David Welch (minors02)

From BR Bullpen

David J. Welch

Bats Right, Throws Left
Height 6' 4", Weight 215 lb.
School Texarkana College
Born June 2, 1983 in Sydney, New South Wales Australia

[edit] Biographical Information

David Welch is a member of Australia's team in the second World Baseball Classic.

Welch helped Australia win a Bronze Medal in the 2001 Asian Junior Championship. Out of junior college, Welch was picked in the 20th round of the 2005 amateur draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He debuted with the Helena Brewers, going 4-1 with 3 saves and a 2.77 ERA, striking out 29 in 26 innings in 2005. In 2006, he went 8-6 with a save and a 2.41 ERA for the West Virginia Power, with a WHIP under 1. He held opponents to a .207 average, .156 by left-handed batters. Had he qualified, he would have been third in the South Atlantic League in ERA behind Matt Maloney and Carlos Carrasco.

In 2007, Welch went 6-7 with a 3.43 ERA for the Brevard County Manatees and walked only 21 in 120 2/3 IP. He was 9th in the Florida State League in ERA and allowed the fewest baserunners per 9 innings of any starting pitcher in the circuit. He was initially picked for the Australian national team in the 2007 Baseball World Cup, but was replaced shortly before the tournament began.

Welch spent 2008 with the Huntsville Stars, going 11-4 with a 3.93 ERA in his AA debut. He was 10th in the Southern League in ERA and two wins behind circuit leader Todd Redmond. He then made Australia's roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Welch got the start in the make-or-break game against Mexico. He dueled Jorge Campillo scorelessly for two innings, but faded in the third. Karim Garcia and Miguel Ojeda opened with singles and Augie Ojeda hit into a run-scoring fielder's choice. Welch fanned Jerry Hairston Jr. but gave up a RBI single to Edgar González. Adrián González grounded home Augie Ojeda and Jorge Cantú doubled to make it 4-0. Brendan Wise relieved Welch after the inning.