Aeros Bullpen a Surprising Plus
Posted April 10th, 2007 by admin
With the Aeros off to a 2-0 start, the most surprising aspect of the 2007 team has been it’s bullpen. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect after the starting five (a solid group anchored by the likes of Chuck Lofgren, J.D. Martin and Scott Lewis) departed on any given game night early in the season.
Not only are there a handful of newcomers in the bullpen mix, but several pitchers are starters being converted to relievers such as Jake Dittler and Jensen Lewis. And the team’s closer, Bubbie Buzachero, while a veteran, brings baggage from last season (we’ll get back to this soon).
That being said, even though it’s only been two games, I’ve been pleasently surprised by the consistency of the team’s relievers so far. In Monday’s season-opening win over the Altoona Curve, the relief corps combined for four innings of no-hit ball. Then they did it again against the rival Curve in Tuesday’s victory, squashing any thought of a comeback attempt after the host scored eight runs in the third inning.
“I don’t think we’ve had a hiccup yet,” Aeros second-year manager Tim Bogar said after his squad cruised to a 9-0 win Tuesday night. “It’s pretty impressive in this type of weather, as well as with all the other circumstances (snow postponing the first four games of the season) surrounding us.”
One look at the Aeros roster last week before the season began and it appeared the bullpen could be the team’s weak link early on. Instead, it’s been just as strong as the offense (which has produced 15 runs in two games), the defense and the starting pitchers (Lofgren and Martin have allowed just one run between them).
April 11th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
What is your opinion on the Josh Hamilton story? This kid went from the top prospect in the game in 2002, to not playing for almost four whole years, and then had a fantastic spring training. He is currently competing for time in the crowded Cincinnati outfield (Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey, Adam Dunn, versatile Ryan Freel and starlet Chris Denorfia,) but this could possibly be one of the greatest comebacks ever. I would not be surprised if another team, desperate for an outfielder and willing to take a risk on this kid (he is still only 25), attempts to pry him away to the Reds. Until then, I am cheering for him to start everyday.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Love the new blog. Finally, more information on the Aeros and the future Tribesman! I’m looking forward to your insights throughout the course of the season. I go to various sites daily for information on each of the Tribe’s minor league teams and I have to say that you provide the best coverage of the system!
April 11th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Jacob - You bring up a great story going on in Cincy other baseball fans should check out if they haven’t already.
I urge anyone interested in baseball or even anyone who enjoys a great human interest story to check out the best story I’ve read to date on Hamilton at ESPN.com.
Jayson Stark writes a poignant essay about Hamilton’s rise as a No. 1 pick by Tampa Bay as a high school senior, his fall, and now his rebirth as Hamilton has put his past of drugs and alcohol behind him to finally fulfill his major league dreams.
The Reds snagged Hamilton in the Rule V draft, and I hope they keep him and give him a legitimate shot to compete. But you’re right, other teams might already be thinking about him via trade.
Either way, I’m rooting for him to make it - wherever he plays.
Josh Hamilton was drafted out of Athens Drive H.S. in Raleigh, N.C., one spot ahead of Josh Beckett. Others drafted in the ‘99 first round were Barry Zito, Ben Sheets, Brett Myers and Brian Roberts.