Chicago Cubs Prospect Profile: Casey Coleman

The Chicago Cubs selected Casey Coleman in 15th Round (461st overall) of the 2008 draft. The 22-year old 6', 190-pound right-hander hits from the left side of the plate. The Cubs 2009 Minor League Pitcher of the Year was compared to Greg Maddux over the winter by Ryne Sandberg.

In 2009, Casey Coleman posted a 14-6 record with a 3.68 ERA in 27 starts with AA Tennessee ... in his first full season of proball. Coleman pitched 149 innings with 84 strikeouts, 58 walks and he allowed 142 hits. Coleman improved defensively as well in his second season in the minors and posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

According to the Vineline's "Fifty Names From the Farm", Coleman possesses the best command in the Cubs system and is in the top four in poise, mechanics, athleticism, and durability. Casey Coleman doesn't have a 98 mph fastball or anything flashy like that. He is a pitcher who relies on command, and he does it well.

Coleman throws a lot of strikes and locates his pitches well. Casey's best pitch is his changeup and Baseball America rated his changeup as the best in the Cubs' system. Coleman also throws a nice sinker that enables him to record a lot of ground ball outs. Towards the end of last season he started using a cutter and it helped him get more strikeouts. He can also handle the bat. At Florida Gulf Coast University in 2008, Coleman hit .314/.344/.500 in 172 at bats with five home runs 11 doubles and three triples.

Coleman has already made a name for himself in the Cubs' system, despite only having played one full season in the minor leagues. Coleman will start this year in AAA Iowa but if he can build off of his solid performance of a year ago his major league career could be right around the corner. Coleman more than likely won't be a frontline starter in a Major League staff although anything is possible. Coleman projects as a solid middle of the rotation starter ... and for a 15th round draft pick that would be a bargain.

This is a big season for Casey Coleman. Some feel Coleman was a little lucky last year because of all the hits he allowed.

Hopefully this year he can continue to improve on his location and cut down on the walks. Coleman has a tendency to try to be too fine with his location, which sometimes gets him into trouble. Coleman needs to work on being more aggressive, that was evident in his time with the big league team during spring training. If he can limit the number of hits he surrenders and continues to show good command, it shouldn't be long before he is ready for the major leagues.

For more on Coleman check out the article I wrote about him awhile back on the Bleacher Report comparing his stats to Greg Maddux's minor league statistics.

Casey Coleman: A Cubs Prospect With Greg Maddux Type Control

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CCO Prospect Profiles:

SuzyS

Patrick...nice job...thanks.

matt

k thanx

matt

hey neil when do u usually put up the talkin cubs live i usually look for it couple hours before game time

Neil

Matt, they are scheduled to publish two hours before each game.

Boseph Heyden

I can't wait until Larry gets his hands on this kid, tweaks his delivery, shortens him to a 7th inning reliever status, and has us watch his ERA become a bloated 8.56.

Seriously, how has no one in the organization noticed we haven't had a pitcher come through our system into the big leagues and stay good for two seasons?

Jim C (Tinley Park, Illinois)

Patrick S:

Nice info, you and Brandon are doing great "Farm" work.

It is great that you guys provide us with these reports.

I like what I hear about Casey Coleman.

Patrick S.

Thanks Jim, I appreciate it. It's fun, I am planning on catching some games in Peoria this summer, I'll post the pictures in the Community Blog after I go.

cloycub13

I would like to personally extend a thank you to Mr. Hendry for re-signing John GraBOOOOO to a 2 year extension. I would further like to thank sweet Lou for thinking that he is a set up man an placing him into a critical situation in a "critical" game. John Grabow is a lefty specialist, you know the kind like Joe Biemel (Who was available all off season, cheap and fits the rols of lefty specialist or Mike Remlinger). This guy should not be in close games in the 8th...That's what Caridad is for, who was warmed up by the way, and shut the Braves down after the fateful flick of the wrist by Chipper. BAD!

Now that you all mention it, our middle infield looked like it was playing on a mud field. SLOW...

On the good...Dempster was lights out and looked REAL good. I think we can start the debate that Dempster is our Ace in the absence of a true Ace. Marshall again looked solid!

Tough start to the season. Blind faith folks blind faith...Go Cubs Go!

SuzyS

Cloy...be greatful that JH only gave him 2 years instead of 3.

I still think Gaub will get the nod eventually when Grabow's "bone chips lock up his elbow.

cloycub13

By the way anyone who was surprised by the Grabow dinger did not watch Spring Training. He did that crap all spring and WOW Big shock was lit up in a close game...

As Aaron said... that one was prdictable...he is our yearly token arsonist, Howry, Heillman/Gregg now Grabow.