Apparently the Cubs’ concerns over the lack of facilities in Boise has spawned a series of rumors and a pile of misinformation regarding the future of the Boise Hawks. Yesterday I linked to a nice article written by Mike Safford, the Hawks’ radio voice, on the subject of declining attendance that dipped into the questions surrounding the team and the false rumors of it leaving town. Now the President of the team has responded as well.
I encourage all of you, whether you are in the Boise area or not, to read the letter in its entirety. It is an honest and candid glimpse into the business side of minor league baseball. To help the Hawks spread the message, though, let me summarize some key points.
Tom Ricketts has no part in the Hawks ownership group. He no more owns the Hawks than Bill Gates owns WGN. The Cubs provide and pay the players, coachers, trainers, and other team personnel as part of a contract with the Hawks. That’s it. The Hawks and the Cubs are two separate businesses (this applies to Iowa, Tennessee, Daytona, and Peoria as well).
Player facilities aside, there are some significant advantages to the Cubs staying in Boise. It is by no means certain that the Cubs will sign a contract with a different team at the end of this season if a stadium plan is not in place. But regardless of whether or not the Cubs stay in Boise, the Hawks could use a new stadium.
If the Cubs do leave Boise, another Major League affiliated team will arrive. The Hawks will still exist and will still be part of the Northwest League, they will just have players from a different farm system on their roster. Nothing else will change.
If you are in the Boise area you should be able to continue enjoying the Hawks for many, many years to come. Hopefully you will be able to do so in a new stadium that provides a far better experience for the fans as well as better facilities to the players. Hopefully you will continue to see future Cubs on the field, but even if the Cubs leave the Hawks will still be part of someone’s farm system.
And if you have been meaning to get to a game, be sure to do it soon. Boise fans may be witnessing the breakout of a special player in Jeimer Candelario. Some reports compare his bat favorably against the best prospects in the system. The sky is the limit with this kid, and he is in your back yard. For now.
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – Iowa did not have a Happy Fourth of July. They lost 11-2. Tennessee – The Smokies rallied in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough. They lost 4-3. Daytona – Daytona had plenty of chances, but they had trouble scoring runs in this 5-2 loss. Peoria – Peoria rode a big eighth inning to an 8-2 win. Boise – Boise had the hits to win, but not the runs. They lost 5-3. Arizona – Arizona had the day off.
Performances of the Day
[Iowa] Esmailin Caridad struck out four in his 2.2 innings of relief. He did give up a solo home run.
[Iowa] Brett Jackson hit fifth in this game and responded with a two hit, two stolen bases, one walk performance. I’d like to see the Cubs continue to hit Jackson lower in the order. Despite his speed, I think he is more likely to hit seventh in the majors than he is to hit first.
[Tennessee] Casey Harman and Ty’relle Harris combined to pitch 4.2 scoreless innings. They each gave up one hit, and Harman struck out two.
[Tennessee] In his fourth game as a Smokey, Greg Rohan hit his first Double A home run.
[Peoria] Dustin Geiger had a huge game, finishing 2 for 3 with two home runs and three RBI. He now has five home runs this season.
[Peoria] Oliver Zapata also enjoyed a good game. He hit his fourth home run and stole his eleventh base as part of his 2 for 4 effort.
[Peoria] Michael Jensen struck out five in six innings. He allowed one earned run (two runs total) on six hits, including a home run. Austin Reed struck out three in two scoreless innings of relief.
[Boise] Felix Pena pitched four innings of one hit baseball in relief.
[Boise] Chadd Krist and Rock Shoulders both had three hits, including a double each.
Other Minor League Notes
As poorly as the Iowa Cubs have played this season, it is hard to believe that they still have more wins than the team in Chicago. Then again, a fair percentage of the Iowa roster has spent some time in Chicago this season. Maybe it isn’t so surprising after all. Besides, the Iowa Cubs are still better than the Cardinals. That’s got to count for something.
Greg Rohan was older than we like to see players in High A, and even in Double A he is on the high side of the age bracket, but thanks to his numbers he should not be totally forgotten. He has hit consistently since arriving in Double A; more notable than his batting average, though, is that he has yet to strike out through four games. He remains on the fringes of prospectdom, at least for now.
Farm System Standings
AAA – Iowa Cubs : 35 – 52.
Pacific Coast League American Northern Division – Third Place: 20.0 Games Behind.
AA – Tennessee Smokies : 6-8
Southern League North Division – Third Place : 3.0 Game Behind
High A – Daytona Cubs : 7-7
Florida State League North Division – Fourth Place : 1.5 Games Behind
Low A – Peoria Chiefs : 4-9
Midwest League Eastern Division – Fifth Place : 5.0 Game Behind
Short-Season A – Boise Hawks : 6 – 14
Northwest League East Division – Fourth Place : 5.0 Games Behind
Rookie League – AZL Cubs : 8 – 4
Arizona Rookie League East – Second Place : 1.5 Game Behind
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NEWSLETTER
Apparently the Cubs’ concerns over the lack of facilities in Boise has spawned a series of rumors and a pile of misinformation regarding the future of the Boise Hawks. Yesterday I linked to a nice article written by Mike Safford, the Hawks’ radio voice, on the subject of declining attendance that dipped into the questions surrounding the team and the false rumors of it leaving town. Now the President of the team has responded as well.
