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Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Trio on AAA-to-MLB track
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Scott Thorman batted right-handed, he’d probably already have been recalled. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old Canadian and the Braves, he doesn’t.
The left-handed hitting Richmond first baseman-outfielder had a four-hit game Monday night, raising his International League average to .326. The 2000 first-round draft choice has 14 homers and 41 RBIs.
Thorman has shown that he deserves a major league shot. But the Braves need a right-handed hitter to platoon with Adam LaRoche and Thorman doesn’t qualify for that.
While Thorman’s promotion from Class AAA may be delayed, a couple of Richmond pitchers appear to be on the fast-track to Atlanta.
Left-hander Chuck James, in AAA to stretch out his arm as a starter, is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in five games. He pitched 6 2/3 innings in his past start and has 16 strikeouts to three walks in 20 2/3 innings.
Reliever Phil Stockman, a 6-foot-8 right-hander, hasn’t allowed a run in his past 18 innings. He has a 0.91 ERA and two saves in 16 games, striking out 39 in 29 2/3 innings.
The Braves don’t have as many players to call up as they did last year. But James, Stockman and Thorman appear ready to help in Atlanta.
