That type of control could get the youngster to the major leagues this season. The Indians got an unexpected boost when RHP Paul Rigdon , called up from Class AAA Buffalo, pitched seven shutout innings against the Yankees last week. He didn't overpower anyone, but moved his fastball around and kept the Yankees off-balance with his breaking pitches. He was a combined 14-4 last season at Buffalo and Akron. He gets grounders by using his split-finger fastball, his slider and changeup.
Control is another key.
He walked nine in 44 innings at Buffalo before being called up. Since Charles Nagy is expected to miss close to two months, Rigdon has a chance to stick with the Indians. When the organization was discussing a deal last winter with Colorado, the Rockies' insistence on including Pettyjohn scuttled a proposed deal for RHP Darryl Kile. He started 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA at Class AA Jacksonville. If he moves up, the reason will be a sharp, snapping curve that freezes hitters.