The Cubs' Selection of Carson Jasa: A Project for the Pitch Lab
The Chicago Cubs have made a unique selection in the MLB Draft, choosing Nebraska RHP Carson Jasa in the third round. This pick is particularly intriguing, as Jasa presents a fascinating case of a tall, powerful pitcher with a lot of potential, but also significant command and control issues. In my opinion, this selection is a strategic move by the Cubs to acquire a project for their pitch lab, with the goal of refining Jasa's skills and potentially turning him into a reliable starting pitcher.
What makes Jasa's profile so interesting is his size and velocity. Standing at 6'7" and throwing fastballs in the 95-96 mph range, he has the physical attributes to be a dominant pitcher. However, his command and control issues are a major concern. Jasa struggles to locate his fastball, instead relying on a slider and a knee-bending curve as his primary breaking pitches. This makes him a high-risk, high-reward prospect, as his success will depend on his ability to command these pitches and develop a feel for pitching.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Cubs' decision to target Jasa despite his command issues. This suggests that they believe in his potential and are willing to invest in his development. The Cubs have a history of success in teaching new changeups to pitchers like Cade Horton and Ben Brown, and they may be confident that they can help Jasa refine his skills and improve his command.
From my perspective, the key to Jasa's success will be his ability to develop a better feel for pitching and a better command of the zone. If he can do this, he has the potential to become a reliable starting pitcher. However, if he continues to struggle with command, he may be better suited for a relief role, where he can focus on refining his breaking pitches and developing a more consistent approach.
One thing that many people don't realize is that Jasa's command issues are not uncommon among tall, powerful pitchers. Many of these pitchers struggle with command as they develop their skills and learn to control their pitches. The challenge for Jasa will be to overcome these issues and develop a more consistent and effective approach to pitching.
In my opinion, the Cubs' selection of Jasa is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. With his size, velocity, and potential, he has the makings of a dominant pitcher. However, the key to his success will be his ability to refine his skills and improve his command. If he can do this, he could become a valuable asset to the Cubs' starting rotation.
One thing that I find especially interesting is the potential for Jasa to develop a more consistent approach to pitching. If he can learn to control his pitches and command the zone, he could become a reliable starting pitcher. However, if he continues to struggle with command, he may be better suited for a relief role, where he can focus on refining his breaking pitches and developing a more consistent approach.
What this really suggests is that the Cubs are willing to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward prospect. They believe in Jasa's potential and are confident that they can help him refine his skills and improve his command. This is a bold move, but it could pay off in the long run, as Jasa has the makings of a dominant pitcher.
In conclusion, the Cubs' selection of Carson Jasa is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. With his size, velocity, and potential, he has the makings of a dominant pitcher. However, the key to his success will be his ability to refine his skills and improve his command. If he can do this, he could become a valuable asset to the Cubs' starting rotation. Personally, I think that Jasa has the potential to become a reliable starting pitcher, but it will take time and effort to develop his skills and improve his command.
