Zach Britton 7/21 start

[Aloe]

I just want to add that this guy is the most underrated prospect we have. Let's compare him with Arrieta from last year:

Britton 101.1 IP, 87 H, 45 R, 30 ER, 42 BB, 96 K's, 2.66 ERA, 2.96 GO/AO

Arrieta 113.0 IP. 80 H, 44 R, 36 ER, 51 BB, 120 K's, 2.87 ERA, 1.14 GO/AO

Britton's a year younger than Arrieta was when he was at Frederick. The Keys have a very poor defensive infield, so just wait until this ground ball machine finally gets to a level where his team can play some defense behind him.

I agree with you. I've thought he was our most underrated pitching prospect for awhile. Actually he's not really underrated on the HangOut but perhaps in the media.

[Frobby]

I should add one thing: Tony was keen on Britton from the very beginning. Even after he had a very mediocre debut in 2006 at Bluefield (5.29 ERA) and fairly lousy peripherals, Tony ranked him 12th and said:

Young and raw are two things that describe this left-hander, but you can also add in the fact his fastball has been known to creep into the mid-90s. Didn't impress in his first look through Bluefield but mostly because he needs to refine his secondary pitches. Pitches comfortably in the 88-91 range right now but the feeling is there's more velocity in that arm. He's a project pick but one that has a huge upside if things fall in place. Think of him as the pitching version of Keiron Pope.

[LookinUp]

Think of him as the pitching version of Keiron Pope.

This is funny. In all seriousness, Tony nailed the projection on Britton.

I know that his w/l record, ERA, K's and even BB's are all becoming impressive, but the most impressive thing to me might be his ground balls. This guy has a ground ball peripheral that could conceivably overcome a low K rate. Now that his K rate has improved, that only adds to his potential.

[birdman57]

Just starting to tune into Britton. Can anyone tell me what his plus pitches are and what velocity he throws a fastball?? Also what he needs to work on to move into the elite prospect status ??? Thanks:)

[allstar1579]

Just starting to tune into Britton. Can anyone tell me what his plus pitches are and what velocity he throws a fastball?? Also what he needs to work on to move into the elite prospect status ??? Thanks:)

Trying to make the schedule work to go see one of his starts soon and I'll have an official write up.

[baltimoriole]

He's going strong tonight.

3ip 2h 0r 1bb 2k 7-0 GB-FO

[AgentOrange]

He's going strong tonight.

3ip 2h 0r 1bb 2k 7-0 GB-FO

Tony is going to this game. I am interested to hear his take on things.

[AVencill]

He's wheeling and dealing so far.

36 pitches through three innings, he's got all three pitches working for the most part. His fastball command got shaky for a minute, but it's under control.

Now through four innings, just two hits, a walk and two K's and an 8-1 GO/AO right now.

47 pitches (29 strikes) through four innings.

[QBsILLEST1]

Nice, the sinker is definately sinking tonite.

[Frobby]

So far, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's for Britton. He has a ridiculous 15 ground outs to 3 fly outs in this game, but the 3 runs came on a 3-run HR in the 6th.

[AVencill]

One little mistake pitch got the best of him, but he's still in line for his seventh win of the year.

Final line: 7.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3ER, 1 BB, 4 K - 105 pitches

16 groundball outs and 10 putouts for Florimon

[Tony-OH]

I'll have my thoughts on him and a few hitters on Tuesday. However, I will give you this nugget, "He's ready for Double-A."

[allstar1579]

I have my thought on him and a few hitters. However, I will give you this nugget, "He's ready for Double-A."

I'm hoping we see that come to fruition Wednesday

[BaysoxFan39]

And that's it for Britton. His ERA is now 2.66. That might have been his finest outing of the year.

If Matusz is called up I hope Britton gets a callup to Bowie. We are in a pennat race and we need all the help we can get. The other Eastern League teams have not lost as many arms as Bowie has so we are up against some tough odds. Akron, Reading,Erie, Conneticut, and Trenton all have their teams intact for the most part from the start of the season

[Frobby]

I'll have my thoughts on him and a few hitters on Tuesday. However, I will give you this nugget, "He's ready for Double-A."

And........? C'mon Tony, inquiring minds want to know!