DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — At least for now, Fort Wayne manager Doug Dascenzo is all for the piggyback pitching system parent San Diego has installed for his team.

He gave all the same reasons the Reds used when they forced their lower minor league teams into harsh pitch counts while alternating starters with relievers.

The system requires eight pitchers who can start games. At Fort Wayne, pitchers are allowed only 60 pitches before being replaced.

When it was pointed out not every team has eight pitchers good enough to make the system work, Dascenzo said, "We have eight pitchers."

How's it working so far? Entering Wednesday night's (April 9) game, the Wizards were 1-5 with a team ERA of 5.40, 12th in the 14-team Class A Midwest League.

Klinker to start

No roster move has been made yet, but Matt Klinker is scheduled to make his first start for the Dragons since being put on the disabled list on Opening Day after feeling some stiffness in his right pitching shoulder.

Kevin Gunter was brought in from the high Class A Sarasota team to take Klinker's spot on the roster, but if Klinker pitches Friday, he would be taking Andrew Bowman's spot in the rotation.

Bowman started Sunday at Great Lakes, but came out after three innings with a twinge in his left, throwing elbow. He was cleared by doctors to play this week, but the Reds might hold him out awhile, being cautious.

Strikeout artist

Reliever Jeff (his official name is Raymond, but he doesn't want to be called that) Jeffords faced only 16 batters in his first three games spread over 42/3 innings, and was quite successful. He struck out 11 of them. He also allowed two hits, a walk and no runs.

Man with a song

Before Gunter gets promoted back to Sarasota, somebody must get him to either sing the National Anthem or God Bless America. The man sings with his family, and has some great pipes.

Picture tells all

Dragons manager Donnie Scott considered taking a picture to the umpires showing an incorrect call by base umpire Nathan Thompson in the home opener, but thought better of it. Fort Wayne's Brad Chalk was doubled up at first on a fine throw by right fielder Denis Phipps in the first inning Monday.

Ron Alvey's picture with Dragons first baseman Mike McKennon holding the ball before Chalk's foot reaches the bag can be seen on Dayton

Daily News.com. To be fair, the call was close, but wrong.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.

com.

Vote for this story!