Burgundy Out, Doherty In

[aaronweiner]

Ron Burgundy is a wild man with a golden arm. John Doherty is as steady a pitcher as there in the MBBA. In an odd exchange, Birmingham exchanged one for the other this season in a series of separate trades.

Burgundy went into the season as the Bandits' #1 starter, but was quickly dealt as the team went into a tailspin early on in the season for prospects Antonio Pacheco and Ira Arthur. In a surprise move, however, Birmingham halted the rebuilding process somewhat to acquire Doherty from Louisville in a sign and trade for 1B prospect Hank Rayman and RP/SP prospect Christian Hoey.

Birmingham figured that with a top-flight defensive outfield, Doherty would find a lot of success in Birmingham: and he hasn't disappointed at all, as the control expert put up an excellent run in Birmingham.

"We felt that John would have a lot more success on our team than Louisville, whose outfield defense has never been really excellent," said GM Aaron Weiner. "He's been nothing but solid for us since coming over here."

There's a good chance that Doherty will start 2002 as the Birmingham #1 starter, but word is that the Bandits will be active in the free agent market this offseason and may push Doherty back in the rotation. Whatever the situation, Doherty signed a five-year extension that should insure that the pitcher ends his career in Birmingham.

"Whatever they need me to do, that's what I'll do," said Doherty. "I think we'll have a much better record next year."

[recte44]

Doherty gave up a lot of dingers for Birmingham, while pitching well overall.