into the fire

A few weeks back, Mississippi Braves manager Phillip Wellman predicted that Brandon Beachy would pitch in the big leagues. It might happen a little sooner than expected — like tonight. Reports say Atlanta is prepared to hand the 24-year-old right-hander the ball in the first game of a crucial showdown with Philadelphia. If scheduled starter Jair Jurrjens, who has a sore knee, can’t go, Beachy will. Beachy, an undrafted signee out of Indiana Wesleyan, began this season in the M-Braves’ bullpen but moved into the rotation in mid-summer. He was so impressive that he jumped to Triple-A Gwinnett after only a handful of Double-A starts. Beachy went 5-1 with a 1.75 ERA overall this year with 148 strikeouts and just 28 walks in 119 1/3 innings. His command of three pitches was big-league quality, Wellman said. If Beachy goes tonight, what a baptism under fire it will be.
P.S. Wellman, who had dropped hints that he might not be back next year, is officially out. It has been confirmed that his contract was not renewed for 2011 by the Atlanta organization. He’ll be missed at Trustmark Park. He was not only a sharp manager who seemed well-respected by his players, he also worked very well with the media.