Former Lookouts Outfielder, Rick Asadoorian, Shifts to The Pitcher's Mound

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - by Tim Evearitt
Rick Asadoorian

<i>Click to enlarge photo.</i>
Rick Asadoorian Click to enlarge photo.
- photo by Tim Evearitt

Last year manager Jayhawk Owens called upon Rick Asadoorian, a #1 draft pick in 1999 (Boston) and an outfielder, to pitch in relief when the Lookouts were hopelessly behind in games. Asadoorian lit up the radar gun and showed exceptional control for a non-pitcher.

If Rick Ankiel (St. Louis Cardinals) can move from being a pitcher to an outfield prospect, why can't Asadoorian move from the outfield to the pitcher's mound?

It's happened before with positive results.

Longtime Chattanooga fans (1991, 1992) recall that Trevor Hoffman did the same thing. He put down his infielder's glove and took up pitching. The Reds' traded Hoffman to the San Diego Padres, and Hoffman now holds the Major League record for saves.

Asadoorian, who has been in the Reds organization since December 2004 as an outfielder, has officially switched over to a pitcher.

Last season he pitched mop up duties in a total of four innings, allowing 4 hits, 0 walks, 0 runs and had 7 strikeouts. He was hitting the mid 90s on the radar gun… not bad for an outfielder.

No word yet on where he will start but probably at low-A Dayton.
__________
Portions adapted from article on Reds Minor Leagues website.

Asadoorian at bat for the Chattanooga Lookouts last season.

<i>Click to enlarge photo.</i>
Asadoorian at bat for the Chattanooga Lookouts last season. Click to enlarge photo.
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt

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