Sean Gallagher Call Up

WithAngel Guzman possibly headed to the DL with tightness in his right forearm, MLB.com is reporting Sean Gallagher is a possible replacement to fill a middle relief role. The 21-year-old is 7-2 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 starts for Double-A Tennessee, outstanding in his last outing.

 
Gallagher is a solid prospect, one of the Cubs better ones at present, featuring a three-pitch repertoire; a plus curveball, a fastball that has gained in velocity –- up to 94 mph -- since his 12^th round selection in 2004 , with a change up still in development but showing signs of improvement this year. I like him as a potential No. 4 down the road; an issue in mechanics and motion still unresolved at this point, his 54/24 K:BB ratio in 61 Double-A innings the first of many items suggesting he’s not ready for the majors.

The Cubs have made the mistake of calling up prospects too early in the past, usually to fill a bullpen need; Carlos Marmol the most recent in 2006. To be fair there’s no quote from the organization in the report, and I can’t believe they're considering Gallagher who is currently a starter, a legitimate prospect, and not on the 40-man roster. If they were to look to the minors for a middle reliever to add to the 40-man, why not Triple-A Iowa’s Carmen Pignatiello? The 24-year-old has needed an adjustment period at each level but excelled and is now the statistically the best pitcher on the squad. After five scoreless outings at Double-A he’s had 17 appearances in the Pacific Coast League posting a 0.92 ERA in 19 and two0-third innings with a 17/3 strikeout-to-walk ratio, opponents hitting him at a .200 clip. The nicest thing that’s ever been said about him is a comparison to Kirk Rueter for his pugnacious-ness; the ability to battle without legitimate stuff. But isn’t that the ideal middle relief candidate? Even southpaw Clay Rapada would be a more viable option than Gallagher, who’ll be major-league fodder in his present state of development.

 
I didn't believe the Cubs were entertaining the notion, but then it happened Wednesday morning. It seems like a reach trying to replicate someone with Guzman's stuff (Gallagher is slightly less in that department).