Cubs Pipeline Alchemy: Smok(i)e(s) signals

Keegan Thompson pitching for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2018Pipeline Alchemy is where I look at trends in the Cubs pipeline, whatever those trends are. Anything early should be taken with the proverbial grain of sand, but it’s what is available in April. On some occasions, though, early trends bear a degree of weight. My look today starts with a look at the Tennessee Smokies rotation.

Through eight games, the Smokies starters have gone their desired five innings six times. Through those 30\u2154 innings, they’ve combined to give up two runs. Cory Abbott has been the “culprit”, and he allowed ten of the 13 hits allowed by the group, with his hits allowed in 10\u2154 innings. They’ve…