Friday, July 8, 2011

Astros claim Lucas Harrell (?)

Word is that the Astros have claimed White Sox pitcher Lucas Harrell off waivers.

Harrell is a 26-year old RHP, drafted in the 4th Round of the 2004 by the White Sox. He has thrown in three games for the Big Club, and in 5IP, allowed 11H/4ER, 5K:1BB. So let's not look at that. Let's instead look at his minor-league numbers.

He was a starter in the Sox' Triple-A team in Charlotte, and in 12 starts (13 appearances), threw 74.1IP, 67H/27ER, 56K:26BB, cutting his BB/9 rate by almost a full walk over his 2010 rate.

In three seasons at Triple-A, Harrell allowed 266H/121ER, 182K:124BB in 277.2IP, with a 3.92 ERA/1.41 WHIP.

So...pitches to contact. Starter. I'm just wondering where he's going to fit. If he goes to OKC, whose spot does he take? Or does he move to the bullpen for the Astros? Lots of questions with this one...