Monday, June 9, 2008

Fulchino promoted in roundabout way

NEW YORK -- Pitcher Jeff Fulchino, who just joined the Royals on Sunday, got the word of his promotion from Triple-A in a subtle way.

Omaha manager Mike Jirschele was away, attending his son's graduation, so pitching coach Tom Burgmeier gave Fulchino the news -- in a roundabout way.

Fulchino had been shifted between starting and relieving and, with rainouts and doubleheaders clouding the pitching plans, he kept consulting with Burgmeier about his status.

"I'd say, 'C'mon, Burgy, when you guys going to get this figured out?' It was kind of a running joke,'" Fulchino said.

So when Burgmeier called him aside on Saturday, Fulchino thought it was on the same topic.

"How do you feel about starting again?" Burgmeier said.

"C'mon, Burgy, ya kiddin' me?" Fulchino replied.

"Well, how do you feel about pitching in Yankee Stadium?" Burgmeier said.

"What? Don't tell me I'm starting in Yankee Stadium." Fulchino replied.

"No," Burgmeier said.

"What do you mean?" Fulchino asked.

"You're going up," Burgmeier said. "Good luck."

With that, Fulchino knew he was joining the Royals. He arrived and pitched one scoreless inning in Sunday's game against the Yankees.

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