Cubs Prospect Notes: Ben Brown’s Dominance, Two Outcome Caissie, the Rising Razorbacks, More

Apr 18, 2023

Some minor league notes for your late afternoon perusing:

Ben Brown has posted two scoreless outings to start his year, allowing just three hits against 13 strikeouts in nine innings. His 19-whiff start on Sunday was a showcase for his curveball, a tight 11-to-5 offering thrown at a velocity that few reach with that pitch. But the real impressive thing was the execution of the pitch, particularly his command at dropping it into the perfect part of the dirt with two strikes. I see Ben throwing his (revised) changeup a bit more often, and I’m pretty sure there’s some kind of cutter in the mix, but it’s hard to imagine the fastball/curveball not always ruling the roost. It’ll be a kind of Spencer Strider attack plan.

One thing I’ve been thinking about: is Brown possibly the player in the minor leagues we’d most want to take the Big League Cubs next emergency start? It felt impossible before the year, as the rotation depth of Javier Assad, Adrian Sampson, and Caleb Kilian seemed like such a strength. But those players are all scuffling to varying degrees, and Brown is sitting there on the 40-man roster and red hot. If the day lined up right, I wouldn’t be scared to give him a shot.

Stuff looked great from Cubs prospect Ben Brown yesterday, command was a bit shaky.

4 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
FB: 94-96 mph, touched 97
CB: 85-87 mph

Also mixed in a handful of changeups and sliders. 64 pitches, 35 strikes. 10 swinging strikes. pic.twitter.com/YGTv67LUl6— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) April 9, 2023

I’m far from the first person to point out that Owen Caissie is straddling a pretty ridiculous stat line right now: 192 wRC+ and 57.1% strikeout rate. You’ve heard of Three True Outcomes, but Caissie hasn’t walked much, instead settling into the Two Outcome approach so far: strikeout or a 100+ mph exit velo rocket. It appears the Cubs have done some good work in moving Caissie’s contact point a bit more out in front, which will force a lot more balls to be pulled in the air (something Caissie didn’t do enough in A-ball despite a skillset that would benefit from it). The drawback to this contact point change is a small-but-meaningful change in when a hitter is forced to commit to a pitch, and Owen’s eyes don’t yet have the muscle memory to adjust his swing decisions appropriately. I’d point that he’s seeing more pitches per PA than ever before, but it’s mostly leading to late-count situations where Caissie is facing the best breaking balls he’s seen yet as a professional. Adjustment to the adjustment is no doubt underway.

It’s noteworthy that Caissie ranks (only) second in the system in BASH, a creation of Northside Bound’s Greg Huss, which is an all-in-one offensive statistic that adjusts for league, park and age. Instead, and this is exciting, it’s Cristian Hernandez that tops the list given a .350/.409/.600 batting line. This is a potentially massive development in the system, but also one I’m scared to even acknowledge until we have a larger sample. Everything looks quieter, Cristian has seemingly bought into not trying to do too much, and let’s just re-convene on the matter in May, okay?

Cristian Hernandez takes the pitch to RF and it's extra bases fof him. pic.twitter.com/CX0wcOZ1FT
— Itsacon (@thats_so_cub) April 15, 2023

One nice surprise this year has been how fantastic three recent draft picks from the University of Arkansas have fared. Casey Opitz has been one of my most pleasant surprises so far this year; his swing decisions have been fantastic, and he’s hitting the ball with authority. Connor Noland has looked really good for South Bend, and he’s done something similar to what I said about Ben Brown above: dotting breaking balls in the dirt with two strikes. Has been very nice for those two to be working together again, I’m sure.

I have to imagine that soon enough their old center fielder Christian Franklin will join them. I projected Franklin to High-A all offseason, but I can understand that the Cubs thought to give him a pseudo-rehab stint in Myrtle Beach first. Franklin has looked like he has the right blend of strength and speed coming back from injury, and it’s always impressive to me to see someone who can backspin a baseball in A-ball. Golfers out there will see the way he seemingly compresses the ball on this bomb:

CHRISTIAN FRANKLIN. OH MY.

The hot start for @CF13_ continues with a two-run home run in the top of the fifth.#MBPelicans | #NextStartsHere pic.twitter.com/poYjLxbXaQ— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) April 16, 2023

When I think about what relievers have impressed me the most in the early season, the lefties jump out. Anthony Kay and Brendon Little have both shown big league stuff in Iowa. Bailey Horn has just destroyed souls in Tennessee (strikeouts against 10 of 16 batters faced). And down in Low-A, I’ve really enjoyed the cut-fastball/curveball mix that Marino Santy has featured out of the bullpen.

In looking through AZ Phil’s box scores from Extended Spring Training, it sounds like a trio of prospects will make their returns soon. Zac Leigh is close to rejoining the Tennessee bullpen, and he’s likely to head north with lefty DJ Herz. I expect Herz will probably sit in that 50-70 pitch range for his first few outings. Outfielder Ezequiel Pagan is about ready for a return, presumably heading to South Bend in the very near future.

Please let the weather get nicer in Buffalo. The Iowa Cubs haven’t played since Friday – postponed AGAIN today – and we can’t be letting very specific people get cold right before their very hypothetical (and very necessary) call-ups.

written by

Bryan Smith

Bryan Smith is a Minor League Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @cubprospects.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

What a road it's been - continues to be - for Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. The former top prospect was on a rocket ship to Triple-A in 2021, and then mostly lost the last two years to various injuries....

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

CRAAAAAP: Cody Bellinger to the Injured List (UPDATES)

So much for all those words of optimism and negative X-rays. After colliding with the outfield wall last night, Cody Bellinger fractured his rib (Update: It's actually TWO fractured right ribs) and will hit the injured list today. Chicago Cubs...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: What is it, June 2023?

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs took Game 1 against the Houston Astros in convincing fashion last night. So tonight, they'll go for the quick series win against Spencer Arrighetti at Wrigley Field (it'd be a good idea to win...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Bellinger Optimistic Post-Injury, Busch’s Defense, Almonte Stock Rising, Tauchman Slugging, and Other Cubs Bullets

Ed. Note: Since this article was published, a CT scan revealed a rib fracture for Cody Bellinger, who is now on the Injured List. You can find all the details of that news in our most recent article right here....

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Outfield Prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming Up

With Cody Bellinger headed to the Injured List with a rib fracture, the Cubs are in need of another outfielder: center field prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming back up to the big leagues for the second time. https://twitter.com/670TheScore/status/1783217891195625709 Crow-Armstrong, 22,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Is Mike Tauchman the Best Player in Baseball? An Exploration

Hey, we're just having some early-season fun. So allow me to present the 'Mike Tauchman Is Clearly Better Than' list. As of this moment, Mike Tauchman has ... ... a higher wRC+ (151) than Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., and...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 24, 2024: Kevin Alcántara Cannot Miss Right Now

Name a player hotter than Kevin Alcántara right now. Go ahead, I'll wait. (He's already raking again today. Literally as I type this.) More on Alcántara's big day and the Smokies home run parade last night in today's Cubs Farm...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oof: Blake Snell to the Injured List Just Three Horrible Starts into His Giants Career

Just three starts into his San Francisco Giants career, Blake Snell is heading to the injured list with a left-adductor strain. Oof. You hate to even say it — and who really knows if this was related — but early...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Gotten Impossible to Not Comment on the White Sox Making Futility History

In 1997, I was a miserable Chicago Cubs fan. I mean, that was true a lot of the time, but I mean it in a very specific way that year: the Cubs had started the season 0-14. They had literally...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Guardians vs. Red Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Triston McKenzie takes the mound for the Cleveland Guardians (17-7) when they host starter Chase Anderson and the Boston Red Sox (14-11) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Cleveland...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Maple Leafs vs. Bruins NHL Playoffs First Round Game 4 Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Saturday, April 27, 2024

The bookmakers are expecting a close game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins when they meet on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET, with the Maple Leafs at -112 on the moneyline, and the Bruins at -108.Maple Leafs vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rangers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Thursday, looking for a series sweep, Caleb Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners (12-11) face Adolis Garcia and the Texas Rangers (12-12), with first pitch scheduled for 2:35 PM ET at Globe Life Field.If you're planning on watching this game,...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Padres vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

The San Diego Padres (13-13), with Randy Vasquez on the mound, visit the Colorado Rockies (6-18) who will counter with Dakota Hudson, at 3:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and streaming...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

NFL

2024 Las Vegas Raiders Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle & Cornerback

The desert heat is rising in Las Vegas, and so are the expectations for the Raiders. The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Silver and Black hold the 13th overall pick. Will they prioritize shoring up the offensive...

Brian Twining

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Minnesota Twins (9-13), led by Ryan Jeffers, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-20) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Minnesota-Chicago matchup.When...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Astros vs. Cubs: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Justin Verlander takes the ball for the Houston Astros (7-17) when they visit starter Javier Assad and the Chicago Cubs (14-9) at 2:20 PM ET on Thursday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Houston-Chicago matchup below.When is Astros vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Royals vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Cole Ragans will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (14-10) when they host starter Jose Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) in a rubber match on Thursday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.If you're trying to...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

How to Watch

Yankees vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (17-8) host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (9-16) on Thursday, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options for the...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Cubs Prospect Notes: Ben Brown’s Dominance, Two Outcome Caissie, the Rising Razorbacks, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular