February 10, 2017
Andrew Case performed well as a closer in Lansing last season. (Toronto Sun)
Finding success in the later innings of games reliever Andrew Case has solidified himself as one of the organization’s top minor league closers.
Earning this distinction with solid play last season as Case successfully closed 10 of 11 games he attempted with the low-A Lansing Lugnuts. Factor that in with his 1.01 WHIP and 7.7 K/9 ratio in 25 2/3 innings between two levels and there’s little doubt that Case should be earning a promotion this spring.
Racking up respectable numbers due to the command and feel that Case has on his three pitch repertoire has factored greatly into the 24-year old’s success.
Currently using a mix of a sinker, slider, and changeup; Case relies heavily on his sinker and slider to put guys away. When they’re clicking the righty will occasionally mix in a changeup to give the hitter something totally different to think about altogether.
Another reason Case doesn’t use many changeups is he’s usually pitching late in games where pitchers come after you with their fastball to get ahead in counts early.
While this might not be the perfect scenario to develop the changeup, Case relishes the opportunity to pitch late in games.
“I love pitching in high leverage situations,” explained Case. “Those opportunities really get me going and it feels great because the boys have complete trust in me to get the job done. My mindset moving forward is just to keep that going and help the boys win.”
But it was more than great numbers that Case takes pride in from his Lansing experience.
“Playing in Lansing was great,” said Case. “The fans are fantastic every night and Lansing is the halfway point in the journey to the big leagues. We all dream of making it to the majors and playing in Lansing is just another step in the process.”
The Blue Jays are looking to get more out of Case after a great season in Lansing, so they assigned the Canadian born pitcher to the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League.
Despite some growing pains down under, Case has racked up 15 strikeouts and is maintaining a 1.36 WHIP while adjusting to higher level competition.
The knowledge Case takes away from this experience will definitely benefit the young pitcher entering spring training.
Toronto Blue Jays fans will definitely be watching out for Andrew Case this spring as he works hard to jump up the minor league ladder quickly.