesterday. The Smokies won Game One 9-2, but the bats dried up in the 1-0 nightcap loss.
Daytona – The Cubs wasted a solid start from a familiar pitcher and lost this one 4-1.
Kane County – The Cougars scored three times in two separate innings, but it was not enough. They lost this one 8-7.
Performances of Note
[Tennessee] Arismendy Alcantara had three hits for the Smokies in Game One, and Rafael Lopez and Rubi Silva had two apiece.
[Tennessee] And to think we were worried about his power. Three days after doubling twice in a game, Christian Villanueva launched his third home run of the season. It was his second home run in a week and comes in the midst of a 10 game stretch in which he is slugging .714.
[Tennessee] Alberto Cabrera picked up the complete game (seven inning variety) and the win in Game One. He struck out six while giving up two runs on five hits and two walks.
[Tennessee] Eric Jokisch was brilliant through six innings in Game Two, giving up just three hits and striking out five. Unfortunately, Marcus Hately could not hang onto it.
[Daytona] The 2 for 4 day of Javier Baez featured two doubles and just one strike out. The 1 for 4 day of Jorge Soler featured a single and three strikeouts.
[Daytona] Kyler Burke, the former outfielder who tore up the Midwest League as a pitcher last season before being promoted to Daytona, made his season debut for the Cubs. He struck out five over five innings as the starter.
[Kane County] After doubling twice and walking once in this one, Gioskar Amaya has raised his May OPS to .790.
[Kane County] Also hot is Jeimer Candelario. The switching hitting third baseman finished 4 for 5; it was his fourth multi-hit game in his last five.
Other News
As of Midnight Eastern time Almora’s assignment to Kane County had not appeared on the league transaction list. That should come through at any time, though, and probably not long before the game in which he makes his debut.
The Oklahoma City Triple A team is due to visit Iowa this weekend. If those guys don’t get a very warm welcome after yesterday’s horrible events in the Sooner State, then I don’t know Cub fans.
Major credit to anyone who gets the title reference without the help of a search engine.
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