Bowden to Portland

by templeUsox on May 13, 2007 8:57 PM EDT

Michael Bowden has been promoted to double-A Portland, per a source with the JetHawks booster club.

Bowden had a 46/8 K/BB ratio in 46 IP for Lancaster. His miniscule 1.37 was an anomaly, since he played half his games in the worst offensive environment on the continent.

Bowden will be paired with Clay Buchholz, forming one of the most imposing prospect combos on any one team in the minors, and perhaps the best in the Sox organization since Jon Papelbon and Michael Bowden were paired with each other in Portland.

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don't expect that duo for long

I wouldn't be shocked if Buchholz is promoted after another start or two.

by Bravesin07 on May 13, 2007 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

Bowden...

is also the youngest pitcher in the league.

by templeUsox on May 13, 2007 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

Hmm

The last sentence should be "...since Jon Papelbon and Jon Lester were paired with each other in Portland"

I'll be the first A+ prospect...

by ufoboy90 on May 13, 2007 10:14 PM EDT reply actions

Oh

yea.

by templeUsox on May 13, 2007 10:14 PM EDT reply actions

Interesting

This is a weird case because I don't know if I think it's a good or a bad move. On the one hand, he was dominating a very tough hitters league and has probably earned his way to AA. On the other hand, the BoSox have a ton of pitching and there is absolutely no reason to rush him - seeing as how he's at least behind Lester and Buchy. Why does it all the sudden seem like the BoSox and Yanks have more high ceiling minor league arms than any other organization...

Gorkys Hernandez is my new favorite player (my tribute to VTTigers)

by Dfarth on May 14, 2007 12:08 AM EDT reply actions

because

just like they can overspend for expensive free agents, they can spend much more any other team on draft picks, which results in the best potential draftees scaring off teams they don't want to play for, and having them all fall to the Sox and Yankees.

by Curtis Pride on May 14, 2007 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions

except for...

the fact that theory has no turth to it in regards to the pitching prospects in the discussion. The only 2 draftees you could say that about are bettances and bard, and bard has sucked and wasnt drafted that much lower than expected and signed for slot. Neither bowden nor buck dropped because of signing concerns but rather character ones (buck theiving laptops) or bad scouting (bowden as a cold weather pitcher).

by jspearlj1 on May 14, 2007 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

well

that Horne guy that had a thread about him would be another example...

Gorkys Hernandez is my new favorite player (my tribute to VTTigers)

by Dfarth on May 14, 2007 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

horne?

Can't say I know who you are talking about.

by jspearlj1 on May 14, 2007 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

RE

http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2007/5/13/152049/226

I can't recall the story without looking but the Yanks paid him the equivalent of a high round draft pick and he appears to be breaking out this year.

Gorkys Hernandez is my new favorite player (my tribute to VTTigers)

by Dfarth on May 14, 2007 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Looking At it Some More

It seems to me that Bowden is on the Phil Hughes career path...they have spent similar time at similar levels (except for the fact that Hughes's 2005 season was cut short).

They have similar lines except that Hughes has been better at not allowing homeruns and has a slightly lower walk rate.

Anyways, after comparing him to Hughes I think this has to be the right decision. If he dominates the EL, he may move himself up into the top 4 or 5 pitching prospects in the minors...

Gorkys Hernandez is my new favorite player (my tribute to VTTigers)

by Dfarth on May 14, 2007 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

not rushed

I don't think it's a case of the Red Sox rushing him. Bowden has shown that he can easily handle the competition in advanced A-ball; now it's time for him to gain experience against AA hitters. The Sox aren't looking to bring Bowden up this year, they are looking to have him improve his game against hitters who are a better match for his current skill set.

by Badler on May 14, 2007 12:46 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think it can hurt

The fact that Bowden was dominating A-ball hitters in an extreme hitters park bodes well for his AA prospects. I don't think he's been rushed so much as his performance has forced the Sox' hand.

"People think it must be fun to be a super genious, but they don't know how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world." - Calvin

by RVachon on May 14, 2007 10:26 AM EDT reply actions