SEATTLE -- This is not exactly the encore to his fabulous first season that rookie left-hander Brandon Finnegan envisioned.
Finnegan stormed on the Royals' scene in September, just a few months after being the club's first-round pick. In seven September games, Finnegan posted a 1.29 ERA.
And Finnegan was a key part of the Royals' unforgettable Wild Card win, holding the A's in check in the 10th and 11th innings after manager Ned Yost already had used his big guns in the bullpen.
But with high hopes of making the team out of Spring Training, Finnegan instead had to deal with being sent to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.