NEWSLETTER
The Cubs promoted the two most obvious promotion candidates before the end of April, so it could be a little while before we see another potential impact player get the call to Chicago. There are some candidates, though.
First off, don’t forget about Javier Baez. Even though he struggled with strikeouts last season, he offers so much power that he does not need to hit for a high average to be a very valuable guy. His glove, which should prove to be very valuable in a utility role if that is how things set up, combined with his massive right handed power gives him the potential to make a difference for the Cubs as soon as mid-summer. He’ll need, at the minimum, a few weeks in Iowa (once he comes back from bereavement leave) to get ready, and possibly longer. When he is ready, though, he could be a very nice, versatile addition for the Cubs.
On the mound, C.J. Edwards seems likely to be the most impacty of the likely call ups. He is working out of the bullpen in Tennessee now (likely to reduce his 2015 inning count after an injury shortened 2014), but he could be available in short order if the Cubs needed a bullpen arm. Typically the Cubs front office places a fair bit of value on prospects spending sometime in Triple A, but Edwards’ has good enough stuff I think they would at least consider bringing him to Chicago if the bullpen needed a shot in the arm.
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – Iowa scored three in the eighth to put this game away. They won it 6-4.
Tennessee – The Smokies gave up four runs across the final two innings, and it cost them in this 5-3 loss.
Myrtle Beach – The Pelicans used a big seventh inning to take the lead for good. They won this one 7-4.
South Bend – Lake County scored in each of the final three innings as South Bend lost 5-2.
Performances of Note
Other News
Today’s Game to Watch
If you aren’t watching the Chicago Cubs tonight (and, let’s face it, you’ll probably be watching the Chicago Cubs tonight no matter what I recommend… and I probably will be as well), or if you feel like watching two games at once, then the MiLB.tv stream to follow is the South Bend game. One of the excellent early stories for the Cubs has been the emergence of 6’7″ starting pitcher Jeremy Null. With two starts and eleven innings behind him, he currently has thirteen strikeouts without allowing a walk. Null will be facing the Lake County lineup starting at 7:05 PM ET.
