It's time to start taking Pat Venditte seriously

Pat Venditte, the famous switch-pitcher, is mowing them down at Charleston.

As he did last year at Staten Island.

Thus far in 2009: 9 games, 7 saves, and earned runs: 0.

Zero. Zilch. Nada. Naught. Nigh. None. Lights fucking out.

Why isn't Venditte generating heat? Because he throws from both sides.

Thus far, the Yankiverse has assumed a carnival barker approach to Venditte: He's an oddity, a freak show to marvel at, while we wait in hot anticipation for Christian Garcia to return from the DL. You won't find Venditte on people's top 10 lists, aside from Ripley's.

It's time to re-evaluate this guy.

It's time to view him for what he is: The greatest athlete we have.

Think about it. This guy can pitch pro ball left-handed and right-handed. That right there is the hallmark of an amazing athlete.

An amazingly smart athlete.

Did anybody really think he would dominate? No. They thought he'd be gone by now.

Well, it's time for the Yankees to start moving him up. He turns 24 next month. He's pitching against 20-year-olds. We need to challenge him and see what we've got. Don't take this wrong: He's not going to pitch for the Yankees this year. But at the current rate, he'll make the 25-man at age 29. Screw that.

Listen: This guy just might be the real deal. Come on, what are we waiting for? Arm trouble? There is no time to waste. The South Atlantic League can't hit this guy. Let's move him up!

It sure as hell beats sitting around, waiting for Christian Garcia to come off the DL.