2009 was a tale of two seasons for Dave Bush. Prior to June 4, he was a solid middle-of-the-rotation pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. After June 4, he spent the remainder of the season injured and quite ineffective on the mound.
On that fateful early June day, Bush took a line drive off his pitching arm from Marlins' star Hanley Ramirez.
Although he made his next three starts, it was quite clear that there was something not right with his arm. An MRI on his arm revealed a micro-tear in his right triceps, and Bush spent the next two months on the disabled list.
In 10 starts prior to the injury, Bush was 3-1 with seven quality starts, including a dominant performance against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 23. He took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, picking up his first victory of the season while giving up only one run on two hits in seven-and-two-thirds innings.
After the injury, Bush made just 10 starts the rest of the season. He went 2-7 with only two quality starts.
The low-point of his season came on Sept. 2. In only three-and-one-third innings, Bush gave up eight runs on 11 hits including two walks and two hit batters.
For the season, Bush went 5-9 with a 6.38 ERA. He made only 21 starts, by far his fewest total since joining the Brewers in 2006.
In those four years with Milwaukee, Bush is 38-40 with a 4.86 ERA in 113 starts. Although he's battled some inconsistency, the team could always count on him to make at least 30 starts a year and pitch at least 180 innings.
This season, Bush is locked in a battle with Jeff Suppan and Manny Parra for the final two spots in the rotation.
Suppan is the high-priced option, while Parra is the one with the most talent. Bush, if healthy, is the most consistent option. If the Brewers base their choice strictly on performances in spring training, Bush and Parra will round out the rotation.
It's very unlikely that the Brewers would cut ties with Suppan due to his $12-million-plus contract this season, and he's not an long-man out of the bullpen.
The Brewers also don't want to cut ties with a talented young lefty like Parra, even if he's struggling. They did that with Jorge de la Rosa a few years ago, and now he's flourishing with the Colorado Rockies.
Bush does have experience in the bullpen, having been a closer in college at Wake Forest. Even if he outshines the other two this spring, expect the 30 year old to start the season in the bullpen as the long relief man.
With all the pitching problems the Brewers had last season, it's very important for them to hold onto as many starters as possible. Bush can be used as both the long-man or start for the team in an emergency situation and transition back to the rotation.
Bush is eligible to be a free agent this season, so he will want to put his best foot forward this season, giving himself as many options as possible this coming winter. Although he will never be the "ace" of a staff, middle-of-the-rotation pitchers are still very valuable and can command nice contracts.
When push comes to shove, Dave Bush is one of the Brewers five best pitchers when healthy. Whether or not he'll get the chance to be a regular in the rotation is up to manager Ken Macha.
Regardless of his role with the team, fans should expect a very good year from Bush. Don't be surprised if he racks up more than 12 wins, which would be a career-high and post an ERA between 4.00 and 4.25. Those numbers will ensure a nice contract for him this winter, as well as a very good season for the Brewers.
To read more by Jesse Motiff, click here .
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