Cubs Pitcher Cody Poteet: Scouting Report

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Post on Dec 18, 2024

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Cubs Pitcher Cody Poteet: Scouting Report

Cody Poteet, a right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization, presents an intriguing case study for baseball analysts and fans alike. While not a household name, his performance and potential warrant a closer look. This scouting report delves into his strengths, weaknesses, and overall projection within the Cubs system and potentially, Major League Baseball.

Pitch Mix and Effectiveness

Poteet's arsenal is built around a foundation of three primary pitches:

• Fastball (93-95 mph): His fastball is his bread and butter, showcasing decent velocity and movement. While not overpowering, the late sink and occasional run make it difficult for hitters to square up consistently. The effectiveness of this pitch hinges on his command and ability to locate it effectively on the edges of the strike zone.

• Slider (83-85 mph): Poteet's slider is a valuable secondary offering. It features good break and acts as an effective put-away pitch when properly located. Improving consistency in the slider's shape and control will be crucial to maximizing its effectiveness against higher-level hitters.

• Changeup (80-82 mph): While still a work in progress, Poteet's changeup shows promise. It offers a significant velocity differential to his fastball, providing an effective weapon against right-handed batters. Further refinement of its movement and command will be vital to making it a reliable third pitch.

Strengths

• Ground Ball Tendencies: Poteet induces a high number of ground balls, a valuable asset for any pitcher. This limits hard contact and reduces the likelihood of extra-base hits. His sinker-heavy approach contributes significantly to this strength.

• Good Control and Command (Potential): While not consistently elite, Poteet demonstrates flashes of excellent control and command. Developing this consistently will be key to his success at higher levels.

• Competitive Nature: Scouts often praise his demeanor on the mound; he consistently displays a competitive fire and determination to get batters out.

Weaknesses

• Command Consistency: As mentioned, Poteet's command isn't always sharp. He can struggle with walks at times, which can quickly put pressure on himself and the defense. Improved command is essential for future success.

• Swing-and-Miss Stuff: While his ground ball rate is high, Poteet doesn't necessarily possess overpowering stuff that generates a high rate of strikeouts. Improving his swing-and-miss capabilities, possibly by refining his breaking ball, would elevate his game.

• Minor League Track Record (needs further analysis): Analyzing his full minor league performance history, including strikeouts-to-walk ratio, ERA against different batting lineups, and performance in high-pressure situations, will give a clearer picture of his overall potential.

Projection

Cody Poteet projects as a potential back-end starter or a high-leverage reliever at the Major League level. His ground ball tendencies and competitive spirit are attractive qualities. However, consistent command and developing a more potent third pitch are crucial for him to reach his full potential. Further improvement and consistent performance at the minor league level will determine whether he'll be a valuable asset for the Cubs in the future.

Conclusion: Monitoring Poteet's Progress

The future of Cody Poteet's career will depend largely on his ability to refine his command, increase the effectiveness of his secondary pitches, and consistently perform at a high level against increasingly challenging competition. He possesses the raw talent and the right mindset. Close monitoring of his development throughout the minor leagues and beyond will be crucial in determining if he can solidify himself as a key piece for the Chicago Cubs. Continued updates and analysis will be necessary to fully assess his ongoing progress.