Chisoxfn Posted April 27, 2004 Share Posted April 27, 2004 Strong Pitching Carries Barons By Jason Gage April 27, 2004 FutureSox.com The first month of the season is nearly over with the Barons sitting atop the Southern League Western Division with a 9-7 record. The Barons, who are managed by new skipper, Razor Shines, have been carried by strong starting pitching and a good bullpen. The Barons rotation is led by Arnaldo Munoz, Heath Phillips, and Testsu Yofu. Munoz was moved from the bullpen to the starting rotation this season. It doesn’t appear the move was done to stretch Munoz out, but to make him put less focus on his curveball and more focus on his secondary pitches, which should make him a stronger reliever in the long run. The early returns have been exceptional; Munoz is 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in 3 starts and has surrendered 10 hits in 17.1 innings of work while striking out 16. Phillips, another lefty, is putting his name back on the prospect charts, after a rough 2003, which he started in extended spring training. Phillips is 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA and has drawn comparisons in the past to Sox lefty, Mark Buehrle. Right hander Tetsu Yofu, who remains on the rotation from last season, has also dominated going 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA. Yofu throws numerous pitches and is due for a call up to Charlotte. Ryan Meaux, another lefty, is following a similar path as Munoz. He is joining the rotation this season after pitching predominantly as a closer for the Sox. Meaux (1-1) has made the jump well, while posting a pedestrian (note, the sarcasm) 3.94 ERA in 3 starts. It is unclear whether Meaux has been moved for the same reasons as Munoz, but either way he has pitched well. The only weak point of the Barons rotation has been the fifth spot, which was vacated by ace Kris Honel, who has been placed on the disabled list with soreness in his arm, after leaving his first start early. Wyatt Allen, Jim Bullard, and Dennis Ulacia have all made spot starts; all but Ulacia struggled. Closer Jeff Bajenaru has been lights out with a lead. He has 2 saves and a 1.17 ERA while striking out 13 in 7.2 innings of work. Bajernaru should be pitching in Charlotte shortly. Brian McNichol, Matt Smith, and Jim Bullard (minus his spot-start) have also excelled out of the bullpen. Offensively the Barons have been led by shortstop Michael Morse (.327 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI), first baseman Aaron McNeal (.273 AVG, 6 HR, 12 RBI), centerfield Michael Spidale (.300 AVG) and second baseman Ruddy Yan (.270 AVG). The play of Michael Morse and Aaron McNeal has been surprising and if Yan and Spidale continue to heat up, the offense should become more potent. Both Yan and Spidale can create runs with their speed, and manager Razor Shines is awful familiar with that, after spending last season with the pair in Winston Salem. On the Horizon: The Barons should only get better as Kris Honel and Ryan Wing return from stints on the disabled list. Both pitchers have excelled throughout their minor league careers and are arguably the best pitching prospects in the organization. Wing was expected to miss the first month of the season and should return sometime in May. Honel, who was just placed on the disabled list, should also make his return soon. Ruddy Yan is recovering from a shoulder injury which slowed him down out of the gate, but look for him to get off to the races soon enough. This is a kid who stole 76 and 88 bases the past two seasons. Up Next: April 27-30 @ West Tennessee (Cubs) May 1-4 vs. Chattanooga (Reds) May 6-9 @ Mobile (Padres) Note: All Stats are as of April 26, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danman31 Posted April 27, 2004 Share Posted April 27, 2004 Ya know, I try to write good stuff. I really do. Then I see what you write and my knowledge just can't compare. I sound like the amateur I am and you go and write that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSteve Posted April 27, 2004 Share Posted April 27, 2004 Phillips is 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA with a 1.65 ERA and has drawn comparisons in the past to Sox lefty, Mark Buehrle. Just so ya know, you repeated yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted April 27, 2004 Author Share Posted April 27, 2004 Just so ya know, you repeated yourself. Gracious Stevo...fixed the error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted April 27, 2004 Author Share Posted April 27, 2004 Ya know, I try to write good stuff. I really do. Then I see what you write and my knowledge just can't compare. I sound like the amateur I am and you go and write that. Thanks Dan...but your stuff is damn good, don't tell yourself it isn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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