155. Minor League and Draft Q&A with Greg Z

This episode is dedicated to the one and only Pete Crow-Armstrong. Greg Huss and Bryan Smith detail his journey from Mets draft pick to Javier Baez trade piece and his ever-changing development path through the Cubs system on his way to an NL MVP award. The duo give their reactions to his development and look back at old articles, podcasts, and tweets in the process.

In this episode, Greg Huss and Bryan Smith talk through the strengths and weaknesses of the Cubs farm system and its prospects. This includes Josiah Hartshorn, developing power and catching, pitching in the upper minors, international free agents, and shortstops.

The Cubs minor league season is complete and that means its time to hand out 23 awards to our favorite prospects. A list of the awards can be found below but you'll need to check out who each of Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith selected for each one.Hitter of the Year StartingPitcher of the YearReliever of the YearBreakout Player of the YearComeback Player of the YearMost Fun to WatchMost Excited to Watch Next YearBiggest SurpriseBest MLB Debut SeasonSean Barry AwardJavier Assad AwardBen Leeper AwardI-80 Road Warrior AwardHey, Did You Lose My Number AwardMaking Up For Lost Time AwardThe One That Got Away AwardBest FastballBest Breaking BallBest OffspeedMost PowerBest Feel to HitFastest RunnerBest Defense

Topics on this week's Q&A episode with Greg Huss:Rumored Arizona Fall League assignments including Kade Snell and Dominick ReidA look at this year and next year for Josiah HarthsornJaxon Wiggins outlookRoster decisions for Brody McCullough and Kohl FranklinThe curious case of Alexey LumpuyThe curious case of Jostin FlorentinoWhat traded prospect will we miss the most?Projecting my top 5 prospects for this time next year

We asked for questions and you delivered. Greg Zumach flies solo this week discussing questions about the Cubs minor league prospects and draft.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach: - Takeaways from the season as it begins to wind down - BJ Murray Jr called up to Chicago! - Josiah Hartshorn makes Cubs prospect history with his 20 homers and 100 RBI - Angel Cepeda is super critical to the success of the system at shortstop - Ethan Conrad back to the IL - Ed Howard released

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Juan Cabada's hot start in full-season ballEthan Conrad's promotion to High-A South BendKane Kepley turning it up a notch in Double-A KnoxvilleAngel Cepeda has been terrific when healthyCaden Sorrell has shown off a pretty swing and athleticismJaxon Wiggins now working in relief in Triple-A IowaJackson Brockett might win Cubs MiLB Pitcher of the YearEthan Flanagan is extremely underratedChase Meyer's stuff reminds us of Keegan ThompsonYoendris Gonzalez might be the best relief prospect in the systemPierce Coppola made his best start of the year

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Iowa Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf:Recapping the Iowa Cubs vs. St. Paul Saints Field of Dreams game experienceWhat it was like having Brett Bateman, Jonathon Long, Jace Beck, and Moises Ballesteros all traded off the Iowa roster at the trade deadlineNotes on players including Owen Ayers, Ethan Hearn, BJ Murray Jr, Kevin Alcantara, Kohl Franklin, and Jaxon Wiggins

Prospects discussed on today's episode with Greg Huss and South Bend Cubs broadcaster Brendan King:Josiah HartshornKane KepleyJose EscobarAngel CepedaNazier MuleKade SnellKevin ValdezJostin FlorentinoKohl FranklinEthan FlanaganJustin StranskyLogan PoteetYoendris GonzalezBrennan HudsonMichael Hallquist

The trade deadline has come and gone and the Cubs acquired 5 players to help their Major League squad: Kevin Gausman, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Zeferjahn, Clay Holmes, and Tyrone Taylor.In this episode, Greg Huss and Greg Zumach review what the trades mean for the Cubs system as a whole and detail the 7 players the team traded away: Jefferson Rojas, Mason McGwire, Jonathon Long, Jace Beck, Brett Bateman, Ty Southisene, and Moises Ballesteros.