Cody Poteet: A Cubs Pitcher Preview

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Post on Dec 18, 2024

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Cody Poteet: A Cubs Pitcher Preview – Can He Crack the Rotation?

Cody Poteet. The name might not ring immediate bells for casual baseball fans, but within the intricate world of Cubs scouting and prospect analysis, his name generates considerable buzz. This deep dive explores Poteet's journey, his strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, his chances of securing a consistent spot in the Chicago Cubs' pitching rotation.

From Undrafted Free Agent to Cubs Prospect

Poteet's path to the Cubs organization wasn't a traditional one. Unlike many high-profile draft picks, he went undrafted out of Oklahoma State University. This often overlooked aspect highlights his resilience and determination. He signed with the Miami Marlins as an undrafted free agent in 2015, showcasing his potential despite not receiving the initial recognition of a high draft pick.

His early years in the Marlins organization were a testament to his dedication. He steadily progressed through their minor league system, honing his skills and demonstrating consistent improvement. His development, however, wasn't a linear progression. He faced setbacks and periods of adjustment, common experiences for many young pitchers navigating the demanding world of professional baseball.

This journey speaks volumes about his character and his unwavering commitment to the craft. He wasn't simply handed a spot; he earned it through perseverance and a relentless work ethic. The Cubs, recognizing his potential, ultimately acquired him, adding another intriguing piece to their developing pitching arsenal.

Poteet's Pitching Arsenal: A Blend of Deception and Movement

Poteet's success stems from a deceptive arsenal, characterized by movement rather than overpowering velocity. While he doesn't possess the blazing fastball of some top-tier pitchers, his ability to locate and manipulate his pitches is a key strength.

Key Pitches:

• Fastball (Low-90s): While not overpowering, his fastball serves as a solid foundation, effectively setting up his off-speed pitches. His command is crucial here; he's adept at hitting the corners and keeping hitters off balance.
• Curveball: This is arguably his most effective secondary pitch, showcasing sharp break and deception. He uses it to induce weak contact and generate swings and misses, especially against right-handed hitters.
• Changeup: A developing pitch in his repertoire, the changeup helps him keep hitters guessing and creates a significant velocity differential from his fastball. As he refines this pitch, it will become an even more valuable weapon.
• Slider: Poteet also employs a slider, primarily as a secondary offering to complement his curveball and changeup.

The effectiveness of his arsenal lies in the sequencing and his command. He's a pitcher who relies on precision and deception to outsmart hitters, rather than simply overpowering them with velocity. This strategy makes him a particularly intriguing prospect, as it translates well to major league hitting.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Realistic Assessment

Analyzing Cody Poteet's profile requires acknowledging both his strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Command and Control: His ability to pinpoint his pitches consistently is a significant asset. This command is crucial for a pitcher who relies on movement rather than overpowering velocity.
• Deception: His delivery and pitch movement create deception, making it difficult for hitters to pick up his pitches early.
• Ground Ball Rate: Poteet tends to induce ground balls, which can be beneficial for minimizing hard contact and preventing runs.
• Adaptability: His journey from undrafted free agent to potential major leaguer showcases his ability to adapt and improve.

Weaknesses:

• Velocity: His fastball velocity sits in the low-90s, which isn't exceptional compared to other major league pitchers. This is why his command and movement are so vital.
• Changeup Development: While improving, his changeup still lags slightly behind his other pitches. Further development of this pitch would significantly enhance his overall arsenal.
• Durability: Like many young pitchers, long-term durability remains a question mark until he consistently pitches at a high level over an extended period.

Can Poteet Crack the Cubs Rotation? A Probability Analysis

The question of whether Cody Poteet will crack the Cubs' rotation is complex, encompassing several factors:

• Competition: The Cubs' pitching depth is constantly evolving. Poteet will face competition from established veterans and other promising young pitchers vying for spots in the rotation.
• Performance in Spring Training and Minor League Assignments: His performance in these critical periods will heavily influence the Cubs' decision-making. Consistent strong performances are essential to earn a promotion.
• Health: Staying healthy throughout the season is crucial for any pitcher. Injuries can derail even the most promising careers.
• Managerial Decisions: Ultimately, the Cubs' managerial staff will make the final determination based on their assessment of the team's needs and the individual performance of each pitcher.

While a guaranteed starting rotation spot isn't a certainty, Poteet's potential is undeniable. His ability to command his pitches, induce ground balls, and adapt make him a strong contender for a rotation role, perhaps even a prominent one, within the coming seasons. His development of the changeup and continued refinement of his other pitches will be key indicators of his success. His journey underscores that success in professional baseball isn't solely about raw talent; it's a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

Conclusion: A High-Ceiling Prospect with a Chance to Shine

Cody Poteet's story is one of perseverance and skill. While his path to the major leagues hasn't been the typical high-draft pick trajectory, his journey highlights the importance of dedication and refinement. He possesses the skills and determination to compete for a significant role within the Cubs organization. While no guarantees exist in the unpredictable world of baseball, Cody Poteet represents a high-ceiling prospect who has the potential to become a valuable contributor to the Chicago Cubs pitching staff for years to come. His progress will be a compelling storyline to follow as the season unfolds. The question isn't if he can make it, but rather when and how impactful he will become.