Bergesen on track mentally and physically to make it to the big leagues
The best approach a Minor League prospect can take is to work on his game, continue to improve, and put up numbers. Prospects get noticed by success and consistency.
Brad Bergesen of the Bowie Baysox is doing exactly that, and he is pitching his way toward the Major Leagues.
After beginning the season with Frederick, Bergesen was promoted to Bowie in April. The 22-year-old right hander has put together a breakthrough season for the Baysox, setting the Bowie franchise record for most wins in a season with 14.
"This game is all about opportunity," Bergesen said. "I was fortunate enough early this season to get the chance to come up here, and I've just been trying to make the most of it."
Bergesen was drafted by the Orioles in the 4th round in 2004 and was brought along slowly, spending his first two seasons with short season clubs. He has a tremendous understanding of being a Minor League prospect.
"It's like a pyramid--it's just better and better at each level," Bergesen said. "I've been at every level in the Orioles' system, and this jump to Double A has been a big one. The hitters are better and more patient."
In his last start on August 2, Bergesen was the winning pitcher at Altoona. His 14th victory broke the Baysox single season record for wins. Rick Forney and Jimmy Haynes each won 13 for Bowie in 1993, and current Orioles reliever Jim Johnson won 13 games for the Baysox in 2006.
On the season Bergesen is 14-3 with a 2.70 ERA for Bowie. He is a combined 15-4 between Frederick and Bowie, and he has walked only 26 batters in 140.2 innings this season. Numbers like that get noticed.
Bergesen is a sinker-slider pitcher who would rather get a groundout than a strikeout.
"I just try to go about my business, get my work in and give my best effort for my team," he said. "I try to load up the innings and the strike zone."
And that approach has Bergesen on track towards the big leagues.
I saw Bergesen pitch for the Bosox last night. Went specifically for that. He was terrible. Couldn't get the ball over the plate. Behind in the count most times. Shelled out after 2 1/3 innings after giving up five runs. Played the worst team in the league. Very disappointing.
Also came to see Matt Weiters, who didn't show much either: 0 for 4. Hit like Payton, swinging at everything across the plate. He did have a sac fly, but it looked like an accident to me. Long pop up brought home a fast guy on 3rd. Also disappointing.
The two relievers after Bergesen, however, Romero and Casadiego, looked great, especially Romero, who retired 11 guys in a row, with seven strikeouts. They're 28 and 27, respectively, so a little old to be prospects, but worth a look. The closer, Manon, is 35, extremely old for AA ball.
The relievers pitched scoreless ball, and let the Bosox come back to win 7 to 5. Everyone else looked good, except the two superstars.
Jim
Been Delmarva Shorebird fan in Salisbury since opening in 96. Missed 3 games since opening game.
My comment:
The Orioles may have the best overall pitching staff this year than ever before. Not good size pitchers but effective. This doesn't count Butler who only pitch a couple of game. Need to see him more. I thought his arm speed was slow but I didn't have a radar gun to verify.
Time will tell how good they are. Keep up the good work
Jim, when is Brad projected to head up Rte. 3?
Next spring training should a real battle for the 5 Starting Spots.