Trading madness is about to be unleashed. When the deals start coming down the majority of our focus is going to be on the prime prospects that come back to the Cubs. Guys like Chris Reed or Drew Smyly are going to take up the headlines, but odds are good that prime prospect will not be alone in the deal. There will almost certainly be that other guy… the throw-in.
And if the Cubs hold true to form, that throw in could be a formerly somewhat well regarded prospect whose stock has slid lately. That was the case with Casey Weathers from the Rockies and Zach Cates from the Padres, and I strongly suspect it will be the case when Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza are dealt as well. One of these days the Cubs are going to strike gold by picking up that type of player. It is definitely in our interest to take a hard look at the history and resumes of those other guys as the trades become final.
Naturally, the fastest way to get Bleacher Nations’ coverage of all Cub moves is to follow Brett (@BleacherNation) and me (@ltblaize) on Twitter. Things are likely to get crazy in the comments and on the Message Boards as well. Be sure to check in early and often once the deals start to happen.
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – The Cubs finished off their road trip with a strong 9-1 win.
Tennessee – The Smokies gave up four home runs en route to their 6-1 loss.
Daytona – The Cubs nearly blew this one. Instead, they won 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth.
Peoria – The Chiefs tried to rally in the ninth, but ultimately fell 4-2.
Boise – The Hawks lost a close one by a final of 5-4.
Arizona – The Arizona Cubs had the day off.
Performances of the Day
Other Minor League Notes
Farm System Standings
AAA – Iowa Cubs : 40 – 55.
Pacific Coast League American Northern Division – Third Place: 18.0 Games Behind.
AA – Tennessee Smokies : 12-12
Southern League North Division – Second Place : 2.5 Games Behind
High A – Daytona Cubs : 11-13
Florida State League North Division – Foourth Place : 3.0 Games Behind
Low A – Peoria Chiefs : 9-14
Midwest League Eastern Division – Fourth Place : 4.0 Game Behind
Short-Season A – Boise Hawks : 10 – 20
Northwest League East Division – Third Place : 9.0 Games Behind
Rookie League – AZL Cubs : 15 – 5
Arizona Rookie League East – First Place (tie) : 0.0 Games Ahead