Statistically speaking: The right-handed Cahill had the second-lowest batting average against among all full-season pitchers (.179). His K/9 ratio of 9.84 was also among the best in the Minor Leagues in 2008. Imagine what he might have done had he not missed a month at the Olympics.
Scouting report: Added strength and weight during the previous offseason paid off. A former shortstop, he's a very good athlete on mound. A heavy sinking fastball is his best pitch, and he improved his command of it in 2008. He also worked on his changeup to make it a solid offering, while his knuckle-curve out pitch makes him even more dangerous. Size, stuff, makeup and mound presence are all a plus.
Upside potential: Strong workhorse starting pitcher in the middle of a big-league rotation at the very least.
They said it: "Trevor Cahill has the unique combination of being able to induce groundballs at a very high rate and still be able to have a very high strikeout-to-innings-pitched ratio. Trevor is the quiet assassin type that is extremely competitive and is driven to achieve at the top level. Combine that desire with athleticism, a heavy natural sinking fastball, an out pitch knuckle-curve, intelligence and strike-throwing ability and that equals an elite starting-pitching prospect." -- Billy Owens, A's director of player personnel
He said it: "I remember watching the World Baseball Classic and Cuba. I was in high school then [in Vista, Calif.], but I was not thinking at the time that I was going to pitch against them one day." -- Before facing Cuba in the Olympics
Minors
