Matt Szczur has left the organization, and in return the Cubs have acquired right handed pitcher Justin Hancock from San Diego. Hancock is a 6’4″ right hander who (per multiple reports) consistently works in the low 90s and a has a pretty decent fastball. His secondary pitches, slider and changeup in this case, are rated as anything from promising to lackluster. He does get a nice downhill plane on the ball, and that should result in a lot of ground balls. And sometimes it does.

The problem with Hancock is his control. All too often he is missing the strike zone and getting behind in the count. That allows hitters to ignore his breaking stuff. When hitters are able to sit on the fastball, unless that fastball is just overpowering, bad things are going to happen for the pitcher.

For the Cubs, he is a project. If the Cubs can find a way to allow him to hit the strike zone with regularity, he could turn into an effective back of the rotation starter. Otherwise, the Cubs may keep him in the bullpen full time (where San Diego moved him this year), and see if that resulting uptick in velocity and narrowing of secondary pitches gives him enough of a edge to get hitters out in relief.

If Hancock does turn into a regular part of the Cubs rotation or bullpen picture, it will be of great credit to the Cubs scouting and player development operations. Note: Hancock was drafted by the Padres in 2011, when that organization was headed up by none other than Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod.

Triple A: Iowa Cubs

Memphis 15, Iowa 9

Iowa led 9-7 when the ninth inning began. You can do the math from there.

Double A: Tennessee Smokies

Tennessee 8, Jackson 2

In the five game fight for first place, the first win goes to the Smokies.

High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Pelicans had the day off.

Low A: South Bend Cubs

South Bend 7, Burlington 5

The Cubs had to come from behind in this one.

Tyson Miller : 5.2 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 6 H, 3 K

: 5.2 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 6 H, 3 K Michael Rucker : 2.1 IP, 1 H, 4 K

: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 4 K Zack Short : 2 for 2, 3B, 3 BB

: 2 for 2, 3B, 3 BB Vimael Machin : 1 for 5, 2B

: 1 for 5, 2B Luis Ayala: 1 for 3, 3B, BB

Other Notes