Today’s Game
Opponent: Eugene Emeralds
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Everett Memorial Stadium
Radio: KRKO (1380 AM)
Probable starters: Everett left-hander Jordan Shipers (0-1, 14.73 ERA) vs. Eugene right-hander Colin Rea (0-0, 4.50)
Back on track
Tony Butler is using the Everett AquaSox to try and restart his career.
Based on his performance Thursday night, he might not be in Everett very long.
Butler looked like a pitcher with five years more experience than his opponents during his five-inning, nine-strikeout start against the Vancouver Canadians. His command, in particular, was far beyond what one normally sees from a Northwest League pitcher.
“I thought I did a pretty good job,” Butler said. “My fastball command wasn’t as good as it was my first time out, but I think I made up for it with my offspeed pitches. I was comfortable throwing my offspeed pitches for strikes and I think that helped me be successful.”
Butler, of course, is in his second stint with the AquaSox. He pitched for Everett in 2006 as an 18-year-old and was a promising prospect who ended up included in the 2008 trade that sent Erik Bedard from Baltimore to Seattle. However, Butler had arm trouble while with the Orioles organization, eventually leading to his release last year. He re-signed with the Mariners in May.
Now Butler is healthy and once again looking like a prospect. Thursday night he didn’t even need to rely on the curveball that was his go-to pitch his last time through Everett.
“Talking to (pitching coach Andrew) Lorraine, my first time out I showed my pitches too soon,” Butler said. “This time I wanted to save that for the second, third time around the order. So the first couple innings I just tried to get by with my fastball and change-up, find out which hitters could hit my fastball.
“My curbeball has always been my bread-and-butter pitch,” Butler continued. “I think back when I was here in 2006 it was a little more slurvy. I think now it’s a little tighter and a little sharper, so I’m pleased with it.”
Indeed, his whole repertoire is sharp, and it may be just a matter of time before he starts climbing back up the minor-league ladder.
Coming soon
The Sox have added a new player to the roster, but that player won’t be joining the team for a bit.
Outfielder Mike McGee, the Seattle Mariners’ 15th round pick in this year’s draft, has signed with the M’s and been assigned to Everett. However, McGee doesn’t have a passport and the Sox are heading to Vancouver for a three-game series beginning on Tuesday. Therefore, McGee won’t join the Sox until they return to the U.S. for their three-game series at Salem-Keizer next Friday.
McGee just completed his senior season at Florida State University. The 23-year-old from Port St. Lucie, Fla., batted .321 in 63 games for the Seminoles, belting 10 home runs, driving in 58 runs and drawing 46 walks.
Dual identities
One can be excused for feeling some confusion over the identity of Everett’s starting pitcher Friday. Jose Campos went by Vicente Campos last season when he was named to the Venezuelan Summer League all-star team. However, this season the talented 18-year-old right-hander is being listed as Jose. When asked, Campos said he goes by either Jose or Vicente. His full name is Jose Vicente Campos.
Nick Patterson, Herald writer
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