First Castro, Now Cashner?

In the midst of all the camaraderie of the Starlin Castro promotion, the Cubs quietly promoted another top prospect in pitcher Andrew Cashner to triple A-Iowa. And according to the Chicago Tribune, there maybe more significance to move than originally thought.

"There’s not a whole lot the Cubs can do with the starting lineup, but sources said Andrew Cashner, who was promoted to Triple-A Iowa, may be headed to the Cubs’ rotation soon. CHICAGO TRIBUNE"

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This goes directly against what we had heard in the past, of the Cubs plans for Andrew Cashner. As many reporters pointed out that the Cubs intend to keep Cashner in the minors for at least one more year. And also, you have to consider the fact that besides the last start from Randy Wells, the Cubs starting rotation has been pretty solid for majority of the season. So, if the Cubs do intend to move Cashner into their rotation, that likely means that they will move Tom Gorzelanny. Who, I have been saying for the past month now could be a possible trade candidate.

And, if the Cubs were to promote Cashner to the rotation, what would that mean for Carlos Zambrano. As, why would they move Cashner in the rotation instead of Zambrano.  This tidbit further adds to my belief that at least as of now, the Cubs have no plans to move Carlos Zambrano back to the rotation.

However, before we pencil Cashner into the rotation, Bruce Levine refutes the Tribune report, and says the Cubs have yet to make up their mind on Cashner.

"Cashner was called up to Triple-A on Friday and for now will stay in the five-man pitching rotation. After a couple of starts, Hendry and his staff will evaluate where Cashner’s progress is and determine if the former No. 1 pick out of TCU in 2008 should continue as a starter or move to the bullpen and prepare for his big-league career as a set-up man or future closer. ESPN CHICAGO"

So, while from the sound of things, it still appears like we may see Cashner with the Cubs in 2010, but his role with the team is still undetermined. A scenario that may happen, is after a couple of starts the Cubs may feel like he should remain as a starter, and then, that is when you will see Cashner get called up. And, until then all this talk is pure speculation.

In six starts with double A-Tennessee before being promoted, Cashner posted a record of 3-1 with a 2.75 ERA  and WHIP of 0.972.