Bay continues to defy odds en route to big leagues
August 2, 2005

As an undersized 25th round draft choice, Ron "Bear" Bay wasn't supposed to be moving this quickly towards a spot on a major league roster.

But the Cleveland Indians pitching prospect is already at the AA level just over two years after pitching his first professional game.

Bay started the 2005 season, his first in the Cleveland organization, with 15 starts at High A Kinston. The Houston native was 6-5 with a 3.38 ERA, posting a solid 85/15 K/BB rate in 85.1 IPs.

That performance earned the 6'2", 160 pound Bay a promotion to Class AA Akron, where he's gone 2-2 with a 4.30 ERA.

The mid-season move to AA came as a surprise to the right-hander.

"It exceeded my expectations," said Bay. "I was in High A at the beginning of the year. I was happy with the progress ... I was moving up a level every year."

"At that moment in time I wasn't really expecting it," answered Bay when asked his reaction to the trade. "It was pretty shocking to me ... in a good way, shocking."

Despite his performance in the Cubs system, Bay really didn't see himself as potential trade bait.

"You have to be a prospect to be traded," said Bay, "but I never really think of myself as that high of a person. I always see my downfalls more than my accomplishments. But it was a really good feeling ... I got traded for a big leaguer. It's a good thing."

While he still has a great deal of respect for the Cubs organization, Bay is pleased with what he's seen in the Cleveland system.

"The Cubs have actually gotten better, but the Indians are a little more advanced in the developmental part," commented Bay. "Their strength and conditioning is just a little bit ahead of the Cubs ... that's the only thing that stands out."

The move to AA caused Bay to re-evaluate his goals for the 2005 season.

"My goals for the year were actually set on statistics," said Bay. "It wasn't to move up to the next level. My thought was if my stats were there, I'd get moved up ... I've got to re-evaluate them now."

Bay said that he just wants to do well in Akron and keep his head on straight.

"I don't know exactly what will happen next year," said Bay, "but I think if I have a productive year here there's a possibility I could get moved up. Whatever happens, happens. As long as I'm doing well I'm happy with it."

One goal that Bay has not met is to gain weight. He weighs about the same now as he did during his Rookie League season (see August 2003 interview).

"I've worked hard through the years," said Bay, "but I haven't gained a whole lot of weight like I originally wanted to."

Considering the way Bay has pitched during his first three seasons, it doesn't seem to be slowing down his journey through the minor league system.

--- Bill Mitchell