It’s a Dunn Deal: The Major League Call-Up of a Converted Outfielder
September 2, 2009 · Christopher Chavez · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Mike Dunn was a minor-league Yankees outfielder three years ago until they asked him if he would be willing to switch positions and become a pitcher.
Dunn was glad to do anything that would keep his dream of becoming a major leaguer, alive.
When the Yankees called him up on Sept. 1 to tell him he was needed, he was incredulous.
The day that Dunn had been waiting for all of his life had finally arrived. He was finally trading in his minor league uniform for the most prestigious uniform in all of sports, the Yankee Pinstripes.
Dunn is one of the five Yankee call-ups for the month of September.
The other Yankees joining the team are catcher Francisco Cervelli, utility player Ramiro Pena, and relief pitchers Edwar Ramirez and Mark Melancon.
The other Yankee call-ups have spent time with the Yankees at some point this season. Dunn split time between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton this season.
Dunn was drafted by the Yankees in the 33rd round of the 2004 draft. He is 6’1″ and throws fastballs in the 90s. He strikes out many batters, but the downside is that he walks just as many.
Joe Girardi said that he called Dunn up because he wants to see more or even better stuff from Dunn.
Dunn was the latest addition to help out lefties Phil Coke and Damaso Marte in the bullpen and could serve as a lefty specialist for the Yankees.
His story could be as dramatic as someone like Rick Ankiel. Ankiel had the opposite story; he was a pitcher that was converted into an outfielder.
Ankiel has had success in the majors and so could Dunn. The Yankees are just about to enter the final stretch to the playoffs and it’s all hands on deck to keep their division lead intact.
Yankee fans can’t wait to see this year’s rookies and call-ups in action. The long awaited debut of Austin Jackson might be held off for another year or two, but he had a great season in the minors that earned him and Shelly Duncan MVP honors.
Mike Dunn might not be a superstar pitcher, but he could play a big role in the bullpen and become a difference maker with only about 30 games left this season. Dunn joined the team and was in uniform as the Yankees took on and swept the Baltimore Orioles. He could make his major league debut when the Yankees take on the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.
This was Dunn’s dream and he is now on the biggest stage of the baseball world. It has been a long awaited moment in his life and he couldn’t be anymore grateful. It’s your time to shine.
Welcome to the Majors, Mike Dunn!
(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
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