Cody Poteet: Cubs Pitcher Scouting Report

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Post on Dec 18, 2024

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Cody Poteet: Cubs Pitcher Scouting Report - A Deep Dive into Potential

Cody Poteet, a right-handed pitcher currently in the Chicago Cubs organization, presents an intriguing case study for baseball analysts and fans alike. While not a household name, his journey and skillset warrant a detailed scouting report, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential within the context of the Cubs' rebuilding efforts. This report will analyze his pitching arsenal, command, durability, and ultimately, his projected future in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Pitch Arsenal and Effectiveness: A Mixture of Movement and Deception

Poteet's pitching repertoire isn't characterized by overpowering velocity, but rather a clever mix of pitches that rely on movement and deception to generate outs. His fastball, typically sitting in the low-to-mid 90s mph range, isn't a dominant weapon on its own, but it sets up his secondary pitches effectively. The effectiveness of his fastball hinges on its late movement and the ability to locate it consistently on both sides of the plate.

Secondary Pitches: The Key to Success

The real intrigue surrounding Poteet lies in his secondary offerings. His curveball, a 12-to-6 breaker, is often cited as his best pitch. It boasts significant break and depth, allowing him to induce weak contact and generate swings and misses, particularly against right-handed hitters. The effectiveness of this curveball is directly correlated to his command – when he locates it, it’s a devastating weapon.

His changeup is another crucial pitch in his arsenal. This pitch demonstrates good fade and arm-side run, making it challenging for hitters to square up. While not always a high-percentage swing-and-miss pitch, its effectiveness lies in its ability to keep hitters honest and create weak contact. He also utilizes a slider, although it's often considered his least consistent offering, requiring further refinement in terms of command and sharpness.

Command and Control: A Work in Progress

While Poteet possesses a solid arsenal, his command and control remain areas for improvement. Inconsistency in locating his pitches, especially his fastball and slider, can lead to more walks and hard-hit balls than ideal. This inconsistency manifests itself in higher pitch counts, potentially impacting his effectiveness over the course of a game or even a season. Developing better command is paramount to his success at the MLB level. This will allow him to utilize his secondary pitches more effectively and increase the deception factor, ultimately leading to a higher strikeout rate and lower walk rate.

Durability and Stamina: Building Up the Innings

Poteet's durability is another aspect requiring evaluation. Like many young pitchers, he's faced challenges in consistently maintaining his performance over a full season. Building up his innings gradually is crucial for long-term success. Proper training regimens and injury prevention strategies are key components in ensuring he can handle the workload demands of a major league season. The Cubs' medical and training staff will play a significant role in monitoring his workload and ensuring his physical development.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective

Strengths:

• Deceptive pitching arsenal: His diverse mix of pitches keeps hitters off-balance.
• Excellent curveball: A potential plus-pitch with significant swing-and-miss potential.
• Decent changeup: Provides a solid counter to right-handed hitters.
• Competitive spirit: Shows a willingness to battle on the mound.

Weaknesses:

• Command inconsistencies: Needs improvement in locating his pitches consistently.
• Slider needs refinement: Currently his least effective pitch.
• Durability concerns: Needs to prove he can handle a full MLB workload.
• Lack of overpowering velocity: Relies on movement and deception rather than overpowering speed.

Projected Future and Role in the Cubs Organization

Poteet’s future in the Chicago Cubs organization is likely to be defined by his ability to improve his command and control. If he can consistently locate his pitches and refine his slider, he possesses the potential to become a valuable member of the Cubs' pitching staff. His current role could be as a middle-reliever, a setup man, or even a long-relief option. However, reaching a starting role in the MLB would likely require significant improvement in his stamina and ability to maintain his effectiveness over a larger number of pitches and innings.

The Cubs' current rebuilding phase presents an opportunity for Poteet to develop and gain experience without the immediate pressure of contending for a championship. This allows him the space to work on his weaknesses and solidify his strengths. The organization's focus on player development will play a crucial role in his progression.

Off-Field Factors and Professionalism

Beyond the on-field aspects, a pitcher’s professionalism and work ethic significantly influence their trajectory. While this scouting report focuses primarily on his pitching skills, the Cubs likely assess Poteet's character, leadership qualities, and overall approach to the game. These intangible factors contribute significantly to a player's long-term success and are equally important to the Cubs' evaluation process.

Conclusion: A High-Ceiling, High-Risk Prospect

Cody Poteet represents a high-ceiling, high-risk prospect. His current skillset presents a foundation for success, but the path to that success hinges on addressing his command issues and improving his overall durability. The Cubs' patient approach to rebuilding creates an environment for Poteet to develop, but his eventual role and effectiveness in the MLB will be dependent upon his continued refinement and commitment to improving his craft. Regular monitoring of his progress and development will be crucial in determining his long-term impact on the Chicago Cubs franchise. He could be a significant contributor, or he could fall short of expectations. Only time will tell.