Gorzo Gonzo!

In a move that is slightly shocking, however never something that was deemed impossible, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Tom Gorzelanny has been demoted from the major league camp at spring training to the minor league camp and is expected to start the season at AAA Indianapolis.

Gorzelanny showed signs of greatness when he started his career in 2007 with 14-10 record and 3.88 ERA however, last year he struggled with a 6-9 record and 6.66 ERA which lead to his demotion to AAA. He had been considered an odds on favorite to reclaim a rotation spot this spring.

The move leaves 3 pitchers battling for the 2 remaining starting rotation spots, Virgil Vasquez (who yesterday was hammered by the Yankees), Ross Ohlendorf, and Jeff Karstens (both of whom were received via trade from the Yankees for Xavier Nady last year).

Gorzelanny was notified this morning and left the clubhouse without comment.

Jose Tabata, a top prospect within the system, was also optioned to minor league camp this morning and will begin the season in AA Altoona.

I will follow up with more on these two in a later post.