Dazzling Debut for Bailey - 2032

[JohnC]

Montreal

When the Blazers acquired Mike Bailey from Indy this week the thought was he would add some veteran stability to the struggling rotation. He is a proven winner with more then 100 post season innings under his belt. If he can stay healthy that is probably what he will bring to the team when it is all said and done. Little did he know when he took to the mound for his Blazers debut that greatness awaited him on that sunny day in Phoenix. "I really just wanted to make a good impression on my new team. Pitch well, and try and give us a chance to win the game", said Bailey. He did that, and more. His final line on the day read 9 IP, 0 hits, 4BB, and 9K's. It was the 1st no hitter of Bailey's career.

More importantly, a performance like this may help give the rest of the staff a kick in the ass. The team's top two starters have been decimated with injuries over the last two seasons. After a series of arm injuries over the last couple of seasons, Leon Flores is a shell of his former self. Probably best suited as a number 3 or 4 guy now, Flores has been the "ace" of the staff this season. The injury troubles to fellow "former" ace Jorge Stanza have been well documented. There is a chance that Stanza may return this season but it is anybody's guess how effective he will be.

While nobody expects Bailey to continue to no hit teams this season, perhaps that performance will inspire the rest of the starting staff and this team can get that ticket to the post season dance.

[recte44]

That was incredible.

[Lane]

Bailey definitely brought some veteran presents to Montreal.

[bpbrooksy]