FORMER A's PITCHER SIGNS WITH CUBS

Andrew Cashner who pitched for the A's in the seasons of 2006 and 2007 has signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs. They reached an agreement July 10 and he received a 1.54 million dollar signing bonus plus $75,000 for future college expenses and an invitation to 2009 major league spring training. Cashner was the Cubs first round draft selection and the 19th pick overall in the June draft.

Former A's pitcher Jeff Livin, now coach at Angelina College in Lufkin, Tx, sent Andrew to the A's in 2006 and he posted a 6-1 record, throwing 56 1/3 innings, struck out 43, walking 16 and ending with a 2.56 ERA. In 2007, he returned for a short period of time as he was transferring colleges and was 2-0, had 14 innings, struck out 24, walking 6 and having a 1.24 ERA.

Transferring to Texas Christian University for the 2007-08 college year, Cashner switched from a starting pitcher to a closer which is where the Cubs plan to use him. At TCU Cashner threw 54 1/3 innings, picking up a team leading 9 wins, with 9 saves, striking out 80 and walking 27, holding the opponents to a .122 average.

Cashner flew to Mesa, AZ July 11 to join the minor league club. The Cubs plan to take it slow with him as he had thrown so many innings this spring, which will allow him to work on a third pitch to complement an upper 90's fastball and a slider that can be "filthy".

Andrew was quoted saying, "It's a dream come true." "Of course it's just a stepping stone. My dream is not to get drafted in the first round, my dream is to play in the big leagues."

He has continued to keep in touch with A's manager Ryan Eberly and his host family, the Brian Brockmans. The entire A's family will be watching and rooting for this young man to make his dream come true.