Jeff Francis displayed rushed mechanics and no fastball command — which eliminated his changeup — during a five-run, 37-pitch first inning in Saturday afternoon’s loss to the Mets. Francis gave up just one run the rest of the way, and he lasted six innings. He finished by tying his season high with eight strikeouts. Still, innings like the first on Saturday are not what the Rockies need from their No. 1 pitcher, who says he feels healthy but is making mistakes in his windup and delivery.
- Throws his low-90s fastball with pristine command. His curveball can also be nasty and he throws it all with a quick and easy motion.
- Needs to build endurance and continue to work on the consistency of his secondary pitches.
- Quickly filling out his ace potential.
- 1-2, 8.47 in last 17IP
Jason Marquis had beaten the Pirates twice this season, but he couldn’t pull it off a third time. He did not get a decision in his last start against Pittsburgh, giving up three runs on seven hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings. Against the Rockies last year, Marquis was 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA. Pitching at Wrigley should be a little bit of an advantage for Marquis, who is winless in four road starts. He’s 2-2 with a 5.14 ERA in five home games.
News & Notes
- Jeff Samardzija only allowed 3 runs and 2 hits over 6.0 innings pitched
- Jose Ceda only allowed one hit over 4.1 innings pitched yesterday
- Marquez Smith was 3-for-4
- Tony Thomas hit 2 extra-base hits
Organizational Roundup
(AAA) – Iowa Cubs – Lost vs. Memphis (1-6)
(AA) – Tennessee Smokies – Lost vs. Carolina (1-8)
(High A) – Daytona Cubs – Lost vs. Brevard County (4-7)
(A) – Peoria Chiefs – Lost vs. Cedar Rapids (3-5)
(SS) – Boise Hawks open their season June 17th
(RK) – Arizona Cubs open their season June 22nd
View the full organizational report courtesy of First Inning here.
Could you add Craig Muschko, RHP, from LaSalle University to your list of prospects to follow? I see he is also a former college football player (and quarterback to boot); I’d be interested if he has upside similar to Samardjza.
Thanks-
How come Kyler Burke’s stat line is always blank when I check on him? Is he hurt?
1. Added
2. Burke will be playing with Boise if I’m not mistaken.
Kyler Burke is now back at Extended Spring Training in Arizona (which lasts until June 4), apparently due to some significant struggles at the plate. Not aware of any official word on where he will be assigned after that, though Boise seems like a reasonable guess (unless you know something specific about that, Joe).
Burke could end up at Boise or back in Peoria. The Cubs have left both options open as of now.
Burke is currently playing down in Arizona at Extended Spring Training.