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Michael Bowden joins PawSox |
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Saturday, 19 July 2008 |
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By BRENDAN MCGAIR Sports writer PAWTUCKET – Lost in all the David Ortiz hoopla was the addition of the latest crown jewel of the Red Sox farm system.
Well, almost. Michael Bowden is present and accounted for, his locker stall in the PawSox clubhouse positioned next to his good chum Justin Masterson. It’s just that the baby-faced 21-year-old is currently omitted from Pawtucket’s roster.
Bowden joined the Triple-A ranks Thursday but remains on Portland’s disabled list (strained calf). The prized right-hander, who earned All-Star kudos with the Sea Dogs (9-4, 2.33 ERA), confirmed Friday that he will be officially activated Monday night in Columbus.
Bowden is currently in the midst of a transitional phase. Not only is he changing leagues, but he’s also putting down what he hopes is temporary roots.
Naturally the built-in “break” (Bowden last pitched July 9) was a refreshing change of pace, one Bowden gladly welcomed. “They have me in a hotel right now. Everything is packed in my truck and I’m trying to get my apartment situation straightened out,” he said. “It’s very hectic and nerve-racking right now; it’s just anxiety trying to get everything settled.”
Bowden, a sandwich pick after the Red Sox lost Derek Lowe, was part of a famed ’05 draft class that includes current Red Sox contributors Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Craig Hansen and Jed Lowrie. What separates him from the rest of his fellow classmates is that he was fresh out of high school, meaning the path the Red Sox deemed would best fit him was slightly different as opposed to those who were drafted out of college.
It didn’t take long to blow through the Single-A rungs. Bowden became a Sea Dog early last season, making 19 starts with one of the “Futures at Fenway” variety. He ended up pitching to mixed results with Portland, compiling an 8-6 mark with a 4.28 ERA, allowing 105 hits in 96 2/3 innings.
The belief was that Bowden was the anti-Buchholz in that he was relying too much on his fastball. Though he’s averaged slightly under a strikeout per inning (360 punchouts in 365 2/3 innings to date), the Red Sox wanted Bowden to have more faith in his off-speed pitches.
After not getting out of the fifth inning in his first three starts with the Sea Dogs, the message became clear. If Bowden was going to keep on progressing at a steady rate, it would be in his best interest to feature more curves and change-ups.
The results speak for themselves. At the time of his promotion, Bowden was second in the Eastern League in both ERA and strikeouts (101).
“Both pitches have come a long way this year. I’ve been able to command both real well, said Bowden. “I’ve thrown them behind and ahead in counts, I feel very comfortable.”
Bowden got word he would be shuffling off to McCoy the day before the All-Star break. One of his goals was to jump to the Class AAA ranks at some point this season. With that now accomplished, Bowden has raised the bar even higher.
“My goal is to get up to Boston by the end of the year,” said Bowden. “That’s still obtainable, so we’ll see. I always set high expectations for myself.”
Whether the placement of Bowden’s stall next to Masterson’s is coincidental or happens-chance, it seems only fitting the two pitchers are once again side-by-side. Pawtucket marks the third minor-league stop both have been teammates, having spent time together in Lancaster and Portland.
“It always seems like that, which is good,” said Bowden about being a next door neighbor to Masterson.
While its obvious Bowden, who was rumored in one of packages involving Johan Santana, outgrew his Double-A shoes, his arrival to Pawtucket could be a chance to showcase him against a better class of hitters. With the July 31st non-waiver deadline approaching, don’t be shocked if Bowden’s name is bandied about as the rumors pick up steam.
“I try not to worry about the uncontrollables. The only time I hear something is when one of my friends sends me a text,” said Bowden. “I don’t pay attention because I can’t control it.” |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 26 July 2008 )
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