by Daniel L. Bamberg
reporter and columnist
According to the Associated Press San Francisco Giants second baseman Matt Downs has returned to (AAA) Fresno. Downs has been "all the talk" in Bibb County over the past few weeks. The Centreville native made state and national sports news when he was called up to Major League Baseball in order to replace a struggling Emanuel Burris. During his brief 11 game MLB stint, Matt accomplished several feats. He had a handful of hits including a double and a home-run, he knocked in a few RBIs, he scored a few runs, stole a base, and played second base with errorless skill. He made fans, appeared on several websites, blogs, and fan-sites. He was even adored on Twitter by a young female Giants fan who was impressed with his "passion" for the game. Indeed, baseball fans are not use to seeing passion as much these days as was the case say fifteen years ago. The point is Matt Downs made an impact and more than likely will get a chance to do so again.
As of last Thursday, however Matt was hitting just below .200, certainly not outstanding. If however, you take into consideration that this was his first MLB stint, he had only played in 11 games, and was flying out on hard hit balls, you will discover the truth beyond the numbers. Also take into consideration both his manager and Giants General Manager were quoted on more than one occasion as being impressed with his abilities at the plate and in the field. Matt will likely see the big leagues again before all is said and done. His send down was the effect of Giants reactivating second baseman Rich Aurilla from bereavement. Aurilla himself struggles at the plate, is aging, and has little room to improve. Emmanuel Burris, the starting second baseman before Downs was called up is still in the minors, and hasn't exactly been a shining star.
For now Matt returns to (AAA) Fresno where he was putting up some very impressive numbers earlier this season. The fans are likely excited to see last year's (AA) San Jose standout return. The send down is not a bad thing. Downs is young, full of potential, and well liked from his short time in MLB. Seeing him in "the show" again is almost a sure bet. Those of us in Bibb County will continue to root for our hometown hero. Continue reading the Centreville Press for up to date information on Matt Downs' professional baseball career.
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