Game Thread 28: Florida Marlins

Sweeney playing, isn’t that what a bench is for? If you aren’t going to play the bench for a 12:00 game following a night game when are you?

Batting cleanup is a whole other ball of wax. It is not like Sweeney is some power source sitting on the bench, he’s a singles hitter. This might be Sweeney’s swan song as someone spot is in jeopardy.

From Baseball HQ
Burke Badenhop (RHP, FLA)
The 25 year-old 6’5” righty was acquired from Detroit in the blockbuster Cabrera/Willis deal in December ‘07. Badenhop was a 19th round selection in the ‘05 draft and has pitched well as a starter in the minors despite the lack of a plus pitch. He owns a career 2.89 ERA, 2.1 Ctl and 6.0 Dom. He’s known mostly for his polish and command. He rarely walks hitters and keeps balls on the ground with a solid-average 86-91 mph sinker. Badenhop’s other pitches include an average slider and changeup. Because he doesn’t throw hard nor does he have a swing-and-miss pitch, he’ll never become a high K pitcher. He is efficient and has enough durability to either remain a starter or become a long reliever.

I’d like to send out my condolences to the Bavasi family. Buzzy helped to assemble the ‘55, ‘59, ‘63, and 1965 World Series Champion Dodgers teams. I am sincerely grateful for he & his family’s service in Major League Baseball.