Brandon Cumpton gave up seven (count 'em, seven) earned runs in each of his first three starts (never getting into the fifth inning). He also had six strikeouts, six walks, and gave up four home runs. Oddly, he did not start the next game.

Over his next five starts Cumpton gave up a total of four earned runs, struck out 26, and walked 5 over 31 innings. Quite a turn-around, suggesting a promotion from West Virginia might be in order. Of course it probably should be. Cumpton was drafted out of Georgia Tech in 2010. Though he pitched in the weekend rotation, he didn't fool too many people. Baseball America commented that he

had trouble throwing his average 89-93 mph fastball and inconsistent curveball for strikes for much of the season but still was 8-2, 4.86 and pitched in the weekend rotation all season.

So, what's the story here? Who can tell us why Cumpton has gotten better? Does he look like a real prospect or just a ninth-round college guy playing in A-ball?