2 ships passing

While waiting for Brett Bukvich to launch his pro career, it’s time to bid farewell to his brother, Ryan Bukvich. Ryan, who pitched in 97 big league games, his last appearance coming last July with Baltimore, was recently released by the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. The 31-year-old right-hander, an Ole Miss alumnus, had a 2-6 record and a 7.93 ERA. Clearly, something wasn’t right. Oddly enough, his name has come up in conversation at two different venues in recent weeks. Brett, a burly left-hander, was a fifth-year senior at Ole Miss this season and was picked in the 18th round by the Florida Marlins. Already 23 years old, Brett needs to get off to a fast start in pro ball if he hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make the majors.
P.S. Two other ex-Rebels, outfielders David Dellucci and Bobby Kielty, also may be done. Dellucci, already released once this season (by Cleveland), was designated for assignment late last month by Toronto, and Kielty was cut loose by the New York Mets in June and hasn’t resurfaced.