Saturday, November 22, 2008

Valenzuela injured; Byrne to Make 1st start

Chicago - Due to tendinitis in his shoulder, Louie Valenzuela has been placed on the 15 Day DL. Taking his spot will be T.J. Byrne .
T.J. Byrne
Chicago
Gangsters
Age: 21B/T: R/R
Born: Stevensville, MI
Position(s): P (SP4)
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Byrne had just recently been promoted to AAA where he made 1 start before getting the call due to Valenzuela's injury. GM Donald Key answered some questions as to why Byrne: "It really came down either Byrne or James Pong , who really has pitched very well this year. In the end 2 factors played into the decision. 1, Byrne will be plugged into the rotation without anyone else getting out of line where as Pong pitched last night. And 2, and most importantly in my eyes, Byrne has about 200 more IP's in the minors so we didn't want to rush Pong. We consider them to be about equal but Byrne will have to be added to the 40 man next year anyways so why not let him have it now, where as Pong has all of this year and next before needing to be added. We won't hesitate to bring Pong up however should the need arise. I will say that had this season gone like the last few we might have held both of them back, however, we think we have a real shot at the playoffs and they might just give us our best chance."