imgreat95
02-27-2003, 01:56 AM
Pirates Notebook: Top prospects get moment to shine
Thursday, February 27, 2003
By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Two top prospects returning from surgery and the No. 1 draft pick last year took part in the tuneup for exhibition games yesterday.
Pitcher Bobby Bradley, a No. 1 pick in 1999 who missed all last season after reconstructive elbow surgery, surrendered the lone run in a 14-1 win against Manatee Community College, giving up one hit and a couple of walks in the inning he pitched. He was described as "a little rusty and a little anxious" by Manager Lloyd McClendon.
Catcher J.R. House, a fifth-round pick in 1999 who had three surgeries last season and will be limited to hitting while his elbow recovers, singled off the left-field wall in a pinch-hit appearance.
And pitcher Bryan Bullington, the top pick in the country last year, pitched a scoreless inning, allowing only a broken-bat single and striking out one in his first professional appearance. The previous time Bullington pitched in a game, he was playing for Ball State University, and opponents were using aluminum bats.
"There were some butterflies. Once you get out there, it's a nice comfortable feeling. It was definitely special," he said.
McClendon said he was "extremely pleased" by Bullington's outing. "Once he gets everything cleaned up, he's going to be a good-looking pitcher. He had tremendous [sinker] today. He did OK for himself."
The timetable for Bradley and House to reach the majors has been disrupted by their injuries.
In Bradley's case, he has had just 29 starts in four years in the minors, so this will be a big season for him.
"You just hate to lose the at-bats and innings pitched to injuries," General Manager David Littlefield said. "That's just a killer for development. Not to say guys can't overcome it because they're on the road back, but it's a setback.
"From my standpoint, it's great to see guys out there and show their wares, to kind of start the process again. It's going to be a while before they get their game together."
Bradley, 22, would like to start the year at Class AA Altoona, but he likely will start with Class A Lynchburg, where he was pitching when his elbow problems flared in 2001.
"I'm healthy. I'm back," Bradley said. "Now, I need innings. I want to be a starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates soon, but I know I have to pitch wherever they send me. It hasn't been an easy road."
House was rated the Pirates' top prospect before the 2002 season, but he had surgeries to repair a hernia and subsequent scar tissue, then had his right elbow reconstructed.
"It was a nightmare. Mentally, I went through a lot, seeing other guys play and not being able to compete," said House, 23. "There have been lots of struggles. This is a big one to get out of the way."
House believes he can be a designated hitter in the minors -- probably in Altoona for the third consecutive year. He won't be cleared to throw as a catcher until August.
Doster's day
The Pirates used mostly minor-leaguers in the game yesterday. Second baseman David Doster, who played in 138 major-league games with the Philadelphia Phillies, homered and tripled and drove in four runs. J.J. Davis also had a solo home run.
Pitcher Salomon Torres got the win, pitching two scoreless innings while allowing two hits. Joe Beimel followed with two scoreless innings. Jim Mann, Nelson Figueroa and Shawn Camp also pitched.
Jeff D'Amico will start the exhibition opener today against Philaelphia's Randy Wolf.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Two top prospects returning from surgery and the No. 1 draft pick last year took part in the tuneup for exhibition games yesterday.
Pitcher Bobby Bradley, a No. 1 pick in 1999 who missed all last season after reconstructive elbow surgery, surrendered the lone run in a 14-1 win against Manatee Community College, giving up one hit and a couple of walks in the inning he pitched. He was described as "a little rusty and a little anxious" by Manager Lloyd McClendon.
Catcher J.R. House, a fifth-round pick in 1999 who had three surgeries last season and will be limited to hitting while his elbow recovers, singled off the left-field wall in a pinch-hit appearance.
And pitcher Bryan Bullington, the top pick in the country last year, pitched a scoreless inning, allowing only a broken-bat single and striking out one in his first professional appearance. The previous time Bullington pitched in a game, he was playing for Ball State University, and opponents were using aluminum bats.
"There were some butterflies. Once you get out there, it's a nice comfortable feeling. It was definitely special," he said.
McClendon said he was "extremely pleased" by Bullington's outing. "Once he gets everything cleaned up, he's going to be a good-looking pitcher. He had tremendous [sinker] today. He did OK for himself."
The timetable for Bradley and House to reach the majors has been disrupted by their injuries.
In Bradley's case, he has had just 29 starts in four years in the minors, so this will be a big season for him.
"You just hate to lose the at-bats and innings pitched to injuries," General Manager David Littlefield said. "That's just a killer for development. Not to say guys can't overcome it because they're on the road back, but it's a setback.
"From my standpoint, it's great to see guys out there and show their wares, to kind of start the process again. It's going to be a while before they get their game together."
Bradley, 22, would like to start the year at Class AA Altoona, but he likely will start with Class A Lynchburg, where he was pitching when his elbow problems flared in 2001.
"I'm healthy. I'm back," Bradley said. "Now, I need innings. I want to be a starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates soon, but I know I have to pitch wherever they send me. It hasn't been an easy road."
House was rated the Pirates' top prospect before the 2002 season, but he had surgeries to repair a hernia and subsequent scar tissue, then had his right elbow reconstructed.
"It was a nightmare. Mentally, I went through a lot, seeing other guys play and not being able to compete," said House, 23. "There have been lots of struggles. This is a big one to get out of the way."
House believes he can be a designated hitter in the minors -- probably in Altoona for the third consecutive year. He won't be cleared to throw as a catcher until August.
Doster's day
The Pirates used mostly minor-leaguers in the game yesterday. Second baseman David Doster, who played in 138 major-league games with the Philadelphia Phillies, homered and tripled and drove in four runs. J.J. Davis also had a solo home run.
Pitcher Salomon Torres got the win, pitching two scoreless innings while allowing two hits. Joe Beimel followed with two scoreless innings. Jim Mann, Nelson Figueroa and Shawn Camp also pitched.
Jeff D'Amico will start the exhibition opener today against Philaelphia's Randy Wolf.