Get To Know Your A's: Matt Buschmann
As the 2015 baseball season approaches in Nashville, the affiliate switch to the Oakland Athletics' organization brings about excitement. With that excitement comes a fresh batch of talented prospects. In the time leading up to the season, we will elaborate on a few of the different players that could be heading to Nashville and expand on the anticipation of another year of Triple-A baseball.
Matt Buschmann played his college ball at Vanderbilt University. The pitcher was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of the 2006 draft. After spending 2012-13 in the Tampa Bay farm system, Buschmann joined the Oakland organization in 2014 and recently resigned with the club to likely ensure his return to Nashville.
The right-hander left his mark during his time as a Commodore. He still holds school records, ranking tied for fifth with 23 career wins and ninth with 289.1 career innings. As a 20-year old sophomore, Buschmann held an 8-1 record with 61 strikeouts in 27 games. The hurler was also roommates with Major League pitcher David Price when the two overlapped in college.
After being drafted, Buschmann remained in the San Diego organization until 2011. Most of his time was spent in Double-A where he acquired a strong winning percentage. His breakout year took place in 2008 when the hurler garnered Texas League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star selections. His 2.98 ERA and 118 strikeouts both ranked in the top 3 of all league pitchers.
While his time at Double-A was successful, the right-hander struggled to gain traction at the Triple-A level and was traded to Tampa Bay before the 2012 campaign. The Rays were patient with Buschmann and he rewarded them by turning in strong numbers in the second half of the 2013 season at Triple-A Durham (8-2, 2.97), helping the club win the International League championship. He also notched 167 total strikeouts that year which was the third-best mark among all minor leaguers.
The 30-year old moved on after the season though and signed to play with the Oakland organization for 2014. He turned in 10 quality starts in 23 outings at Triple-A Sacramento and resigned with the Athletics in November.
With a non-roster invite to 2015 Major League Spring Training, Buschmann enters his 10th professional season as a long shot to make Oakland's squad. He seems destined to return to the South once again but this time as a part of the Nashville Sounds.