- Full name Chance Caple
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Caple no doubt finds bitter irony in the fact that his first name is Chance. Because so far in his professional career, Caple has had no chance. He pitched in pain for some time before finally having Tommy John surgery in April 2001, which knocked him out for the entire season. He rehabbed in extended spring camp last year and was assigned to Peoria in May. He made two starts and was sitting in the dugout when a line drive broke a finger on his right hand, knocking him out for six weeks. When he came back, he was bothered by tendinitis and a possible strain in his elbow. So needless to say, Caple has had a hard time getting into a rhythm. He has a lot of ability, with an 89-93 mph fastball, a potentially above-average slider and a changeup that needs work. So his injuries have been frustrating for him and the organization. He's expected to be healthy for spring training, so he'll get a shot at a job in Palm Beach. -
Caple has all the tools to be a standout pitcher, but so far he hasn't shown much as a pro. He has been either ineffective or injured since signing. The latest setback came last spring, when he went down and required--stop us if you've heard this one before--Tommy John surgery in April. Doctors found that scar tissue had already built up in his elbow, so Caple had been pitching in pain for some time. When healthy, he has good sink on a fastball that ranges from 89-93 mph. His slider could be an above-average pitch and his changeup shows potential but still needs a lot of work. He's most effective when he keeps the ball down and uses the movement on his pitches to get guys out. The Cardinals hope he'll be back on the mound in spring training and could see game action out of the bullpen by the middle of the summer. Caple has the potential to be a No. 2 or 3 starter, but St. Louis wants to see how he does in a bullpen role in 2002. -
Caple was an eighth-round pick out of high school, but went to Texas A&M instead and became a first-round pick three years later. He struggled in his first pro experience in 1999, then didn't pitch until May in 2000 because of a ribcage injury. His brother Kyle was a minor league catcher for three seasons. Caple has all the tools of a frontline starter. He has a big frame that's still filling out and should make him a workhorse. He has whiplike arm action and throws around 92 mph, and he could add more velocity. His slider is probably his best pitch right now. He's a great competitor and very willing to learn. Caple didn't have any problems once he got started last year, but he still has to prove he'll be durable. He needs to learn to keep the ball down, but he may not have a good enough feel for his mechanics to know how yet. He also needs to improve his changeup. Success has eluded Caple so far in the minors, but the Cardinals still like his potential. He has the all-around package and just needs to refine it to have success. He'll take the next step to Double-A in 2001.