After the Cubs drafted Andrew Cashner in the first round out of TCU last week, it got me to thinking: the Cubs have made a major attempt to secure a solid bullpen for years to come. They have traded away Todd Walker for Jose Ceda, traded away Omar Infante and Will Ohman for Jose Ascanio now spent a first round pick Andrew Cashner. Here's a look at what the Cubs have assembled:
- Carlos Marmol- There's not much to say that hasn't already been said. He's got flithy stuff and pitches similar to K-Rod where he uses his breaking ball as main pitch for strikes and uses the fastball as a change-of-pace pitch. Very likely to be the close of the future pending no possible arm trouble from his delivery.
- Jose Ceda- This kid has the heat. His fastball consistently comes in at 98 MPH. He has a decent slider slider, which could use some more work. If he can perfect his control, I could see him as a Bob Howry-type, where he almost exculsevly uses the fastball, cause his fastball is very good. He's still real young (21), and could lose some weight. But this is a kid who is on the fast track to Wrigley, and expect him to be up with the big club by the middle of next year at the latest.
- Jose Ascanio- Ascanio has already seen some work with the Cubs this year, in 4 apperances he gave up 1 run. He throws mid-90s with good stuff. He could very well be the Cubs 7th inning man next season.
- Andrew Cashner- Some scouts claim that he's ready for big league action this season, I don't know if I'd bring him up that early. Has a mid-90s fastball and a nice slider. His main issue is control, but it didn't stop him from being virtually unhittable at TCU. He'll see some time with the Cubs by next year.
- Kevin Hart- Was the Cubs minor league pitcher of the year last season, and when he came up in September he earned a spot on the playoff roster. He busted onto the scene last season after AA pitching coach Dennis Llewallyn helped Hart develop a cutter. Has struggled much this season, and finds himself back in AA after two stints with the big leageu club. Very possible he finds a spot in the rotation, or he'll be the future long man in the pen.
- Jeff Samardzija- Another Cubs pitcher who very well could be bullpen or rotation. Has the fastball at mid-90s, sometimes up into the 97-98 range. Has a slider and changeup, which both need a bit more work. He probably won't be with the team until late next year, but could be a starter turned closer
