behind the dugout

Towers did know something in trading Linebrink

By john • Apr 26th, 2008 • Category: kevin towers, scott linebrink, will inman

I’ve heard a few rumblings that maybe San Diego Padres general manager knew something in trading Scott Linebrink to Milwaukee late in the season that others did not know.

At the age of 30 Linebrink was having another solid season. He was just two seasons removed from seasons in which he posted 2.14 and 1.83 ERA’s and was the set up man to Padres closer Trevor Hoffman.

He was also set to be a free agent following the end of the season.

On July 25th he was traded to Milwaukee who was looking to strengthen their bullpen for a playoff push. Going to Sn Diego were three minor leagues, Joe Thatcher who pitched quite well out of the Padres pen following the trade, Steve Garrison and Will Inman a 20-year-old who was just 1-5 with a 5.45 ERA in Double-A.

The report on Inman is that he gets a lot of strike outs (397 in 343 minor league innings) but has also had troubles with his control walking 107 batters during that time. He’s posted good hits/nine stats and his 1.04 WHIP speaks well even considering the walks.

Inman was sent to Double-A San Antonio upon completing of the trade there he started seven games going 3-3 with a 4.17 ERA.

This season Inman began with the Missions again in Double-A. He’s started 5 games this season compiling a 1.05 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and has stuck out 24 in his 25.2 innings of work. Of course there are some negatives as he has already walked 13 batters.

He was named Texas League pitcher of the week of April 3-April 13 to start the season.

Inman is continuing to improve this season in Double-A while Linebrink signed a mega-deal to pitch for the Chicago White Sox.