After going 5-2 in the last SIM, including winning the first 3 (of 4) from 1st Place San Francisco and moving to just 2 games back even being a robust 18-27, 9 games under 500!
Ownership, who has shown a propensity to be very deliberate with the development of the organizations prospects has given quite the boost to the fan base in over the last two SIMS.
Johnny Ratzlaff was struggling this season and the Bombers called up fan favorite Matt Murphy, who made his Bomber and debut on May 23rd pitching into the 7th inning and assisting the Bombers to a win in a game that went 15 innings.
Murphy, 23, had some ABL time while with Eureka in 2012. Once claimed by SC, he was put into the Bombers Development program that saw him accelerate thru the organization in 2013, paving the way for a callup in 2014.
Coming up for the SIM this evening is the purchase of two contracts to solidify the bullpen. Veteran Geoff Allen and rookie phenom Jose Carreon were added to the roster, at the expense of Joseph Matheson and the struggling Stephen Douglas.
Douglas, a 2013 Rule V selection has shown glimpses of the promise that made him wanted by SC. A 3.5* potential talent who throws in the low 90's with a 60% GB pct will always be in demand. The intention now for Douglas, according to the GM is to keep Douglas at AAA with a Sept Callup.
Mattheson, acquired in the re trade of Ben Kessler has struggled this season trying to acclimate himself to SC. He's being sent down to renergize him AA numbers from a year ago. At 27 time could be running out for Mattheson.
Allen, was poised to be called up earlier this month from AAA except he was sidelined with a strained muscle. In 15 innings Allen posted a 1.80 ERA and 2 saves in 15 innings, with a WHIP of 1.27. The 34 year old reliever has spent 2012 and 2013 season in South Carolina.
Carreon, just 21 years old will be making the jump to the ABL after spending just a month and a half at AAA. Already at 2.5* and a potential of 4*, and the Bombers actually still in the hunt to make the playoffs, Ownership gave their blessing to call up the phenom.
Acquired in the blockbuster trade with SoCal that included Joe "Crayon" Frost and John "Flipper" Martin, Carreon is the third prospect of the four to make it to the ABL from this trade (the 4th being Billy "Grumbles" Turner, SoCal AAA).
At AAA, Carreon posted a 3-2 record with a 2.41 ERA and 1 Save in 19 games. Over 18 innings, Jose had a WHIP of 1.29, opponents were batting a paltry .191 against him and his ERA+ was a robust 206. Those numbers this season are remarkably similar to his AA numbers from a year ago, and that lead us to call him up now. GM Altman was quoted, "With "Juan" we would normally expect a slight drop off with the promotion to the parent ball club, however, based on the stats that he's replacing, as well as his level headedness, we feel that he will help this ball club win some games and fill out the back end of our bullpen immediately".
One long time season ticket holder summed it up best by saying, "Matheson, Ratzlaff, and Douglas had ERA's of 8.66, 7.16 and 6.48 respectively. IF Murphy, Allen and Carreon can beat each of them by just 1.00 that should translate to more wins and exciting South Carolina baseball.
The Bombers are anxiously awaiting the return of John Martin from his bone spur surgery in mid July. If the Bombers are close and can add that type of arm to the rotation, there very well could be important baseball for the fans of South Carolina in September and October
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