If this is John Van Benschoten's last chance to see if he can make it as a major-league pitcher, he certainly isn't making the most of that chance.
Van Benschoten, recalled Sunday when Matt Morris was released, made his first two appearances of the season the past two days against the Mets and looked unimpressive in both.
On Tuesday, he came into the game in the bottom of the 11th with the score tied at 4-4. A hit, a balk and two walks loaded the bases before David Wright's single won it. The only out he recorded was via sacrifice.
Wednesday wasn't much better. He was brought in this time in a blowout and gave up the only run the Pirates allowed all day, despite another walk-fest by Tom Gorzelanny. The only positive for Van Benschoten was that he struck out three in two innings.
Van Benschoten is out of minor-league options, meaning if he is sent down again he must clear waivers for the Pirates to keep him. As horrible as he's pitched in the majors, some team would likely pick up Van Benschoten to either pitch or turn him into a Rick Ankiel-type of player. After all, Van Benschoten was a tremendous power hitter at Kent State before the Pirates - in their infinite wisdom - made him a pitcher.
If he can't cut it this time, he's done. Pirates management, who have no real ties to Van Benschoten, should have made that crystal clear to him when he was recalled. If they did, he didn't get the message, at least so far.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Give the Cardinals organization credit for recognizing Ankiel's potential as a position player after his pitching career came to a premature end.
The Pirates have no such foresight, and given Van Benschoten's travails on the mound, don't look for him to stick around much longer. Maybe he'll make an Ankiel-like comeback as a batter ... for another team.
Post a Comment