Chicago Cubs minors recap: Jimenez takes top honors

The accolades just keep on pouring in for the Chicago Cubs. A trio of awards caps off a magnificent 2016 for the farm system. We will recap them all plus a look at the past week in this edition of The Call-up.

South Bend sweeps Midwest honors

South Bend Cubs outfielder Eloy Jimenez is no stranger to the spotlight. After dazzling the crowd at the Futures Game, Jimenez has continued to dominate the competition. Most impressively, Jimenez has managed to show a power stroke on the biggest stage.

While the home runs are flashy, it doesn’t quite tell the story for Jimenez’s 2016 year. During his MVP run, Jimenez hit just 12 home runs in 106 regular season games. Furthermore, the 19-year old outfielder hit .337 and drove in 77 runs.

Jimenez was selected to the Midwest League Postseason team as a result of his propensity for destroying baseballs. South Bend pitcher Preston Morrison joined Jimenez with the postseason honors.

More from Chicago Cubs Prospects

After slugging a three-run home run in the Midwest League All-Star game, fans and scouts alike have become obsessed with the young outfielder.

Eloy Jimenez rounded out 2016 by taking home league honors for both MVP and Prospect of the Year. Consequently, it’s safe to assume that his stock will continue to rise. When Jimenez does get the call, it will be the happiest day of his life. That day may be here soon.

Other Notes:

South Bend Cubs manager Jimmy Gonzalez was named Manager of the Year for the Midwest League. Gonzalez earned his first award in only three seasons as a manager.

Myrtle Beach is here to stay

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a player development extension. Because of their recent success and top end facilities, the Cubs view this as a step in the right direction.

The Chicago Cubs will call Myrtle Beach home through the 2020 season. After joining the Cubs in 2015, the Pelicans went on to will the Carolina League championship.

Especially relevant to their success has been the six consecutive seasons of reaching the postseason. No other team in the Carolina League has accomplished that feat.

Most recently, the Pelicans have had the services of some of the top prospects in the Cubs system like Ian Happ and Gleyber Torres.

Next: Shortening the rotation a possibility

Minor League Round-up

Iowa Cubs (62-73) 3rd place in the Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

Last Week: (4-2), This Week: vs. Omaha Storm Chasers August 28th, @Nashville Sounds August 29th-September 1st, vs. Colorado Sky Sox September 2nd-3rd

Tennessee Smokies (27-35) 4th place in the 2nd half of the Southern League North Division

Last Week: (5-2), This Week: vs. Birmingham Barons August 28th-31st, @Montgomery Biscuits September 1st-3rd

Mrytle Beach Pelicans (41-21) 1st place in the 2nd half of the Carolina League Northern Division

Last Week: (6-0), This Week: @Wilmington Blue Rocks August 28th, vs. Lynchburg Hillcats August 30th-September 1st, @Potomac Nationals September 2nd-3rd

South Bend Cubs (39-25) 2nd place in the 2nd half of the Midwest League Eastern Division

Last Week: (2-5), This Week: vs. Great Lakes Loons August 28th-29th, @West Michigan Whitecaps August 31st-September 2nd, vs. Dayton Dragons September 3rd

Eugene Emeralds (21-9) 1st place in the 2nd half of the Northwest League South Division

Last Week: (3-3), This Week: @Salem-Keizer Volcanoes August 28th, vs. Tri-City Dust Devils August 29th-September 2nd, @Hillsboro Hops September 3rd

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