This week’s SotW is the hard-luck loser from tonight’s contest, Brandon Erbe. He was outdueled by Greensboro’s Aaron Thompson in a 2-0 defeat. But the 2005 3rd round pick who hails from Baltimore did pretty well, giving up just 1 run and 2 hits in 5 innings, with 6 K’s. For the season, his 3-3 record is deceptive as he sports a fine ERA of 2.25 in 48 innings of work. Two hits tonight means he’s given up just 36 hits in that stretch, and should drop his WHIP under 1. (For non-stat geeks, WHIP stands for walks + hits/innings pitched – basically he’s allowing less than 1 runner per inning, which is outstanding.)
It’s a trend he started last year in rookie ball. While he was roughed up in a brief stint with Aberdeen (1-1, 7.71 ERA in 7 innings spread among 3 appearances), he dominated at Bluefield, fanning 48 in just 23 1/3 innings…in other words, 48 of the 70 outs he achieved were strikeouts. Hopefully his fielders didn’t get too bored. As a whole, his 2005 numbers were a 2-2 record and 4.15 ERA in 30 1/3 innings (with 57 strikeouts!) It was enough to get his feet wet at the professional level, as he made just 4 starts.
My guess is the plan for Erbe is to get him to a certain number of innings pitched this year and shut him down. With him barely being 18 (he pitched last season as a minor in the minor leagues, doesn’t turn 19 until Christmas Day) that arm of his is sure to receive plenty of TLC from the Orioles’ brass. Because of his electric stuff, Erbe has a fairly good chance of seeing the Orioles roster before the decade is out. The Shorebirds fans should enjoy each opportunity they get to see him because I think he’ll be up with Frederick next season.
