Dustin McGowan could be Sept call up.

[James_Raptors]

I was listening to the Fan590 and they mentioned that Dustin McGowan was being promoted to AA and could be a September call up. They had a small clip from John Farrell admitting that it could be a possibility. If he's ready, I'd love to see Dustin return. At this stage anything (positive) you can get out of the guy is definately a bonus, considering I pretty much assumed his career was done.

[ThemCrookedRefs]

Why are people so excited for his return? Just an honest question because I've seen some posters express some excitement for him to come back to the majors; he hasn't pitched in like 3 years and he didn't exactly have mind-blowing stats when he did. Or is it mainly because it would be a feel good story?

[Hummus]

Why are people so excited for his return? Just an honest question because I've seen some posters express some excitement for him to come back to the majors; he hasn't pitched in like 3 years and he didn't exactly have mind-blowing stats when he did. Or is it mainly because it would be a feel good story?

People love McGowan, because he was one of our only true high-potenital prospects during the Ricciardi era, where our farms were about as healthy as those in Mengitsu's Ethiopia. He had great "stuff" but seeing him flourish and become a bona-fide threat in our starting rotation was extremely enjoyable - particularly given his poise and presence on the mound, it was fathomable he would be a true ace or #2 starter in the AL East for years to come. It's even more incredible considering his first bout of success was ALSO following Tommy John's - another part of his growing legend.

[satyr9]

I don't think anyone's excited about the call-up because they think he'll have a tremendous positive impact on games. We want him to make it all the way back 'cause it's been a ridiculous ride to get here and I hope he makes it.

[James_Raptors]

I don't think anyone's excited about the call-up because they think he'll have a tremendous positive impact on games. We want him to make it all the way back 'cause it's been a ridiculous ride to get here and I hope he makes it.

This, mostly.
I don't know him as a person (obviously) but it's a feel good story and I like the determination he has shown to try and get back to the majors and continue his dream. Whether or not he ever turns into anything special at this point in time in his career (which I highly doubt) or is impactful to the Jays big squad going forward, isn't really my point. It would be nice to see that he could be a serviceable guy around the league , somehow (I assume as a reliever) but I'm not holding my breath.

Certainly, well after his career is over (and assuming he simply fizzles out and never makes much of a splash upon his return) I'll often sit and wonder "what if". There was something about him that made me want and hope that he was something special and extraordinary.

[Homer Jay]

Why are people so excited for his return? Just an honest question because I've seen some posters express some excitement for him to come back to the majors; he hasn't pitched in like 3 years and he didn't exactly have mind-blowing stats when he did. Or is it mainly because it would be a feel good story?

He had control problems and mainly relied on his 101 mph cannon. But, it looks like he has learned to pitch now that he doesn't have that fastball anymore. Marcum came back as an elite pitcher so maybe McGowan can come back as something decent even if it is only as a bull-pen arm. Here hopes Jesse Carlson comes back healthy too, he was our best LHP bullpen arm for a couple of year there.

[number15]

I dont want to risk him as a starter with his history now.... even though that would be the best possible outcome if he is successful

I think with a Closer role pretty much open, he could challenge.

Jays have invested to much in him and never gave up.

[ThemCrookedRefs]

Cool, thanks guys. I pretty much stopped watching baseball for a few years (really started to get back into it last year and of course this year), so while I remember the name McGowan, I have a hard time remembering the player. I guess it would make for a pretty cool story if he completes the comeback and has some impact on the team.

[Trilogy]

Why are people so excited for his return? Just an honest question because I've seen some posters express some excitement for him to come back to the majors; he hasn't pitched in like 3 years and he didn't exactly have mind-blowing stats when he did. Or is it mainly because it would be a feel good story?

He had control problems and mainly relied on his 101 mph cannon. But, it looks like he has learned to pitch now that he doesn't have that fastball anymore. Marcum came back as an elite pitcher so maybe McGowan can come back as something decent even if it is only as a bull-pen arm. Here hopes Jesse Carlson comes back healthy too, he was our best LHP bullpen arm for a couple of year there.

McGowan's still got some zip on the fastball, he's been clocked at 95 in the minors.

I'm keeping my expectations low since he's been through so many injuries, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that he comes back and pitches well.

First and foremost though, I'l justl be really happy for him if he just ends up back in the majors in September.

[dagger]

I dont want to risk him as a starter with his history now.... even though that would be the best possible outcome if he is successful

I think with a Closer role pretty much open, he could challenge.

Jays have invested to much in him and never gave up.

Probably not as a a closer. Dustin will need regular, scheduled innings to control his pitch count and monitor his physical progress. Even as a fifth starter or long reliever, it's easier to make sure he doesn't throw his arm out.

[Weems]

Why are people so excited for his return? Just an honest question because I've seen some posters express some excitement for him to come back to the majors; he hasn't pitched in like 3 years and he didn't exactly have mind-blowing stats when he did. Or is it mainly because it would be a feel good story?

I started watching baseball around the time he came up and really liked him. He had good stuff and it was just a matter of honing that stuff - and just as he looked to be doing that, the injuries started propping up. I think. It feels so long ago.

I've always been pulling for him. Pulling for him to put it all together as a pitcher, then pulling for him to return to health every season, and now pulling for him to keep it together as a person. It can't be easy for him.

I also just really miss the chops plain and simple.

[Graham's Cracker]

We could have two diabetic pitchers in the rotation. We should get a sponsorship deal with onetouch.

You can't help but pull for McGowan after all of the setbacks he's had. Plus, I think he's a likable guy.

[Mak]

NOTES: The A’s have gone deep 13 times in the past eight games. … Blue Jays RHP Dustin McGowan(notes) (shoulder) pitched four innings at Double-A New Hamsphire, allowing no runs and one hit. McGowan last pitched in the majors in 2008.

From today's game recap. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=310810114

[Kurtz]

I have a strong feeling that Dustin will be a regular starter again in the majors. He probably won't be that ace we were hoping for all those years, but he'll be a solid rotation guy.

[baulderdash77]

I think he's definitively going to be a September call up. They have to find out what they have in him.

He's worth the wait though. IIRC when healthy he was throwing 94-97 MPH heaters that crossed 100 at least a few times, 85 MPH changeups that made people look stupid, 88 MPH sliders that were unhittable and a nasty 82 MPH curveball.

[Trilogy]

Have to admit, as much as I tell myself to not get too excited about McGowan with all the injury problems, I'm pretty excited to see him pitch again and what he can potentially bring to the club.

[Geddy]

i'm a little scared to see him get on the mound again. Would be terrible if he were to get injured again after that long road to recovery. Hopefully he'll be fine.