All Things Bubba

Clay Buchholz

Boston's young phenom, Clay Buchholz, pitched a no-hitter last night. Wow. He was just called up yesterday, to sub for the ailing Tim Wakefield. He'd had just one big league start before that. He started this season in AA.

I saw Buchholz pitch in July, in Pawtucket. He was very impressive that day, though he ended up with the loss. I'm happy for him, even if he is wearing the enemy uniform.

It is kind of depressing, though, that our phenoms haven't done quite as well. Ian Kennedy did all right yesterday, but he's clearly still a bit raw. (He's also dreadfully slow. We may have another Al Leiter on our hands.)

And of course, Yankee fans still remember that heartbreaking night when Phil Hughes took a no-hitter into the 7th before blowing out his hamstring. He hasn't been quite the same since.

The Reds' phenom, Homer Bailey, has had growing pains very similar to Hughes'. He will not be called up, at least for awhile. The Sarasota Reds have made the playoffs, and the Reds want Hughes to pitch for them. He has struggled in his two starts in Sarasota, so leaving him there for now is probably for the best.

Ah, well. No-hitters are about luck as much as skill. Bailey and Hughes will have plenty of opportunities.

Phil Dumatrait may not, however. I watched the Reds game last night, and it was a disaster. It wasn't all Dumatrait's fault, but, well, he was in no danger of pitching a no-hitter.

Of course, that was in part due to his fielders. The Reds infield couldn't catch a cold last night. It was just plain ugly.

Miguel Cairo was indeed called up yesterday, and even started at 2B for the Redbirds. He was HBP in his first at-bat, and grounded out and flew out in the next two. He was double-switched out after that.

Monday, the Reds play the Mets. It's Pedro Martinez vs. Aaron Harang. That should be a good one.