There's a difference between getting hurt by the batters and getting hurt by the park. If its the batters, well then you need to learn how to become a better pitcher. If its the park, then you need to learn how to pitch more effectively in that park. One is good for his development, and the other might not help him out at all, and might teach him bad habits. Its really that simple. The whole point of TINSTAAPP is not that they are volatile masses that put uranium to shame, its that pitcher's stuff plays out on any level, if Bard's throwing high 90's gas with command and movement and a filthy slider then it doesn't matter who he's pitted up against, low A/High A/AA, the competition wont offer much development, its a matter of consistency with that stuff and confidence. He's got big league stuff now, what he may or may not have is consistency and High A wont teach him that any more than AA, and considering the difference in parks and environment, I think High A would be more detrimental to developing that consistency than AA.

That might be the most bizarre occurrence in the minor leagues this year.

How about one of the most bizarre minor league occurances ever. This is up there with uber-prospect Hamilton becoming a crack head. No one thought Bard would go from college underacheiver to one of the worst pitchers in organized ball to one of the best relievers in the minors in a year. Also, the other thing about AA is that a september callup is definately a possibility, hell, it might even happen sooner, if he continues to bitch slap the Eastern League does he really need to prove a whole lot more as long as he's psychologically ready? I can't see AAA offering much challenge.