I know that it won't happen...but in light of the ongoing (and amazingly frustrating) Torre-Sturtze lovefest/man-crush/whatever it is, I find myself drawn again to Colter Bean and those tantalizing numbers that he keeps putting up at AAA. I'm certainly not alone on the Bean bandwagon and it turns out there is actually a FreeColterBean.com! Props to Mike Plugh from Canyon of Heroes for finding that one. (apparently, Tanyon Sturtze has a fan site as well!) Oh, and if you look at the latest post at the site, it looks like Mr. Bean is grateful for the support.

Well The Big Righty from 'Bama had some really nice words for yours truly and of course all of the Beaners out there:

"I can now walk away from the game a happy man knowing there are people out there that care. I appreciate everyone who writes in and is supportive. Maybe one of these days I will get a chance (emphasis mine) but if not this website has made all worthwhile."
He added:
"Just tell them I appreciate everything and keep writing and posting stuff."

Way to go, Colter. Keep the great work (0.46 ERA, 19.2 Innings, 12 H, 9 BB & 24 Ks so far this year) and hopefully, you'll get your shot here with the Yankees. However, I think that unless Cashman actually takes away Torre's toy, we won't even see this being considered. Despite several rough (and I'm being kind) outings dating all the way back to last year, Joe simply can't quit Sturtze. Tanyon will probably stay on the roster until Dotel is ready and by then, the Bean window will have closed.

Looking back, if there was ever a year to have given Bean a legit shot to see if he could handle the bigs, last year was the year. With the Yankees pitching situation being what it is this year, it really doesn't look like he'll have an opportunity this year - there's just too much depth. In fact, Scott Erickson or Ramiro Mendoza will probably get a shot before Bean gets another sniff of the major leagues.

Canyon of Heroes summarizes the point nicely.

This is Colter's 4th year in Columbus. He's appeared in a whopping 243 innings in 180 games for the Clippers in 3+ seasons...Bean is 19 and 12 with a 2.53 ERA, and 284 K's. His WHIP is 1.174 during that run of minor league service and, at 29, NEEDS to be in the Majors, either with the Yankees or in some kind of trade for a veteran Major League player.

I refuse to believe that in a league where there are a number of teams in need of bullpen pitching, you can't get something for this guy, if only to reward him for his service to the Clippers and to give him a shot at the show. Free Colter Bean.