27 July 2006

Braves outfielder set to Cash in

Growing up around the game of baseball, Bourne Braves outfielder David Cash has seen it all.

As the son of former major leaguer and three-time All-Star David Cash, Cash III has been well versed in the demands of the game.

"When your father is in the game it definitely helps," says Cash of the experience his father has accumulated in his near 40 years in professional baseball.

That knowledge has served the younger Cash well this summer, as Braves manager Harvey Shapiro shifted the versatile athlete to the outfield and installed him at the top of the Braves lineup, both firsts for the University of Florida junior.

"He's done very well," says Shapiro of Cash's adjustments. "I didn't expect him to play as well in the outfield, but he loves to play and plays the game the right way. He's been a great addition."

Shapiro defines Cash as an aggressive hitter who doesn't take a lot of pitches. Not typical for a leadoff hitter.

But Cash's see-the-ball hit-the-ball approach has served the Braves well, as he has hit above .300 most of the season.

"When a kid has success, you leave him alone," says the long-time coach.

"I haven't changed my approach much," adds the switch-hitter, about hitting in the leadoff spot. "I just look for a pitch to hit."

His heart was in baseball

Cash developed his love for the game during the summers of his youth while traveling the minor leagues with his father, a coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization.

"Since I was a little kid I knew I wanted to play baseball," says Cash. "I played other sports growing up, but baseball was where my heart was."

That love of the game is evident in Cash's personality on the playing field, where his infectious manner was quick to win over teammates and coaches upon his late arrival to the Cape League.

"He's definitely stepped right in as a good teammate and leader," says Braves GM Mike Carrier.

As a draft-eligible junior, Cash was not offered a permanent contract by a Cape League team prior to the season, a precautionary move that many Cape League GMs make.

"You are taking a huge risk offering a contract to a draft eligible junior," says Carrier.

With a limited number of roster spots available to each team, losing a player to the professional ranks prior to the season can have a major impact on a Cape League roster.

Cash was drafted in the 40th round of this year's amateur draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Nick Presto, the scout who covered Florida for the O's, recommended Cash to Shapiro, who Presto had played for in the Cape League.

The Orioles were glad to have Cash play on the Cape, as it gave them a chance to evaluate the player in a wood bat league before making a contract offer.

"That's what we try to get a handle on most," says Joe Jordan, scouting director for the Orioles. "He's obviously handled it [the wooden bats] well."

Since his arrival, eight games into the season, Cash has put on a hitting display, raising his average to a league leading .342 before a recent 2-for-19 stretch.

Still the switch-hitting outfielder remains in the league's top 10 in hitting and near the top of the Braves in every offensive category, and was recently named to the Cape League Western Division All-Star team.

Quite the accomplishment considering he hadn't played in the outfield prior to arriving in Bourne.

"I just handle it as they throw it at me," he says of playing the outfield. "If it has done anything it has given me more experience."

Prefers playing middle infield

The challenge of a new position is something the multi-faceted athlete has become accustomed to in recent years.

Following an outstanding high school career at Northside Christian School, Cash was drafted by the Orioles but accepted a scholarship to attend the University of South Carolina.

"I wanted a chance to experience college life," says Cash. "Looking back on it now I wouldn't have changed a thing."

As a freshman, he started 11 games at shortstop for the SEC tournament champions.

He spent his sophomore year playing second base at Chipola Junior College, before transferring to Florida and winning the third baseman job midway through the season.

Cash admits he prefers the action of the middle infield and he might get a chance to return to the diamond if and when he signs with the Orioles.

"He's a well-rounded player who grew up around the game," says Jordan. "We'll see how things work out, he's done a good job here. I'm sure we'll give him a chance to pay in the dirt."

For Cash, whose late arrival to Florida and Bourne didn't slow him down, the challenge of pro-ball is one he's sure to meet with his trademark enthusiasm.

"They drafted me as a second baseman," he says with a grin. "But I'll play anywhere they want me to play."