- Full name Pat Cline
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Cline has been one of the Cubs top prospects since 1995, when the organization's master plan had him assuming the big league catching job in 1999. Though Cline had a strong offensive season in Triple-A last year, defensive problems prevented him from getting a September callup. Strengths: Even with the rigors of catching, Cline remains one of the organization's top athletes. He runs the 60 in 6.7 seconds and has plenty of power. Defensively, he has plus arm strength and quickness with his hands and feet. Weaknesses: Cline's problems defensively are mental and mechanical. He has not made enough progress calling a game and he has struggled with his footwork on throws, leading to poor accuracy. Minor League Manager of the Year Terry Kennedy worked with him at Iowa last year, but Cline did not take the step forward that the Cubs hoped for. The Future: With Cline's strong offensive performance in '98, he's still the catcher of the future. Another season with Kennedy should help his defensive shortcomings.
