Four more to minor league camp...

No real surprises here, but it does seem early to be sending this many players to the minor league side especially with the players in the WBC.The four who were sent down are Rob Mackowiak, Eddie Kunz, Valerio De Los Santos and Josh Thole. I said all along Rob Mackowiak would be in Buffalo hoping for a call-up. The guy is extremely versatile but other then a few years in Pittsburgh, hasn't shown he can hit regularily in the majors. This spring he hit .182 in 11 AB. Valerio De Los Santos was a front runner for the second lefty spot but he seemed to lose ground when Ron Villone was signed. They still like his arm and I think they see him as a project in the minors where they hope to work on his control. He only allowed one walk and had a 4.15 ERA in 4.1 innings of work.While he won't be on the rocket ride like other Omar relievers ( Cordero/Smith) I think Eddie Kunz is making strides and hopefully this year if he gets called up his nerves won't get the best of him. Kunz on...