Bush Stepping Up

Two years ago many people were picking Dave Bush to be a breakout player. He was coming off his first season with the Brewers and finished the year with a 4.41 ERA.

Why were people picking him to be a breakout player? It wasn't the way he started the season, but the way he finished it. Bush posted a 3.79 ERA in August, and an ERA of 3.03 in September. The right-hander was primed to have a big 2007.

The 2007 season came and Bush did not have the year everyone hoped he'd have. Bush struggled out of the gate, and finished April with a 6.23 ERA. Bush's struggles eventually landed him in the bullpen for a time, before he went back into the rotation. He finished 2007 with a 5.12 ERA.

2008 came and the Brewers began the spring loaded with starting pitching. Now Bush was battling for a spot in the rotation. He did land a spot in the rotation, but once again struggled early on in the season. Bush finished April 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA. The fans grew frustrated, and many wanted him gone. What happened? Bush seemed to have loads of potential and many thought he was a potential all-star after his first season with the team. He was beginning to look like someone who didn't belong in the big leagues.

After continuous poor outings Bush was sent to Triple-A to figure things out. Bush only made one start in Triple-A, and it was a good one. He pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run. Then Yovani Gallardo went down with an injury and Bush was recalled to take his place in the rotation.

The results did not get any better at the big league level upon his return. Bush gave up at least five runs in three of his next four starts. It was to the point where Brewers fans dreaded every time he made a start. Then all of a sudden something started to click. Bush turned in an outstanding month of June by posting a 3.65 ERA.

Despite a solid month in June, Bush's status in the rotation was still in question. The Brewers made a blockbuster trade, acquiring 2007 AL Cy Young winner, CC Sabathia. The question when the Brewers made the trade was, who was going to be dropped out of the rotation? The most likely choice was Dave Bush or Seth McClung. However, shortly after the trade was made it was announced Jeff Suppan was headed to the 15 day DL.

Jeff Suppan was signed to the largest contract in Brewers history prior to last season, and is making over $8 million this season. When he returns from the disabled list it's assumed he will regain his spot in the rotation. That means one of Bush or McClung will move to the bullpen.

Bush has been making a real strong case by his recent performance that he won't be the one taken out of the rotation. In two starts so far this month Bush is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA. In his last start he allowed only one run and had a career-high, 13 punch outs. The heat has been on Bush to step up, and he is responding. Well done Dave Bush, well done.