Jason Bergmann learned a hard baseball lesson in April.
The right-hander entered the season near the top of the Nationals rotation, but after three bad starts, general manager Jim Bowden told him to pack his bags and head to Triple-A Columbus. Bergmann was the newest "What have you done for me lately?" casualty.
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Jason Bergmann is making the most of what could be his last opportunity.
(Getty Images)
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There were high hopes for the former Rutgers starter after posting a 6-6 record and 4.45 ERA in 21 starts last season. He posted a 1.23 WHIP and held opponents to a .238 batting average. Bergmann made a favorable impression on the Washington organization after they bounced him between the rotation and bullpen in the minors.
Unlike 2007 in which Bergmann had to audition for a starting role in spring training, this season all he needed to do was survive. He did that with a 2-2 record and 2.08 ERA in five starts. Yet, he couldn't find his rhythm once the regular season opened. After going 0-1 with a 11.68 ERA in three starts and lasting just two innings in a start April 12, Bowden summoned Bergmann into his office and delivered the bad news.
A demotion wasn't all Bowden told Bergmann. He mentioned to the 6-4, 215-pound righty that he could be in for an extended stay with Columbus since Washington was looking at younger prospects to promote in the event a starting pitcher was needed. Bergmann turned the words of discouragement into motivation.
"I wasn't down there sitting there at the end of my bed with my fingers crossed," Bergmann told The Free Lance-Star. "I'm down there working, getting better."
It didn't initially appear as though Bergmann solved anything. He was tagged for 14 hits and nine runs in his first two starts spanning eight innings -- both losses. It wasn't until an April 29 start against Indianapolis before Bergmann saw the light. He pitched eight shutout innings for the win and followed that with another six shutout innings in a win against Lehigh Valley. He would make one more start before Washington came knocking.
Bergmann returned to the Nationals rotation May 15 after Matt Chico and Mike O'Connor couldn't cut it as fifth starters. Bergmann had his back up against the wall. This possibly could be his last chance to make a statement or a young arm like Colin Balester could be next in line to replace the 26-year-old Bergmann.
Under pressure, Bergmann tossed seven scoreless innings against the Mets. He limited New York to three hits and struck out nine on his way to a win.
"Today was a good day, and we are going to go forward from here," Bergmann told MLB.com the day of the win.
Bergmann credits Columbus pitching coach Steve McCatty and minor league pitching coordinator Spin Williams for his newfound success. They told him to use the lower half of his body to avoid stress on his arm.
"I was a little rattled, and the coaches came up to me and noticed some flaws," Bergmann said. "After that, I had a couple of good outings in a row. I just look to go forward from here."
Moving forward? It seems to be Bergmann's favorite motto, but, he has done just that. Bergmann tossed another seven scoreless innings Tuesday against the Phillies and went toe-to-toe with Cole Hamels in the no decision.
"He matched (Hamels) zero by zero for seven innings, and that's all you can ask for," Nationals manager Manny Acta told MLB.com. "He pitched a great ballgame for us."
Bergmann is back in the show and looking to keep a permanent reservation in the Nationals rotation.
"It's a second chance," Bergmann told MLB.com.
Call to the Bench -- We feel this player might be worthy of adding to Fantasy rosters for the long haul
Jose Guillen, OF, Kansas City
Owned: 53 percent of leagues
Analysis: Guillen has quietly bashed five homers and driven in 30 runs for the Royals. K.C. added Guillen during the offseason to provide a run-producing presence in the middle of their lineup. He is finally fulfilling that role after a rocky start. Guillen was hitting as low as .122 on April 13, but managed to finish the month with a .183 average. He has been really ripping the ball in May to the tune of a .318 clip. He also has two homers, 16 RBI and a .548 slugging percentage in 17 games. Guillen dealt with the distraction of being suspended 15 days stemming from the Mitchell Report scandal, but MLB decided not to take action. Guillen is clear of diversions and settling into his new surroundings.
You're Out! -- We feel this player might have already peaked and his value could be on the decline, so Fantasy owners might want to cut bait ASAP
C.J. Wilson, RP, Texas
Owned: 59 percent of leagues
Analysis: Wilson's days as a closer in Texas appeared to be numbered. Manager Ron Washington is giving Wilson one last chance to keep his job or else Eddie Guardado gets a shot to close games. It's hard to imagine it has come to this after Wilson dominated to open the season. He opened with eight scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits in that span and recorded five saves. His ERA has since skyrocketed to 5.03 and Wilson has just three saves since April 18. Even if he remains the closer, Texas is not expected to contend for the AL West crown and the save chances could be sparse at times.
GIDPs -- We feel this player might not warrant as much Fantasy consideration as he is receiving and should be avoided in most instances
Jayson Werth, OF, Philadelphia
Owned: 45 percent of leagues
Analysis: Hitting three homers in a game definitely garners a lot of consideration, but how can you begin to trust a player that has never had more than 340 at-bats in one major league season? Also, Werth is still in a right-field platoon with Geoff Jenkins. Werth crushes the lefties and Jenkins takes care of the righties. Six of Werth's nine homers this season have come against lefties and he is hitting just .233 against right-handers. Werth is exceeding expectations up until this point, but it's really hard to see him keep this pace if he doesn’t improve against righties.
Scouting -- We feel this player is on the verge of being a Fantasy reliable option, but still needs to be monitored over the next few weeks
Jose Contreras, SP, Chicago White Sox
Owned: 43 percent of leagues
Analysis: I've got to admit, I'm even a little dumbfounded by Contreras' recent surge. He has won four of his last five starts, including three straight, and has allowed just an earned run in each of the wins. He even managed to outduel 2007 Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia Tuesday, and in his previous start he beat the Angels and John Lackey. Contreras is 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Quite a turnaround from his 2007 season in which he lost 17 games, was banished to the bullpen at one point and had a career-high 5.57 ERA. Contreras blamed personal troubles for his struggles in 2007 and added his mind is focused on baseball in 2008. He has reverted to his 2006 All-Star form. Now, the only obstacle is if his 36-year-old frame can withstand the summer heat?
Stopgap corner -- We feel this player might be worth using for the upcoming scoring period
Mike Pelfrey, SP, N.Y. Mets
Owned: 24 percent of leagues
Analysis: It looks a little funny to be recommending a pitcher that has lost five straight starts, but perhaps Pelfrey is on the verge of snapping his slump. He is on track to be a two-start pitcher Fantasy Week 9 (May 26-June 1). His first start will come Tuesday against the Marlins and his second start is for June 1 against the Dodgers. Both starts are at home where Pelfrey is 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA in five starts. Opponents are hitting just .265 against Pelfrey at Shea Stadium.
Farm Boys -- This segment is for those long-term keeper owners looking for the next Fantasy superstar
Brad Eldred, 1B/OF, Chicago White Sox
Owned: 0 percent of leagues
Analysis: Eldred is up to his old tricks at Triple-A Charlotte. In his first year out of the Pirates organization since he was there sixth-round pick in 2002, Eldred has 15 homers and 41 RBI through 42 games. It's pretty much par for the course for this Ft. Lauderdale native. But then again, so is striking out. Eldred has whiffed 49 times this season for Charlotte and his propensity to go down on strikes is why Pittsburgh was forced to cut ties with him. Eldred is hitting .378 with seven homers and 10 RBI in his last 10 games. He was International League Player of the Week for May 5-11. Chicago is probably taking notice and Eldred could return to the majors in the event the White Sox need an outfielder or first baseman.
Doctor's Report -- This segment highlights a player on the verge of coming off the DL and ready to make an immediate Fantasy impact.
Eric Chavez, 3B, Oakland
Owned: 11 percent of leagues
Analysis: Chavez has been on the 60-day DL all season recovering from a back injury. He is finally on a rehab assignment and could return to the A's lineup as soon as he is eligible to come off the DL, Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Chavez's Triple-A stats are a good indicator he is ready to play in the majors. He is hitting .467 with two doubles, one homer and two RBI in five rehab games. Chavez has always had a good bat, but injuries have held him back in recent years. Chavez used to be must-start Fantasy 3B and might be able to rekindle those memories if his back and forearm issues are truly behind him.
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