When a player is demoted they can handle it in two ways. Some continue the poor play which led to their backslide in the first place.
But then you have guys like Cliff Flagello, who is completely throttling opposing SAL batters.
“Jello” certainly merited the promotion to Frederick given his 5-3, 2.29 ERA and 1.13 WHIP he accomplished here in 2008. But Cliff was treated much worse by the Carolina League, compiling a 1-2 record with a 7.55 ERA – more alarmingly he allowed 25 walks in 31 innings. So at the midseason break he was transferred to Delmarva.
His numbers here are even better than the glowing 2008 figures, as in 12 appearances Cliff has allowed just 1 earned run, leading to a microscopic 0.45 ERA. Better still, his WHIP is a nifty 0.75 and he’s allowed just 8 hits and 7 walks in 20 innings. SAL batters are hitting a punchless .121 against him.
This may be the step that saves the 24-year old’s career, as he was drafted out of tiny Shorter College in Georgia back in 2007 as a 25th round pick. Continuing dominance here may yet result in a Frederick return for Cliff before season’s end.
