Cubs’ pitching prospect making his way into MLB – MLB News
While the Chicago Cubs have had a rather eventful offseason, they are also bracing themselves for some of the top pitching prospects. Since the last week of November, the Cubs have so far signed four starters to the roster while simultaneously addressing
other areas that need attention.
Signing Derek Johnson as the in charge of developing the Cubs’ pitching prospects is part of it. Johnson will have a number of pitching prospects under his aegis.
One name is that of Sean Manaea. Possessing a long lanky body and limbs, he throws from a low ¾ arm slot and has a high leg kick. Known for the deceptive deliveries, he has the ability to jump up in velocity as his lower half gains strength.
The pitcher is said to have all the potential to become a No. 1 as he currently enjoys high ceiling in draft this year. The Cubs have their eyes set on him, and see a remarkable talent in him.
That is something that the Cubs’ vice president – Jason McLeod, has also in focus.
"He came out of nowhere,'' said Jason McLeod, who also serves as scouting and farm director. "His Cape season was ridiculous — not just the numbers but the fact they came within the context of a massive explosion of offense. You look at his numbers, you
realize he dominated that league.''
While Manaea’s pitches have even clocked as high as 96, his secondary pitches sit in mid 80s with a hard 11 to 4 bite. When it comes to command, however, the young pitcher has to work on it.
The Cubs have other options available to them as well. Of all, among others, Manaea is said to be all ready to make his way into the team, something that everyone who has been monitoring the developments would safely predict. However, what McLeod thinks
is that of a pragmatic thought.
"You never know how a draft will unfold,'' McLeod said. "It would be very nice to be in that position. If something happens with a top guy, you might get two of them. The second pick is interesting too, not just the first one.''
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