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GCHS Alumni NEWS: LHP Zach Braddock recalled by Milwaukee Brewers from Triple-A Nashville

By CNB Sports Staff

The lefty was called up May 23rd to cover for an already thin bullpen that was taxed in 97208750.jpg.16039_display_image Saturday's 12-inning loss. He was 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in 16 innings at Triple-A Nashville. Braddock was born August 23, 1987 in Mount Holly, NJ, He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 2005 where he played baseball under Coach Dennis Barth. He also pitched and played first base for the Brooklawn American Legion Team. In 2005 he was 18th draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Braddock (photo) pitched two scoreless innings in relief against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, May 23  to help the Brewers win 4-3. 

Adam McCalvy who writes for MLB.com interviewed Braddock recently in spring training. His article was posted on MLB.com on April 3, 2010…

MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers appear to have settled on a permanent role for left-handed pitching prospect Milwaukee pitcher Zach Braddock. He's bound for Triple-A Nashville to work

out of the bullpen.

"It's certainly looking that way," assistant general manager Gord Ash said.

And why not, considering the recent success Braddock has enjoyed in relief? Arm injuries prompted the Brewers to put the power lefty on a closely-monitored relief schedule in 2009, and he posted a 1.79 ERA and a sparkling 0.868 WHIP in 26 appearances for Class A Brevard County and Double-A Huntsville.

Braddock, 22, won a non-roster invite to big league camp this spring and did not allow an earned run in any of his eight Spring Training appearances, striking out 10 batters with no walks. He picked his third spring win on Saturday when the Brewers rallied in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tigers, 13-12. The night before, Braddock pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save, and after the game-ending strikeout, he jumped off the mound, pumped his fist and ran to catcher George Kottaras for a high-five and an embrace.

"I was definitely fired up," Braddock said. "This has just been a great opportunity and a great experience so far. I wanted to make the most of it, and I'm excited to take the tools I've learned from some of the older guys down [to Nashville]. ...

"With having some success right now, I don't want to get too high on it. It's experience at this level, more than anything. It's Spring Training. I really haven't done anything. But it's nice to have the experience and to do as much as I can while I'm here."

Braddock said he was looking forward to a set role this season.

"The structure is going to allow me to build on the things I've already started," Braddock said. "If [the bullpen] is where the Brewers want me and need me, then I'm going to do my best to build my structure around that. I'm still learning."

Braddock will be part of what projects as an excellent bullpen in Nashville. Chris Smith will handle most of the closer's duties, but Braddock could work the ninth from time to time and so could right-hander John Axford. Other Sounds relief options include former big leaguers Tim Dillard and A.J. Murray.

Ash said that the organization is trying to veer from a one-inning mindset in the Minors, so Axford, Braddock, Smith and the other Nashville relievers could see opportunities for multi-inning saves.

Brewers manager Ken Macha will be scanning the box scores for Braddock's name.

"I had seen the [scouting] reports, and he kind of lived up to that," Macha said. "I know people in other organizations, and when we sit down and talk, they always mention his name, among other players that we have.

"What's not to like? You've got a big, tall guy, throws at a good angle, he's got a plus fastball, he's left-handed. He's pretty intense."

Braddock also has a hidden talent. He cracked up teammates on Saturday morning with a spot-on impersonation of new center fielder Carlos Gomez.

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com

To view a video of Braddock and others talking about the Tommy Johns surgery they underwent see link below. Zack underwent the surgery during his time playing ball with Gloucester Catholic/Brooklawn American Legion… He explains sometime after he had the surgery he was celebrating a homerun at the home plate with his teammates when some one hit his arm and later that night the scar broke open. http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7217335

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