AZL

Cubs 16, Brewers 13

Top Performers

• Juan Mora: 2-4, 3B, HR (1), R, 5 RBI, BB (.423)
• Ismael Mena: 2-4, HR (2), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SF, SB (4) (.203)
• Owen Caissie: 2-4, HR (5), R, 2 RBI, BB (.382)
• Kevin Alcantara: 2-5, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI, SB (1) (.375)
• Andy Weber: 1-3, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB, SB (1) (.200)
• Bryce Windham: 1-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, SB (1) (.400)
• Reggie Preciado: 2-6, 3B, 2 R (.359)
• Rony Baez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (3.18)
• Johzan Oquendo: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K (S, 2, 0.64)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Andy Weber and Bryce Windham are still working their way back into game shape after joining the Mesa club for rehab on Saturday. They were both lifted before the game completed, but each managed to impact the game at the plate. They both reached multiple times and stole a base. The Smokies could use Weber’s defensive capabilities and left-handed bat in their lineup during the 2nd half. Windham is a darkhorse catcher prospect, as a good athlete converting to the position, but is still in the process of getting stronger. South Bend is currently deploying three org catchers, so there is playing time available for Windham once he returns.

Make it 5 home runs (plus 2 doubles) over the last 12 games for Owen Caissie (.382/.547/.709). I don’t know how much more the Cubs need to see out of him in Mesa. He’s reaching base nearly 55% of the time (Caissie already has four 3-walk games), he’s slugging, he’s hitting for average. I know the Myrtle Beach outfield is already a bit crowded, but…

After reaching twice in his first ACL action on Saturday, trade deadline acquisition Kevin Alcantara (.364/.447/.515 in 10 games between FCL/ACL) reached three more times on Monday. He also swiped his first bag (2nd overall). A highly projectable 6’6″ outfielder, the 19-year old Alcantara is expected to develop into a right handed power bat. His a bit like an outfield version of Reggie Preciado. Like Preciado, he currently mans an up-the-middle defensive position (CF) but as he fills out his lanky frame it is expected he eventually moves off to a corner. That makes it important for the power to eventually show up in game action, and just like Preciado it is reported Alcantara still has some work to do with pitch recognition and strike zone judgements. They are both high ceiling athletes however, and it cannot be ruled out that one or both could retain enough range to continue manning their current positions. If either one can, it greatly increases their odds of becoming an impact star.

A 16th round pick out of Puerto Rico back in 2019, Johzan Oquendo was given the max $125K bonus as a projectable 6’2″ 180 pound righty who was already hitting the low-90s. He was also working on a slider at the time. I’d be surprised if he hasn’t added some additional velo and another secondary, but he’s someone I have found no progress reports on from the ACL. Oquendo has put up good number thus far though as a 20-year old. In his first 7 career games (1 start) he has held the opposition to 1 earned run on 8 hits and 6 walks over 14 IP, while striking out 15.

DSL

Ranger1 2, Cubs Blue 1

Rangers2 13, Cubs Red 10

Seventeen year old Pedro Ramirez (.357/.419/.411) continues to put up encouraging numbers in his pro debut. The switch-hitting shortstop jacked his first professional homer as part of a big day at the plate: 3-5, HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, SB (2)