Farm System

[funkster]

Rucker starts tonight, Hatch got lit up the other day.

[funkster]

And Rucker didn't fare so well either.  Cease kicked ass though.

[rok]

As expected, the Cubs have been active early on in the 2017-18 international signing period, locking up 2 top prospects from Mexico (17-year-old RHP Florencio Serrano and 16-year-old SS Luis Verdugo).


http://www.baseballamerica.com/internati...IzxMQJU.97

[funkster]

Can either take Lackey's spot, like, right now?

[MTcub]

Some chatter on there about Hatch potentially getting the call up to AA, but its another MB Pitcher that got the call yesterday, Adbert Alzoley.  The Smokies web site has starters listed for today and tomorrows games, but no one listed yet for Sunday, that could be his debut.  Also looks like Duncan Robinson will get the call up to the MB rotation.  I'm guessing opening a spot in SB for one of the new draft picks.

[rok]

Another future SP candidate is getting closer to the big leagues, as Jen-Ho Tseng was just promoted to Iowa.

[MTcub]

Missed that one, looking forward to see what he can do in AAA. This has been his best strikeout year, could be due to repeating a level, but still only 22 so hopefully he has made a jump this year.

[MTcub]

Alzolay 10ks 0er 2h 1bb in 5ip in his AA debut yesterday. Maybe he can be the pitching prospect the excels in the upper levels and can be a Guy.

[funkster]

He's already well thought of, that line ain't too shabby.  Rucker also had a nice bounce back start.

[funkster]

https://twitter.com/csnmooney/status/887054453496524800


Hoping he does well, his stuff could be a big help to the pen.

[rok]

He still scares me.

[funkster]

Why?  If he sucks, he doesn't come up.

[rok]

True, but he's battled control issues (11 BB along with 28 K in 13.2 IP) even while earning this promotion. He might dominate again in AAA, but if he's still averaging almost 1 BB per inning, he has no business being in the majors.

[MTcub]

Maples is rule 5 eligible after this year, I believe, so might as well be aggressive with the promotions and see if he can handle it, he would be a prime candidate to be selected if doesn't make the 40 man.  I'd like to see Mekkes take Maples opening in AA.  He has been just as impressive, little lower on the K's but also little lower on the walks.

[funkster]

https://twitter.com/stadiumjwriter/statu...1818248192