Bard to Portland

Top prospect Daniel Bard, who has made a marked recovery after a difficult 2007 season, will be heading from Single A Greenville up to Double A Portland today, according to director of player development Mike Hazen.

Bard, who will be 23 in June, had allowed just two runs in 28 innings with Greenville this season. He was repeating the year in low Single A, after having struggled there last season, especially with his control.

This season Bard had 43 strikeouts and just four walks. He was converted from a starter to a reliever over the winter while playing in the Hawaii winter league. Bard was a first round draft choice in 2006.