Michael Bowden- Locked and Loaded (also, separated at birth from...)

I first met Michael Bowden during my first trip ever to a professional ball clubhouse in 2009 on a trip to RI to visit family. He grew up in the Chicago area rooting for the Cubs and made his major league debut in 2008 pitching against the White Sox, and a solid one it was- he went 5 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs, earning him a victory in his first Major League start, as well as his first Major League appearance. It's been an up and down roller coaster ride for him, as it it for many minor leaguers on the cusp of reaching the big show permanently- witness Clay Buchholz. I caught up with him briefly again in Pawtucket last month and had a brief chat with him. He was eager to make a transition from starter to reliever. These decisions, whether one makes them himself, or if it is made for him by others, can be tough to digest at times, but it appears that Bowden is locked and loaded for the big leagues. He spoke eagerly of making appearances more often rather than once ever...