Ernesto Frieri
From BR Bullpen
Ernesto Frieri Gutierrez
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
- Debut September 26, 2009
[edit] Biographical information
Ernesto Frieri is a pitcher currently who made his debut with the San Diego Padres late in the 2009 season.
Frieri was signed by scouts Robert Rowley and Marical Del Valle. He began his professional career in 2003, going 1-4 with a 4.00 ERA for the VSL Padres and striking out 49 in 36 innings. In 2004, the Colombian right-hander fanned 59 in 50 1/3 IP for the DSL Padres, going 4-0 with a 1.43 ERA. He came to the US in 2005, splitting the season between the AZL Padres and Lake Elsinore Storm. For the AZL Padres, he went 7-1 with a 1.17 ERA in 17 games (five starts). In 46 1/3 innings, he struck out 59 batters. In two relief appearances with the Storm, he went 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA. He led the Arizona League in ERA, lowest average allowed (.122; 21 H in 46 1/3 IP) and tied for Rayner Oliveras the lead in victories. He was named the All-Star right-handed relief pitcher. Baseball America rated him as the #19 prospect in the AZL.
He played for three teams in 2006: the Eugene Emeralds, Fort Wayne Wizards and Lake Elsinore Storm. With the Emeralds, he went 3-3 with a 3.82 ERA in 27 appearances (one start). HIn one game with the Wizards he had a 9.00 ERA, and in two games with the Storm he had a 6.00 ERA. He played for the Wizards (40 games) and Storm in 2007 (13 games), going a combined 2-2 with a 1.98 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 86 1/3 innings.
In 2008, he played for the Storm, San Antonio Missions and Portland Beavers. He went 8-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 33 games (18 starts) with the Storm. With the Missions, he went 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in two games, and with the Beavers he went 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in one game.
