Casey Coleman: A Cubs Prospect With Greg Maddux Type Control.

      The Cubs 2009 minor league pitcher of the year Casey Coleman, was recently compared to Greg Maddux, by Ryne Sandberg. Coleman is one of the Cubs 19 non-roster players invited to spring training this year including another top pitching prospect Andrew Cashner.

    In 2009 he posted a 14-6 record with a 3.68 ERA in 27 starts with AA Tennessee. Coleman pitched in 149 innings walking 58 batters allowing 142 hits and striking out 84. The 22 year old right-hander also improved on defense his second year in the minors posting a perfect 1.000 fielding %.  

     In 1985 Greg Maddux's second year in the minors while pitching in single A Peoria he posted a 3.19 ERA walking 52 batters and allowing 176 hits in 186 innings with 27 starts. Maddux was promoted to AA and then AAA the following season, and then made his major league debut posting a 5.52 ERA in 31 innings.

  In 1987 Maddux struggled posting a 5.61 ERA with a 6-14 record. The rest is history Mad Dog Maddux went on to become arguably the best pitcher in baseball over 23 seasons winning 355 games and pitching 5008 innings.

    I'm certainly not going to say Casey Coleman is going to have a career like Maddux, that would be spectacular though, but he is progressing nicely in the Cubs system. According to a preview (compliments of ChicagoCubsOnline.com) of Vinelines "Fifty Names From the Farm" ,Coleman has the best command in the Cubs system is in the top four in poise, mechanics, athleticism, and durability.

    We will get to see him pitch this spring with the Cubs, and Maddux will be there also helping coach the youngsters in spring training passing on his vast knowledge of the game. Coleman will probably pitch in AAA Iowa this year for coach Ryne Sandberg and continue his development, if he shows he can handle AAA look for him to be a possible September call up.