Trevor Cahill

2013

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2012

Cahill's numbers took a big step back in 2011 on the heels of 2010's breakout, largely fueled by some leveling out of his BABIP figures. His walk and strikeout rates both increased at a nearly identical pace, with his K/9IP rate now on a three-year ascent since joining the A's back in 2009. His groundball rate continues to improve as well, and he'll need every bit of that following his trade to hitter-friendly Arizona in the offseason. While he'll enjoy pitching in the National League and can expect the increased strikeout rates associated with it, his career numbers away from Oakland (263.2 innings, 260 hits, 162:102 K:BB, 32 homers allowed, 4.71 ERA) should provide some caution.

2011

Cahill's breakout season was a huge step forward from his 2009 season, largely attributed to a big reduction in hits allowed, fewer balls leaving the yard and some modest improvements in his command. He still lacks a dominant strikeout rate, fanning just 118 in 196.2 innings and his K:BB rate (118:63) is below average as well. Both figures, while still merely bordering on 'meh', were marked improvements over his 2009 season, but they did regress as the season wore on (55:35 K:BB rate in 101.2 innings after the All-Star break). A small step back wouldn't come as a huge shock, but it's easy to forget he was considered to be equal with Brett Anderson coming up through the A's system before their very divergent 2009 seasons.

2010

Like fellow rookie Brett Anderson, Cahill entered spring training with little experience at the Double-A level but earned a rotation spot with a solid spring. Unfortunately for Cahill, the similarities ended there as Cahill failed to match the success that Anderson showed in his rookie season. Cahill struggled with his command, walking 72 and fanning just 90 in 178.2 innings. Equally disappointing were the 27 home runs allowed, as his ability to keep the ball on the ground was a hallmark of his ascent through the minors. His post All-Star break numbers were nearly identical to his early-season numbers, and he'll continue to struggle until he improves his control. Cahill will be a part of the A's rotation in 2009, but he's not nearly as polished as Anderson at this point.

2009

Cahill figures to pair with Brett Anderson as the next great 1-2 punch at the front of the A's rotation. Cahill continued to pitch well, posting solid numbers (124.1 innings, 76 hits, 136:50 K:BB ratio split between two levels), although his control waned a bit at Double-A (19 walks in 37 innings). That's digging pretty deep to find a flaw, and there's a ton to like here, including a real nice ability to keep the ball on the ground (2.43 G/F rate, five homers allowed in 2008).