Sunday, April 15, 2001
Brower's call-up looks like a temp job
By Chris Haft
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEW YORK — Jim Brower doesn't mind that his scheduled start in today's series finale against the New York Mets will be a one-shot deal. He figures it could lead to more appearances in the future.
“As of right now, this is a Sunday matinee,” said Brower, who joined the Reds on Saturday at Shea Stadium. “But I'm one of those peo ple, I think, who the more they see me, the more they're going to like me.”
Various circumstances led to Brower's chance for exposure. Due to the plethora of off days, today is the only day until April 28 that Cincinnati needs a fifth starter. Manager Bob Boone was hoping to bring back Elmer Dessens on three days' rest, one fewer than usual, for today's game. But Dessens had to return to Cincinnati to be with his ill wife, Lorenia, prompting Brower's recall from Triple-A Louisville.
The Reds will announce Brower's promotion officially today while returning anoth er pitcher to Louisville. Relievers Scott Winchester or Hector Mercado appear to be the most likely candidates for demotion.
Brower, 28, was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA for the RiverBats. Boone sensed the right-hander was good enough to pitch in the majors but not good enough to make the Opening Day roster. So Brower went to minor-league camp relatively early in spring training (March 10) to hone his skills.
“I knew that he probably would be the first starter up (from the minors), so I needed him in shape and ready to pitch,” Boone said.
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Brower's call-up looks like a temp job
