Madison Bumgarner

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9/9/09

I'd like to applaud the Giants most prized minor league pitching prospect Madison Bumgarner. Bumgarner showed remarkable poise and calm by going 5 1/3 innings with 2 ER and 4 Ks against the Padres. He was thrust into his debut start in a meaningful September game without knowing in advance that he was pitching. Only because of Tim Lincecum's lower back inflammation did Bumgarner pitch.

He was called up to the bigs after a sub 2.00 ERA in the minors this year. The 6'4", 215 lb lefty hails from Hickory, NC and was selected 10th overall by the Giants in 2007. And remember, this guy was drafted out of high school and is only 20. Would be like a sophomore or junior in college right now.

Of course, nobody is perfect, and especially not a rookie. Bumgarner naturally showed signs nervousness and when he missed the strike zone he missed badly. However he made only 2 mistakes in his debut giving up 2 solo homers.

It also seemed like Bumgarner wasn't throwing much besides fastballs. His high 80s low 90s heaters seemed to float into the zone a little and I didn't see much of an offspeed.

Also doesn't it seem like Madison could throw a lot harder? He motion is kind of herky jerky and seems to glide instead of driving off his back leg.

But I shouldn't be nitpicky, he gave the Giants an excellent performance in his first start. I hope it's the start of an auspicious career para los gigantes.