Oct. 07--After a miserable 2014 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and lasting only 2 1/2 months with the Atlanta Braves before getting released, Trevor Cahill knew he had to regain his effectiveness in the minors to have any change of returning to the majors.
"I just wanted to go to a contender and go on a hot streak," Cahill said of his agreement to sign a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 18 after being released by the Braves. "That was my goal. Fortunately, it worked out."
Cahill's decision couldn't have worked out any better. Thanks to the reliance of an off-speed pitch, Cahill landed a spot on the Chicago Cubs' National League wild-card roster.
"I think my off-speed stuff is better," said Cahill, who had a 2.12 ERA in 11 relief appearances with the Cubs after being promoted on Sept. 1. "It helps the sinker (Cahill's signature pitch). I don't have to be as fine with it. If you can throw three pitches for a strike in any count, (opposing hitters) can't check off any pitches and look for one.
"It's different coming out of the bullpen than starting, when you're trying to navigate lineups. (As a reliever), you come in and throw your best stuff and then you're out before you know it."
Cahill, a starter throughout his career, said he began to feel more comfortable when he pitched at Triple-A Iowa.
"Instead of throwing hard just to get loose, you can back off and get a feel for your pitches. And then when you get in game, you let adrenaline take over. You stick to your strengths."
