Stanford designated for assignment

[uncc86]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/transactions/index.jsp


???? as I'm sure Metro can attest to, sometimes team's actions don't make sense.

FROM the Cleveland paper..................

Baseball can be cruel. The real victim in the first-game loss was rookie pitcher Jason Stanford. He had his first big-league victory in the bag. All that was missing was a cold beer to celebrate it.

The victory turned into a no-decision. Then, to top it off, Stanford lost his job. Moments after the game, he was optioned to Class AAA Buffalo and replaced on the 25-man roster by another pitcher, Jake Westbrook.

Westbrook started the night game, giving up one run on three hits in five innings and evening his record at 4-4.

Pitching well (Stanford gave up one run on four hits in six innings) and not getting your first big-league victory, followed by a demo tion, would have sent some guys into a clubhouse rage.

But Stanford greeted reporters with a smile as wide as home plate.

"This isn't frustrating by any means," he said. "And I have no hard feelings. I knew I would get two starts and probably be sent down. I showed the Indians what I can do, and that was my goal."

 

[barry49s]

I think this happens quite a bit. They bring up guys from time to time and take a look at them.. How they handle the pressure on and off the field would be the main reason.

They probably were going to send him back down no matter how he pitched. If they like him enough to give him a taste of the big time, they like him quite a bit. He should be fine.

 

[uncc86]

I follow quite a bit of minor league ball and you're right.....things like this happen quite a bit.

Its just a matter of perspective. I'm also a Reds fan and when I compare Stanford's numbers to the existing Reds starting staff, he'd be All Star game material.

 

[metro]

I don't think his demotion was for good. Alot of times they tweak these rosters at the all star break to move guys up and down and give them chances (especially young teams growing like Clev). The guy who took his place on the 25 man roster started the second game of the double header in which Stanford thru the first, if I am not mistaken. Anyway, look for him back up immediately after the break, he has to pitch the AAA all star game this week, remember. As bad as Clev needs players, they aren't gonna ignore someone that gave up 3 runs in 11 innings. I look at his demotion as completely manipulating the roster to give guys a look this week, and after the break they will try and gel a permanent team for next year, and I feel good about Stanford's chances.

I am pissed that I won't be going to Yankee Stadium this Sat/Sun to see him pitch.

 

[vpkozel]

They weren't going to add him to the roster right now, so it was perfect to send him down on a high note. Now he knows he can pitch in the majors and the fact that he's heading down just gives him more incentive to get back. They most likely sent him down with instructions to work on a weakness or to learn a new pitch. Why wait for the inevitiable tagging he'll get - all pitchers get shelled sometimes - that might damage his confidence.