D-backs point to pitch execution as Cahill's issue

SAN FRANCISCO -- D-backs starter Trevor Cahill's struggles come down to a simple matter of location.

"It's just hitter to hitter," D-backs GM Kevin Towers said. "He has a good sequence at times and then just kind of makes a mistake. If you talk to our trainers, he works harder than anybody, very well liked. I think he knows what he needs to do; he's just having a hard time executing the pitches right now."

In his first three starts this year, Cahill had a 7.90 ERA and had walked eight while striking out nine in 13 2/3 innings.

What causes people in baseball to shake their heads is how Cahill can have numbers like that given how good his stuff is.

"The stuff is still there where I think this guy can be a very successful big league pitcher," Towers said. "He just needs to be able to string together a couple of good starts to get his confidence back. His stuff is good, just location is not good right now. When you have poor location at this level, then you have bad results."

Like former D-backs starter Brandon Webb, Cahill has the kind of sinker that can be a dominating pitch.

"Getting to the point where he can execute pitches, that's going to be key for him and understanding really who he is," Towers said. "He's a power sinkerball pitcher. He's got a good changeup and a good curveball, but his bread-and-butter pitch is the fastball that's moving hopefully within the strike zone."