Cubs Minor League update: Rizzo still raking

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AAA Iowa Cubs

Although his average may be dropping slightly, Anthony Rizzo continues to dominate the Pacific Coast League. This past week he went 9-for-28 (.321), but surprisingly this extremely respectable number lowered his batting average from .355 to .348. What is most impressive about Rizzos past week were his five round-trippers and 11 RBIs. His five bombs pushed his total to 12 home runs on the season. Rizzos hitting was in no way a concern and yet he continues to get even more comfortable at the plate. Come June or July, if Rizzo is continuing to pound the ball in this fashion Dale Sveum and the Cubs are going to need to make space in the lineup for a new first baseman.

The slumping Brett Jackson continues to make scouts scratch their heads in confusion. If people are beginning to worry about the big-bodied center fielder, this week did nothing to calm their nerves. Jackson went 2-for-19 this week (.105) with eight strikeouts. This lowered his average back down to .233. But where there is a problemthere is a solution. Jackson is hitting .375 against left-handed pitching, while he struggles to keep his head above water while facing righties at .188. Jackson simply needs to become more comfortable with facing right-handers in order to fulfill his big time potential.

Another Iowa standout this week was Chris Rusin who was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week. In his two starts he was 2-0 in 14 innings pitched with 12 strikeouts. This included a superb eight inning shutout performance on Sunday. Rusin is the first Cub to receive this honor since May 31, 2010.

AA Tennessee Smokies

21-year-old shortstop prospect Junior Lake spent his first full week with his new club and performed pretty well. Despite only going 5-for-23 (.217), Lake drove in three runs with a home run and two extra base hits. His slugging percentage was a respectable .484, and he showed patience at the dish, walking seven times. Lake will only continue to get better as he gets more seasoning both offensively and defensively and as he defines his position either at shortstop or somewhere else on the infield.

Righty hurler Kevin Rhoderick was the stand out pitcher of the week for the Smokies. The Oregon State product allowed no hits in his two relief appearances this week. Rhoderick has been thrown into a number of difficult situations this year and has performed exceptionally well. He carries a 1.29 ERA, and has recorded 17 Ks in 14 innings pitched. He has only allowed two earned runs in his 12 appearances. Rhoderick possess the stopping power every manager desires to have in their bullpen.

Class A Daytona Cubs

Illinois native and former Northwestern Wildcat Eric Jokisch was named the Florida State League pitcher of the week for the second week of May. Jokisch had two wins in two starts in which he allowed no runs in 13 innings of work. He was dominant on the hill due to his impeccable location, giving up no walks to opposing hitters all week. He also racked up 16 strikeouts along the way. Jokisch improves to 3-3 on the season with a 2.90 ERA.

Highly touted outfield prospect Matt Szczur continues to struggle through the opening half of the season. He went 2-for-11 in his three games played this week. He had no RBIs and only one extra base hit. His average continues to dwindle at a mediocre .250. Much like Brett Jackson, Szczur has the ability to be a big contributor in the next few years, but they both must find a groove and turn around what has been an average 2012 season.

Joe Musso contributed to this article

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