May 5, 2008

At this time last year, Daniel Bard was struggling to find the strike zone. Now, with a new role and a new venue, the former Tar Heel starter has turned into one of the South Atlantic League's best relievers. On Sunday night, Bard ran his scoreless inning streak to 22 straight frames, blanking Columbus for two innings in Greenville's 5-0 victory. The game was a reunion for two former Tar Heel teammates, as Reid Fronk started in left field for the Catfish.

Since making the transition to a relief role over the winter after struggling with his control as a starter, Bard has been a revelation. The power-pitching righty has 34 strikeouts and just four walks in 22 innings. If he continues to dominate the Sally League, Boston will have a decision to make. The logical next promotion would be to high A Lancaster in the California League, but the JetHawks play in a notorious hitter's park that happens to be the site of Bard's 2007 struggles. Boston's AA club is the Portland Sea Dogs.