Cassidy has overcome diabetes and not being drafted to become a fringe prospect. He already has accomplished more than seemed likely, pitching effectively in the second half of 2001 at Syracuse, his hometown. Afterward he traveled a little further from home, going to the World Cup in Taiwan as one of Team USA's top three starters. He went 1-0, 2.30 in a team-high 16 innings. Cassidy has displayed durability belying his slight build, answering concerns about whether his diabetes would preclude him from remaining a starter. His 86-89 mph fastball runs in on righthanders, whom he held to a .203 average last year. His curveball has improved but still could use more depth. Cassidy's ability to spot those pitches, as well as a solid changeup and slider, and his maturity make him a candidate for a big league setup role in 2002. If he stays in the rotation, he projects as a No. 4 or 5 starter. A full season in Triple-A may be needed to convince Toronto he should remain a starter.
Signed out of Le Moyne, Cassidy instantly impressed the Blue Jays with his poise and command. As his 1998 debut drew to a close, he was going to be rewarded for his efforts with an emergency late-season start in Syracuse, his hometown. The game was rained out, so Cassidy didn't get the chance to pitch in front of the home folks. In 2000, he almost earned the chance outright. Cassidy was a Florida State League all-star and combined with No. 25 prospect Scott Porter and reliever Chris Baker on a no-hitter in April. Cassidy earned a promotion to Double-A but struggled there. The Blue Jays figured it was more than just the move up, though, and doctors soon discovered why he was always tired and losing weight--he has juvenile diabetes. Cassidy responded to treatment and regained the life on his mid-80s fastball late in the season. He throws plenty of strikes with his slider and changeup as well, but he doesn't project as a frontline starter.
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