Brandon Erbe exhibition performance

by TigerFanInCleveland on May 22, 2007 6:19 PM EDT

Okay, I didn't realize that Erbe had been getting shelled in the recent games prior to this exhibition outing. But, in case you hadn't noticed, he pitched 4 IP with 4 H, 0 BB, 0 ER and 6 K in long relief (starting in the 2nd inning) against the Blue Jays. What to make of this? Is he on his way up to the big club any time soon? Or is this a confidence builder for him, and for the organization? I'm inclined to think it is the latter, but I was hoping for some O's fans that know better to shed some light on this.

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Erbe

Erbe is still a couple years away from debuting in the majors.

by brewerfan84 on May 22, 2007 6:31 PM EDT reply actions

Erbe

It's nice to see, but I wouldn't read too much into it. The exhibition was the Hall Of Fame game, and by all accounts, the big leaguers were making no attempt to work the counts or concentrate on consistent, solid contact. They were first-pitch-swinging for the fences to try to "give the fans some souvenirs.". At one point, Erbe went through 3 innings on 17 pitches (16 strikes / 1 ball) with 4 Ks. It doesn't mean Brandon is ready to play with the pros :)

I'm still pretty concerned about his last two High-A outings - I hope he's not suffering from an undisclosed injury...

by birdtown on May 22, 2007 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

Just realized this

But the comment you made about 3 innings in 17 pitches isn't possible.

Assume struck out all 4 hitters on 3 straight strikes and that is 12 pitches. Then, you said he threw one ball so there is pitch number thirteen. On top of that, he would have had to have retired the remaining 5 outs on 4 pitches...

Gorkys Hernandez is my new favorite player (my tribute to VTTigers)

by Dfarth on May 24, 2007 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions

ETA

I'd say at very best, Erbe could get a look late in 08, but that's incredibly unlikely. 09 seems like the best bet, hopefully '10 can be a full season for him.

by Lt Melmo on May 22, 2007 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

Grain of salt

Erbe's good, but take that performance with a grain of salt. Look at the box score...the Blue Jays let Tom Verducci (a writer for Sports Illustrated) have 3 ABs!

by ConorGlassey on May 22, 2007 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

LOL...

...better make that a shaker of salt.

I would personally like to thank Dave Littlefield for banishing the ghost of Scott Kazmir from Shea Stadium.

by uga007 on May 22, 2007 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

As I said before...

5 of his strikeouts were against current major leaguers, including Alexis Rios. For a 19-year old that's a bit more than a grain of salt.

by Lt Melmo on May 22, 2007 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

but

then that means he couldn't strike out tom verducci!

but honestly this game means nothing. theres no chance any of the players took this seriously.

by Rob Castellano on May 23, 2007 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't know about you...

But when I played any sport as long as I was playing someone who was decent competition, and Erbe definitely fits in that mold. I always tried my hardest and played as if I wanted to win. I'm sure none of them when up and wanted to be shown up by a young stud.

by JD Sussman on May 23, 2007 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know..

I hear Verducci is a poor man's Dustin Pedroia.

If he can pitch, Terry Ryan will probably sign him.

He can't be any worse than Ponson and now that Ortiz and Silva are back to reality, they could use Verducci.

I won't get married until the Red Sox win the World Series. AGAIN!!

by Shep on May 22, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

recap

2nd inning:
Chad Mottola - 1 pitch - pop out
Aaron Hill - 3 pitches - strikeout
Adam Lind - 1 pitch - single to LF
Jason Phillips - 1 pitch - groundout to 2B

3rd inning
Brian Roberts - 2 pitches - single to CF
John McDonald - 1 pitch - Ground into DP
Mike Shaw - 3 pitches - strikeout

4th inning
Lyle Overbay - 1 pitch - popout to 3B
Vernon Wells - 1 pitch - popout to 2B
Chad Mottola - 3 pitches - strikeout

5th inning
John Hattig - 1 pitch - single to CF
Adam Lind - 1 pitch - single to CF
Sal Fasano - 3 pitches - strikeout
Ryan Roberts - 3 pitches - strikeout
John McDonald - 3 pitches strikeout

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on May 24, 2007 7:09 AM EDT reply actions