Justin Cassel
| IP | 523 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.717 |
| WHIP | 1.407 |
| BB/9 | 3.115 |
| SO/9 | 5.576 |
- Full name Justin J. Cassel
- Born 09/25/1984 in Los Angeles, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School UC Irvine
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Drafted in the 7th round (225th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 2006 (signed for $88,000).
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Cassel, whose older brother Matt is a backup quarterback for the NFL's New England Patriots, grades out nearly average across the board with his fastball, curveball, changeup and control.
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Before leaving a May 6 start with an unusual strain on the underside of his right shoulder, Cassel had made the White Sox look wise for taking him in the 2006 draft. His emergence was no surprise to anyone who knows his family history. Older brother Matt has been a longtime backup quarterback for the New England Patriots. Another brother, Jack, pitched in the big leagues for the Padres in September. Even his mother Barbara has won an Emmy for her work as a set decorator. Justin has had plenty of success himself, having gone 15-0 as a senior to help Chatsworth (Calif.) High finish the 2003 season as the national high school champion. He got off to a fast start in high Class A in 2007 before missing more than half a season while rehabilitating his shoulder. Cassel was healthy at the end of 2007, pitching so well in instructional league that he'll have a chance to open 2008 in the Double-A rotation. He has a smooth delivery but isn't overpowering. His fastball rarely gets out of the high 80s but has great natural sink, getting hitters to put it on the ground. Both his curveball and changeup grade as average to plus. Cassel works fast and comes at hitters. He'll have to improve his command as he moves up, but durability is the biggest question for him at this point.
