Pat Venditte is set to make his Spring Training debut today in a split-squad game versus the Braves at the request of Joe Girardi.
For those not in the know, Pat Venditte can pitch both right and left handed. In 2009 the 24 year old relief pitcher was 4-2 with a 1.87 ERA, 1.069 WHIP, and 87 strikeouts in 67 innings. He split the year between Class A Charleston and Tampa. The 45th round draft pick out of Creighton University has amazed teammates, umpires, and opposing players alike with this unique ability.
Should definitely make for an interesting scenario if Chipper Jones comes to the plate to meet him! Girardi wants to get him in a game because he "has wanted to see him all spring. It's interesting" While he has no shot of making the club this year, at the VERY least, he would appear to be better than some of the other "specialists" that we have had in the bullpen for the past few years! (Read Farnsworth, Bruney, etc.)
