Matt Bush
From BR Bullpen
Matthew B. Bush
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.
- Born February 8, 1986 in San Diego, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Matt Bush was a surprise selection as the number one pick in the 2004 amateur draft. In a draft with no perceived true top pick, the San Diego Padres opted to select a local pick that was likely to sign early and for a reasonable bonus. He was viewed as the top defensive shortstop prospect in the draft with a rocket arm and questionable skills at the plate.
Almost immediately after signing Bush was involved in a fracas at a bar and ran into legal problems. His 2004 and 2005 season have been disappointments as he has yet to produce much offensively. He hit .268/.333/.310 in 21 games for the 2006 Fort Wayne Wizards but was rated as having the best infield arm in the Midwest League by Baseball America.
The Padres announced in 2007 that Bush would be converted to pitching. In his first four games for the AZL Padres, he struck out 11 in 5 1/3 IP and allowed no runs. Overall, in seven games pitched in 2007, he posted a 1.25 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings of work.
