03-08-2010, 12:55 AM
<!--quoteo(post=81937:date=Mar 7 2010, 10:44 PM:name=Scarey)-->QUOTE (Scarey @ Mar 7 2010, 10:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=81936:date=Mar 7 2010, 10:49 PM:name=Runnys)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Runnys @ Mar 7 2010, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I would have thought they would have put Starlin to AA. IIRC, most of the best prospects are usually at AA.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It's not that the best prospects are at AA. It's just that they usually like to keep some sort of depth at AAA. Guys like Bobby Scales and Micah Hoffpauir that can come up in a pinch.
I don't really see any reason to put Castro at AAA though. The only reason I could think of is if they wanted to push another shortstop up to AA. Only guys that comes to mind is Flaherty if they want to keep trying him at SS or Junior Lake who would seem way over matched for AA.
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It is funny how the farm systems have changed in the last 10 years. Obviously, the traditional route has been to top off at AAA before coming to the majors. Now...they do tend to keep power prospects at AA, and a reservoir of interchangeable utility talent (for the most part) at AAA.
A lot of that has to do with the need to quickly cover injuries, and in the case of the Cubs...the proximity of Iowa to Chicago (although Tennessee isn't that far, either). Look at the changes in AAA franchises over the past 10 years. Look at how many teams keep their AAA franchises close to the ML club...also helps minor league ticket sales to affiliate with a natural fan base.
Interesting stuff...
It's not that the best prospects are at AA. It's just that they usually like to keep some sort of depth at AAA. Guys like Bobby Scales and Micah Hoffpauir that can come up in a pinch.
I don't really see any reason to put Castro at AAA though. The only reason I could think of is if they wanted to push another shortstop up to AA. Only guys that comes to mind is Flaherty if they want to keep trying him at SS or Junior Lake who would seem way over matched for AA.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It is funny how the farm systems have changed in the last 10 years. Obviously, the traditional route has been to top off at AAA before coming to the majors. Now...they do tend to keep power prospects at AA, and a reservoir of interchangeable utility talent (for the most part) at AAA.
A lot of that has to do with the need to quickly cover injuries, and in the case of the Cubs...the proximity of Iowa to Chicago (although Tennessee isn't that far, either). Look at the changes in AAA franchises over the past 10 years. Look at how many teams keep their AAA franchises close to the ML club...also helps minor league ticket sales to affiliate with a natural fan base.
Interesting stuff...