I first heard the news yesterday afternoon that RHP Brian Gordon of the IronPigs had signed a major league deal with the NY Yankees. He will reportedly start for the pitching-strapped Yankees on Thursday in New York against the Texas Rangers.
What a wonderful day it must have been for Gordon, a career minor-leaguer who joined the Diamondbacks' organization in 1997 as an outfielder. What a day, too, for his wife and three kids. In 2007, still in the minors, Gordon made the switch to pitching, eventually earning a call-up to the Rangers, for whom he pitched in just three innings of relief.
Last year he signed with the IronPigs. As a starter this year, Gordon went 5-0 in nine starts, with a 1.23 ERA. He struck out 53 while walking just five in 51.1 innings of work. His overall ERA of 1.23 with the IronPigs was the best in the International League. He was also the first IronPig pitcher to homer in a game.
For Thursday to happen, the Phillies had to release the 32-year-old Gordon, which they did. All the best to Brian Gordon, who took another chance in the minors and made the most of it.
