Editor's Notes: This afternoon I was notified that LHP Rich Hill (24 yrs old) and leading the Southern League in strikeouts was promoted to Iowa to replace LHP Jon Koronka (24 yrs old) who is being called up to the Cubs. Each pitcher is scheduled to start tomorrow.

In a related matter I was told that the Cubs are talking to Oakland about LHP Barry Zito (27 yrs old), the former 2002 Cy Young winner who will be free agent next year.

Also I was told that Jim Hendry was in Jackson TN with Cubs Director  Player of Development looking at the (AA) prospects. It was reported that they took special interest in OF's Feliz Pie and Matt Murton. What that foretells is speculative bu the beat writer seems to be excited.

Editor's Notes: The Cubs have are not listing under .500 as they approach one of the toughest stretches of the season where they are projected to play 19 straight games against teams with above .500 records. This includes the upper echelon of MLB like the Padres, Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and of course the White Sox. I was told today that depending on the outcome will determine the pace of the transition plans for the current major league roster. 

Here are some things to watch: 40-man roster changes, if the Cubs move one of their top organizational prospects for instance the likes of: (AA) RHP Nolasco, (AA) LHP Rich Hill, (AAA) LHP Raul Valdez or (AA) LHP Carmen Pignatiello that would have to move one or more of the following. In light of my recent report from the beat writer in the Southern League (AA) that Cubs Director of Player Personnel, Oneri Fleita  desire "to keep the West Tennesee Jaxx team together for the awhle ... if at all possible". Today I was also told that in all probability the Cubs will not make a major move until they approach July unless something jumps out. In either case for the Cubs to move their bona fide talented prospects up they will have to move some players on the their 40-man roster, here are some names to review,

Pitching: what kind of trade value do these individuals possess?

Dave Crouthers RHP (25 yrs old) (AAA)**
Angel Guzman RHP (23 yrs old) (AA) still on rehab,*
John Koronka LHP (24 yrs old) (AAA)*
Jon Leicester  RHP (26 yrs old) currently on MLB roster*
Sergio Mitre RHP (24 yrs old) currently on MLB roster*
Roberto Novoa RHP (25 yrs old) currently on MLB roster*
Renyel Pinto LHP (22 yrs old) (AA)**
Russ Rohlicek LHP (25 yrs old) (AAA)**
Todd Wellemeyer RHP (26 yrs old) currently on MLB roster*
Mike Remlinger LHP (39 yrs old) and on DL*

Position Players what kind of value do these players represent?

Jermy Burnitz RF (36 yrs. old) MLB roster, FA 6/19/05 restriction*
Jason Dubois LF/RF (26 yrs. old) MLB roster*
Ben Grieve LF/RF (29 yrs. old) (AAA)**
Jerry Hairston 2B/OF (29 yrs. old) MLB roster**
Todd Hollandsworth (32 yrs. old) MLB roster**
Richard Lewis 2B/SS, (24 yrs. old) Adv-A just demoted from (AAA)**
Jose Macias IF/OF utility (33 yrs. old) MLB roster**
Cory Patterson CF (25 yrs. old) MLB roster*
Enrique Wilson IF utility (31 yrs. old) MLB roster **

* designates lower probablity of removal from 40-man roster from editor
** designates higher probability of removal from 40-man roster by editor

Other minor league notable mentions:

Note the following, Cubs director of player development Oneri Fleita is impressed with Pignatiello's development this season (5/26/05).

"The difference with him than in years past is that he has learned to command his fastball," Fleita said. "He's always had a good changeup and curveball. When you can throw a fastball on both sides of the plate, everything else is easy for him. He's not going to blow people away, but he can pitch." (attributed to Jeff Vorva Daily Southtown)

Another possible promotion candidate could be Cuban refugee LHP Raul Valdez (27 yrs old), where he emigrated from Cuba to the Dominican Republic and, finally, to the United States. He defected in 2002, signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2004 and recently promoted to the Iowa Cubs. Des Moines Registar

"It's a neat story," Chicago Cubs minor league player director Oneri Fleita said. "He came out of nowhere to us. He speaks no English, so he relies on his baseball instincts, which are very good because he's been playing baseball for a long time."

Valdez, has pitched five seasons on the Cuban National baseball team, trying to escape five times and leaving behind his mother, father and brother. Reportedly Valdez has a nasty changeup, where unfortunately he missed spring training and joined the Iowa Cubs on May 9 after going 2-0 with a 5.09 earned-run average at West Tenn. (AA).

USA Today had a nice repot on Gallagher:

A future player to watch: RHP Sean Gallagher of the (A) Peoria Chiefs. In his first full professional campaign the 19-year-old did not allow an earned run until his 41st inning (May 11), now posting a 0.75 ERA. During that span he struck out 47 batters in just 42 innings, walking only 10 and while allowing a mere 17 hits, in all establishing a Midwest League record for innings without a allowing an earned run, Through that span he did allow seven unearned runs before being tagged for an earned one on 5/11/05.

All told two of Gallagher's starts were hitless, the first on 4/20/05 as the (in a combined 10-inning no-hitter) then two starts later he tossed six more hitless innings, in that game he struck out 10. Gallagher was born in Boston, the later moved with his family to Florida, where he high school last spring,  before being selected by the Cubs in the 12th round. Last summer he made an impressive, debut at the complex-level Arizona League, going 1-2 with a 3.12 ERA in 10 games, where he struck out 44 and while walking 11 in 35-IP. He is armed with a fastball that can reach the low 90s, an  effective changeup and a traditional 12-to-6 curveball which is his out pitch. At  6' 1", 210-pounder he came to camp after working out all winter with a personal trainer, where Oneri Fleita said he was ready where he later was quoted that

"..every outing, you'd look and say, wow, another good one." Fieta continues to say  He's enthusiastic, a little hyper, exactly what a 19-year-old should be. He works fast, he's a great competitor, he holds runners well and fields his position. The big thing is just getting through the first full season, There is no 'how to' book. This will teach him a lot about himself, how to take the ball every fifth day and know what it feels like at the end of a season. I'd like him to have a good start on the ground floor of his career."

Finally we must discuss the injured prospects of Guzman, Blasko and Johnson.

In 2003  RHP Angel Guzman underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and did not resurface until the following May at Class High-A Daytona, where he struck out 40 batters without allowing a single walk in 30 innings pitched. From there he was sent to West Tenn. But after only four starts, Guzman was again shut down for the remainder of the season, this time it was said to be due to shoulder fatigue.

now at the Spring Training 2005 Guzman appeared in four games, including two starts where he registered on the radar regularly between 94-96 mph, then he was is placed on the disabled list to begin the year. Now, two months plus into the season, Guzman still isn’t quite ready yet. Inside the Ivy report

“Angel will probably start his throwing program in about two weeks,” said Fleita. “He’s had some forearm tightness. It’s similar to a bad hamstring injury in that its just taken longer to heal than we would have liked.”

Then there is RHP Chadd Blasko, the  2002 first round pick out of Purdue U who showed great promise the 2003 season, going 10-5 with a 1.98 ERA in 24 starts at Advanced-A Daytona. Entering last year's season, Blasko was considered one of the most exciting prospects in the Cubs’ system, but he struggled from day one West Tenn where he had shoulder surgery where his return date is not expected till 2006 as the Cubs want to be careful.

Then there’s RHP Grant Johnson, last year's first overall pick in last year’s out of Notre Dame. Going into 2005, Johnson was hoped to be ready by the time minor league rosters were set lst April but instead, he suffered a strained hamstring last winter. In May, Johnson told the Cubs he wasn’t sure exactly when he’d make debut now expected to be in early June. Johnson, turning 22  yrs. old , is said to be recovered from the hamstring problems, is working on fine-tuning his mechanics after having not pitched in a game in almost one a year.

Editor's Note: Yesterday the Cubs made a curious move acquiring (AAA) utility infielder Enrigue Wilson from the Orioles organization (Ottawa) and then in what could only be considered as a related move the Cubs traded Iowa infielder Mike Moriarty to the Orioles (Rochester) for future considerations. (Moriarty was batting .217 in 18 games for Iowa). Wilson had received promises that he could cut his own deal if the Orioles did not bring him up by 5/15 but decided to keep Chris Gomez instead. I was told that the Cubs and Orioles are talking about returning Hairston when Walker returns from his rehab.

As for Todd Walker he continues to have severe plate woes now 0-15 (0-8 in the DH last night). Don't expect him for the Chicago White Sox series.

To make room for Wilson in Chicago the Cubs sent down SS Ronny Cedeno (22 yrs old), to continue his development. My sources tell me that by all accounts, (barring injury) he will be back in September and probably compete for the SS spot next spring. To make room for Wilson on the 40-man roster the Cubs placed RHP Chad Fox on the 60-day DL diagnosed with ulnar neuritis in his pitching elbow.

(AA) Affiliate West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (27-11) ; 1st place Southern League

The Diamond Jaxx remained in first place extending their lead over the Mudcats to a game and a half over the past week. Overall they are 27-11 and 6-4 over the last ten games. The are simply the hottest hitting team in the league led by LF Matt Murton (24 years old), who is hitting (.403) as of last night. CF Felix Pie (20 years old), is 4^th hitting (.355) while 1B Brendon Sing (24 years old), is 5^th batting (.342) and 3B Casey McGehee (23 years old) rounds out the top ten with a batting average of (.322). RF Adam Greenberg (24 years old) is the other full time regular batting over (.303).

The Diamond Jaxx are getting attention, especially the big three of Murton, Pie and Sing where scouts and minor league beat writers are now making comparisons. Brendan Sing got a plug on Cubs.com talking about how a demotion last year back to Daytona provided him the confidence to re ascend to (AA) ball and dominate. Last year he was MVP in the (Advanced A) Florida League. Felix Pie is getting nothing but praise with accolades now saying he could be the top prospect in all of the minors being the next Dominican Republic star. And what can’t be said about Matt Murton who was acquired last July 31^st from Boston as doing nothing but hit, hit, hit. Another month or so of continued domination and the quiet whispers among those near the Cub organization is that two, possibly all three could be demoted to (AAA) at least by the mid-season break and infuse talent to the lowly Iowa Cubs.

Game notes (4-2) May 17^th The Jaxx made it two in a row over 2^nd place Carolina Mudcats as they clipped them 4-3. Starting pitcher LHP Carmen Pignatiello (4-2) pitched seven solid innings to pick up the win allowing one run on three hits walking two and striking out three. The offense made it 3-0 in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Felix Pie and added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a two out RBI single by Casey McGehee.

May 16^th LHP starting pitcher Rich Hill (4-1) continued to carve up the Southern League as the southpaw using a devastating mix of fastballs, curves and change-up to fanned 14 over seven shutout innings! The Jaxx plastered Carolina 8-2, Brandon Sing hit 2 HR’s and a RBI single, (Sing is tied for the league lead with 10 HR’s), while Felix Pie drove in two on a sacrifice fly and hits batsman and 3B McGehee drove in one with a single.

May 15^th: West Tenn scored four runs in the top of the first inning and cruised to a 7-3 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts. Felix Pie and Adam Greenberg led the game off with back-to-back HR’s while

Brandon Sing and Buck Coats had RBI doubles to cap off the four run first inning. Sing , Pie & Coats had two hits for the game to pace the Jaxx ten hit attack. RHP Jae-kuk Ryu (4-1) pitched seven innings for the win allowing three runs on eight hits with just one BB and eight strikeouts.

May 13: For the first time this season the Jaxx have suffered back-to-back losses. LHP Renyel Pinto (0-0) made ‘05 Jaxx debut, giving up three runs on five hits in six innings. Murton led the attack with three hits and one RBI to pace whole Felix Pie and Ryan Theriot had two hits each to highlight a thirteen hit attack. Casey McGehee’s RBI double brought the Jaxx within one and then in the 9^th a RBI single by Matt Murton tied the game, to only lose in the bottom of the 9^th.

5/12/05: The Jaxx four-game winning streak came to a halt Thursday where Jose Reyes, Aron Weston and Matt Murton provided the Diamond Jaxx offense with one hit a piece. LHP Carmen Pignatiello (3-2), gave up five runs (four earned) on ten hits in six plus innings of work.

5/11/05 The Jaxx continued their winning ways on Wednesday as rising star LHP Rich Hill (3-1) with the aid of four relievers combined for shutout against Tennessee Smokies 5-0. Hill pitched the first six innings, allowing just four hits giving up two walks and striking out eight. With those eight strikeouts Hill raised his Southern League leading strikeout total to fifty-nine.

Prospect Watch

Position Players

LF Matt Murton (.403-BA), 36-G, 27-R, 56-H, 10-2B, 2-3B, 4-HR, 24-RBI, 19-BB, 14-K, 2/8-SB, .481-OBP, 1.171-OPS

CF Felix Pie (/355-BA), 35-G, 28-R, 49-H, 14-2B, 2-3B, 7-HR, 17-RBI, 11-BB, 6/13-SB, .404-OBP, 1.042-OPS

IB Brendon Sing (..342-BA), 33-G, 29-R, 38-H, 14-2B, 0, 3B, 10-HR, 27-RBI, 25-BB, 32-K, 1/0-SB, .467-OBP, 1.216-OPS

3B Casey McGehee: (.322-BA) 33-G, 20-R, 38-H, 11-2B, 1-3B, 2-HR, 20-RBI, 7-BB, 17-K, 0/0-SB, .360-OBP, .843-OPS

RF Adam Greenberg (.303-BA), 33-G, 22-R, 33-H, 7-2B, 0-3B, 2-HR, 11-RBI, 118-BB, 31-K, 0/7-SB, .408-OBP, .830-OPS

2B Ryan Theriot (.299-BA), 35-G, 18-R, 38-H, 11-2B, 1-3B, 0-HR, 16-RBI, 19-BB, 14-K, 2/7-SB, .385-OBP, .787-OPS

Pitching

RHP Carlos Nolasco (6-0) 2.06-ERA, 8-GS, 48.0-IP,48-H, 11-ER, 2-HR, 14-BB, 48-K’s

LHP Rich Hill (4-1) 2.64-ERA, 8-GS, 47.2-IP, 31-H, 14-ER, 6-HR, 16-BB, 3-K’s

LHP Carmen Pignetiello (4-2) 3.74-ERA, 9-G, 6-GS, 43.1-IP, 40-H, 18-ER, 1-HR, 15-BB, 36-K

RHP Jae-kuk Ryu (4-1) 3.73-ERA 7-GS, 41.0-IP, 45-H, 17-ER, 6-HER, 12-BB, 34-K

LHP Renyel Pinto (0-0) 4.50-ERA, 1-GS, 6.0-IP, 5-H, 3-ER, 0-HR, 1-BB, 3-K’s

at 3:37 PM Cubs acquired Enrique Wilson from Ottawa were he opened the 2005 season in (AAA), batting .279 with 4 doubles, 3 homers and 8 RBI in 20 games. He last saw big league action in 2004, hitting .213 in 93 games for the Yankees.

Posted earlier in the day

Editors Note: This morning I have learned tha the Cubs will make a trade for an experienced utility infielder and then send down Ronny Cedeno (22 years old). Cedono needs playing time and Baker is not happy about giving him playing time especially with Todd Walker returning within the next week. Look for the Cubs to trade disgruntled 2B-OF Jerry Hairston Jr. when Walker returns.

AAA Affiliate Iowa Cubs (13-24) last place PCL (American North)

The I-Cubs continue on their losing ways (.351 winning percentage), currently on a three-game losing streak and winners of only three of their last ten. The Cubs are currently mired in a three-game losing streak for the fifth time this season. Their longest skid this year was six games back between April 24 to May 1. The I-Cubs are a season-low 11 games under the .500 mark, the last time the Cubs were 11 games under was back on June 6, 2003. For stat freaks the last time the Cubs were as many as 12 or more games under .500 was at the end of the 2000 season (57-87).

On the rehab watch 2B Todd Walker has been hitless in his two games going (0-7) and grounding into three double plays while striking out last Sunday for a bad day. RHP Joe Borowski walked one in a scoreless eighth inning in his sixth rehab appearance Saturday. Borowski has thrown six total innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out three and walking two.

Game Notes: On May 15^th RHP Bobby Brownlie (1-3) was tagged with 3-2 loss in relief of starter of recently demoted RHP Jon Leicester. May 14^th Iowa Cubs lost the series opening game in Salt Lake City, 6-2, where the only Iowa runs scored, when 3B Scott McClain hit his sixth HR. Recent AAA free agent pick up RHP Darren Oliver, was tagged with the loss allowing six earned runs on nine hits in six innings. The other notable item was Todd Walker who went 0-3 with a walk in his first rehab game, while RHP Joe Borowski, also on rehab, walked one in one inning of work.

May 13th The Cubs dropped the finale Co Springs 4-2, RHP Sergio Mitre (2-4) lost despite a strong outing, allowing four runs on seven hits in seven innings of work. On May 12th LHP Raul Valdez (27 years-old), in making his first start after being promoted pitched seven solid innings allowing one run, on three hits while striking out four, retired seven of the first eight batters beating CO Springs 3-1.

LHP Russ Rohlicek pitched a perfect eighth for Iowa and turned it over to RHP Jermaine Van Buren who closed out the victory. Back on May 11^th LHP John Koronka (2-4) pitched 6 2/3 dominant innings and OF Calvin Murray,1B Micah Hoffpauir hit his first AAA HR, as did SS Mike Moriarty, while OF David Kelton contributed three hits driving in two runs to power the I-Cubs to a 13-0 victory. May 10^th beginning a 4-game set with CO Springs, LHP Phil Norton (0-2) took the loss, (17-5), surrendering five runs and three hits in just three innings. Three other Cubs pitchers were hit even harder, RHP Joe Borowski during his rehab assignment allowed three runs in two-thirds of an inning, and just demoted RHP Roberto Novoa yielded four runs in an inning and a third. The bright spot was OF David Kelton offense who had two hits as IF’rs Mike Fontenot and Richard Lewis each hit triples.

May 9^th RHP Bobby Brownlie pitched 6 innings allowing 2 runs and striking out 5 in a losing effort against Memphis’s final game. LHP Rohlicek and RHP Van Buren pitched a scoreless relief.

Rehab Watch

2B Todd Walker (.000-BA) 2-G, 7-AB, 0-R, 0-H, 0-2B, 0-3B, 0-HR, 0-RBI

RHP Joe Borowski (0-0) 3.00-ERA, 6-G 0-GS 0-SV 6.0-IP, 3-H 4-R 2-ER 2-HR 2-BB 3-K

Prospect Watch

Position Players

OF Dave Kelton (320-BA) .367-OBP, 33-G 125-AB 17-R 40-H 13-2B 0-3B, 3-HR 26-RBI. 858-OPS

2B Richard Lewis (.209-BA) .294-OBP 34-G, 110-AB, 11-R, 23-H, 2-2B, 2-3B, 0-HR, 8-RBI, 2-BB, 9-K,.553-OPS

Pitching

RHP Sergio Mitre (2-4) 5.31-ERA, 7-G 7-GS, 0-SV, 39.0-IP, 44-H, 23-R, 23-ER, 5-HR, 12-BB, 29-K

RHP Brownlie (1-3) 5 .59-ERA, 7-G, 6-GS, 0-SV, 37.0-IP, 34-H, 23-R 23,ER, 5-HR, 16-BB, 23-K

RHP Jermaine Van Buren (1-1) 2.16-ERA, 17-G, 3-SV, 16.2-IP, 10-H, 5-R, 4-ER, 2-HR, 11-BB, 19-K

LHP Rich Rohlicek (2-0) 2.30-ERA, 14-G, 1-S, 15..2-IP, 11-H, 5-R 4-ER, 0-HR, 12-BB, 17-K

RHP Roberto Novoa (1-1) 4.11-ERA,14-G, 0-GS, 2-SV, 15.1-IP, 13-H 7-R, 7-ER, 1-HR, 6-BB, 9-K

RHP Jon Leicester (0-1) 4.50-ERA, 3-G, 2-GS, 0-SV, 10.0-IP, 8-H, 5-R 5-ER, 1-HR, 3-BB, 6-K

LHP Raul Valdez (1-0) 1.29-ERA, 1-G, 1-GS, 0-SV, 7.0-IP, 3-H, 1-R, 1-ER, 0-HR, 3-BB, 4-K

Editor's post script note: Tomorrow Southern League's leading West Tennessee Diamnond Jaxx.

Chicago Cubs (16-20), 4^th place; 7.5 games behind St. Louis

The major league level Chicago Cub’s continue to experience an injury epidemic, ("could it be that the field manager is a ‘typhoid Mary’ or merely incompetent in managing risk?") as now Carlos Zambrano has come down with "tennis elbow". All this has created a new charter flight service subsidiary in the Tribune Company running out of Pewaukee Airport to Des Moines Iowa (or travel ports on the away schedule).

On field developments witnessed LF Jason Dubois emerged as the regular starting outfielder over floundering journeyman Todd Hollandsworth. Actually a Tribune Cub beat reporter (Sullivan) revealed this over the weekend but Hollandsworth was still in the starting lineup on Monday (May 9^th). Then Dubois started 5 games consecutively going 6-23 (.260) 2-2B’s, 1-HR, 4-RBI’s, 3-R’s over that stretch.

Ronny Cedeno was in the starting lineup going 2-for-4 Sunday, meaning Jerry Hairston Jr. was on the bench and Perez at 2B. MLB.com reports that Cubs manager Dusty Baker had hinted he would give Cedeno more playing time because Hairston has been ‘scuffling’. Hairston, who is batting .255 in 30 games with one RBI, is the first to admit the first month isn't what he expected. Ronny Cedeno, battted .279 last season AA, West Tenn, made his third start for the Cubs, he is currently batting .313.

This week (May 14) 2B Todd Walker began his rehab stint in recovering from a left knee injury went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in Triple-A game on Saturday night. It was his first game Walker played for the I-Cubs after spending two days in an extended spring training camp. Todd Walker is trying to be ready for the cross-town classic series that starts on Friday. On Sunday Walker had a very tough day grounding into three double plays in his first three at-bats and then struck out in his final trip to the plate. So he is 0-7 to date.

On the pitching mound, RHP Joe Borowski who also is on a rehab assignment who is recovering from a fractured right wrist, Saturday night threw a scoreless inning with one walk. The Cubs want to see how he responds from back-to-back appearances before they bring him back to the parent club. He did not pitch Sunday night. The Sun-Times is reporting that Joe Borowski wants the Cubs to end his minor-league rehab. Instead, the Cubs have told him that they want him to pitch another AAA before they will consider him ready. Other unpublished reports suggest that Borowski has lost something off his fastball measuring in the mid ‘80’s.

Other notable roster happenings; Cubs recalled 2B Mike Fontenot where in the 9^th inning on Saturday night was hit by a pitch from Nationals closer. Fontenot who has been in 6 games but only 2 official AB’s, yet has scored 3 runs with no hits! Go figure, he has 2 BB’s. RHP Sergio Mitre was recalled and then optioned back to Iowa between May 10^th and May 12^th. RHP Jon Leicester was promoted from Iowa on May 9^th started that night and then optioned back to Iowa the following day pitching 3-IP giving up 4 runs on 5 hits and 2-HR’s. RHP Roberto Novoa (0-1, 6.23-ERA) was optioned back to Iowa after being recalled on April 27^th. He appeared in 5 games (4.1-IP), giving up 6 hits and 3 runs with 5-BB and 4-K’s.

Rookie Watch

Position Players

LF: Jason Dubois: .280-BA (.321-OBP), 20-G, 50-AB, 7-R, 14-H, 5-2B, 0-3B, 4-HR, 13-RBI, 1-BB, 19-K 0/0-SB,.941-OPS

SS Ronny Cedeno .313-BA (.313-OBP), 10-G, 16-AB, 1-R, 5-H, 0-2B, 0-3B, 1-HR, 2-RBI, 0-BB, 3-K, 0/0-SB,500-OPS

Pitchers

RHP Michael Wuertz (1-1) 3.72-ERA 20-G 0-GS, 0-SV, 19.1-IP, 14-H, 10-R, 8-ER, 1-HR, 11-BB, 19-K

LHP Cliff Bartosh (0-2), 2.13-ERA, 10-G, 0-GS, 0-SV, 12.2-IP, 9-H, 4-R, 3-ER, 1-HR, 6-BB, 11-K

LHP Will Ohman (1-0) 0.00-ERA, 9-G, 0-GS, 0-SV, 6.0-IP, 5-H. 0-HR, 0-R 0-ER, 5-BB, 6-K

Editor's Note: I have decided to schedule weekly updates as follows: Monday-Chicago Cub roster developments and rookie watch; Tuesday-Iowa Cubs weekly review and prospect watch, Wednesday-West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx weekly review and prospect watch; Thursday-Daytona Cubs weekly review and prospect watch and then Friday-Peoria Chiefs weekly review and prospect watch.

Finally a side note: A friend who works for the Tribune Co. that is associated to the Cub organization told me how clairvoyant I was when I coined this year as a "transition year in disguise". That every roster move be it caused by injury or by performance will be thought through under the premise of how it relates to a transition year. I was told that the Cubs will be very active following Memorial Day right through July adjusting there organizational roster. They naturally will say that they have not thrown in the towel and will set their sites on a wild card but it is safe to say this edition is not a world series contender.

Players to watch who could be moved: Burnitz and Hollandsworth (both have varying degree of value to a contender), Walker and Hairston (if Cedeno sticks both of them have value to a contending team), Remlinger, Leicester, Borowski & Mitre.(Except for Remlinger & Borowski, they are players who have value to rebuilding or small market teams.)  That all said the Cubs like Burnitz who they think can provide stablility until the rest of the rookies emerge. Now don't get too excited about Dubois being the left fielder of the long term future as one Cub scout privately said that his defensive liabilities might rank with the Brewer's Carlos Lee or another former Cub LF'ers, namely Dave Kingman or 1B coach Gary 'the Sarge' Matthews. They all hope he shows very well the first time through the league, especially the swing through the American League opponents. Dubois is big and strong and will hit HR's and extra base hits but he also might give away as many outs over the long haul.

Editor's Note: I got a report that I cannot verify as of yet on the wires that RHP Angel Guzman's strained right forearm is really like a strained or pulled hamstring has been extended 10 more days in Mesa AZ for rehab. If he shows improvement he is then expected to join up with the AA Jaxx sometime in MID-JUNE!

If he was healthy he would have replaced Wood in the rotation.

Editor's Note: I have been told in confidence that all signs are pointing towards an imminent and significant change of the leadership to the "on field leadership in the big league ball club". That is all I was told even though I followed up with a slew of questions.

On a related note the Cubs assistant to Vice President/General Manager Jim Hendry and roving catching instructor has made his tour of farm system as the Cubs continue to re-arrange their teams. All signs point to Grady Little to replace Baker & Co. sooner than later. The big league call club is disorganized and undisciplined with players determining their own roles and game strategies.

Little who was a bench coach to the Indian's Manager Manual was best known to being highly organized where he came up through the Yankee's organization. Best known for gambling and losing with Pedro Martinez in the 7th game of the 2003 playoffs Little had a record of winning 95 and 96 games before being fired.

With Little, the club will probably accelerate its transition from the Sosa era. Whether that means trading some of their touted 10th ranked farm propsects or promoting them and trading veterans or a combination of both it remains to be seen, but changes are on the horizon.

A-level Affiliate Peoria Chiefs (13-19) last place (8^th in Western Div of the Midwest League)

The Peoria Chiefs are experiencing the same disease its parent club has been myriad with since ’04, injuries to key players where they now have four players on the DL,:RF Ryan Harvey (back), RHP Will Fenton (shoulder), CF Sam Fuld (shoulder), 1B Ryan Norwood (ankle). This does not include the following walking wounded officially not on the DL; 2B Eric Patterson has missed eight straight games with a sore hamstring, and RHP Jon Hunton our for the last three games (sore arm), among other the other usual daily bumps and bruises. Somehow the Chiefs have played .500 ball over the last ten, although not making any ground on the field.

Last night, Bo Flowers, (and two others) had three hits, and Aaron Smith slammed a two-run homer when the Chiefs out slugged Beloit 10-4. On May 7^th Day the Chiefs rallied from a 7-3 deficit with two outs in the ninth inning to win 10-7 in front of big crowd in Geneva. Despite losing 5-1, RHP Lee Gwaltney (2-1) established a new career high with nine strikeouts but allowed seven hits and four runs in 5 1/3 innings the night before.

On May 6^th RHP Sean Gallagher extended his scoreless streak to 35 with six more innings but took a no-decision for the third time this season. Gallagher entered the game fresh off a no-hit, 10 strikeout, six-inning performance against the Cougars. The Cougars did score an unearned run in the game, a result of an error and wild pitch. Gallagher finished the game with six innings of two-hit ball. He struck out four and walked three on the night, Gallagher is next scheduled to start tonight in Beloit. The Chiefs franchise is 36 set by Mike Tidwell in 1992. Unfortunately LF Bo Flower was 0-for-4 snapping his six game hit streak that night.

On May 6^th the Chiefs saw two of their bona fide prospect go down with injury as RF Ryan Harvey has been placed on the 7-day disabled list with back spasms. Harvey left May 1’s game at O'Brien Field with back spasms and missed the entire four game series against Fort Wayne. In 21 games Ryan was batting .280 with a team high 5 HR and 16 RBI. In addition to Harvey’s injury, 2B Eric Patterson left May 7^th’s game after re-aggravating a prior hamstring injury. Patterson leads the Midwest League in batting average and on-base percentage. His return is unknown.

2B Eric Patterson: .417-BA, 18-G, 19-R, 25-H, 3-2B, 1-3B, 2-HR, 8-RBI, 13-BB, 10-K, 10/2-SB 1.017-OPS

LF Bo Flowers .307-BA, 25-G, 16-R, 27-H, 4-2B, 1-3B, 3-HR, 12-RBI, 8-BB, 19-K, 3/0-SB, .851-OPS

RF Ryan Harvey .280-BA, 21-G, 15-R, 23-H, 3-2B, 0-3B, 5-HR, 16-RBI, 5-BB, 25-K, 4/1-SB, .844-OPS

RHP Sean Gallagher (2-1) 0.00-ERA, 6-GS, 35-IP, 7-R, 0-ER, 9-BB, 41-KK

Advanced A Affiliate Daytona Cubs (16-13) 2^nd Place ½ game behind Vero Beach (LA Dodgers)

Daytona sniffed at first place this past week when they held a ½ game lead briefly on Saturday but fell back losing their 3^rd straight. Overall they had a five-game winning streak that was interrupted with two rainouts as they recorded a 6-4 record over the last ten games.

Brian Dopirak hit 2 HR’s, (5/1 and 5/3) one being a noteworthy mammoth blast (his 4^th) when it became the scout the talk of the evening as it struck a light tower in left field well over 400 ft. away. RHP Billy Petrick had a good outing dueling a Met in a no-decision as he hurled seven strong innings, scattering five hits, while walking one and allowing just one-run. RHP Carlos Marmol pitched five solid innings surrendering just one unearned run on two hits and striking out three to improve to a perfect 4-0 on the season.

Prospect Watch

Position Players

1B Brian Dopirak .269-BA, 28-G, 12-R, 29-H, 5-2B, 0-3B, 5-HR, 15-RBI, 7-BB, 22-K, 0/1-SB, .768-OPS

OF Chris Walker .276-BA, 28-G, 18-R, 27-H, 7-2B, 0-3B, 6-HR, 24-RBI, 17-BB, 19-K, 5/2-SB, .914-OPS

SS Scott Moore .287-BA, 30-G, 23-R, 33-H, 4-2B, 2-3B, 1-HR, 10-RBI, 14-BB, 29-K, 18/4-SB, .766-OPS

Pitchers

Billy Petrick (1-3) 5.00-ERA, 6-G, 27-IP, 25-H, 0-HR, 10-BB, 17-K

Carlos Marmol (4-0) 2.62-ERA, 6-G, 34.1-IP, 13-H, 3-HR, 16-BB, 34-K

Sean Marshall (2-1) 2.33-ERA, 5-G, 27-IP, 24-H, 2-HR, 9-BB, 22-K

Tomorrow I will review the Peoria Chief's (A).

Editor's note: I am changing the format where each week I will publish six daily entries focusing on each different level in greater detail. Today it is the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. Without question the top performing team in the system. They have eight bona fide MLB propsects of varying levels of expectations led by two outfielders and two pitchers. Tomorrow I will publish reports from Florida, Wednesday reports from Peoria, Thursday reports from Iowa and Friday summarizing the roster developments of the big league club. When the Boise league gets going I will then devote a day for them.

AA Affiliate West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (22-8) 1^st Place (1/2 game lead)

The Diamond–Jaxx overtook Southern League’s North Division rival Carolina Mudcats (Marlins) this week as they are 8-2 over their last ten games. Diamond Jaxx left fielder Matt Murton (23-year old R-R) continues to hover above .400 with a .407 batting average (.492-OBP) for the season (27 games), leading the talent-rich Southern League in hitting. 1B Brandon Sing leads the league in slugging (.675-SLG) and is fifth overall five HR’s.

Felix Pie is having a stellar season (.349-BA) but has been caught stealing six times, (leading the league in this dubious statistic), on the bright side he is also leading the league in doubles (12). On the mound RHP Ricky Nolasco's has recorded five wins measuring a luminary 1.03 ER which ranks ranks him first among league starting pitchers. LHP Rich Hill's 51 strikeouts measuring a strong lead (10) over his next league competitor.

Rich Hill Named BC Powder Southern League Pitcher of the Week for April 25 - May 1,. LHP Rich Hill of the Jaxx was nearly unhittable in his two starts during the week, allowing only three hits in 14 innings of work. On April 25, Hill picked up his first win, pitching seven innings, allowing one earned run, while striking out 14. The lefty was even more dominant when he took the mound April 30, Hill threw a no-hitter through seven innings, but was removed from the game when he reached 100 pitches. The 25-year-old struck out 12 batters, bringing his total for the week, whopping 26 strikeouts. Hill was selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2002 draft out of the University of Michigan.

Game Highlights for the week: May 3^rd Felix Pie hit his fourth home run of the season and Brandon Sing hit a three run homer (5) put the Jaxx in front to stay for winning pitcher Raul Valdez (2-0). May 4^th RHP Jae-kuk Ryu (3-1) pitched the first five innings to pick up the win as the Jaxx fought back from a 3-0 deficit. May 5^th, Jaxx completed a seven-game with a 9-2 victory Ricky Nolasco (5-0) picked up the win over 5.2 innings; Nolasco allowed just three hits and one run while striking out three. May 7^th the Jaxx (22-8) moved into a tie for first place, Matt Murton delivered a clutch two out single to drive in Theriot in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Jaxx held on to win 8-7 in the rubber game. Brandon Sing and Matt Craig both homered, while Jose Reyes drove in two to highlight the offense. Felix Pie chipped in with three hits and threw two runners out one at the plate to end the eighth inning. May 8^th Jaxx split a doubleheader, n the opener, LHP Rich Hill (2-1) gave up an unearned run in six solid innings to lift the Jaxx to victory. Hill allowed just three hits over six innings with two walks and eight strikeouts. Matt Craig hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning to give the Jaxx the lead for good.

Prospect Watch

Position Players

OF Felix Pie .349-BA, 27-G, 106-AB, 20-R, 37-H, 12-2B, 2-3B, 4-HR, 12-RBI, 8-BB, 23-K, 9/6-SB, .395-OBP, 1.109-OPS

OF Matt Murton .413-BA 28-G, 109-!B, 22-R, 45-H, 6-2B, 1-3B, 3-HR, 20-RBI, 16-BB, 13-K, 6/2-SB, .496-OBP. 1.064-OPS

1B Brandon Sing 346-BA, 24-G, 81-AB, 18-R, 28-H, 10-2B, 0-3B, 6-HR, 21-RBI, 15-BB, 23-K, 0/0-SB, .454-OBP, 1.145-OPS

3B Matt Craig 346-BA 15-G 52-AB, 13-R, 18-H, 5-2B, 0-3B, 3-HR, 11-RBI, 6-BB, 10-K, 0/0-SB, .417-OBP, 1.132-OPS

Pitchers

LHP Rich Hill (2-1) 3.63-ERA, 34.2-IP, 23-H, 15-R, 14-ER, 6-HR, 13-BB, 51-K

RHP Rickey Nolasco (5-0) 1.03-ERA, 35.0-IP, 4-H, 4-ER, 1-HR, 10-BB, 38-K

LHP Carmen Pignatiello (3-1) 3.86-ERA, 30.1-IP, 27-H, 13-R, 13-ER, 1-HR, 12-BB, 28-K

RHP Jae-kuk Ryu (3-1) 5.09-ERA, 23.0-IP, 28-H, 13-R, 13-ER, 1-HR, 3-BB, 18-K

LHP Raul Valdez (2-0) 5.09 –ERA, 23.0-IP, 28-H, 13-R, 13-ER, 1-HR, 3-BB, 18-K

The Chicago Cubs (12-17) continued with their weekly roster problem placing another prospective key player on the disabled list. This time it was starting pitcher, Kerry Wood, with what is reported to be a strained shoulder. Wood is expected to be out 3 to 6 (plus) weeks. Wood now joins former closer Joe Borowski’s broken wrist, 2B Todd Walker’s sprained knee, SS Nomar Garciaparra’s torn groin, plus the organization’s top pitching prospect Angel Guzman’s strained forearm (or elbow) and the earlier IR stint by pitching ace, Mark Prior. Replacing Wood the Cubs recalled RHP Todd Wellemeyer. Cubs also are straddled in a seven-game losing streak prompting public rumors of manager Dusty Baker’s eventual departure.

This is all bad news and nothing will change until the Cubs retool with younger hungrier talented players.

AAA Affiliate Iowa Cubs (11-18) I-Cubs went 4-3 through the week. In the early season the I-Cubs offense is scoring just 2.87 runs per game on the road (43 runs in 15 games) which is less than half of what they’ve scored in 13 home games (79 runs, 6.08 per game). On the other hand PITCHING GETTING is getting POUNDED: The Cubs have allowed 91 hits in the last eight games and have allowed 61 runs (60 earned) in the last 71 innings pitched (7.61 ERA).

Individual performing notes during the week starts with David Kelton who on Thursday Kelton rapped his 11th double of the year, moving him into a five-way tie for first in the PCL. Kelton has hit in 16 of the last 17 games, going 25-69 (.362) with 10 doubles, two homers and 16 RBI during the recent stretch when he had a seven-game hitting streak! 2B Mike Fontenot has four straight multi-hit games (9-16, .563) Sunday IF Richard Lewis had 2 hits and then Wednesday he was 4-5 with an RBI. Last Sunday Chris Gissell took a no-hitter into the seventh inning where the I-Cubs won 1-0.

Most importantly Thursday rehabbing Joe Borowski used just seven pitches (six strikes) to go 1-2-3 in the relief stint. The other roster news is the I-Cubs signed RHP Darren Oliver. Oliver was 1-0 with a 6.38 ERA in four starts for Tucson (Diamondbacks) before being released. In his four games, Oliver worked 18.1/3 innings and allowed 14 runs (13 earned) on 33 hits and three BB. He also struck out eight batters and opponents were batting .393 against the veteran of 12 major league seasons. Oliver has with six different teams (Texas, St. Louis, Boston, Colorado, Florida and Houston). His career best win total came in 1996 when Oliver won 14 games for the Rangers.

The week also exhibited a plethora of roster moves that might be harboring of things to come at the big league level. Here is the full accounting Friday I-Cubs released RHP Jose Mercedes on Wednesday they sent IF Nate Frese to AA West Tenn., on Tuesday they signed RHP Travis Phelps he was a free agent, released INF Rick Bell, promoted OF Dwaine Bacon from West Tenn (AA), and finally recalled RHP Todd Wellemeyer to Chicago. Monday they signed long time I-Cubs OF Trenidad Hubbard signed as a free agent when RHP Joe Borowski joined them on rehabilitation assignment. Sunday the I-Cubs released OF Angel Echevarria along with LHP Eddie Oropesa. And finally a week ago Friday the I-Cubs signed former Cubs prospect LHP Phil Norton signed as a free agent.

Prospect Watch

Position Players

Mike Fontenot: .345-BA, 19-H, 13-R, 4-2B, 1-3B, 1-HR, 4-RBI, .955-OPS

Richard Lewis .226-BA, 21-H, 11-R, 2-2B, 1-3B, 0-HR, 6-RBI, .570-OPS

Pitchers

Sergio Mitre: (2-3) 5.34-ERA, 32-IP, 3-HR, 12-BB, 27-K

Bobby Brownlie: (1-1) 6.35-ERA, 28.1-IP, 5-HR, 12-BB, 15-K

Renyel Pinto (1-2) 9.53-ERA, 22.2-IP, 3-HR, 24-BB, 24-K

Tomorrow I will update AA West Tennessee, A (advanced) Daytona and A-class Peoria.

Major League Baseball Club: Chicago Cubs (12-10) 2^nd Place

This week the Cubs went 4-2 and gained two games on the proverbial .500 benchmark. The biggest news was another injury this time to the just announced Cubs closer, Chad Fox. Basically Fox blew out his oft-surgically-repaired pitching elbow closing a 10-6 ball game. He could be done for his career. In retrospect, if his just healed elbow blew out then, it was bound to go lame sometime sooner than later, but the fact still remains; "why was he in the game or warming up in the first place?"

Cubs recalled Will Ohman LHP relief pitcher from AAA Iowa to replace Fox. This year pitching in Iowa he recorded 8 2/3 innings, Ohman had allowed 4 runs on 4 hits (2 of them being HR’s) giving up 2 bases on balls, and striking out 11. His major league career totals 15 innings pitched 5.40+ ERA, the last action dating back to 2001, ironically before he had a series arm injuries. Cubs management became excited when in Mexico over the winter he led the league in saves.

The Cubs also optioned RHP Jon Leicester to AAA Iowa where they then recalled RHP Roberto Novoa from the I-Cubs. Novoa was acquired from the Detroit Tigers as part of the off-season Kyle Farnsworth trade. Novoa has a 99-mph fastball.

Another notable news has been the performance of 1B Derrick Lee, who now is leading the NL in HR’s (7), batting average (.420+), and RBI’s, breaking a club record for April RBI’s with 21.

Baseball history book notable was the historic pitching match-up of active 300-game winners Greg Maddux (306) and Roger Clemens (329) in Houston Friday night. Maddux was credited with the win (3-2) recording his first victory this year. It was the first time in 106 years for the NL to see a pitching duo of 300 game winners.

AAA Affiliate; Iowa Cubs (8-14) 4^th Place

Overall the I-Cubs, started the year going 1-8, before winning seven out of eight games, but now are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Making worse is that their road record stands at 2-11.

One of the Cubs 1^st round draft choices and potential MLB prospect, RHP Bobby Brownlie, recorded his first loss of the year this week giving up eight runs – all of them earned - in over five innings. One positive note has been LHP Rohlicek, who has not given up a earned run this year in his 8 1/3 innings. The other notable performance in Iowa has been OF Dave Kelton, who extended his hitting streak to 10 He also driven 14 RBI’s during 10 games until former Cub pitching prospect Pratt (via Atlanta last year) stoned Kelton and most of the I-Cubs on Wednesday stopping Kelton’s streak. Another item is Nate Frese, the infielder who had just come of the DL, was again put on the DL with not published explanation.

AAA Prospect watch:

Prospect Watch (* Baseball America’s Top Prospects)

Pitching:

Sergio Mitre RHP: (1-2) 4.57-ERA 19-K’s 10-BB’s

(*11)Bobby Brownlie RHP: (1-1) 6.86-ERA 10-K’s 10-BB’s

(*6)Renyel Pinto LHP: (0-2) 9.42-ERA 17-K’s 18-BB’s

Todd Wellemeyer RHP: (0-1) 5.56-ERA 11-K’s 12-BB’s

Mike Fontenot 2B .269-BA 1-HR 2-RBI 5-R .986-OPS

Richard Lewis SS .167-BA 0-HR 2-RBI 7-R .423-OPS

David Kelton OF .324-BA 3-HR 18-RBI 10-R .908-OPS

AA Affiliate West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (16-7) 2^nd Place

Roaring out of the gate this year the Jaxx are leading the Southern League with a .314 team batting average and holding 2^nd place in the Southern League. The two biggest guns are OF’ers Felix Pie and Matt Murton. Murton is hitting a scorching (.439-BA) while Pie (and their lead off hitter) is batting a robust (.355-BA). Reports from Tennessee offer little criticism of Pie who appears to be the most relaxed player on the field where Jaxx Manager, Dickerson is now saying he has the "attitude of a major leaguer". Whispers can be heard that Pie could come up and replace an injured starting OF in Chicago.

Don’t sell Murton short either, as Dickerson, earlier compared the former Red Sox prospect "a young Barry Bonds". Another source told me that if Pie and Murton continue with their superior performance in AA, through the first half season, they then could be placed on a fast track up and promoted to AAA, to be considered for a September call up. This already lends an interesting idea of competition for the corner OF positions as Dubois is already pushing Hollandsworth for the everyday starting job with a 1000 plus OPS in limited action.

Other notables on the AA squad have been RHP Ricky Nolasco who is dominating again like last year. This week he threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 5 hits and and one BB, while striking out nine. 3B Casey McGehee had a special game going 2-for-3 with a HR and taking 2 BB. McGehee, was 10th round draft pick back in 2003, is hitting .357 .965 OPS. Not to be denied some attention is 2B Ryan Theriot who continues to raise eyebrows with his new offense which is the best of his professional career, with a OBP .397 in April.

And finally RHP prospect Angel Guzman is reportedly weeks away from returning to action where inflammation in his right forearm has actually worsened since spring training broke.

AA Prospect Watch (* Baseball America’s Top Prospects)

Ricky Nolasco RHP: 4-0 0.92-ERA 35-K 6-BB

Raul Valdez LHP: 1-0 3.75-ERA 11-K 1-BB

Jae-Kuk Ryu RHP: 2-1 3.52-ERA 21-K 6-BB

Carmen Pignatiello LHP: 3-0 5.12-ERA 20-K 8-BB

(*4)Angel Guzman RHP DISABLED

Position Players

(*2)Felix Pie OF: .355-BA 3-HR 10-RBI 16-R 1028-OPS

(*12)Matt Murton OF: .439-BA 3-HR 17-RBI 18-R 1144-OPS

Brandon Sing 1B: .344-BA 4-HR 14-RBI 11-R 1096-OPS

Advanced A Affiliate: Daytona Cubs (13-9) 1^st place

I am not getting much from Florida yet but there are a few notes. RHP Billy Petrick had a good game, hurling a 7-inning shutout yielding a mere 3 hits and allowing not a single BB while striking out six. Another RHP Carlos Marmol, improved his early season record to 3-0, this week giving up 2-runs in 7 2/3’s inning pitched recording nine K’s Offensively D-Cubs did see 3B Scott Moore did hit his 5th HR of the early season. CF Chris Walker stole his 12 base of the season.

Prospect Watch (* Baseball America’s Top Prospects)

(*5)Billy Petrick RHP 1-2 5.00-ERA 12-K’s 6-BB’s

(*7)Sean Marshall 1-1 1.20-ERA 12-K’s 7-BB’s

(*9)Grant Johnson NO RECORD

Position Players

(*1)Brian Dopirak 1B .266-BA 3-HR 10-RBI 7-R .707-OPS

Scott Moore 3B .255-BA 5-HR 14-RBI 12-R .926-OPS

A Class Affiliate Peoria Chiefs: 8-14 8^th Place

Caught in the midst of a 4-game losing streak on the heals of a 6-game win streak the Chiefs are exciting. Notable mentions are that OF Ryan Harvey did hit his 5th HR and 2B Eric Patterson did return from his hamstring issues and continue at the same high level going 2-2 including a double. Luis Montanez has been moved to the OF, hit his 2^nd HR while fellow corner OF’er Bo Flowers hit his 3^rd HR. Twist of fate department; SS Jose Rios has already committed 8 errors.

Prospect Watch (* Baseball America’s Top Prospects)

Position Players

(*3)Ryan Harvey . .293-BA 5-HR 16-RBI 15-R 849-OPS

Eric Patterson .414-BA 2-HR 8-RBI 19-R 1129-OPS

Bo Flowers .267-BA 3-HR 10-RBI 8-R 832-OPS