October 10, 2016
Cavan Biggio nade a great first impression in pro ball. (MILB.com)
Making an instant impact in professional baseball, second baseman Cavan Biggio was off and running in 2016.
Spending time at two levels last season; Biggio carried an impressive .273/.371/.349 slash line split between the Vancouver Canadians and Lansing Lugnuts. The prospect recorded 65 hits on the campaign, which included: 12 doubles, and three triples. The 21-year old also successfully stole 11 bags in 14 attempts, as he showcased his speed on the base paths all season.
Taking great pride in his ability to make plays on the field with his speed, Biggio discusses how he uses his legs to find success every outing.
“I use my speed to my advantage any way I can,” said Biggio. “Whether it’s laying a bunt down for a hit, stealing a base, or making a play at second, it helps.”
Biggio’s great numbers comes from his continual effort to find consistency in the batter’s box. Using a bat waggle, along with quick hands on the follow through has helped the prospect find success at every level of baseball he has played at in his life.
“My plate approach has stayed the same,” stated Biggio. “I’m just going up there trying to hit the ball hard and have a competitive at-bat. In professional baseball it has improved in that aspect.”
“I’ve developed my own swing,” Biggio added. “It’s come over time from playing my whole life. That’s what I’ve come up with, the bat waggle, and quick follow through with my hands.”
One area Biggio wants to improve this off-season is in the field. Committing 13 errors and maintaining a .953 fielding percentage wasn’t the best start defensively for the young prospect.
Despite those numbers, there were several positives to Biggio’s defensive game as well as he assisted on 158, and took part in 35 double plays in 502 1/3 innings in the field.
Discussing the improvements he wants to see in his game before next season, Biggio has two areas he wants to sharpen before heading into spring camp.
“I’d like to improve my flexibility and fielding,” stated Biggio. “Those will correspond with each other. Helping my flexibility will help my footwork. Those are the two basics.”
Achieving those goals should be a realistic one for Biggio as he has a great mentor in the game to turn to for advice if he needs it. Being the son of Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio definitely has some advantages for Cavan, who had the opportunity to play for his Dad in high school.
“My Dad has been a big influence on my career,” stated Biggio. “Obviously everybody here dreams of playing in the big leagues and being a player like Craig Biggio. I was fortunate enough to watch him play and come home and spend time with him. He pretty much set the path for me in what I wanted to do with my life.”
Supporters of the Toronto Blue Jays certainly hope that Cavan Biggio can achieve all of the goals he has set out for himself in the game of baseball, as a member of their organization.