NEWSLETTER
Starlin Castro wasn’t the only top Chicago Cubs prospect to earn a promotion this weekend. The Cubs’ first round picks in 2007 and 2008 – third baseman Josh Vitters and pitcher Andrew Cashner, respectively – were also promoted.
In other Minor League roster moves, the Cubs promoted pitcher Andrew Cashner from Tennessee to Iowa. The right-hander, who was the team’s No. 1 Draft pick in 2008, was 3-1 with a 2.75 ERA in six starts. He had 42 strikeouts and had walked 13 over 36 innings.
Josh Vitters, the Cubs’ top pick in 2007, was bumped up from Class A Daytona to Tennessee. The third baseman was hitting .291 in 28 games with three homers, eight doubles and 13 RBIs.
“These are marquee guys from our system,” Hendry said. “Just the timing worked out where it was time to work them up at the same time as Starlin.” cubs.com.
Vitters rode a recent hot streak to earn his promotion, and will be fairly young for his new level. Given that most thought he was the best pure hitter in the 2007 draft, his progress has been steady, but not overwhelming.
The bump for Cashner is a bit more surprising, given that you will often see top pitching prospects stay in AA until they are ready for the bigs. That is not always the case, however, and Iowa Cubs could certainly use a pitcher of Cashner’s caliber. If the Cubs should need a spot starter at some point this year – and if “reliever” Carlos Zambrano is not available – don’t be surprised to see Cashner get a taste.
