NEWSLETTER
With the exception of South Bend, which is playing very well right now, the entire Cubs’ farm system seems to be off to a slow start. Iowa and Myrtle Beach have two wins between them, and Tennessee, while mostly in close games, has now dropped three of their last four.
Even though the farm system is down right now, don’t interpret these slow starts as a clear indication of lack of talent. There honestly isn’t much correlation between the quality of a farm system and how many games the teams in that system win. And to the small extent that there is a correlation, it wouldn’t show up in this small number of games.
More concerning are the consistent struggles from the starting pitchers. The bullpens are pitching well almost all across the farm system, but the starters are struggling more often than not, and it really doesn’t matter which team we’re talking about. Statistical fluke? Possibly. The sample sizes are small. It is also possible that something about how the Cubs prepped their starters in spring training is resulting in them being a little slower to get going across the board.
It isn’t anything to worry about, but it is interesting and worth keeping an eye on.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Nashville 6, Iowa 0
On the good side, the bullpen pitched well.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Jackson 6, Tennessee 4
An ugly fifth inning let this game get away from the Smokies.
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Winston-Salem 9, Myrtle Beach 0
Hey, at least they weren’t no-hit. They were at risk for that into the seventh.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
South Bend 6, Bowling Green 5
Once again the Cubs had to come from behind.
Other Notes
