Brandon Backe
| IP | 525 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 5.229 |
| WHIP | 1.547 |
| BB/9 | 4.08 |
| SO/9 | 6.171 |
- Full name Brandon Allen Backe
- Born 04/05/1978 in Galveston, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Galveston College
- Debut 07/19/2002
- Drafted in the 18th round (552nd overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1998.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Backe made impressive progress during 2001, his first season as a pitcher after converting from the outfield. He blazed his way through two levels with a moving fastball that touches 93 mph. A career .235 hitter in three minor league seasons, Backe was moved to the mound because of his live arm. The Rays were pleasantly surprised when he displayed a solid feel for pitching. Despite his inexperience, Backe throws four pitches, complementing his fastball with a curveball, slider and changeup. He spent much of his time in the Arizona Fall League trying to refine his hard 82-mph slider in hopes that it could become his out pitch at higher levels. At 6 feet Backe doesn't have the size that leaves scouts salivating, but he could have the total package that enables him to develop into a short reliever in the majors. Spring training will determine whether he opens the 2002 season in Double-A or Triple-A.
