Chicago Cubs minors recap: Pelicans battle for league title

Well into September the playoff atmosphere has already engulfed the Chicago Cubs organization. Despite the struggles that doomed Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs organization is being propelled by the talent that sits at the bottom. We discuss the playoff representatives and celebrate the strong 2016 on this week’s The Call-up.

South Bend clinches and crumbles

No matter how you shake it, losing in the playoffs is painful. For the South Bend Cubs, the early postseason exit is a bitter pill in an otherwise great season.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis
• Cubs might start to limit Justin Steele’s workload soon

Entering play, the Cubs squared off against the West Michigan Whitecaps in a three-game series. Following up a heart-breaking loss in game one, the Cubs fought to the end and forced a decisive game three.

2016 was all about Eloy Jimenez, who burst on the scene and spring training and never looked back. Jimenez joined a supporting cast that provided fireworks all year long.

Prospect catcher Ian Rice made his way onto a few scout radars regardless of the positional talent above him. Donnie Dewees provided a consistent bat in center field before being promoted to Myrtle Beach.

After establishing themselves as a strong contender in the Midwest League, South Bend has created far more for the organization than what it has done on the field. The Chicago Cubs felt that the superior training facilities in South Bend would be beneficial, and the dividends of that investment are coming true.

If the success continues into 2017, Cubs fans may take advantage of the proximity to South Bend. Baseball’s future is bright, and on any given day, the future is within driving distance.

Pelicans eyeing league title

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans won the Carolina League championship in their first year as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Shortly after extending that player development contract, the Pelicans look poised to win the title once more.

The Pelicans have just one more hurdle to winning the title after dispatching the Salem Red Sox in three games.

Clashing with the Lynchburg Hillcats, the Pelicans split the first two games of the five-game series at home. The offense may be coming together when they need it the most.

At the conclusion of the 7-0 smackdown in game three, the Pelicans have a chance to clinch the Mills Cup championship Wednesday evening. Fans in need of some postseason flair can follow the action with MiLB.TV or by using the MiLB First Pitch app.

If you think the Chicago Cubs aren’t watching, think again. There is no real surprise that the two affiliates in the playoffs have some of the best facilities in the country. In order to make the big league ballclub better, the hard work starts down here.

Next: Lackey fired up

Myrtle Beach powered their way to 46-23 record in the second and secured the southern division over rivals Salem.

Top prospect Ian Happ, who has cruised through the minors, hit .296 in 69 games as a member of the Pelicans, helping to establish them as a threat for the title.