Bobby Parnell Draws Rave Reviews From Manuel

A longshot to make the team at first, Bobby Parnell may have suddenly thrust himself smack, dab in the middle of the pack of those relievers trying to carve out a role in the bullpen.

Parnell has had an okay spring thus far, but yesterdays effort against the Detroit Tigers may have been his defining moment.

In 2 2/3 innings, the 24 year old righthander threw just 27 pitches and allowed no hits and one walk while striking out two.

Manager Jerry Manuel said the plan is to stretch him out for a possible long or middle relief role.

“Parnell was very, very, very impressive today,” Manuel said. “He could really be a good piece for us if it works out that way. That type of arm, that type of stuff, you might find where that could work for us, you know? For us, if he’s to make this squad out of spring training, it would probably be as a reliever.”

For those of you who don’t understand gangsta lingo, let me explain…

1. Impressive = Yeah, whatever someone pass me a bag of sunflower seeds.

2. Very Impressive = What did you say his name was?

3. Very, Very Impressive = How come nobody ever told me about this kid?

4. Very, Very, Very Impressive = Hot, dang… Lets get something straight Omar… You still owe me one for blindsiding me on Duaner… I don’t care what you have to do, but this kid Parnell will be a part of my bullpen.

Nice job by Parnell, but he still has way too many veterans he has to leapfrog over to make this team.