Erik Bedard

From BR Bullpen

Erik Joseph Bedard

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 1", Weight 186 lb.
School Norwalk Community College
Debut April 17, 2002
Born March 5, 1979 in Navan, ON CAN

[edit] Biographical Information

Erik Bedard is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. He was born in Navan, ON in Canada into a French-speaking family and was drafted by the Orioles in the sixth round of the 1999 amateur draft. His hard fastball and late breaking curve have helped him to become the ace of the Orioles' rotation. Bedard pitched the best game of his career in July of 2007, striking out 15 Texas Rangers' hitters while allowing just two hits and no walks in a complete game shutout.

After signing in 1999 Bedard was on the fast track to the major leagues. He made 8 appearances for the Gulf Coast League Orioles in 1999, and had a 1.86 ERA with 41 strikeouts over 29.1 innings. He won 9 games and struck out 131 hitters at single-A in 2000. In 2001, Bedard struck out a remarkable 130 batters in just 96.1 innings for the Frederick Keys.

He excelled in double-A during the 2002 season, and even saw action with the Orioles. He made two outings for the big club and struck out one batter. Unfortunately, an arm injury derailed his quick rise. Bedard was sent to the Disabled List in May of 2003.

The southpaw came back strong in 2004. He started 26 games for Baltimore. His record was 6-10 and his ERA was 4.59. Bedard fanned 121 hitters in 137.1 innings, but also walked 71. He started to settle the control problems in 2005, walking 57 hitters in 141.2 innings. A knee injury sidelined Bedard for nearly two months in 2005, and he was again limited to 6-8 record.

He finally started to break out for the Orioles in 2006, making 33 starts and winning 15 games. High pitch counts shortened a number of his outings, but Bedard showed great potential. He struck out 171 hitters and posted a 3.76 ERA. He was particularly strong in July of 2006, when he posted a 1.54 ERA and 35 strikeouts over five starts.

The Orioles failed to contend in 2007, but Bedard turned in a solid season. He won 13 games, held opponents to a .212 batting average, recorded 221 strikeouts, and put up a 3.16 ERA. Unfortunately, a strained muscle in Bedard's rib cage ended his season in early September. At the time of his injury, he was leading the 2007 AL in strikeouts, but finished third overall.

After the season, Baltimore sent Bedard to the Seattle Mariners for Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.