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Chicago Cubs: Some Triple-A performers to keep an eye on
Over the years, countless Chicago Cubs players have made a stop in Iowa en route to the big leagues – including several names who star on today’s club.
Many talents in the Chicago Cubs organization like Kris Bryant and Javier Baez have come through Des Moines, Iowa where the Iowa Cubs are located. The Iowa Cubs have been Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate since 1981.
I have compiled a list of some of the organization’s best-performing players at the Triple-A level from this past season. This group helped lead the I-Cubs to a postseason berth and gave us a glimpse of what the next generation might look like.
During the 2019 season, the Cubs saw some stars from Chicago like Willson Contreras, who appeared only in three games, but tallied three runs in his seven at-bats. Albert Almora Jr. struggled, hitting .224 with a .327 slugging percentage.
Other big names who played in Triple-A last season include Addison Russell, Carlos Gonzalez, David Bote, Daniel Descalso, Cole Hamels, Craig Kimbrel and Kendall Graveman.
Chicago Cubs: Standouts around the diamond in 2019
Ian Happ primarily played center field during his lengthy stay in Des Moines this year. He appeared in 99 games, slugging .432 with 87 knocks. Of course, the season opened with the somewhat surprising news the Cubs were optioning Happ to Triple-A, but he seemed to make substantive progress while down there.
Chicago called up the 24-year-old utility player once again on July 26. During his time with Chicago Cubs, he played in 58 games tallying 79 total bases – working to the tune of a much improved .898 OPS.
Another prospect who impacted the I-Cubs’ season was the 26-year-old catcher who played his college baseball at Old Dominion. P.J. Higgins was outstanding with the stick for the Tennessee Smokies, posting a .271 batting average. That average only improved once he got to Iowa. In 36 games at the Triple-A level, he showcased what he’s capable of with the stick, producing an impressive .374 on-base percentage.
Phillip Evans led the team in six different categories, including: games played (130), plate appearances (539), at-bats (466), runs (79), hits (132) and doubles (30). At season’s end, though, Evans elected free agency and has since signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Chicago Cubs: Garcia headlines the middle infield performers
Robel Garcia was fun to watch while he was in Iowa. During his time there, Garcia showed his power, hitting 21 home runs – the second-most on the team this season.
Along with his power at the plate, his fielding was on another level, playing in six different positions he registered 165 putouts and turned 21 double plays. He played man integral role for the big league club at times this season, as well, but pitchers quickly adjusted. Garcia will need to make critical adjustments if he wants to stick in 2020.
Trent Giambrone represented another power bat in the Cubs organization this year. With team-leading 23 home runs and 66 runs batted in, Giambrone stood out as a major producer in the Iowa offense. Not only does he have skill at the plate but he’s shown strong work on the base paths as well, swiping 17 bases.
In addition to Giambrone, Donnie Dewees also contributed to the I-Cubs’ offense by supplying 60 runs on 93 hits. Dewees appeared in 111 games hitting a respectable .253 at the dish. Mostly an outfielder Dewees recorded over 300 putouts and only committed eight errors during this season.
Chicago Cubs could look to Iowa arms a lot in 2020
Iowa featured a pair of standout arms this season. But let’s start with not just one of the best pitchers in the Cubs organization this year, but one of the best performers in all of Triple-A in right-hander Colin Rea.
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The 28-year-old joined the Chicago Cubs via free agency after being designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres in 2019. He started all 26 games he pitched, averaging 7.3 strikeouts per nine. Rea, a native of Cascade, Iowa, worked to a 3.95 ERA in an extremely hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League en route to PCL Pitcher of the Year honors.
Living in Iowa, I make my way to games at Principal Park several times each year. Another guy who stood out to me, despite some less-than-stellar numbers was 25-year-old Matt Swarmer.
His win-loss record wasn’t great at 10-11. Nor was his earned run average, which clocked in at an unsightly 5.65 this year. But he led the team with 137 punchouts, walking just 47 of the 663 batters he faced. In short, he pounded the zone – something that’s always helpful to have waiting in the wings. That being said, he clearly needs to miss more bats moving forward.
Next. Ross is soaking up advice wherever he can get it. dark
As the Cubs potentially shift their focus as an organization in 2020 and beyond, knowing your way around these names could become more and more important. Stay tuned as we start to break down more of the players to know as we ramp up for another season of Cubs baseball.