My birthday was July 22nd and I couldn’t be more grateful. I made it to the big 55. I’m grateful because I’m alive and considerably well and was home with my family instead of being in the hospital.

I have lupus and it has its ups and downs. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system gets confused, attacking its own tissues. I have systemic lupus or SLE which means my internal and external organ systems are affected.

I didn’t do anything to celebrate but as mentioned, I’m grateful to be alive and stable. My mom cooked a delicious lunch of my favorite shrimp salad along with Italian sausage with grilled onions and tomato sauce with green peppers.

I’m not 100 percent as I would like to be because I’m currently suffering from peripheral neuropathy. I’m experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet which is very irritating. I won’t complain because things could be much worse.

I’m looking forward to traveling in the fall although my mom thinks I’m not ready. I guess it’s because I’m an amputee. I suffered from gangrene almost two years ago and had my fingers on my left hand amputated as well as the toes on my right foot, due to a lupus flare.

I’ve always been an ambitious person who looked for the bright side of things. I’ve endured so many hospitalizations that my mom is naturally afraid. She has been my rock as she took care of my two sons who have autism on different spectrum levels.

I’m eager to see what being 55 brings. It’s definitely a milestone that many people either dread becoming or being excited. I’ll take the latter part for $200 Alex (Jeopardy!).

Jacob Wetzel (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

It is difficult to know where to start.

Cubs with the system sweep from Chicago to Arizona tonight. Scores:

6-210-012-66-214-45-1

Have to go all the way to the DSL to find a Cubs loss. The two DSL teams were 1-1 today.

July 24, 2022

Simply put, the Cubs farm system dominated yesterday. There were so many impressive performances by top prospects (and lesser prospects) that I simply can’t do them all justice or provide highlights and breakdowns of all of them in the time I have to complete this recap.

I am both looking forward to and dreading my Minors Recap in the morning. I could probably spend 3+ hours writing and compiling everything. But I’ll have to cut myself off before that. https://t.co/rWuT9Gynei

July 24, 2022

I mean, here’s what I’m having to sort through. You tell me who to focus on:

Pitchers

Caleb Kilian: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Sean Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Jeremiah Estrada: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Luis Devers: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 62 pitches

July 24, 2022

And it is not just yesterday’s action which indicates the way the Cubs farm system and development staffs are rapidly improving. Here are some impressive pitching and hitting statistical indicators for the season (which doesn’t include last night’s dominance):

Hey there 3rd place https://t.co/l3eRe4wVuh

July 23, 2022

Yes

July 23, 2022

UPDATE: Here’s another:

In 2019, Cubs had just 2 minor leaguers hit more than 17 HR in the entire season (Robel Garcia & Trent Giambrone). In 2017 & 2018, it was just 1 player each year (Jason Vosler). In 2016, again, just 1 player (Yasiel Balaguert). In 2015, again, just 1 (Christian Villanueva). https://t.co/NtsBXgIH3z

July 24, 2022

If the Cubs hit big at the trade deadline, this may well become a top five system in baseball.

MLB Draft Signings Update

The Cubs have officially announced the signing of 8 draftees from their Top 10 selections. Bonus figures are still only available for a handful of the overall signings, but the two remaining unsigned prospects (Jackson Ferris and Nazier Mule) from the Top 10 have both indicated they will sign, and it is just a matter of settling on a final figure. It is a similar situation from the Day 3 draftees.

Sunday morning #Cubs 2022 Draft signings update. Only 5 reported signing bonuses as of now, but 8 of the top 10 picks officially signed and the other 2 (Ferris, Mule) are expected any day. Indications are 8 of the final 10 selections have/will sign. Wheat and Blatter undecided. pic.twitter.com/pty3EoRUc0

July 24, 2022

The two prep players from rounds 11-20 who figured to be the toughest signs (JP Wheat and Brock Blatter) are the two we’ve had no indications on. Blatter in particular has a strong commitment to Alabama with an NLI in place, which means his bonus demand likely far exceeds the $125K allowance for Day 3 picks, so any overage must come from the Cubs bonus pool and there may not be enough. The Cubs are no doubt negotiating with undrafted free agents as well, and some they are pursuing may cost more than 125K too.

AAA

Iowa 10, Omaha 0

Game Recap

Narciso Crook led the offensive onslaught with a double and a pair of home runs. The 27-year old continues his breakout campaign and is now just one homer shy of his career high which he set last season. He already made his long awaited MLB debut last month, and will no doubt be returning to Chicago once trades free up spots on the MLB roster.

Speaking of guys pushing for a return to the Majors… Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb made a helluva statement last night as well. Both of them turned in their best performance of the season. A walk to leadoff the game was just about the only blemish on Kilian’s night. He seems to be sorting out his mechanical issue(s) which contributed to a loss of command and control since he made his MLB debut. He’s incorporating all of his pitches more effectively, and managed to pump his fastball as high as 98 mph.

2 more K’s in the second. This one well-spotted at 98. pic.twitter.com/AKyYaPdo7S

July 23, 2022

8 Ks through 4 IP. Kilian keeps nailing this spot. pic.twitter.com/IVtmEoYytv

July 23, 2022

As for Newcomb, I didn’t get a chance to review any of his innings from last night or any of his recent outings, but talent has never been an issue with him. So, if the org has worked with him to sort through his own mechanical and control issues, a return to the 40 and 26-man roster is likely only a matter of time.

And… Newcomb just spun a 1-2-3 ninth to secure a 10-0, three-hit shutout for the @IowaCubs.

Kilian: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 8 K.Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 6 K.

Just a dominant performance. https://t.co/iZkbYOEuyj

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Caleb Kilian: 5 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 8 K (W, 3-1, 3.63)Sean Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K (S, 1, 3.60)Narciso Crook: 3-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 2 R, 4 RBI, CS (5) (.260)Levi Jordan: 2-4, HR (3), 2 R, RBI (.248)Dixon Machado: 2-4, R, HBP (.313)Darius Hill: 2-5, 3 RBI (.333)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2 R, BB, SB (13) (.200)Erick Castillo: 1-4, R, 2 RBI (.265)

AA

Tennessee 12, Chattanooga 6

Game Recap

Look out Myrtle Beach, in the second half of the season Tennessee is threatening to replace you as the most fun to watch affiliate.

It wasn’t all good news in the system last night. D.J. Herz walked three batters and gave up a three-run home run without making it out of the 1st inning in his AA debut. We’re not going to dwell on that though. This level was always going to prove a more legitimate test of his command and control than previous stops, and occasional bad outings like this are to be expected. When Herz is wild, hitters at this level are far more likely to wait him out and make him pay than A ball opponents.

His outing led to the Smokies falling behind 6-1 through two innings, but it just made the comeback all the more satisfying.

The Smokies offense would explode in the top of the 4th. Miguel Amaya kicked things off with a double. Two singles and a walk later, Amaya had scored to cut the deficit to four, and the Smokies had the bases loaded with just one out. Jake Slaughter followed with a sacrifice fly to drive in another. Now with two outs, it seemed like Tennessee might have to settle for just a pair of runs, but no, not on this night.

The heart of the order came to the plate and went to work. Alexander Canario hit a three-run blast, then Bryce Ball went deep as well. Chase Strumpf just missed making it back-to-back-to-back jacks as he doubled off the wall. After a pitching change, Amaya stepped up for his second plate appearance of the inning and drilled a two-run homer to center to cap off an eight-run outburst.

Bryce Ball goes back to back with a loooong HR to RF. pic.twitter.com/E7TMS7Ta8x

July 24, 2022

In between Ball and Amaya, Strumpf just missed this one. Smokies almost had back to back to back to back HRs. pic.twitter.com/tRMFbSye4U

July 24, 2022

The bullpen slammed the door over the final seven innings and the offense kept adding on late. Just a fun night all around.

Nasty curve by Estrada, nifty call by the Chattanooga announcer. pic.twitter.com/7uPCzkeRyt

July 24, 2022

Perlaza has added 2 BBs and this double to his leadoff HR tonight. pic.twitter.com/pRLinL8LXI

July 24, 2022

Chase Strumpf doubles off the wall again to drive in a run. He’s 3-4 tonight with a BB and 2 2Bs. pic.twitter.com/jSYw0I9IEQ

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Yonathan Perlaza: 2-3, 2B, HR (11), 2 R, RBI, 3 BB (.250)Alexander Canario: 1-3, HR (16), R, 3 RBI, 3 BB (.241)Bryce Ball: 3-6, 2B, HR (9), 2 R, RBI (.277)Miguel Amaya: 2-6, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI (.455)Chase Strumpf: 3-5, 2 2B, R, RBI, BB (.248)Bradlee Beesley: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, HBP, SB (4), CS (1) (.202)Bryce Windham: 2-5, 2B, R (.206)Luis Vazquez: 2-5, R (.226)Jake Slaughter: 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.318)Peyton Remy: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 7.21)Jeremiah Estrada: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (1.72)C.D. Pelham: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (6.00)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Not only did Alexander Canario display good plate coverage on his three-run shot in this game, but he is also beginning to display improved patience, pitch recognition, and discipline up there. And if he can sustain that… watch out.

Alexander Canario draws another walk.

Are we witnessing a similar plate discipline improvement of the type Christopher Morel began in Tennessee?

Same kind of bat speed and power that can be unlocked if the pitch recognition and swing decisions improve.

July 23, 2022

High-A

South Bend 6, Quad Cities 2

Game Recap

The fun continued in South Bend. This time, the focus returned to the mound, where Luis Devers continues to put his name on the map in terms of Cubs starting pitching prospects. He fired six no-hit innings to lower his ERA at South Bend to 0.54 through his first four appearances (and 2.17 combined between MB/SB). Reliever Michael McAvene couldn’t keep the no-hitter intact, but did so with the shutout, which also extended his own shutout streak in the month of July to 7.2 innings.

Devers draws the accidental swing. “Boy, that was filthy.” pic.twitter.com/gFMvaCA2c9

July 24, 2022

Michael McAvene is having a stellar month out of the pen. 7.2 IP, 11 Ks, 0 Runs, just 4 hits. Batting average against is .147. ERA is….well, you can do the math.

That dog’ll hunt.by me. pic.twitter.com/SNs5M15KLU

July 24, 2022

The 22-year old knows how to change speeds and is capable of spotting his pitches in good locations more often any of the Cubs arms at the A ball levels. If he keeps this up, and doesn’t reach an innings cap, I could see Devers finishing his season in Tennessee. And depending on how many good prospects the Cubs add at the deadline, Devers should secure a spot in the system’s Top 30, and maybe even Top 20.

A couple of the Cubs top hitting prospects got in on the action as well. Pete Crow-Armstrong went oppo for his second homer in as many days, and Owen Caissie went 3-for-3 with a homer and walk. Jake Washer followed Caissie’s blast with one of his own, marking the second back-to-back jacks in the system yesterday.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, again!

The No. 3 @Cubs prospect clubs a deep fly for the second straight game for the @SBCubs. pic.twitter.com/CyVynnjg9J

July 24, 2022

Owen Caissie. See: Home run. pic.twitter.com/iAb5XFrL0C

July 23, 2022

Jake Washer with the back-to-back. 101mph off the bat. pic.twitter.com/9nllYXauaW

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

Luis Devers: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 HBP, 2 K (W, 2-0, 0.54)Michael McAvene: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (2.03)Owen Caissie: 3-3, HR (9), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB (6) (.272)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 2-5, 2B, HR (6), R, RBI (.261)Jake Washer: 2-4, HR (11), R, 3 RBI (.286)Luis Verdugo: 2-4 (.270)Jonathan Sierra: 1-3, BB (.269)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Imagine a top of the order for the next decade featuring PCA tapping the umpire and opposing catcher with his bat and then Morel giving them fist bumps. https://t.co/PlJFEXQTP0

July 23, 2022

Low-A

Myrtle Beach 14, Charleston 4

Game Recap

A big night on the farm wouldn’t be complete without the Pelicans whooping the opposition.

Jacob Wetzel hit two home runs and drove in a career high 6 runs. Kevin Alcántara went 4-for-4 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base, and sac fly. Ezequiel Pagan reached safely five times. And Josue Huma reached base four times from the leadoff spot.

Wetzel dinger. pic.twitter.com/K6hG9QnZPd

July 24, 2022

Jacob Wetzel just his his second homer of the night and now has six runs batted in for the evening pic.twitter.com/odlOEqY2bl

July 24, 2022

Here is Alcántara’s triple. Gets around the bases in a hurry. pic.twitter.com/unvR5J9u3O

July 24, 2022

Richard Gallardo followed up his best outing of the season with a solid one.

Top Performers

Jacob Wetzel: 3-5, 2 HR (6, 7), 3 R, 6 RBI, BB (.208)Kevin Alcántara: 4-4, 3B, 2 R, RBI, SF, BB, SB (11) (.273)Ezequiel Pagan: 3-4, 2B, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB (.300)Josue Huma: 2-4, 3 R, 2 BB (.274)Richard Gallardo: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, BB< 5 K (W, 6-6, 4.05)Johzan Oquendo: 3 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.75)

ACL

Cubs 5, Athletics 1

DSL

Mets1 6, Cubs Blue 1

Cubs Red 12, Mets2 11

In this 30 second exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

If you saw a bright flash of light or heard a boom overnight, you might have witnessed a bright meteor flying over the city of Chicago before it burned up and exploded in the atmosphere. At around 12:52 am CDT a bright meteor was reported flying overhead by individuals as far south as Alabama and as far north as Milwaukee.

I was up at that hour and witnessed a bright flash of light through an open window that changed color and intensity, followed by a loud boom sound. Knowing it’s Perseid season, I immediately considered the possibility that it was a meteor, but I wasn’t 100% certain because I barely caught a look before it was gone.

Fortunately, we have an extra security camera facing south and captured it on video. This is footage of the event we captured and uploaded to the American Meteor Society.

Because this camera is behind block glass the meteor appeared to split off at the end before it burned up, but it actually remained intact until the very end.

As I mentioned, it’s the beginning of the Perseids meteor shower event, an annual occurrence as the Earth travels through the debris field of Comet Swift-Tuttle. This years event began on the 17th and is expected to last until August 24th, but viewing is best during the nights of August 11-12th when the meteor shower will peak.

Fireball event map as reported to the AMS. Photo: AMS

If you witness a fireball event like that one that happened last night, you can report it to the American Meteor Society. The site collects data about these events all from individuals all over the world. Last night’s event garnered over 100 individual reports that helped determine the meteor’s trajectory.

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

MLB

The first MLB Draft signing news is beginning to roll in. The Cubs have secured deals from 1st rounder Cade Horton, 7th rounder Nick Hull, and 15th rounder Hadyn McGeary with bonus amounts being reported.

The #Cubs have signed 1st round pick Cade Horton for a little more than 1.5 under slot, and 7th rounder Nick Hull for about 225K under. Here is an updated look at their draft with the three reported signings, ~6.1M in pool money remaining: pic.twitter.com/FPdkeYFQgm

July 23, 2022

Other signings have occurred, including 4th rounder Nazier Mule, 5th rounder Brandon Birdsell, 8th rounder Mason McGwire, 10th rounder Brody McCullough, 12th rounder Mathew Peters, and 13th rounder Luis Rujano, but no figures have been disclosed.

The Cubs have not announced any of the deals, so none of the above is official.

On the sad end of news, Dwight Smith, the runner up in the 1989 Rookie of the Year voting, and one of my favorites as a kid, passed away. The Cubs many prospects who debuted in late-80s and early-90s were a big part of the reason I do writing like this.

We are saddened to learn of the death of Dwight Smith and send our condolences.

Selected by the Cubs in the 1984 June Draft, Smith roamed the outfield for five seasons with Chicago, helping the 1989 club reach the postseason and finishing 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year voting. pic.twitter.com/HShOnwWS2Z

July 22, 2022

AAA

Omaha 9, Iowa 1

Game Recap

A real rough outing for Cam Sanders, as he failed to make it out of the 1st inning (0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 0 K). Consistency remains his biggest stumbling block on his path to the Majors as a SP. I remain in the camp that Sanders should be used in a two-inning relief role at first, and then if he proves himself his usage can be expanded into either late inning duties or given a shot as a swingman/starter. He’s got the stuff for both jobs.

Anyway, his performance yesterday dug the Cubs into a hole they couldn’t crawl out of. Nick Madrigal is ramping his rehab back up, and provided the only RBI of the night for Iowa, as he recorded two hits (and even added a rare walk). Affiliated ball RBI leader Matt Mervis made his AAA debut, doubling once in four at bats.

First AAA hit for Matt Mervis is a double! pic.twitter.com/astHoUFmmp

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

Nick Madrigal: 2-3, RBI, BB (.294)Dixon Machado: 2-5, 2B, R (.311)Darius Hill: 2-4 (.331)Dakota Mekkes: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 0 K (6.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Matt Mervis obviously gets the headlines for his promotion. His meteoric rise this season deserves the attention. But don’t overlook Nicholas Padilla. The righty has always had a good arm and stuff, but it took a further step forward this year, along with some improvements in command, which has allowed him to make the same jump from High-A to AAA as Mervis. While Mervis won’t even be Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, Padilla is set to be a Minor League free agent. If he pitches well for Iowa down the stretch, don’t be shocked to see the Cubs add him to the 40-man roster in order to keep him in the organization with an eye toward a potential bullpen role in Chicago for next season.

The thing no one is talking about….

Nicholas Padilla was promoted this morning. He’s pitched well at 2 stops in 2022. 43 Ks in 32.1 IP, 2.59 ERA between the SB and TN. Opponents batting just .175 against him. Yeah, let’s talk about him more now that he’s 1 stop away. pic.twitter.com/QN39UAW6in

July 22, 2022

AA

Tennessee 10, Chattanooga 6

Game Recap

It didn’t take the Smokies bats long to wake up from the All-Star break. They scored three times in the top of the 1st, with Miguel Amaya capping off the inning with an RBI single. Two innings later he’d kick off the scoring in another three-run frame, this time with an RBI double scoring Chase Strumpf. Yonathan Perlaza picked up right where he left off in the first half by knocking in the two on a double.

Welcome back, Miguel Amaya! Bounces an RBI single over the 2B’s head in his first AB back. pic.twitter.com/ya6zNxj82k

July 22, 2022

The tape: pic.twitter.com/kpDmNeFMH3

July 23, 2022

Big innings were the theme of the night for Tennessee, as their final four runs all came in the 7th. Jake Slaughter knocked in one with a single, and Alexander Canario another with a double. The final two runs came home on a wild pitch and passed ball.

After 2 BBs on the night, Canario doubles in a run. pic.twitter.com/wsCMLEfImT

July 23, 2022

Yonathan Perlaza’s first 16 AA games: 374 OPS. The 61 games since: 278/371/496.

Alexander Canario’a first 17 AA games: 533 OPS. The 43 games since: .274/.363/.605.

And importantly for Canario, in 69 July PA: 14 BB, 11 K.

PCA since injury: 290/329/553.

Good players, these 3.

July 23, 2022

On the mound, Chris Clarke and Samuel Reyes got hit pretty hard, but Bailey Horn came on to shut the door over the final three innings, allowing no hits.

Top Performers

Yonathan Perlaza: 2-4, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB (.246)Alexander Canario: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.240)Miguel Amaya: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.600)Chase Strumpf: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.242)Bryce Ball: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.272)Bradlee Beesley: 3-5, R, SB (3) (.189)Bryce Windham: 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB (.200)Jake Slaughter: 1-5, R, RBI, HBP (.322)Bailey Horn: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 2, 3.43)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Obviously, Miguel Amaya has been activated from the IL after recovering from last season’s elbow surgery. He’s missed a lot of time the past few years, but he’s still got the necessary skills to be a big league starter behind the plate if he can stay healthy. At this point, if he can finish this year strong, and then open next season in Iowa behind Chicago’s presumed backstops (Gomes and Higgins) then Amaya will be just a phone call away from his MLB debut, with a chance to take on a large role by the start of 2024.

Righty Kyle Johnson was activated from the Developmental List.

High-A

Quad Cities 3, South Bend 1

Game Recap

New arrival Porter Hodge dominated in his South Bend debut, throwing 4.2 shutout innings. The only three baserunners he allowed were on a hit batter, and two infield singles. He even managed to pick off one of those three. He did fall behind some hitters, but his fastball and slider both looked good most of the night and it allowed him to battle back whenever he got down.

Unfortunately, the offense and the bullpen did not fare as well. Quad Cities recorded a pair of runs off Riley Martin in the 7th and another off Hunter Bigge in the 8th. The Cubs managed to push across just one run in the bottom of the 7th on a solo shot by Pete Crow-Armstrong.

No. 3 @Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong cranks his 12th home run of the season, fifth for the @SBCubs: pic.twitter.com/uR3wpIutit

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

d

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

South Bend received some much needed reinforcements. Top 15 prospect Kevin Made was summoned from Myrtle Beach, along with underrated starting pitching prospect Porter Hodge. Both players spent parts of last season in Myrtle Beach before returning much stronger and more refined this year, and it showed in their performance. Made learned to work counts better, and also engages his lower half more in his swing, allowing him to take advantage of his added strength to hit for more power. South Bend has struggled to hit for much power of late, so his arrival is welcomed. Hodge remade his body as well and increased his velocity to the low-90s consistently (can touch up to 96). This pairs with his slider which was always a pretty good pitch.

Kevin Made’s arm pic.twitter.com/2cUkhcsVrA

July 22, 2022

Dalton Stambaugh was sent down from Tennessee to eat some innings in South Bend. With D.J. Herz and Jordan Wicks having been summoned to AA prior to the break, veteran lefty Stambaugh may well fill one of their vacant rotation slots in South Bend along with Hodge.

Low-A

Charleston 3, Myrtle Beach 2

Game Recap

Juan Mora singled to lead off the game and eventually came around to score, and Luke Little turned in one of his finest performances of the season to put the Pelicans in command through the first four innings. The River Dogs would get to the Myrtle Beach pen in the middle innings though, and the offense could only respond with one late game run.

Top Performers

Luke Little: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 5 K (2.70)Juan Mora: 2-4, 2B, R (.286)Ethan Hearn: 1-3, R, SB (11) (.181)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3, BB (.199)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Outfielder Parker Chavers was added to the Pelicans roster for the 2nd half. Last year’s 7th round pick attended Coastal Carolina to some fanfare as a 5 tool prep prospect, but never really had the career expected as injuries (missed a season with torn labrum) and a bit of swing-and-miss caused some issues. He’s got plus speed and defense in CF and enough raw power to be a threat. Another injury kept him out in the 1st half, but hopefully if he can stay on the field he can begin to find his way. There is raw talent there.

With Made moved up to South Bend, infielder Scott McKeon was moved down to replace him on the Myrtle Beach roster. A solid glove man, his bat had failed to make any impact with South Bend in the first half. I would expect Josue Huma to get most of the starts at SS for a while.

It is unclear who will replace Hodge in the rotation, but I suspect it will be Frankie Scalzo Jr. The hard throwing second year man has been getting stretched out after missing a good chunk of the first half due to injury. He threw three innings in his final game before the break.

ACL

Guardians 11, Cubs 6

Eighteen year old catching prospect Moises Ballesteros (.298/.385/.607) hit his 7th HR in just his 27th game of the season. He’s been the ACL Cubs most steady offensive producer by far through the first five weeks.

DSL

Cubs Blue 3, Cubs Red 2

My birthday was July 22nd and I couldn’t be more grateful. I made it to the big 55. I’m grateful because I’m alive and considerably well and was home with my family instead of being in the hospital.

I have lupus and it has its ups and downs. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system gets confused, attacking its own tissues. I have systemic lupus or SLE which means my internal and external organ systems are affected.

I didn’t do anything to celebrate but as mentioned, I’m grateful to be alive and stable. My mom cooked a delicious lunch of my favorite shrimp salad along with Italian sausage with grilled onions and tomato sauce with green peppers.

I’m not 100 percent as I would like to be because I’m currently suffering from peripheral neuropathy. I’m experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet which is very irritating. I won’t complain because things could be much worse.

I’m looking forward to traveling in the fall although my mom thinks I’m not ready. I guess it’s because I’m an amputee. I suffered from gangrene almost two years ago and had my fingers on my left hand amputated as well as the toes on my right foot, due to a lupus flare.

I’ve always been an ambitious person who looked for the bright side of things. I’ve endured so many hospitalizations that my mom is naturally afraid. She has been my rock as she took care of my two sons who have autism on different spectrum levels.

I’m eager to see what being 55 brings. It’s definitely a milestone that many people either dread becoming or being excited. I’ll take the latter part for $200 Alex (Jeopardy!).

Jacob Wetzel (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

It is difficult to know where to start.

Cubs with the system sweep from Chicago to Arizona tonight. Scores:

6-210-012-66-214-45-1

Have to go all the way to the DSL to find a Cubs loss. The two DSL teams were 1-1 today.

July 24, 2022

Simply put, the Cubs farm system dominated yesterday. There were so many impressive performances by top prospects (and lesser prospects) that I simply can’t do them all justice or provide highlights and breakdowns of all of them in the time I have to complete this recap.

I am both looking forward to and dreading my Minors Recap in the morning. I could probably spend 3+ hours writing and compiling everything. But I’ll have to cut myself off before that. https://t.co/rWuT9Gynei

July 24, 2022

I mean, here’s what I’m having to sort through. You tell me who to focus on:

Pitchers

Caleb Kilian: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Sean Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Jeremiah Estrada: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Luis Devers: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 62 pitches

July 24, 2022

And it is not just yesterday’s action which indicates the way the Cubs farm system and development staffs are rapidly improving. Here are some impressive pitching and hitting statistical indicators for the season (which doesn’t include last night’s dominance):

Hey there 3rd place https://t.co/l3eRe4wVuh

July 23, 2022

Yes

July 23, 2022

UPDATE: Here’s another:

In 2019, Cubs had just 2 minor leaguers hit more than 17 HR in the entire season (Robel Garcia & Trent Giambrone). In 2017 & 2018, it was just 1 player each year (Jason Vosler). In 2016, again, just 1 player (Yasiel Balaguert). In 2015, again, just 1 (Christian Villanueva). https://t.co/NtsBXgIH3z

July 24, 2022

If the Cubs hit big at the trade deadline, this may well become a top five system in baseball.

MLB Draft Signings Update

The Cubs have officially announced the signing of 8 draftees from their Top 10 selections. Bonus figures are still only available for a handful of the overall signings, but the two remaining unsigned prospects (Jackson Ferris and Nazier Mule) from the Top 10 have both indicated they will sign, and it is just a matter of settling on a final figure. It is a similar situation from the Day 3 draftees.

Sunday morning #Cubs 2022 Draft signings update. Only 5 reported signing bonuses as of now, but 8 of the top 10 picks officially signed and the other 2 (Ferris, Mule) are expected any day. Indications are 8 of the final 10 selections have/will sign. Wheat and Blatter undecided. pic.twitter.com/pty3EoRUc0

July 24, 2022

The two prep players from rounds 11-20 who figured to be the toughest signs (JP Wheat and Brock Blatter) are the two we’ve had no indications on. Blatter in particular has a strong commitment to Alabama with an NLI in place, which means his bonus demand likely far exceeds the $125K allowance for Day 3 picks, so any overage must come from the Cubs bonus pool and there may not be enough. The Cubs are no doubt negotiating with undrafted free agents as well, and some they are pursuing may cost more than 125K too.

AAA

Iowa 10, Omaha 0

Game Recap

Narciso Crook led the offensive onslaught with a double and a pair of home runs. The 27-year old continues his breakout campaign and is now just one homer shy of his career high which he set last season. He already made his long awaited MLB debut last month, and will no doubt be returning to Chicago once trades free up spots on the MLB roster.

Speaking of guys pushing for a return to the Majors… Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb made a helluva statement last night as well. Both of them turned in their best performance of the season. A walk to leadoff the game was just about the only blemish on Kilian’s night. He seems to be sorting out his mechanical issue(s) which contributed to a loss of command and control since he made his MLB debut. He’s incorporating all of his pitches more effectively, and managed to pump his fastball as high as 98 mph.

2 more K’s in the second. This one well-spotted at 98. pic.twitter.com/AKyYaPdo7S

July 23, 2022

8 Ks through 4 IP. Kilian keeps nailing this spot. pic.twitter.com/IVtmEoYytv

July 23, 2022

As for Newcomb, I didn’t get a chance to review any of his innings from last night or any of his recent outings, but talent has never been an issue with him. So, if the org has worked with him to sort through his own mechanical and control issues, a return to the 40 and 26-man roster is likely only a matter of time.

And… Newcomb just spun a 1-2-3 ninth to secure a 10-0, three-hit shutout for the @IowaCubs.

Kilian: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 8 K.Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 6 K.

Just a dominant performance. https://t.co/iZkbYOEuyj

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Caleb Kilian: 5 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 8 K (W, 3-1, 3.63)Sean Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K (S, 1, 3.60)Narciso Crook: 3-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 2 R, 4 RBI, CS (5) (.260)Levi Jordan: 2-4, HR (3), 2 R, RBI (.248)Dixon Machado: 2-4, R, HBP (.313)Darius Hill: 2-5, 3 RBI (.333)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2 R, BB, SB (13) (.200)Erick Castillo: 1-4, R, 2 RBI (.265)

AA

Tennessee 12, Chattanooga 6

Game Recap

Look out Myrtle Beach, in the second half of the season Tennessee is threatening to replace you as the most fun to watch affiliate.

It wasn’t all good news in the system last night. D.J. Herz walked three batters and gave up a three-run home run without making it out of the 1st inning in his AA debut. We’re not going to dwell on that though. This level was always going to prove a more legitimate test of his command and control than previous stops, and occasional bad outings like this are to be expected. When Herz is wild, hitters at this level are far more likely to wait him out and make him pay than A ball opponents.

His outing led to the Smokies falling behind 6-1 through two innings, but it just made the comeback all the more satisfying.

The Smokies offense would explode in the top of the 4th. Miguel Amaya kicked things off with a double. Two singles and a walk later, Amaya had scored to cut the deficit to four, and the Smokies had the bases loaded with just one out. Jake Slaughter followed with a sacrifice fly to drive in another. Now with two outs, it seemed like Tennessee might have to settle for just a pair of runs, but no, not on this night.

The heart of the order came to the plate and went to work. Alexander Canario hit a three-run blast, then Bryce Ball went deep as well. Chase Strumpf just missed making it back-to-back-to-back jacks as he doubled off the wall. After a pitching change, Amaya stepped up for his second plate appearance of the inning and drilled a two-run homer to center to cap off an eight-run outburst.

Bryce Ball goes back to back with a loooong HR to RF. pic.twitter.com/E7TMS7Ta8x

July 24, 2022

In between Ball and Amaya, Strumpf just missed this one. Smokies almost had back to back to back to back HRs. pic.twitter.com/tRMFbSye4U

July 24, 2022

The bullpen slammed the door over the final seven innings and the offense kept adding on late. Just a fun night all around.

Nasty curve by Estrada, nifty call by the Chattanooga announcer. pic.twitter.com/7uPCzkeRyt

July 24, 2022

Perlaza has added 2 BBs and this double to his leadoff HR tonight. pic.twitter.com/pRLinL8LXI

July 24, 2022

Chase Strumpf doubles off the wall again to drive in a run. He’s 3-4 tonight with a BB and 2 2Bs. pic.twitter.com/jSYw0I9IEQ

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Yonathan Perlaza: 2-3, 2B, HR (11), 2 R, RBI, 3 BB (.250)Alexander Canario: 1-3, HR (16), R, 3 RBI, 3 BB (.241)Bryce Ball: 3-6, 2B, HR (9), 2 R, RBI (.277)Miguel Amaya: 2-6, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI (.455)Chase Strumpf: 3-5, 2 2B, R, RBI, BB (.248)Bradlee Beesley: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, HBP, SB (4), CS (1) (.202)Bryce Windham: 2-5, 2B, R (.206)Luis Vazquez: 2-5, R (.226)Jake Slaughter: 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.318)Peyton Remy: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 7.21)Jeremiah Estrada: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (1.72)C.D. Pelham: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (6.00)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Not only did Alexander Canario display good plate coverage on his three-run shot in this game, but he is also beginning to display improved patience, pitch recognition, and discipline up there. And if he can sustain that… watch out.

Alexander Canario draws another walk.

Are we witnessing a similar plate discipline improvement of the type Christopher Morel began in Tennessee?

Same kind of bat speed and power that can be unlocked if the pitch recognition and swing decisions improve.

July 23, 2022

High-A

South Bend 6, Quad Cities 2

Game Recap

The fun continued in South Bend. This time, the focus returned to the mound, where Luis Devers continues to put his name on the map in terms of Cubs starting pitching prospects. He fired six no-hit innings to lower his ERA at South Bend to 0.54 through his first four appearances (and 2.17 combined between MB/SB). Reliever Michael McAvene couldn’t keep the no-hitter intact, but did so with the shutout, which also extended his own shutout streak in the month of July to 7.2 innings.

Devers draws the accidental swing. “Boy, that was filthy.” pic.twitter.com/gFMvaCA2c9

July 24, 2022

Michael McAvene is having a stellar month out of the pen. 7.2 IP, 11 Ks, 0 Runs, just 4 hits. Batting average against is .147. ERA is….well, you can do the math.

That dog’ll hunt.by me. pic.twitter.com/SNs5M15KLU

July 24, 2022

The 22-year old knows how to change speeds and is capable of spotting his pitches in good locations more often any of the Cubs arms at the A ball levels. If he keeps this up, and doesn’t reach an innings cap, I could see Devers finishing his season in Tennessee. And depending on how many good prospects the Cubs add at the deadline, Devers should secure a spot in the system’s Top 30, and maybe even Top 20.

A couple of the Cubs top hitting prospects got in on the action as well. Pete Crow-Armstrong went oppo for his second homer in as many days, and Owen Caissie went 3-for-3 with a homer and walk. Jake Washer followed Caissie’s blast with one of his own, marking the second back-to-back jacks in the system yesterday.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, again!

The No. 3 @Cubs prospect clubs a deep fly for the second straight game for the @SBCubs. pic.twitter.com/CyVynnjg9J

July 24, 2022

Owen Caissie. See: Home run. pic.twitter.com/iAb5XFrL0C

July 23, 2022

Jake Washer with the back-to-back. 101mph off the bat. pic.twitter.com/9nllYXauaW

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

Luis Devers: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 HBP, 2 K (W, 2-0, 0.54)Michael McAvene: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (2.03)Owen Caissie: 3-3, HR (9), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB (6) (.272)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 2-5, 2B, HR (6), R, RBI (.261)Jake Washer: 2-4, HR (11), R, 3 RBI (.286)Luis Verdugo: 2-4 (.270)Jonathan Sierra: 1-3, BB (.269)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Imagine a top of the order for the next decade featuring PCA tapping the umpire and opposing catcher with his bat and then Morel giving them fist bumps. https://t.co/PlJFEXQTP0

July 23, 2022

Low-A

Myrtle Beach 14, Charleston 4

Game Recap

A big night on the farm wouldn’t be complete without the Pelicans whooping the opposition.

Jacob Wetzel hit two home runs and drove in a career high 6 runs. Kevin Alcántara went 4-for-4 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base, and sac fly. Ezequiel Pagan reached safely five times. And Josue Huma reached base four times from the leadoff spot.

Wetzel dinger. pic.twitter.com/K6hG9QnZPd

July 24, 2022

Jacob Wetzel just his his second homer of the night and now has six runs batted in for the evening pic.twitter.com/odlOEqY2bl

July 24, 2022

Here is Alcántara’s triple. Gets around the bases in a hurry. pic.twitter.com/unvR5J9u3O

July 24, 2022

Richard Gallardo followed up his best outing of the season with a solid one.

Top Performers

Jacob Wetzel: 3-5, 2 HR (6, 7), 3 R, 6 RBI, BB (.208)Kevin Alcántara: 4-4, 3B, 2 R, RBI, SF, BB, SB (11) (.273)Ezequiel Pagan: 3-4, 2B, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB (.300)Josue Huma: 2-4, 3 R, 2 BB (.274)Richard Gallardo: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, BB< 5 K (W, 6-6, 4.05)Johzan Oquendo: 3 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.75)

ACL

Cubs 5, Athletics 1

DSL

Mets1 6, Cubs Blue 1

Cubs Red 12, Mets2 11

In this 30 second exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

If you saw a bright flash of light or heard a boom overnight, you might have witnessed a bright meteor flying over the city of Chicago before it burned up and exploded in the atmosphere. At around 12:52 am CDT a bright meteor was reported flying overhead by individuals as far south as Alabama and as far north as Milwaukee.

I was up at that hour and witnessed a bright flash of light through an open window that changed color and intensity, followed by a loud boom sound. Knowing it’s Perseid season, I immediately considered the possibility that it was a meteor, but I wasn’t 100% certain because I barely caught a look before it was gone.

Fortunately, we have an extra security camera facing south and captured it on video. This is footage of the event we captured and uploaded to the American Meteor Society.

Because this camera is behind block glass the meteor appeared to split off at the end before it burned up, but it actually remained intact until the very end.

As I mentioned, it’s the beginning of the Perseids meteor shower event, an annual occurrence as the Earth travels through the debris field of Comet Swift-Tuttle. This years event began on the 17th and is expected to last until August 24th, but viewing is best during the nights of August 11-12th when the meteor shower will peak.

Fireball event map as reported to the AMS. Photo: AMS

If you witness a fireball event like that one that happened last night, you can report it to the American Meteor Society. The site collects data about these events all from individuals all over the world. Last night’s event garnered over 100 individual reports that helped determine the meteor’s trajectory.

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

MLB

The first MLB Draft signing news is beginning to roll in. The Cubs have secured deals from 1st rounder Cade Horton, 7th rounder Nick Hull, and 15th rounder Hadyn McGeary with bonus amounts being reported.

The #Cubs have signed 1st round pick Cade Horton for a little more than 1.5 under slot, and 7th rounder Nick Hull for about 225K under. Here is an updated look at their draft with the three reported signings, ~6.1M in pool money remaining: pic.twitter.com/FPdkeYFQgm

July 23, 2022

Other signings have occurred, including 4th rounder Nazier Mule, 5th rounder Brandon Birdsell, 8th rounder Mason McGwire, 10th rounder Brody McCullough, 12th rounder Mathew Peters, and 13th rounder Luis Rujano, but no figures have been disclosed.

The Cubs have not announced any of the deals, so none of the above is official.

On the sad end of news, Dwight Smith, the runner up in the 1989 Rookie of the Year voting, and one of my favorites as a kid, passed away. The Cubs many prospects who debuted in late-80s and early-90s were a big part of the reason I do writing like this.

We are saddened to learn of the death of Dwight Smith and send our condolences.

Selected by the Cubs in the 1984 June Draft, Smith roamed the outfield for five seasons with Chicago, helping the 1989 club reach the postseason and finishing 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year voting. pic.twitter.com/HShOnwWS2Z

July 22, 2022

AAA

Omaha 9, Iowa 1

Game Recap

A real rough outing for Cam Sanders, as he failed to make it out of the 1st inning (0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 0 K). Consistency remains his biggest stumbling block on his path to the Majors as a SP. I remain in the camp that Sanders should be used in a two-inning relief role at first, and then if he proves himself his usage can be expanded into either late inning duties or given a shot as a swingman/starter. He’s got the stuff for both jobs.

Anyway, his performance yesterday dug the Cubs into a hole they couldn’t crawl out of. Nick Madrigal is ramping his rehab back up, and provided the only RBI of the night for Iowa, as he recorded two hits (and even added a rare walk). Affiliated ball RBI leader Matt Mervis made his AAA debut, doubling once in four at bats.

First AAA hit for Matt Mervis is a double! pic.twitter.com/astHoUFmmp

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

Nick Madrigal: 2-3, RBI, BB (.294)Dixon Machado: 2-5, 2B, R (.311)Darius Hill: 2-4 (.331)Dakota Mekkes: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 0 K (6.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Matt Mervis obviously gets the headlines for his promotion. His meteoric rise this season deserves the attention. But don’t overlook Nicholas Padilla. The righty has always had a good arm and stuff, but it took a further step forward this year, along with some improvements in command, which has allowed him to make the same jump from High-A to AAA as Mervis. While Mervis won’t even be Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, Padilla is set to be a Minor League free agent. If he pitches well for Iowa down the stretch, don’t be shocked to see the Cubs add him to the 40-man roster in order to keep him in the organization with an eye toward a potential bullpen role in Chicago for next season.

The thing no one is talking about….

Nicholas Padilla was promoted this morning. He’s pitched well at 2 stops in 2022. 43 Ks in 32.1 IP, 2.59 ERA between the SB and TN. Opponents batting just .175 against him. Yeah, let’s talk about him more now that he’s 1 stop away. pic.twitter.com/QN39UAW6in

July 22, 2022

AA

Tennessee 10, Chattanooga 6

Game Recap

It didn’t take the Smokies bats long to wake up from the All-Star break. They scored three times in the top of the 1st, with Miguel Amaya capping off the inning with an RBI single. Two innings later he’d kick off the scoring in another three-run frame, this time with an RBI double scoring Chase Strumpf. Yonathan Perlaza picked up right where he left off in the first half by knocking in the two on a double.

Welcome back, Miguel Amaya! Bounces an RBI single over the 2B’s head in his first AB back. pic.twitter.com/ya6zNxj82k

July 22, 2022

The tape: pic.twitter.com/kpDmNeFMH3

July 23, 2022

Big innings were the theme of the night for Tennessee, as their final four runs all came in the 7th. Jake Slaughter knocked in one with a single, and Alexander Canario another with a double. The final two runs came home on a wild pitch and passed ball.

After 2 BBs on the night, Canario doubles in a run. pic.twitter.com/wsCMLEfImT

July 23, 2022

Yonathan Perlaza’s first 16 AA games: 374 OPS. The 61 games since: 278/371/496.

Alexander Canario’a first 17 AA games: 533 OPS. The 43 games since: .274/.363/.605.

And importantly for Canario, in 69 July PA: 14 BB, 11 K.

PCA since injury: 290/329/553.

Good players, these 3.

July 23, 2022

On the mound, Chris Clarke and Samuel Reyes got hit pretty hard, but Bailey Horn came on to shut the door over the final three innings, allowing no hits.

Top Performers

Yonathan Perlaza: 2-4, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB (.246)Alexander Canario: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.240)Miguel Amaya: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.600)Chase Strumpf: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.242)Bryce Ball: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.272)Bradlee Beesley: 3-5, R, SB (3) (.189)Bryce Windham: 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB (.200)Jake Slaughter: 1-5, R, RBI, HBP (.322)Bailey Horn: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 2, 3.43)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Obviously, Miguel Amaya has been activated from the IL after recovering from last season’s elbow surgery. He’s missed a lot of time the past few years, but he’s still got the necessary skills to be a big league starter behind the plate if he can stay healthy. At this point, if he can finish this year strong, and then open next season in Iowa behind Chicago’s presumed backstops (Gomes and Higgins) then Amaya will be just a phone call away from his MLB debut, with a chance to take on a large role by the start of 2024.

Righty Kyle Johnson was activated from the Developmental List.

High-A

Quad Cities 3, South Bend 1

Game Recap

New arrival Porter Hodge dominated in his South Bend debut, throwing 4.2 shutout innings. The only three baserunners he allowed were on a hit batter, and two infield singles. He even managed to pick off one of those three. He did fall behind some hitters, but his fastball and slider both looked good most of the night and it allowed him to battle back whenever he got down.

Unfortunately, the offense and the bullpen did not fare as well. Quad Cities recorded a pair of runs off Riley Martin in the 7th and another off Hunter Bigge in the 8th. The Cubs managed to push across just one run in the bottom of the 7th on a solo shot by Pete Crow-Armstrong.

No. 3 @Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong cranks his 12th home run of the season, fifth for the @SBCubs: pic.twitter.com/uR3wpIutit

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

d

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

South Bend received some much needed reinforcements. Top 15 prospect Kevin Made was summoned from Myrtle Beach, along with underrated starting pitching prospect Porter Hodge. Both players spent parts of last season in Myrtle Beach before returning much stronger and more refined this year, and it showed in their performance. Made learned to work counts better, and also engages his lower half more in his swing, allowing him to take advantage of his added strength to hit for more power. South Bend has struggled to hit for much power of late, so his arrival is welcomed. Hodge remade his body as well and increased his velocity to the low-90s consistently (can touch up to 96). This pairs with his slider which was always a pretty good pitch.

Kevin Made’s arm pic.twitter.com/2cUkhcsVrA

July 22, 2022

Dalton Stambaugh was sent down from Tennessee to eat some innings in South Bend. With D.J. Herz and Jordan Wicks having been summoned to AA prior to the break, veteran lefty Stambaugh may well fill one of their vacant rotation slots in South Bend along with Hodge.

Low-A

Charleston 3, Myrtle Beach 2

Game Recap

Juan Mora singled to lead off the game and eventually came around to score, and Luke Little turned in one of his finest performances of the season to put the Pelicans in command through the first four innings. The River Dogs would get to the Myrtle Beach pen in the middle innings though, and the offense could only respond with one late game run.

Top Performers

Luke Little: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 5 K (2.70)Juan Mora: 2-4, 2B, R (.286)Ethan Hearn: 1-3, R, SB (11) (.181)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3, BB (.199)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Outfielder Parker Chavers was added to the Pelicans roster for the 2nd half. Last year’s 7th round pick attended Coastal Carolina to some fanfare as a 5 tool prep prospect, but never really had the career expected as injuries (missed a season with torn labrum) and a bit of swing-and-miss caused some issues. He’s got plus speed and defense in CF and enough raw power to be a threat. Another injury kept him out in the 1st half, but hopefully if he can stay on the field he can begin to find his way. There is raw talent there.

With Made moved up to South Bend, infielder Scott McKeon was moved down to replace him on the Myrtle Beach roster. A solid glove man, his bat had failed to make any impact with South Bend in the first half. I would expect Josue Huma to get most of the starts at SS for a while.

It is unclear who will replace Hodge in the rotation, but I suspect it will be Frankie Scalzo Jr. The hard throwing second year man has been getting stretched out after missing a good chunk of the first half due to injury. He threw three innings in his final game before the break.

ACL

Guardians 11, Cubs 6

Eighteen year old catching prospect Moises Ballesteros (.298/.385/.607) hit his 7th HR in just his 27th game of the season. He’s been the ACL Cubs most steady offensive producer by far through the first five weeks.

DSL

Cubs Blue 3, Cubs Red 2

My birthday was July 22nd and I couldn’t be more grateful. I made it to the big 55. I’m grateful because I’m alive and considerably well and was home with my family instead of being in the hospital.

I have lupus and it has its ups and downs. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system gets confused, attacking its own tissues. I have systemic lupus or SLE which means my internal and external organ systems are affected.

I didn’t do anything to celebrate but as mentioned, I’m grateful to be alive and stable. My mom cooked a delicious lunch of my favorite shrimp salad along with Italian sausage with grilled onions and tomato sauce with green peppers.

I’m not 100 percent as I would like to be because I’m currently suffering from peripheral neuropathy. I’m experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and feet which is very irritating. I won’t complain because things could be much worse.

I’m looking forward to traveling in the fall although my mom thinks I’m not ready. I guess it’s because I’m an amputee. I suffered from gangrene almost two years ago and had my fingers on my left hand amputated as well as the toes on my right foot, due to a lupus flare.

I’ve always been an ambitious person who looked for the bright side of things. I’ve endured so many hospitalizations that my mom is naturally afraid. She has been my rock as she took care of my two sons who have autism on different spectrum levels.

I’m eager to see what being 55 brings. It’s definitely a milestone that many people either dread becoming or being excited. I’ll take the latter part for $200 Alex (Jeopardy!).

Jacob Wetzel (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

It is difficult to know where to start.

Cubs with the system sweep from Chicago to Arizona tonight. Scores:

6-210-012-66-214-45-1

Have to go all the way to the DSL to find a Cubs loss. The two DSL teams were 1-1 today.

July 24, 2022

Simply put, the Cubs farm system dominated yesterday. There were so many impressive performances by top prospects (and lesser prospects) that I simply can’t do them all justice or provide highlights and breakdowns of all of them in the time I have to complete this recap.

I am both looking forward to and dreading my Minors Recap in the morning. I could probably spend 3+ hours writing and compiling everything. But I’ll have to cut myself off before that. https://t.co/rWuT9Gynei

July 24, 2022

I mean, here’s what I’m having to sort through. You tell me who to focus on:

Pitchers

Caleb Kilian: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Sean Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Jeremiah Estrada: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Luis Devers: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 62 pitches

July 24, 2022

And it is not just yesterday’s action which indicates the way the Cubs farm system and development staffs are rapidly improving. Here are some impressive pitching and hitting statistical indicators for the season (which doesn’t include last night’s dominance):

Hey there 3rd place https://t.co/l3eRe4wVuh

July 23, 2022

Yes

July 23, 2022

UPDATE: Here’s another:

In 2019, Cubs had just 2 minor leaguers hit more than 17 HR in the entire season (Robel Garcia & Trent Giambrone). In 2017 & 2018, it was just 1 player each year (Jason Vosler). In 2016, again, just 1 player (Yasiel Balaguert). In 2015, again, just 1 (Christian Villanueva). https://t.co/NtsBXgIH3z

July 24, 2022

If the Cubs hit big at the trade deadline, this may well become a top five system in baseball.

MLB Draft Signings Update

The Cubs have officially announced the signing of 8 draftees from their Top 10 selections. Bonus figures are still only available for a handful of the overall signings, but the two remaining unsigned prospects (Jackson Ferris and Nazier Mule) from the Top 10 have both indicated they will sign, and it is just a matter of settling on a final figure. It is a similar situation from the Day 3 draftees.

Sunday morning #Cubs 2022 Draft signings update. Only 5 reported signing bonuses as of now, but 8 of the top 10 picks officially signed and the other 2 (Ferris, Mule) are expected any day. Indications are 8 of the final 10 selections have/will sign. Wheat and Blatter undecided. pic.twitter.com/pty3EoRUc0

July 24, 2022

The two prep players from rounds 11-20 who figured to be the toughest signs (JP Wheat and Brock Blatter) are the two we’ve had no indications on. Blatter in particular has a strong commitment to Alabama with an NLI in place, which means his bonus demand likely far exceeds the $125K allowance for Day 3 picks, so any overage must come from the Cubs bonus pool and there may not be enough. The Cubs are no doubt negotiating with undrafted free agents as well, and some they are pursuing may cost more than 125K too.

AAA

Iowa 10, Omaha 0

Game Recap

Narciso Crook led the offensive onslaught with a double and a pair of home runs. The 27-year old continues his breakout campaign and is now just one homer shy of his career high which he set last season. He already made his long awaited MLB debut last month, and will no doubt be returning to Chicago once trades free up spots on the MLB roster.

Speaking of guys pushing for a return to the Majors… Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb made a helluva statement last night as well. Both of them turned in their best performance of the season. A walk to leadoff the game was just about the only blemish on Kilian’s night. He seems to be sorting out his mechanical issue(s) which contributed to a loss of command and control since he made his MLB debut. He’s incorporating all of his pitches more effectively, and managed to pump his fastball as high as 98 mph.

2 more K’s in the second. This one well-spotted at 98. pic.twitter.com/AKyYaPdo7S

July 23, 2022

8 Ks through 4 IP. Kilian keeps nailing this spot. pic.twitter.com/IVtmEoYytv

July 23, 2022

As for Newcomb, I didn’t get a chance to review any of his innings from last night or any of his recent outings, but talent has never been an issue with him. So, if the org has worked with him to sort through his own mechanical and control issues, a return to the 40 and 26-man roster is likely only a matter of time.

And… Newcomb just spun a 1-2-3 ninth to secure a 10-0, three-hit shutout for the @IowaCubs.

Kilian: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 8 K.Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 6 K.

Just a dominant performance. https://t.co/iZkbYOEuyj

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Caleb Kilian: 5 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 8 K (W, 3-1, 3.63)Sean Newcomb: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K (S, 1, 3.60)Narciso Crook: 3-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 2 R, 4 RBI, CS (5) (.260)Levi Jordan: 2-4, HR (3), 2 R, RBI (.248)Dixon Machado: 2-4, R, HBP (.313)Darius Hill: 2-5, 3 RBI (.333)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2 R, BB, SB (13) (.200)Erick Castillo: 1-4, R, 2 RBI (.265)

AA

Tennessee 12, Chattanooga 6

Game Recap

Look out Myrtle Beach, in the second half of the season Tennessee is threatening to replace you as the most fun to watch affiliate.

It wasn’t all good news in the system last night. D.J. Herz walked three batters and gave up a three-run home run without making it out of the 1st inning in his AA debut. We’re not going to dwell on that though. This level was always going to prove a more legitimate test of his command and control than previous stops, and occasional bad outings like this are to be expected. When Herz is wild, hitters at this level are far more likely to wait him out and make him pay than A ball opponents.

His outing led to the Smokies falling behind 6-1 through two innings, but it just made the comeback all the more satisfying.

The Smokies offense would explode in the top of the 4th. Miguel Amaya kicked things off with a double. Two singles and a walk later, Amaya had scored to cut the deficit to four, and the Smokies had the bases loaded with just one out. Jake Slaughter followed with a sacrifice fly to drive in another. Now with two outs, it seemed like Tennessee might have to settle for just a pair of runs, but no, not on this night.

The heart of the order came to the plate and went to work. Alexander Canario hit a three-run blast, then Bryce Ball went deep as well. Chase Strumpf just missed making it back-to-back-to-back jacks as he doubled off the wall. After a pitching change, Amaya stepped up for his second plate appearance of the inning and drilled a two-run homer to center to cap off an eight-run outburst.

Bryce Ball goes back to back with a loooong HR to RF. pic.twitter.com/E7TMS7Ta8x

July 24, 2022

In between Ball and Amaya, Strumpf just missed this one. Smokies almost had back to back to back to back HRs. pic.twitter.com/tRMFbSye4U

July 24, 2022

The bullpen slammed the door over the final seven innings and the offense kept adding on late. Just a fun night all around.

Nasty curve by Estrada, nifty call by the Chattanooga announcer. pic.twitter.com/7uPCzkeRyt

July 24, 2022

Perlaza has added 2 BBs and this double to his leadoff HR tonight. pic.twitter.com/pRLinL8LXI

July 24, 2022

Chase Strumpf doubles off the wall again to drive in a run. He’s 3-4 tonight with a BB and 2 2Bs. pic.twitter.com/jSYw0I9IEQ

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Yonathan Perlaza: 2-3, 2B, HR (11), 2 R, RBI, 3 BB (.250)Alexander Canario: 1-3, HR (16), R, 3 RBI, 3 BB (.241)Bryce Ball: 3-6, 2B, HR (9), 2 R, RBI (.277)Miguel Amaya: 2-6, 2B, HR (1), 2 R, 2 RBI (.455)Chase Strumpf: 3-5, 2 2B, R, RBI, BB (.248)Bradlee Beesley: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, HBP, SB (4), CS (1) (.202)Bryce Windham: 2-5, 2B, R (.206)Luis Vazquez: 2-5, R (.226)Jake Slaughter: 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.318)Peyton Remy: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 7.21)Jeremiah Estrada: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (1.72)C.D. Pelham: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (6.00)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Not only did Alexander Canario display good plate coverage on his three-run shot in this game, but he is also beginning to display improved patience, pitch recognition, and discipline up there. And if he can sustain that… watch out.

Alexander Canario draws another walk.

Are we witnessing a similar plate discipline improvement of the type Christopher Morel began in Tennessee?

Same kind of bat speed and power that can be unlocked if the pitch recognition and swing decisions improve.

July 23, 2022

High-A

South Bend 6, Quad Cities 2

Game Recap

The fun continued in South Bend. This time, the focus returned to the mound, where Luis Devers continues to put his name on the map in terms of Cubs starting pitching prospects. He fired six no-hit innings to lower his ERA at South Bend to 0.54 through his first four appearances (and 2.17 combined between MB/SB). Reliever Michael McAvene couldn’t keep the no-hitter intact, but did so with the shutout, which also extended his own shutout streak in the month of July to 7.2 innings.

Devers draws the accidental swing. “Boy, that was filthy.” pic.twitter.com/gFMvaCA2c9

July 24, 2022

Michael McAvene is having a stellar month out of the pen. 7.2 IP, 11 Ks, 0 Runs, just 4 hits. Batting average against is .147. ERA is….well, you can do the math.

That dog’ll hunt.by me. pic.twitter.com/SNs5M15KLU

July 24, 2022

The 22-year old knows how to change speeds and is capable of spotting his pitches in good locations more often any of the Cubs arms at the A ball levels. If he keeps this up, and doesn’t reach an innings cap, I could see Devers finishing his season in Tennessee. And depending on how many good prospects the Cubs add at the deadline, Devers should secure a spot in the system’s Top 30, and maybe even Top 20.

A couple of the Cubs top hitting prospects got in on the action as well. Pete Crow-Armstrong went oppo for his second homer in as many days, and Owen Caissie went 3-for-3 with a homer and walk. Jake Washer followed Caissie’s blast with one of his own, marking the second back-to-back jacks in the system yesterday.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, again!

The No. 3 @Cubs prospect clubs a deep fly for the second straight game for the @SBCubs. pic.twitter.com/CyVynnjg9J

July 24, 2022

Owen Caissie. See: Home run. pic.twitter.com/iAb5XFrL0C

July 23, 2022

Jake Washer with the back-to-back. 101mph off the bat. pic.twitter.com/9nllYXauaW

July 23, 2022

Top Performers

Luis Devers: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 HBP, 2 K (W, 2-0, 0.54)Michael McAvene: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (2.03)Owen Caissie: 3-3, HR (9), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB (6) (.272)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 2-5, 2B, HR (6), R, RBI (.261)Jake Washer: 2-4, HR (11), R, 3 RBI (.286)Luis Verdugo: 2-4 (.270)Jonathan Sierra: 1-3, BB (.269)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Imagine a top of the order for the next decade featuring PCA tapping the umpire and opposing catcher with his bat and then Morel giving them fist bumps. https://t.co/PlJFEXQTP0

July 23, 2022

Low-A

Myrtle Beach 14, Charleston 4

Game Recap

A big night on the farm wouldn’t be complete without the Pelicans whooping the opposition.

Jacob Wetzel hit two home runs and drove in a career high 6 runs. Kevin Alcántara went 4-for-4 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base, and sac fly. Ezequiel Pagan reached safely five times. And Josue Huma reached base four times from the leadoff spot.

Wetzel dinger. pic.twitter.com/K6hG9QnZPd

July 24, 2022

Jacob Wetzel just his his second homer of the night and now has six runs batted in for the evening pic.twitter.com/odlOEqY2bl

July 24, 2022

Here is Alcántara’s triple. Gets around the bases in a hurry. pic.twitter.com/unvR5J9u3O

July 24, 2022

Richard Gallardo followed up his best outing of the season with a solid one.

Top Performers

Jacob Wetzel: 3-5, 2 HR (6, 7), 3 R, 6 RBI, BB (.208)Kevin Alcántara: 4-4, 3B, 2 R, RBI, SF, BB, SB (11) (.273)Ezequiel Pagan: 3-4, 2B, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB (.300)Josue Huma: 2-4, 3 R, 2 BB (.274)Richard Gallardo: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, BB< 5 K (W, 6-6, 4.05)Johzan Oquendo: 3 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.75)

ACL

Cubs 5, Athletics 1

DSL

Mets1 6, Cubs Blue 1

Cubs Red 12, Mets2 11