This isn't the first time Andrew Cashner has been drafted, but it appears to be the last. The 19th overall pick has been drafted four times. First in 2005 out of high school by the Braves, then in 2006 by the Rockies, next in 2007 by the Cubs and then, finally, again by Chicago yesterday.
"It has been a long process," Cashner said. "I've come a long way since high school, and I think this year is finally the first year I have grown into my body and matured in a baseball standpoint....I left high school at 5-9, and I left TCU at 6-6, 190 pounds so I have come a long way."
Cashner has made tremendous strides physically in the past year, putting on weight and developing a 98-mph fastball and mid-80s power curve that has helped his stock rise from a 29th-round pick last year to a first-round pick 12 months later. The flame thrower attributes his success to a new diet and workout plan that awaited him after he transferred to Texas Christian University in the fall.
"[TCU] put me on a meal plan and a nutrition plan, and I sat down with our nutritionist and gained some weight. Then the strength coach helped me out a lot, and I put on a lot of muscle and got a lot stronger this year."
Bigger and stronger, Cashner has electric stuff, but it didn't fully translate into production until Cashner was made TCU's closer after being a lifetime starter. TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle made the decision because of the lack of depth in the Horned Frogs bullpen.
At first, the move worried Cashner.
"To be frank, [Cashner] wasn't so sure," Schlossnagle said. "Most starting pitchers...feel that the pen is a demotion. We tried to convince him that if he can be really good at this, the elite college closers have done really well in the draft, and if they stay in the bullpen, they move to the big leagues real quick."
It only took one outing for Cashner to be convinced.
"In his very first opportunity against Cal State Fullerton in our second game of the season...he was 97-99 [mph] and needless to say he bought in pretty quick."
So far Schlossnagle has been right. Cashner was the first relief pitcher taken in the draft, and if he continues to grow as a pitcher, the green ivy of Wrigley Field could be on the horizon.
Tim Wilken, the Director of Amateur and Professional Scouting for the Cubs, couldn't agree more, but he is biding his time to decide what role the big righty will take.
"I think we are going to let this one take its own pace," Wilken said. "His delivery is pretty darn sound and is probably one of the better ones in this draft....He is comfortable in what he is doing...but he has started in the past.
"I think he's got good versatility and can go either way. We are very happy."
And what does the Texas native know of Chicago?
"I know that Wrigley Field is awesome and that they are in first place, and Lou Piniella is doing a great job with them."
Couldn't have been said much better.
-- Zach Martin
Showing posts with label Vine Line Cubs Club Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vine Line Cubs Club Blog. Show all posts
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Down on the Farm: Pat Listach on Micah Hoffpauir
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about what he expects to see from Micah Hoffpauirin Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
What to expect when expecting Hoffpauir
Chicagoans have been expecting Hoffpauir to join the Cubs for some time now, and after a herniated disc sidelined Daryle Ward, Hoffpauir finally got his shot. The 28-year-old had a monstrous 2007 Triple-A campaign, hitting .319 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs, but a knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to only 82 games. Unfazed, the lefty followed that up by posting even better numbers in spring training. After a stint on the DL early this season, he continued to hit: In nine games for Iowa this year, Hoffpauir hit .324 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.
Count Pat Listach, the manager of the Iowa Cubs, as a believer that Hoffpauir will continue to mash in Chicago.
"He's going to hit." Listach said. "He's been a really good hitter the last few years, and I think he's going to hit up there as well. He is going to provide some power from the left side of the plate."
Hoffpauir's hitting skills are proven, but some still question whether he is ready to play a major-league outfield after taking up the position this year. However, Hoffpauir has shown his Triple-A manager that he is more than ready for the challenge.
"You know what, he's a good athlete," Listach said. "He gets good jumps on the ball, he's not a blazer, and he doesn't have great speed. But he gets good jumps, and he makes the plays. If he gets to the ball, he catches it. He has no problem with that. He looks like a natural out there to be honest."
Spending six years in the minors has been tough on Hoffpauir, and he is ready to make a name for himself at the major-league level. Listach and his staff have worked hard with Hoffpauir to make this next step and are glad the 2002 13th-round pick is finally getting a chance.
"He's a great kid," Listach said. "I couldn't be happier for him. He's really earned it, and he's worked hard and has battled through some injuries. He's finally there, and he's playing good. He got a couple hits [the other day]. So we are really happy for him."
Hoffpauir recorded his first major-league start (in leftfield) and base hit on May 21 in Houston. The hit, a double down the leftfield line was the first of two for the game. Since being called up on May 18, the Texas native has gone 5-for-11, and he recorded his first RBI last night, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning. Hoffpauir looks to be comfortable with his new surroundings and seems to be catching the eyes of everyone he plays around.
-- Zach Martin
What to expect when expecting Hoffpauir
Chicagoans have been expecting Hoffpauir to join the Cubs for some time now, and after a herniated disc sidelined Daryle Ward, Hoffpauir finally got his shot. The 28-year-old had a monstrous 2007 Triple-A campaign, hitting .319 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs, but a knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to only 82 games. Unfazed, the lefty followed that up by posting even better numbers in spring training. After a stint on the DL early this season, he continued to hit: In nine games for Iowa this year, Hoffpauir hit .324 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.
Count Pat Listach, the manager of the Iowa Cubs, as a believer that Hoffpauir will continue to mash in Chicago.
"He's going to hit." Listach said. "He's been a really good hitter the last few years, and I think he's going to hit up there as well. He is going to provide some power from the left side of the plate."
Hoffpauir's hitting skills are proven, but some still question whether he is ready to play a major-league outfield after taking up the position this year. However, Hoffpauir has shown his Triple-A manager that he is more than ready for the challenge.
"You know what, he's a good athlete," Listach said. "He gets good jumps on the ball, he's not a blazer, and he doesn't have great speed. But he gets good jumps, and he makes the plays. If he gets to the ball, he catches it. He has no problem with that. He looks like a natural out there to be honest."
Spending six years in the minors has been tough on Hoffpauir, and he is ready to make a name for himself at the major-league level. Listach and his staff have worked hard with Hoffpauir to make this next step and are glad the 2002 13th-round pick is finally getting a chance.
"He's a great kid," Listach said. "I couldn't be happier for him. He's really earned it, and he's worked hard and has battled through some injuries. He's finally there, and he's playing good. He got a couple hits [the other day]. So we are really happy for him."
Hoffpauir recorded his first major-league start (in leftfield) and base hit on May 21 in Houston. The hit, a double down the leftfield line was the first of two for the game. Since being called up on May 18, the Texas native has gone 5-for-11, and he recorded his first RBI last night, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning. Hoffpauir looks to be comfortable with his new surroundings and seems to be catching the eyes of everyone he plays around.
-- Zach Martin
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Down on the Farm: Pat Listach, Manager of the Iowa Cubs
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about the challenges of managing a Triple-A team. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
Listach_Pat.jpgSince Opening Day, Chicago has made 11 transactions with its Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs. That is the equivalent of roughly one transaction every four games. The Cubs have had to deal with inconsistent play and injuries, and they have used the I-Cubs as their very own Hans Brinker, the legend who plugged leaks with his thumbs as they appeared. For Iowa manager Listach, the amount of moves can be daunting, but he does everything he can to get his players ready for their chances at the big leagues.
"We have a lot of player movement already, and I think for the most part [our] players are major-league ready. It's our job as a staff down here to make sure they are ready when they go to Chicago," Listach said. "We are not too concerned about winning in Iowa but making sure they get their repetitions in and get their work in so that they are ready when Lou Piniella and his staff up there call for them."
Listach managed at Double-A Tennessee last year and has changed his philosophy a little to better coincide with more experienced players, but he maintains the basics are the same.
"We are still teaching fundamentals and teaching them how to play the game and how to prepare for the game." Listach said. "[But] when you look around and you have a team with Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher and Kevin Hart, you approach things a little differently because they've been in the major leagues and they know what they need to do to get back there. [My role is] just being available for them to get their work in."
Even so, long bus rides and years of minor-league play can wear down any seasoned ballplayer, especially at the Triple-A level, where most of the players are in their fourth or fifth seasons. But Listach sees the ivy, red brick and green scoreboard as enough incentive for his players to continue to work hard.
"We've got some three and four o'clock in the morning wakeup calls, and we have to do some things different as far as getting work done on those travel days because everybody's exhausted." Listach said. "[But] at one point we counted that 17 players out of the 24 had been in the major leagues. ... It's pretty easy to motivate when they can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
-- Zach Martin
Listach_Pat.jpgSince Opening Day, Chicago has made 11 transactions with its Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs. That is the equivalent of roughly one transaction every four games. The Cubs have had to deal with inconsistent play and injuries, and they have used the I-Cubs as their very own Hans Brinker, the legend who plugged leaks with his thumbs as they appeared. For Iowa manager Listach, the amount of moves can be daunting, but he does everything he can to get his players ready for their chances at the big leagues.
"We have a lot of player movement already, and I think for the most part [our] players are major-league ready. It's our job as a staff down here to make sure they are ready when they go to Chicago," Listach said. "We are not too concerned about winning in Iowa but making sure they get their repetitions in and get their work in so that they are ready when Lou Piniella and his staff up there call for them."
Listach managed at Double-A Tennessee last year and has changed his philosophy a little to better coincide with more experienced players, but he maintains the basics are the same.
"We are still teaching fundamentals and teaching them how to play the game and how to prepare for the game." Listach said. "[But] when you look around and you have a team with Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher and Kevin Hart, you approach things a little differently because they've been in the major leagues and they know what they need to do to get back there. [My role is] just being available for them to get their work in."
Even so, long bus rides and years of minor-league play can wear down any seasoned ballplayer, especially at the Triple-A level, where most of the players are in their fourth or fifth seasons. But Listach sees the ivy, red brick and green scoreboard as enough incentive for his players to continue to work hard.
"We've got some three and four o'clock in the morning wakeup calls, and we have to do some things different as far as getting work done on those travel days because everybody's exhausted." Listach said. "[But] at one point we counted that 17 players out of the 24 had been in the major leagues. ... It's pretty easy to motivate when they can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
-- Zach Martin
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Down on the Farm: Oneri Fleita on Kevin Hart and Rich Hill
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Oneri Fleita, Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel, about how Kevin Hart and Rich Hill will find their ways back to Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
The old baseball adage "It's harder to stay in the majors than get there" rings true even for successful players -- just ask Kevin Hart and Rich Hill.
Hart was a September call up last year and was a key ingredient in the Cubs playoff run. He posted a 0.82 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Hill also broke out in 2007, winning 11 games, leading the Cubs in strikeouts with 183, and ranking fifth in the National League in batting average against (.235). But both have struggled this year and were optioned to Triple-A Iowa to work out their problems.
Hart.jpgFor Hart, Fleita believes, it might have been an issue of familiarity.
"[Hart's] a young guy who was brought up and asked to throw out of the bullpen, and did a nice job," Fleita said. "But because of his lack of experience with irregular work, it was hard for him to stay in sync...."
Fleita believes the key to getting Hart back to Chicago is by getting him back in a familiar role as a starting pitcher, something that may even lead to other opportunities for the big righty.
"Hart has been put back [into the rotation], to get him back on track," Fleita said. "Putting him in the rotation gives us, as an organization and him individually, the opportunity to be a starter, should that need arise. And if not, it will give him the opportunity to get in sync so that the next time he comes up he will be back where he was last year throwing out of the 'pen."
Hill.jpgUnlike Hart, Hill was used as a starter, and instead of losing rhythm and routine, Hill seemed to lose trust in his pitches and thus his command.
"Hill has been sent [to Iowa] to gain a little confidence," Fleita said. "He struggled to throw strikes and is kind of retracing his steps. I don't think it will be a major overhaul. Sometimes players lose their confidence and get a little off track, but he threw here a couple nights ago and looks like he's right back where he was."
If that is the case then look for Hart and Hill to be back in Chicago soon, something that Fleita attributes to their team-first approach.
"The bottom line is that we are talking about two guys with great attitudes that care more about getting up there and helping us win than [they do about] themselves."
-- Zach Martin
The old baseball adage "It's harder to stay in the majors than get there" rings true even for successful players -- just ask Kevin Hart and Rich Hill.
Hart was a September call up last year and was a key ingredient in the Cubs playoff run. He posted a 0.82 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Hill also broke out in 2007, winning 11 games, leading the Cubs in strikeouts with 183, and ranking fifth in the National League in batting average against (.235). But both have struggled this year and were optioned to Triple-A Iowa to work out their problems.
Hart.jpgFor Hart, Fleita believes, it might have been an issue of familiarity.
"[Hart's] a young guy who was brought up and asked to throw out of the bullpen, and did a nice job," Fleita said. "But because of his lack of experience with irregular work, it was hard for him to stay in sync...."
Fleita believes the key to getting Hart back to Chicago is by getting him back in a familiar role as a starting pitcher, something that may even lead to other opportunities for the big righty.
"Hart has been put back [into the rotation], to get him back on track," Fleita said. "Putting him in the rotation gives us, as an organization and him individually, the opportunity to be a starter, should that need arise. And if not, it will give him the opportunity to get in sync so that the next time he comes up he will be back where he was last year throwing out of the 'pen."
Hill.jpgUnlike Hart, Hill was used as a starter, and instead of losing rhythm and routine, Hill seemed to lose trust in his pitches and thus his command.
"Hill has been sent [to Iowa] to gain a little confidence," Fleita said. "He struggled to throw strikes and is kind of retracing his steps. I don't think it will be a major overhaul. Sometimes players lose their confidence and get a little off track, but he threw here a couple nights ago and looks like he's right back where he was."
If that is the case then look for Hart and Hill to be back in Chicago soon, something that Fleita attributes to their team-first approach.
"The bottom line is that we are talking about two guys with great attitudes that care more about getting up there and helping us win than [they do about] themselves."
-- Zach Martin
Friday, May 9, 2008
Down on the Farm: Oneri Fleita, VP of Player Personnel
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Oneri Fleita, Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel, about what he has learned about the system through a month and a half. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
The State of the Farm
Sometimes it is tough for organizations to gage the strengths and weaknesses of their minor-league pools because of how raw the players still may be. For Fleita, this is not the case.
"I feel like for the first time we have some catching depth," Fleita said. "We have Steve Clevenger, who's a converted guy, and he's catching in Double A with Chris Robinson. These are all guys who have caught in the major leagues. Welington Castillo has done a nice job in Daytona and Josh Donaldson in Peoria. That's a nice little piece of depth we have."
Chicago also finds itself with a bevy of talented young third basemen.
"We feel pretty good at third base with [Peoria's] Josh Vitters, Jovan Rosa and Marquez Smith, [pictured Iowa's] Casey McGehee [and Tennessee's] Kyle Reynolds," Fleita said. "That's been another area of strength, third base."
Starting pitching has proven over and over again to be the key to success at the major-league level and Fleita is doing everything he can to ensure the Cubs will develop more starters for the future. Alessandro Maestri and Jose Ceda, for example, have been moved from the bullpen to the Daytona rotation.
"We are really trying to develop as many starters as we can," said Fleita. "So we are taking every good arm and trying to get them into the rotation because to develop a 200-plus-innings pitcher is probably our biggest goal in the minor-league system."
The State of the Farm
Sometimes it is tough for organizations to gage the strengths and weaknesses of their minor-league pools because of how raw the players still may be. For Fleita, this is not the case.
"I feel like for the first time we have some catching depth," Fleita said. "We have Steve Clevenger, who's a converted guy, and he's catching in Double A with Chris Robinson. These are all guys who have caught in the major leagues. Welington Castillo has done a nice job in Daytona and Josh Donaldson in Peoria. That's a nice little piece of depth we have."
Chicago also finds itself with a bevy of talented young third basemen.
"We feel pretty good at third base with [Peoria's] Josh Vitters, Jovan Rosa and Marquez Smith, [pictured Iowa's] Casey McGehee [and Tennessee's] Kyle Reynolds," Fleita said. "That's been another area of strength, third base."
Starting pitching has proven over and over again to be the key to success at the major-league level and Fleita is doing everything he can to ensure the Cubs will develop more starters for the future. Alessandro Maestri and Jose Ceda, for example, have been moved from the bullpen to the Daytona rotation.
"We are really trying to develop as many starters as we can," said Fleita. "So we are taking every good arm and trying to get them into the rotation because to develop a 200-plus-innings pitcher is probably our biggest goal in the minor-league system."
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