Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2014 1:20:14 GMT -5
The Cubs came in to the 1956 season feeling like this was the year they started the climb towards respectability, having completely re-tooled their pitching staff and picking up the big bats of Hank Thompson and Vic Wertz. However, 7 weeks in to the season the Cubs sit at 12-32 with the worst record in all of baseball, 6 games behind the lowly Pirates, leaving many to wonder if Cubs Manager Stan Hack is on the hot seat. When asked about Hack's standing with the front office, GM Matt Andersen said "Look, as in the past, we refuse to speculate on any player or manager's job security during the season. We evaluate everyone on a case by case situation as the situation warrants. Hack is a Cubs legend and as an organization we appreciate greatly his contributions. I will say we certainly anticipated a little better showing than what we've seen this year to this point and I would expect improvement going forward. We knew the last couple of years were going to be a tough go, but we felt like we dramatically improved our talent this year. It's been disappointing to say the least." Claude Passeau and Lon Warneke are both rumored to have interest in the job, both Passeau and Warneke were pitchers for the Cubs the last time they won the National League Pennant.
There have been bright spots. Ernie Banks continues to improve. He's currently hitting .309 with 6 homers as he looks to make his third National League All-Star team in his fourth year in the majors. The Cubs are rumored to be in negotiations with Banks in hopes of signing him to a long term deal. Fred "Fozzy" Richards has taken his opportunity as the starting 1B and ran with it. After spending most of the last three seasons as primarily a pinch hitter, the Cubs finally decided to give him a look while they wait for Norm Cash to be ready, and he's not disappointed, hitting .283 with six homers and an .824 OPS. There's never been any question about the power, but the Cubs questioned whether or not he'd hit for a high enough average to be a starter. He's only keeping the seat warm, but his success is allowing the Cubs to continue to take their time with Cash. Vern Morgan seems to have taken over the 2B job and shows no signs of giving it up soon. The Cubs recently traded both Bill Serena and Carl Sawatski to Washington, but of note was that the Cubs also sent Earl Weaver in the deal. Many had felt that Weaver would be the stopgap from Serena to stud 2B prospect Bill Mazeroski. The fact that they felt comfortable moving Weaver says they must feel like Morgan can hold the job until Maz is ready. Free agent Vic Wertz came over from the Orioles on a one year deal and is off to a good start, hitting .274 with four homers, however 3B Hank Thompson has struggled after coming over from the Giants in exchange for Johhny Klippstein, hitting only .222 thus far. "We're not worried about Hank at all" said Andersen. "He started slow last year for New York before turning it around, and he's been a bit of a notorious slow starter. He can help us with his glove until that bat comes around, and we know it will."
The pitching on the other hand has been a huge disappointment. Andersen was determined to completely re-tool the pitching staff, especially the rotation after last year's disaster. He signed Johnny Schmitz to a one year deal to front the staff, and he's struggled to a 2-6/5.16 start. He brought in Fred Hahn and Luis Arroyo from St. Louis in the Bob Hazle deal, and they've also both gotten off to rocky starts, sporting a combined record of 5-12 with both having era's above 6. Bob Keegan, who the Cubs acquired from the Dodgers has been the best of the bunch, if you can call it that, with a 4-3/4.72 line. "The pitching has been a huge disappointment" Andersen stated. "All of these guys have the talent to turn it around, and Hahn, Arroyo and Keegan figure in to our plans for the next few years, so it's really imperative that they do." The bullpen has also been disappointing for the most part. Don Elston inherited the closer role when the Cubs moved Klippstein, but he's only converting 50% of his save opportunities. Jim Brosnan's 2.93 ERA doesn't indicate the level to which he's struggled, as his WHIP tells the story, as it's sitting at 1.63. Both lefties LaPalme and Baczewski have been terrible and the Cubs just demoted Baczewski and called up Charlie Rabe from AAA who had been dominating. The one surprise out of the bullpen is starter turned reliever Cal McLish who not only has a 3.12 ERA, but a whip below one and a 12/3 K/BB ratio. McLish is a free agent to be and most expect the Cubs to trade him or let him walk, but there have been extension discussions.
Now on to what we all want to talk about................
Down on the Farm:
1-Norm Cash- .301/.410/.895 with 7 HR's in AAA. Probably ready, has now had essentially a full season worth of AB's at AAA. Richard's performance means the Cubs don't have to rush. Look for the Cubs to make an effort to move Richards before the deadline and get Cash some AB's.
2-George Altman- .296/.376/.849 with 7 HR's and 10 SB's. See above. Also most likely ready, look for the Cubs to put Wertz on the block to clear room for big George and for him to see a callup soon.
3-Curt Barclay-Posted a 3-1/1.28 line at AA before getting called up to AAA Los Angeles, where he's struggled to a 5.12 era in his first 3 starts. Will spend the rest of the year at AAA and most likely start next year there, most likely seeing action next season. Has moved to the top of the list of young stud pitchers in the system.
4-Bill Mazeroski-Last year at this time we were bemoaning the then 18 year old's struggles with AA pitching. Light turned on midway through the season last year, started this year .309/2HR/3SB at AA, got called up to AAA and has just kept hitting. .294/1HR and more surprising 5SB's in only 51 AAA AB's. Cubs seem to be fast tracking him with the trade of both Serena and Weaver. Still, wouldn't be surprised to see him spend the rest of this year and all of next at AAA. Just a matter of time. Makeup is off the charts, along with Banks should man the middle of the infield for years.
5-Don Robertson-Technically no longer "Down on the Farm" I guess, as he JUST got promoted today. Cubs went ahead and brought him up as they weren't getting much production out of Nino Escalara, and the Preston Ward "final look" experiment failed miserably. Robertson may or may not be ready, but his defense and ability to get on base will play for the time being. Power is still a few years away. Posted a .289/.414/.861 slash line at AAA. Didn't get as many AAA AB's as management would typically like to see, but at 25 years old, he wasn't getting any younger, and with the way the season is going, might as well see what you have.
6-Joe Stanka- Better. I guess? Coming back off a terrible 55 season where he lost a good portion of the year to injury and then struggled mightily upon return, Stanka has been better, but still has a long way to go. 3-2 with a 4.22, but has walked 29 men in only 53+ innings, which will not cut it. Fans were clamoring to see him this year, and Cubs were hopeful that he could at least get some bullpen innings in. At this point, looking doubtful.
7-Danny Kravitz- Also no longer technically "Down on the Farm", just having been called up last week. Similar situation as Robertson, although Kravitz was putting up the numbers to make one think he may be ready. .288/.392/.892 with 8 homers at AAA before getting the call. Like Robertson, didn't get as many AAA AB's as Cubs would typically like, but at 25, old for a prospect, and when the Cubs surprisingly had suitors early on for Carl Sawatski, they were able to clear a spot for Kravitz. Still a question about whether the defense allows him to stay behind the plate or whether he'll be forced to a utility role or a LF role, but for now, he'll see if he can handle behind the dish. Defensively OK, but weak arm could encourage teams to run on him.
8-Bob Thorpe- What happened here? After dominating AAA last year as a 19 year old, leaving some within the organization to question whether he was ready right now, off to a terrible start in his second go round, currently 2-3 with a 6.66 era. Hiding an injury ala Stanka last year? Cubs certainly hope not.
9-Mike Solomko- Got off to a BLAZING start at AA, .352/.473/1.006 with 4 homers leading to a quick promotion to AAA, where he's held his own as a 19 year old. The fact that he's hit this well with the way the Cubs are dicking him around is amazing in and of itself. Evidently he's not a 1B, Cubs told him he'd concentrate on LF this year. Now he's taking grounders at third in Los Angeles. If he could learn 3B, could be on an even faster track.
10-Tom Cheney- Have to keep Cheney on the list despite his struggles this year, although there are a bunch of pitchers nipping at his heels. Posted a 3.65 era in AAA last year, but walked 93 guys, so era was clearly deflated. This year struggling with a 5.61 era and still hasn't figured out the walks. Now has 47 AAA starts under his belt, should Cubs start to worry? Only 21, still time to figure it out.
11-Bob Anderson- Quickest riser of the bunch? After 2 mediocre AA seasons at AA, started the year at 5-1 with a 2.91 ERA and got promoted to AAA. Talent is a step below the guys ahead of him, and probably even below a few guys below him, but results are starting to show, and a guy the Cubs thought at one point was back end rotation/bullpen material is starting to change some minds.
12-Tetsuya Yoneda- Cubs top draft choice this year, started the year at AAA and struggled mightily. Was demoted to AA when Barclay moved up, and has continued to struggle. Talent is there, could be culture shock, as this is his first trip stateside from his native Japan. Has top 10 talent, just needs results. At 18 years of age, lots of time.
13-Lou Johnson- Long a Cubs system favorite for his power/speed combination, level of competition may be starting to catch up with him. .260/.401/1/13 in 169 AA AB's before injuring himself. He'll be out around 3 weeks now. Has nearly 2 full AA seasons under the belt and looks like the power he showed the first half of the 54 season in A ball (17 homers in 319 AB's) may be gone. Even so, the on base/speed/plus defense in center still plays well and some within the organization think it's time to give him a look at AAA. Cubs still see him as CF of the future, but luster is starting to wear off a little.
14-John Tsitouris- After a solid AA season last year, posting a 3.67 era, started the year in AAA, struggled to the tune of an 8 ERA, got demoted to AA, where he's posted a 9 era. Talent is still there, possibly rushed a little bit. Just turned 20 so lots of time here.
15-Paul Toth- Cubs third round pick last year, had a decent debut last year between A and AA, this year is off the hook in AA with a 7-1/1.98 start. Cubs think he's ready to move up to AAA but no room right now. Clearly on the fast track. Wasn't even really on prospect lists last year, very pleasant surprise.
16-Jimmy Hall- Cubs second pick in the second round this year, if Lou Johnson isn't the CF of the future, possible that Hall is. Off to a quick start in his A ball debut .301/.369/.801 with 5 homers and 3SB. Plays good D, probably gets moved to a corner spot eventually.
17-Wayne Kirkland- Cubs forgotten man amongst OF prospects, but still just as talented as many of these guys ahead of him. Has never put up the dazzling stats in the minors, but still just 22, and still has that power/speed package. Has about 2 years worth of AAA time at this point and still nothing spectacular. Will the light turn on?
18- 1B Don Mincher-Cubs first pick in the second round this year. Off to an OK start in A ball with a .266/.462/.787 slash line. Only 5 XBH, but has walked 49 times while only striking out 14. Batting eye will play at some point and power should come.
19-IF Bob Johnson- Surprise on the list, was essentially a throw-in in the deal with the Cardinals bringing over Hahn and Arroyo, has now hit .410 in 151 AB's between A ball and AA. More of a grinder than a toolsy guy, off to a great start.
20-LH RP Jake Striker- We'll finish the list with a reliever, Striker looks to be up soon and join fellow rookie lefty Charlie Rabe. Has struck out 26 in just over 26 innings in AAA while posting a 3.76 era. Has to get the walks under control, but he's close and will certainly see major league action at some point this year.
Despite the struggles on the big league club, the Cubs have the top minor league system in all of baseball and it's not even close. They have close to 20 guys that would be top prospects on the majority of teams in the league, so there's reason to be optimistic for the future. However, blue stars have to turn in to results at some point and for every top prospect that lives up to the hype, there are two others that do not. Either way, the rest of the season should have at least the excitement of seeing some of these top youngsters making their debuts in a season where the Cubs at this point really have nothing to lose.
There have been bright spots. Ernie Banks continues to improve. He's currently hitting .309 with 6 homers as he looks to make his third National League All-Star team in his fourth year in the majors. The Cubs are rumored to be in negotiations with Banks in hopes of signing him to a long term deal. Fred "Fozzy" Richards has taken his opportunity as the starting 1B and ran with it. After spending most of the last three seasons as primarily a pinch hitter, the Cubs finally decided to give him a look while they wait for Norm Cash to be ready, and he's not disappointed, hitting .283 with six homers and an .824 OPS. There's never been any question about the power, but the Cubs questioned whether or not he'd hit for a high enough average to be a starter. He's only keeping the seat warm, but his success is allowing the Cubs to continue to take their time with Cash. Vern Morgan seems to have taken over the 2B job and shows no signs of giving it up soon. The Cubs recently traded both Bill Serena and Carl Sawatski to Washington, but of note was that the Cubs also sent Earl Weaver in the deal. Many had felt that Weaver would be the stopgap from Serena to stud 2B prospect Bill Mazeroski. The fact that they felt comfortable moving Weaver says they must feel like Morgan can hold the job until Maz is ready. Free agent Vic Wertz came over from the Orioles on a one year deal and is off to a good start, hitting .274 with four homers, however 3B Hank Thompson has struggled after coming over from the Giants in exchange for Johhny Klippstein, hitting only .222 thus far. "We're not worried about Hank at all" said Andersen. "He started slow last year for New York before turning it around, and he's been a bit of a notorious slow starter. He can help us with his glove until that bat comes around, and we know it will."
The pitching on the other hand has been a huge disappointment. Andersen was determined to completely re-tool the pitching staff, especially the rotation after last year's disaster. He signed Johnny Schmitz to a one year deal to front the staff, and he's struggled to a 2-6/5.16 start. He brought in Fred Hahn and Luis Arroyo from St. Louis in the Bob Hazle deal, and they've also both gotten off to rocky starts, sporting a combined record of 5-12 with both having era's above 6. Bob Keegan, who the Cubs acquired from the Dodgers has been the best of the bunch, if you can call it that, with a 4-3/4.72 line. "The pitching has been a huge disappointment" Andersen stated. "All of these guys have the talent to turn it around, and Hahn, Arroyo and Keegan figure in to our plans for the next few years, so it's really imperative that they do." The bullpen has also been disappointing for the most part. Don Elston inherited the closer role when the Cubs moved Klippstein, but he's only converting 50% of his save opportunities. Jim Brosnan's 2.93 ERA doesn't indicate the level to which he's struggled, as his WHIP tells the story, as it's sitting at 1.63. Both lefties LaPalme and Baczewski have been terrible and the Cubs just demoted Baczewski and called up Charlie Rabe from AAA who had been dominating. The one surprise out of the bullpen is starter turned reliever Cal McLish who not only has a 3.12 ERA, but a whip below one and a 12/3 K/BB ratio. McLish is a free agent to be and most expect the Cubs to trade him or let him walk, but there have been extension discussions.
Now on to what we all want to talk about................
Down on the Farm:
1-Norm Cash- .301/.410/.895 with 7 HR's in AAA. Probably ready, has now had essentially a full season worth of AB's at AAA. Richard's performance means the Cubs don't have to rush. Look for the Cubs to make an effort to move Richards before the deadline and get Cash some AB's.
2-George Altman- .296/.376/.849 with 7 HR's and 10 SB's. See above. Also most likely ready, look for the Cubs to put Wertz on the block to clear room for big George and for him to see a callup soon.
3-Curt Barclay-Posted a 3-1/1.28 line at AA before getting called up to AAA Los Angeles, where he's struggled to a 5.12 era in his first 3 starts. Will spend the rest of the year at AAA and most likely start next year there, most likely seeing action next season. Has moved to the top of the list of young stud pitchers in the system.
4-Bill Mazeroski-Last year at this time we were bemoaning the then 18 year old's struggles with AA pitching. Light turned on midway through the season last year, started this year .309/2HR/3SB at AA, got called up to AAA and has just kept hitting. .294/1HR and more surprising 5SB's in only 51 AAA AB's. Cubs seem to be fast tracking him with the trade of both Serena and Weaver. Still, wouldn't be surprised to see him spend the rest of this year and all of next at AAA. Just a matter of time. Makeup is off the charts, along with Banks should man the middle of the infield for years.
5-Don Robertson-Technically no longer "Down on the Farm" I guess, as he JUST got promoted today. Cubs went ahead and brought him up as they weren't getting much production out of Nino Escalara, and the Preston Ward "final look" experiment failed miserably. Robertson may or may not be ready, but his defense and ability to get on base will play for the time being. Power is still a few years away. Posted a .289/.414/.861 slash line at AAA. Didn't get as many AAA AB's as management would typically like to see, but at 25 years old, he wasn't getting any younger, and with the way the season is going, might as well see what you have.
6-Joe Stanka- Better. I guess? Coming back off a terrible 55 season where he lost a good portion of the year to injury and then struggled mightily upon return, Stanka has been better, but still has a long way to go. 3-2 with a 4.22, but has walked 29 men in only 53+ innings, which will not cut it. Fans were clamoring to see him this year, and Cubs were hopeful that he could at least get some bullpen innings in. At this point, looking doubtful.
7-Danny Kravitz- Also no longer technically "Down on the Farm", just having been called up last week. Similar situation as Robertson, although Kravitz was putting up the numbers to make one think he may be ready. .288/.392/.892 with 8 homers at AAA before getting the call. Like Robertson, didn't get as many AAA AB's as Cubs would typically like, but at 25, old for a prospect, and when the Cubs surprisingly had suitors early on for Carl Sawatski, they were able to clear a spot for Kravitz. Still a question about whether the defense allows him to stay behind the plate or whether he'll be forced to a utility role or a LF role, but for now, he'll see if he can handle behind the dish. Defensively OK, but weak arm could encourage teams to run on him.
8-Bob Thorpe- What happened here? After dominating AAA last year as a 19 year old, leaving some within the organization to question whether he was ready right now, off to a terrible start in his second go round, currently 2-3 with a 6.66 era. Hiding an injury ala Stanka last year? Cubs certainly hope not.
9-Mike Solomko- Got off to a BLAZING start at AA, .352/.473/1.006 with 4 homers leading to a quick promotion to AAA, where he's held his own as a 19 year old. The fact that he's hit this well with the way the Cubs are dicking him around is amazing in and of itself. Evidently he's not a 1B, Cubs told him he'd concentrate on LF this year. Now he's taking grounders at third in Los Angeles. If he could learn 3B, could be on an even faster track.
10-Tom Cheney- Have to keep Cheney on the list despite his struggles this year, although there are a bunch of pitchers nipping at his heels. Posted a 3.65 era in AAA last year, but walked 93 guys, so era was clearly deflated. This year struggling with a 5.61 era and still hasn't figured out the walks. Now has 47 AAA starts under his belt, should Cubs start to worry? Only 21, still time to figure it out.
11-Bob Anderson- Quickest riser of the bunch? After 2 mediocre AA seasons at AA, started the year at 5-1 with a 2.91 ERA and got promoted to AAA. Talent is a step below the guys ahead of him, and probably even below a few guys below him, but results are starting to show, and a guy the Cubs thought at one point was back end rotation/bullpen material is starting to change some minds.
12-Tetsuya Yoneda- Cubs top draft choice this year, started the year at AAA and struggled mightily. Was demoted to AA when Barclay moved up, and has continued to struggle. Talent is there, could be culture shock, as this is his first trip stateside from his native Japan. Has top 10 talent, just needs results. At 18 years of age, lots of time.
13-Lou Johnson- Long a Cubs system favorite for his power/speed combination, level of competition may be starting to catch up with him. .260/.401/1/13 in 169 AA AB's before injuring himself. He'll be out around 3 weeks now. Has nearly 2 full AA seasons under the belt and looks like the power he showed the first half of the 54 season in A ball (17 homers in 319 AB's) may be gone. Even so, the on base/speed/plus defense in center still plays well and some within the organization think it's time to give him a look at AAA. Cubs still see him as CF of the future, but luster is starting to wear off a little.
14-John Tsitouris- After a solid AA season last year, posting a 3.67 era, started the year in AAA, struggled to the tune of an 8 ERA, got demoted to AA, where he's posted a 9 era. Talent is still there, possibly rushed a little bit. Just turned 20 so lots of time here.
15-Paul Toth- Cubs third round pick last year, had a decent debut last year between A and AA, this year is off the hook in AA with a 7-1/1.98 start. Cubs think he's ready to move up to AAA but no room right now. Clearly on the fast track. Wasn't even really on prospect lists last year, very pleasant surprise.
16-Jimmy Hall- Cubs second pick in the second round this year, if Lou Johnson isn't the CF of the future, possible that Hall is. Off to a quick start in his A ball debut .301/.369/.801 with 5 homers and 3SB. Plays good D, probably gets moved to a corner spot eventually.
17-Wayne Kirkland- Cubs forgotten man amongst OF prospects, but still just as talented as many of these guys ahead of him. Has never put up the dazzling stats in the minors, but still just 22, and still has that power/speed package. Has about 2 years worth of AAA time at this point and still nothing spectacular. Will the light turn on?
18- 1B Don Mincher-Cubs first pick in the second round this year. Off to an OK start in A ball with a .266/.462/.787 slash line. Only 5 XBH, but has walked 49 times while only striking out 14. Batting eye will play at some point and power should come.
19-IF Bob Johnson- Surprise on the list, was essentially a throw-in in the deal with the Cardinals bringing over Hahn and Arroyo, has now hit .410 in 151 AB's between A ball and AA. More of a grinder than a toolsy guy, off to a great start.
20-LH RP Jake Striker- We'll finish the list with a reliever, Striker looks to be up soon and join fellow rookie lefty Charlie Rabe. Has struck out 26 in just over 26 innings in AAA while posting a 3.76 era. Has to get the walks under control, but he's close and will certainly see major league action at some point this year.
Despite the struggles on the big league club, the Cubs have the top minor league system in all of baseball and it's not even close. They have close to 20 guys that would be top prospects on the majority of teams in the league, so there's reason to be optimistic for the future. However, blue stars have to turn in to results at some point and for every top prospect that lives up to the hype, there are two others that do not. Either way, the rest of the season should have at least the excitement of seeing some of these top youngsters making their debuts in a season where the Cubs at this point really have nothing to lose.
