The Cubs' Plan for Pitcher Edward Cabrera: Unlocking Potential, One Step at a Time
In the world of baseball, when a free agent joins a new team, they often have a clear understanding of the organization's expectations and areas for improvement. However, for right-hander Edward Cabrera, his journey with the Cubs began differently. Acquired through a trade, Cabrera had no prior knowledge of the team's plans for him, and thus, the early days of spring training became a crucial foundation-laying period.
Cabrera, a decade-long veteran, found himself in uncharted territory, transitioning to a new organization. The Cubs, recognizing this, tailored his training schedule to ease the transition. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy described it as an onboarding process, getting to know Cabrera's routines and slowly introducing new information.
"He definitely loves attacking the strike zone," Hottovy shared. "We want to build on that strength and help him find a balance." Cabrera's ability to throw strikes is a key aspect of his identity as a pitcher, and the Cubs aim to refine this skill further.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cabrera's pitch usage has been a topic of discussion. Last year, his changeup, clocking in at 94 mph, was his go-to pitch. However, the Cubs believe there's room for improvement and variety. "We want to tweak his approach slightly," Hottovy explained. "His strength is in the strike zone, but we can add some new dimensions."
And this is the part most people miss... The Cubs are also focused on Cabrera's physical well-being, especially given his injury-prone history. Hottovy emphasized the importance of understanding a player's biomechanics and any potential vulnerabilities. "We want to ensure his strength and range of motion are optimal," he said. "It's about protecting his health and maximizing his potential."
High-velocity pitchers like Cabrera often face injury risks, but the industry has evolved. Delivery efficiency is now a key focus, not only for health reasons but also to enhance velocity. If the Cubs can keep Cabrera healthy, his talent and continued development will elevate the rotation's performance.
Manager Craig Counsell summed it up, "We believe Edward is a talented pitcher entering his prime."
So, will the Cubs' strategy pay off? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the journey to maximize Cabrera's talents is an intriguing one. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
