Cade Horton's Spring Training Performance: A Lesson in Process and Perspective
Cade Horton, a young pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is already demonstrating a mature and insightful approach to his development, even in the early stages of his career. Despite a less-than-stellar outing against the Texas Rangers, Horton's post-game comments reveal a player who understands the importance of process over outcome, especially in the context of Spring Training.
In a game where he gave up 6 hits, including 3 home runs, and 6 earned runs over 3.2 innings, Horton's perspective is refreshing. He acknowledges that Spring Training results can be deceptive, as evidenced by the first inning where he felt he made good pitches but ended up with poor outcomes. This highlights the importance of focusing on the process rather than the score.
Horton's ability to separate the process from the outcome is a key takeaway. He recognizes that the first two balls hit weren't over 80 mph, but the scoresheet made it seem like a poor performance. This distinction is crucial, as it allows him to build confidence by focusing on the quality of his pitches rather than the immediate results.
The article also mentions a specific instance where Horton's off-speed pitches weren't competitive, leading to a moment of learning. He realized that the batter was ready for his heater, and this insight will undoubtedly inform his future pitch choices. This demonstrates a level of self-awareness and adaptability that is commendable for a young player.
The author, Brett Taylor, emphasizes that Spring Training is an opportunity for players to work on specific goals and gather valuable information. Horton's performance and subsequent analysis showcase how he is making the most of this time, even in the face of less-than-ideal results.
In conclusion, Cade Horton's approach to Spring Training is a testament to his maturity and understanding of the game. His ability to separate process from outcome and learn from both successes and failures is a positive sign for his future as a pitcher. This perspective is a valuable lesson for any player, and Horton's early career already shows promise in this regard.
