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July 1, 2008
Pike Unfazed By Impending Move
The move has not yet officially been made. Left-hander Mike Connolly did not arrive prior to gametime tonight. But when it is right-hander Matt Pike won’t have any problem with moving from the starting rotation back the bullpen where he began the season.
The Bluefish clubhouse is as tightly knit as it’s been in the 11-year history of the franchise. It is filled with a group of team-first players, with Pike fitting right in. Connolly was tabbed as a starter before he left the Bluefish to play in Taiwan in spring training. He will be used as a starter now, and manager Tommy John believes that it is in relief that Pike best helps the team.
``I’ve always been a player that will just do whatever the team feels is best to win ballgames, whether that’s a reliever role long-term, short-inning, whether it’s a starter role,’’ Pike said. ``Any way that the coaching staff feels they can utilize me the best way for the team’s benefit. I’ll just go about my business each day to prepare for that.’’
Pike (6-2) was tied for second in the Atlantic League in wins entering play tonight. He is 4-1 with a 6.35 ERA in nine starts since making a spot start May 21. He is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five relief appearances.
Throughout his eight-year career, Pike has been increasingly effective in relief. He has a 2.92 ERA in 156 relief appearances and a 5.87 ERA in 26 career starts. He led the Canadian-American League with a career-high 24 saves for the Atlantic City Surf last season.
``I don’t know if it’s a comfort level thing as much as it’s an adjustment that needs to be made with the everyday routine as far as preparing the body to pitch,’’ Pike said. ``It really isn’t one that’s more comfortable than the other. It’s just a matter of having the right mindset to prepare to pitch. I try to just focus on the simple things and just let the rest take care of itself.’’
The move to the bullpen will also help Pike rid himself of some inflammation that has developed in his right shoulder due to his heavy workload. He has logged 61 innings this season, the second highest total of his career. He reached a high of 65 innings in 41 relief appearances for St. Paul in the independent American Association in 2006.
Pike said there is no structural damage in his shoulder.
``If he has shoulder issues then it’s easier to keep it sound out of the bullpen then throwing 125 pitches,’’ John said. ``It’s either Pike or (Rafael) Bergstrom. One of those two guys. So we’ll probably go with Pike and then see because I haven’t heard of anybody else coming in.’’
Rich
Posted by Elliott on July 1, 2008 7:23 PM
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