The Providence Journal
Joe McDonald - Knuckleballer Zink gets the call he's been waiting for
After 7½ seasons in the minors, Zink will officially become a major-league pitcher when he starts for the Boston Red Sox against the Texas Rangers tonight at Fenway Park.
“This is everything I have ever dreamed of,” he said. “It has come true now and I’m going to the major leagues. It’s ridiculous. I’m at a loss for words. I really don’t know what to say about it. I’ll be smiling forever now. This is just awesome. Awesome!”
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Zink, a Triple-A All-Star this season, is tied for the International League lead — along with teammate David Pauley — with 13 wins. Zink is 13-4 with a 2.89 ERA and this season has been most consistent.
Joe McDonald - Knights 5, PawSox 4 -- Bowden shines, but late defensive miscues cost PawSox
Despite the no-decision, rookie pitcher Michael Bowden worked six innings and allowed only two runs (one earned) on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts. The 21-year-old right-hander is 0-2 in five outings for the PawSox. “He did a really nice job,” said Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. “I get excited every time he goes out to the mound. He’s fun to watch and his intensity and maturity for a 21-year-old kid — at this level — is very impressive. I was hoping to get him a couple of runs to get him the ‘W’ because he’s pitched well enough to have one.” …
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PawSox Catcher Dusty Brown made two throwing errors attempting to pick a pair of runners off third and Jeff Bailey — playing left field for the first time in almost two months — made a throwing error. “I’m not going to browbeat aggressiveness,” said Johnson. “I’m going to encourage it and tell [Brown] to do it again. You don’t make big plays unless you have the intestinal fortitude to go for. And, he does, and it’s good to see.” Offensively, George Kottaras, Keith Ginter and Brown drove in the three runs for Pawtucket.
Full Version: Sox Minor League News Links, Tues. Aug. 12, 2008
Brendan McGair - Zink gets called up to Boston
The numbers certainly backup a well-deserved call-up for Zink. Now in his seventh season in the Red Sox organization, he is currently tied (along with teammate David Pauley) for the International League lead in wins with 13. His 2.89 ERA is third best while his 152 1/3 innings tops all IL pitchers.
Patience is usually tough to associate with knuckleballers, given the unpredictable nature of the pitch. Patience is also something Zink has had no choice but to endure this season, looking on as Pauley, Justin Masterson and Clay Buchholz were awarded spot starts with the Red Sox.
In the meantime, Zink had no choice but to continue racking up quality outings in hopes Boston would take notice. He kept up his end of the bargain, taking an 11-2 with a 2.22 ERA into the All-Star break.
“I’ve stopped completely thinking about (the possibility of a call-up). I’ve always heard my name thrown in there,” said Zink. “It started out as a letdown, but at the same it was more motivation to do well (in Pawtucket).
“Eventually I was hoping to get my shot,” Zink continued. “It’s been a long time coming. Everything has panned out like I hope it would.”
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