Bowie not intimidated by rehabbing Yankees
TRENTON >> When word trickled out that the Thunder would have four rehabbing Yankees pitchers lined up for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern League Championship Series, Bowie manager Buck Britton knew his team’s task got that much harder.
Britton, whose younger brother Zack is a relief pitcher for the Yankees (and is not one of the rehabbing players), said Tuesday that his group is excited for the opportunity.
It’s not every day that you get to face Jordan Montgomery, Dellin Betances and Luis Severino in a Double-A game.
“I just told the guys what an opportunity they have to face some of these guys who are going to be pitching in the postseason in the big leagues,” Britton said prior to Game 1 on Tuesday night at Arm & Hammer Park. “There are going to be people here watching, there might be some scouts in the stands and they see how they stack up against some of the best guys in the world. We’re looking at it as an opportunity to show people that we belong here.”
It’s not like the Baysox are totally unfamiliar with major league pitching. Three of the nine players in their Game 1 lineup have combined for 931 major league at-bats. Cedric Mullins, who hit for the cycle in Bowie’s series-clinching victory over Harrisburg, has 234 with Baltimore, Jesmuel Valentin has 79 with the Philliles and Carlos Perez has 618 after stints with the Angels, Braves and Rangers.
Those 931 major league at-bats are 931 more than the entire Thunder lineup combined.
“You have guys in there that have a comfort level and they can speak on experiences,” Britton said. “At first for the players it was a little overwhelming, but after we got together and discussed what we were saying about the opportunity, there was excitement. That’s the only thing. They’re excited to go out and compete against these guys.”
As for the question of whether it’s fair or not that the Yankees can even do this, Britton wasn’t taking the bait.
“They would much rather have these guys in the big leagues helping them win games,” Britton said. “It is what it is. If Scranton were still in it, they probably would have sent some of them there. This is the only place for them and they need to get work. Ultimately, in this business in the minor leagues we’re trying to prepare guys to help major league teams and that’s what they’re doing.”
Britton’s Baysox are no pushover even with the rehabbing Yankees on board for the Thunder. Bowie went 46-26 in the second half and led the Eastern League with a 3.17 ERA.
“We’ve had strong solid starting pitching all year,” Britton said. “All you’re looking for is guys to keep you in the ballgame and give you a chance to win. That’s what our guys have done and that’s what we would like to see again.”