Trevor Cahill Cherishing His New Opportunity, Run With Cubs

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Caught in the celebration after the Cubs' clinching win over the Cardinals in the NLDS, Chicago right-hander Trevor Cahill broke free from the party and took a moment to embrace where he was.

Two months prior, Cahill was unemployed, let go from the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate. On Tuesday, he had helped pitch the Cubs into the NLCS.

"This team's unbelievable," Cahill said, his voice becoming raspy after the chaotic Cubs party.

Cahill, 27, came up through the Athletics' organization and appeared to have a bright future ahead. In his second season in the big leagues in 2010, he posted an 18-8 record and 2.97 ERA. But he moved to the Diamondbacks in 2012 and wasn't nearly as effective. Cahill joined the Braves for 2015 but was cut loose in June after compiling a 7.52 ERA in 26 1/3 innings for them.

He was then added to Dodgers but opted out of a minor league deal with them in mid-August. He thought his 2015 big league season might be over -- until the Cubs came calling.

The morning of Aug. 19, Cahill was inked to a deal with Chicago. Catcher Miguel Montero had played with Cahill in Arizona and was thrilled when he learned of the news. He quickly texted Cubs executives with his excitement.

"I always was a believer, and he's had probably the best stuff in the game," Montero said of Cahill. "A lot of people didn't believe me, and you know what, that's OK."

When the Cubs began planning for the postseason, starting with their September call-ups, Cahill was included in the mix. For the first time in his career, he was showing comfort working out of the bullpen.

The Cubs wanted to see what Cahill had in his arsenal. Pitching in relief, his fastball is up in velocity, now at 94 mph. His sinker, cutter and curveball are more effective, and he's showing greater command.

Even Montero had observed that Cahill had lost accuracy -- and, as a result, confidence -- during his time in Arizona. But Montero had a feeling that Chicago would bring a new chapter for the pitcher. Fortunately, the Cubs' front office felt that, too.

Cahill has become a reliable arm out of the bullpen for Joe Maddon. In this postseason, he's appeared three times in relief and allowed just one earned run in 2 2/3 innings. In 11 regular-season appearances, he gained the trust of manager Joe Maddon, posting a 2.12 ERA and 0.76 WHIP.

"Where I was a couple months ago, to come here," Cahill said. "I'm just grateful that Theo (Epstein) and Joe gave me the ball and just let me go out there and do my thing."

For all of the Cubs' homegrown talent, Epstein and the front office helped forge a winner in 2015 by finding key pieces like Cahill, Clayton Richard, Fernando Rodney and other castaways from outside teams.

Belief in Cahill brought him to this point, helping the Cubs into the NLCS.

"Sure enough, he's been looking (good)," Montero said. "And, like I say, knock on wood again, hopefully he stays good."

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.