THT Draft Breakdown: picks 18-26 (Cashner, GIFs ahoy)

[Transmogrified Tiger]

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/breaking-down-the-draft/

 

19. Andrew Cashner | RHP | Chicago Cubs

 

http://www.hardballtimes.com/images/uploads/Andrew-Cashner.gif

 

Cashner reportedly has pushed his velocity from the low 90s all the way up to the 96–98 mph range, but the video provided of Cashner had him throwing between 92 and 94, so I’m not sure that we get an accurate representation of what Cashner can do.

 

However, I still like a lot of what Cashner does: His arm action is pretty short; he lets the elbow pick up the ball; and he loads his arm horizontally rather than towards second base. He achieves good separation between his torso and hips. And notice his arm just before foot plant (and just before the hips are about to rotate): It's ready to be unloaded forward, indicating an efficient kinetic chain of events.

 

What I don't like is that he's kinda "tall-and-fall," meaning that he isn't using his momentum to his advantage as much as he could. To remedy this, he could drift through his balance point a little more.

 

Cashner also has some command problems, which are caused in part by his tendency to pull his glove into his side, opening up his shoulder a little too soon. Instead of tucking his glove to his side, he should be firming it up out in front of his chest. He’ll find himself flying open less if he does.

 

Stuff

 

Fastball - Cashner's one true plus pitch: a fastball that he can now get up to 98 mph with decent movement, though it can straighten out at times. The fastball below is clocked at 92, so you can see how difficult it would be to hit with another 4-6 mph on it. I still need to see his fastball in the mid-to-upper 90's before giving it a plus-plus rating.

 

http://www.hardballtimes.com/images/uploads/Cashner-Fastball.gif

 

Grade - 60 Now, 70 Future

 

Slider - Cashner uses a hard biting slider that profiles as an above-average-to-plus pitch. There can be some problems in commanding the pitch, but when he's on, it complements his fastball extremely well.

 

http://www.hardballtimes.com/images/uploads/Cashner-Slider.gif

 

Grade - 55 Now, 60 Future

 

Cashner also features a change-up, but he didn't throw one in the video provided.

 

Cashner could be ready to help the Cubs out of the bullpen as early as this season, but given his three-pitch repertoire, I would commit to him starting. If it turns out that he can’t be successful as a starter, then they can simply switch him back to reliever.

 

Grade - B+

[Little Slide Rooter]

Sounds like the type of pitcher Lou can't wait to get his hands on work until his arm falls off.