July 9, 2008

FORT WORTH, Texas - Andrew Cashner, the 19th overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, has inked a contract with the Chicago Cubs. He becomes the third Horned Frog to sign a professional contract this summer. As part of the deal, the right-handed pitcher receives an invitation to the 2009 big league Spring Training camp in 2009.

Cashner will be on-air with Cubs broadcaster's tonight during the Cubs' game with Cincinnati. Tomorrow afternoon, Cashner will throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field prior to the start of the Cubs' series finale with Cincinnati.

Cashner excelled on the mound for the Frogs this season in the closer role. He led the team with nine saves to go along with a 9-4 record in 30 appearances. The junior had a team-high 80 strikeouts in 54 1/3 innings pitched and has posted a 2.32 ERA. He limited opponents to a .122 batting average this season.

Named first-team all-conference earlier this season, Cashner also earned a spot on the Mountain West Conference all-tournament squad after helping the Frogs earn their fifth straight tournament crown. Prior to the NCAA Regionals, Cashner was tabbed as a Louisville Slugger second-team All-American.

Earlier this summer, Bryan Kervin signed with Toronto and is playing for the Auburn Doubledays, the short season affiliate of the Blue Jays. Seth Garrison also signed a professional contract with Boston and is playing with their short season squad, Lowell of the New York-Penn League