Cubs April Minor League Players of the Month

We are about one month into the minor league season.  Let take a look at the players who got off to the best starts at each level.

Class AAA - Iowa

Hitter

Brad Snyder - Although he's a little old (he'll be 28 on May 25th) as far as prospects go, Snyder is 2nd on the team in HR's, 1st in RBI and 3rd in Ave (.321).  After hitting 15 HR's in just 255 AB's last year, he is showing that his power is no fluke, slugging .580 so far this year.

Honorable mention - Bobby Scales - leads the team in OPS at 1.021, including a .457 OBP.

Pitcher

Thomas Diamond - In 5 starts, he is 1-0 with a 1.65 ERA, including 23 K's in 27.1 IP.  A former top Rangers prospect, he is trying to revitalize his prospect status.  If he can keep the walks down (11 so far), he could be someone to keep an eye on.

Honorable mention - Jay Jackson - Off to a good start with a 2.48 ERA and 20 K's in 29 IP.

Class AA - Tennessee

Hitter

Starlin Castro - He has had the most hype and along with it the most pressure to perform and so far he has, hitting .354 with an OPS of .954.  His 18 runs scored are tied for the team lead and his 20 RBI's are tied for 2nd.

Honorable mention - Robinson Chirinos - the catching prospect has 6 HR's to lead the team and is hitting .353.

Pitcher

Andrew Cashner - Another of the Cubs top prospects that is living up to his billing, Cashner is 2-1 with a 3.26 ERA and 34 K's in 30.1 IP.

Honorable mention - Hung-Wen Chen - is 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in his 5 starts.

Class A+ - Daytona

Hitter

Brett Jackson - Leads the team with a .301 Ave., runs scored (13) and walks (18).  His .420 OBP also leads the team.

Honorable mention - Josh Vitters - Leads the team in HR's with 3, is tied with Jackson for the lead in runs (13) and is second in RBI's (13).

Pitcher

Rafael Dolis - has a sparkling 1.85 ERA in 5 games (4 starts).  Has given up only 14 hits in 24.1 IP and leads all starting pitchers with an 0.95 whip.

Honorable mention - Aaron Shafer - a relief pitcher, Shafer has yet to give up an earned run and has 19 K's in 18.2 IP.

Class A - Peoria

Hitter

Justin Bour - a 25th round pick in the 2009 draft, he leads the team with a .338 Ave and an OPS of .928.

Honorable mention - Greg Rohan - leads the team in HR's (3) and RBI's (18).

Pitcher

Jeffrey Beliveau - has an amazing 23 K's in just 11.1 IP (that's 18.3 K/9 IP, for those of you scoring at home) and a miniscule 1.59 ERA.

Honorable mention - Kenneth McNutt - a 32nd round pick in 2009, he has a 1.57 ERA (tops amongst starters) and has 24 K's in 23 IP.