Brett Cecil, currently at AAA, was a sandwich draft pick in 2007, originally catching notice as a closer in the University of Maryland. Cecil, a big lefthander with plus speed, was converted to a starting role, and in one year, has vaulted up three levels to end off the season with six respectable starts in Syracuse. Ever since being drafted, Cecil has pitched on a 5 inning limit, to stretch the young lefty out to contend with the starters load, and he finished off last season with 118 2/3rds innings of work.
Cecil brings a low ninties sinking fastball which he locates well, a change that also sinks, and a devastating slider as his out pitch. Unlike many hot prospects, Cecil already has learned to pitch to contact, inducing a high percentage of ground balls and using the slider to strike out batters at all levels at 9.7K/9. In AAA, his K rate remained fairly stable, but his BB jumped sharply. Obviously, the hope is that he's just adjusting to the AAA level, but it might be relying on impatient hitting as opposed to location in limiting walks.
The Jays have been careful with Cecil, which is why he's likely not going to start in the rotation out of spring training, or if so, meant mainly as a limited option until McGowan returns. As good as his stuff is considered to be, and as good as the Jays bullpen is, having a starter penciled in for only five innings in your rotation puts dangerous pressure on your relievers. The last thing the Jays want to is blow out key figures in their biggest strength early in the season.
More likely, Cecil will be used as a regular call up, continuing to stretch him in AAA and work on his control, and bringing him up for a few starts to replace injuries. Considering his abilities, the Jays need to give him a sniff of MLB level play next season, to see what fit he could make as a full time starter in 2010.
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