Tim Cate

A diminutive lefthander, Cate has put up two and a half impressive seasons as a starter with Connecticut. He posted a 2.73 ERA in 13 starts during his freshman season, followed by a 3.33 mark in 12 starts as a sophomore and recorded a 3.70 ERA through seven starts this spring before being sidelined with an elbow-related injury. Listed at just 6-foot, 167 pounds, Cate has a stronger lower half than might be expected, but with thin shoulders and hips. He has a three-pitch mix that features an average fastball, a curveball that is plus or better and a changeup that's thrown infrequently but has been solid. His fastball was in the 92-93 mph range early in the season and up to 94 before dropping into the 89-91 mph range as the spring progressed. The curveball is what gets teams excited, as the pitch is a hammer in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Cate has exceptional feel to land his breaking ball in the zone and bury it for swings and misses. His size is a concern and some teams look at Cate as pitcher who might have to move to the bullpen eventually. His injury this spring does him no favors--and he already has a Tommy John surgery on his resume from his high school days--but he is expected to return to the mound in early May, when scouts will try and get a few last-minute looks before the draft.