Andrew Cashner
From BR Bullpen
Andrew Burton Cashner
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 6", Weight 185 lb.
- School Angelina College, Texas Christian University
- High School Conroe High School
- Debut May 31, 2010
- Born September 11, 1986 in Conroe, TX, USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Andrew Cashner was the first pick of the Chicago Cubs in the 2008 amateur draft, being selected 19th overall. He was signed by scout Trey Forkerway and started slowly in his first year in the Cubs' organization, going 1-2, 5.85 in 8 games spread among three teams, the AZL Cubs, Boise Hawks and Daytona Cubs. He began 2009 with Daytona, in the Florida State League. He was a starting pitcher, but was working with a strict pitch count that meant he was usually out of the game after 4 innings or fewer. In 12 starts, he had 12 no-decisions and pitched only 42 innings, but his 1.50 ERA was very good. In mid-season, he was promoted to the AA Tennessee Smokies and was allowed to pitch a little deeper into games. In 12 more starts, he pitched 58 1/3 innings, going 3-4, 3.39, capping a very encouraging first full season as a pro. In 2010, he made 6 starts at Tennessee, and then pitched 5 games in AAA with the Iowa Cubs before getting the call to the major leagues. He was 6-1, 2.05 at that point.
Cashner made his major league debut on May 31, 2010, pitching a scoreless third of an inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, replacing John Grabow on the roster. He stayed in the Cubs' bullpen for the remainder of the season and pitched 53 games in the majors as a rookie, all in relief, going 2-6, 4.80 in 54 1/3 innings. Still working on his control, he struck out 50 batters and walked 30.
Cashner earned a spot in the Cubs' starting rotation at the beginning of the 2011 season. He pitched well in his first start on April 5th against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but had to leave in the 6th inning with tightness in his shoulder. The Cubs' bullpen then blew his 4-1 lead, but his teammates rallied for a 6-5 win, although he did not figure in the decision. Cashner was placed on the disabled list the next day. He only pitched in 7 games for the Cubs as a result of the injury, and did not make another start, as he only returned to the big leagues in September. In 10 2/3 innings, his ERA was an excellent 1.69 and he struck out 8 batters. He only made 5 appearances in the minor leagues, 3 starts for Tennessee and 2 relief appearances with Iowa, going 0-1, 3.86 overall.
On January 6, 2012, he was traded to the San Diego Padres with minor league OF Kyung-Min Na in return for 1B Todd Rizzo and P Zach Cates in a trade of top prospects. He was expected to compete for a job in the Padres' starting rotation following the departure of ace Mat Latos via an earlier trade.
