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September 19, 2005
Sox Call Up Johnnies Alum
From The Herald:
The Red Sox bullpen is expected to receive a timely jolt of both firepower and youth as early as tonight when Craig Hansen joins the team for its series against the Devil Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Hansen, according to a source, will join the Red Sox as soon as tonight or sometime during the three-game set against the Devil Rays, arguably the best first test for the club's much hyped pitching prospect from this June's draft.
Hansen, the 21-year-old right-hander, has been the focus of intense attention since he was drafted and then signed by the club to a four-year, $4 million major league contract on July 23.
He did not disappoint once he reported. Hansen did not allow a run or a walk in two games and three innings for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox and then for Double-A Portland, he allowed no runs and just one walk and nine hits with 10 strikeouts in eight games and 9 2/3 innings.
Hansen was shut down toward the end of the Sea Dogs regular season with what the team described as a tired arm. The team's conservative approach with Hansen was for him to rest up and possibly help the Red Sox' needy bullpen.
The plan worked to everyone's satisfaction, with Hansen pitching 2 1/3 more scoreless innings during the Sea Dogs' just concluded postseason run.
I have a feeling on this one. This could be the move that either wins or loses it for the Sox (and the Yanks). Either way, it shows some desperation. Prospect or no, without Triple-A experience, this is a hope-and-pray type move, in my opinion.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at September 19, 2005 10:18 AM
Comments
Yeah, but he'll start off going against the Devil Rays, so he's only moving from AA to AAA. (Yeah, Tampa's playing well of late, but I just wanted to get that zing in.)
Posted by: rbj at September 19, 2005 02:16 PM
It's such a large jump from AA to the bigs - Sean Henn, anyone? The Sox are really putting this kid in a tough spot.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at September 19, 2005 02:44 PM
Kid's a power arm, that the Sox were waiting to promote ever since he was signed.
Barring injury, he'll be fine.
Posted by: Raf at September 19, 2005 03:09 PM
Just because you throw hard doesn't mean you can get major league hitters out. Just ask King Felix how that second 98 mph heater he tried to get by Sheffield worked out for him. You gotta be able to pitch not just throw hard, I'm optimistic for the Yankees on this, smacks a little of desperation. Then again can he really be worse than the Sox current pen?
Posted by: Bozo at September 19, 2005 03:28 PM
Just because you throw hard doesn't mean you can get major league hitters out.
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I'd be willing to take my chances.
Mariano Rivera was just another scrub until he found 5 more MPH on his fastball.
If you can light up a radar gun, people will give you a chance.
Posted by: Raf at September 19, 2005 05:59 PM
Made his debut last night... Not bad; 1ip, 2k's
Nice start. Let's see if he can keep it up
Posted by: Raf at September 20, 2005 11:27 AM