Eric Ireland

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #20 prospect in 2001
  Ireland was a member of three different teams on Nov. 20. He began the day as a member of the Astros, who drafted him in 1995. When Houston cleared space on its 40-man roster by removing Ireland, the Cubs claimed him, then traded him to the A's for arbitration-eligible outfielder Matt Stairs. Ireland is a curveball pitcher whose fastball ranges into the high 80s. Though he doesn't throw hard, he consistently has posted solid numbers in wins, innings and strikeouts. He pitched the first perfect game in Astros organization history at Class A Kissimmee in 1999. Scouts say he has a good feel for pitching. The A's plan to place Ireland in the Triple-A rotation in 2001. They believe he could fill the role of emergency starter at the big league level if necessary.