Former Hawks Pitcher Released

Well, it's starting to get back to that time of year again.  The time where we find out who survives, and who has their career cut short. 

Last night, the bad news came for 2009 Silver Hawks pitcher Brett Moorhouse, as he was released by the Diamondbacks.  Moorhouse had a tough time in South Bend, losing 14 games despite a 4.52 ERA (while I realize the ERA isn't outstanding, there's no way that someone with that ERA should go 5-14.  His ERA was under 4 until August.  He was a bit of a tough luck loser that year.)

He pitched mostly in relief with Visalia last year, going 2-2 with a 4.94 ERA. 

Good luck to Brett -- whether he lands with another team or moves on to something else.

Thou Shalt Not Steal (Second Base)!

I thought I was finished blogging for the week, but every once in a while, a story arrives that is too good to not blog about.

Grant Desme, a 2009 Kane County Cougar and a talented prospect in the Oakland A's system, is retiring from baseball to become a priest. I'm certainly not making fun of someone who is pursuing a religious life and I have the utmost respect for Grant and his decision. It's just not a story you hear very often, particularly from someone who had a shot at playing in the majors.

Desme against the Silver Hawks in 2009? .300 avg (3-for-10), 2 doubles, 3 strikeouts, 3 stolen bases

UPDATE: Desme was also hit by two pitches against the Silver Hawks. Jordan Meaker and Brett Moorhouse might want to say a prayer asking for forgiveness, just in case :)

Pitching Notes

In case you've missed it on the broadcast the last few nights:

-Jordan Meaker is starting tonight in place of Brett Moorhouse. Moorhouse will resume his spot in the rotation the next time it comes around against Cedar Rapids on Monday

-This is a move done to limit the number of innings Moorhouse throws. The Diamondbacks like to keep starting pitchers at this level between 120 and 130 innings on the season, and Moorhouse was going to surpass that at his current rate.

-In addition, Wade Miley will be limited as well for the same reason.

-Both Moorhouse and Miley will probably be held to just 5.0 innings per start for the rest of the season.

-I understand limiting innings, and I realize the Diamondbacks know what is best for their pitchers. Sometimes though as a fan it gets frustrating, because a guy could be pitching a great ballgame and gets pulled after five. This is where the low levels of the minors turns into more about development, than about winning. You hope to do both, but ultimately, the goal is to get these guys to the majors to win at that level, and winning at this level becomes secondary to the ultimate prize.