Mitch Einertson

From BR Bullpen

Mitch Einertson

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 5' 10", Weight 178 lb.

High School Rancho Buena Vista High School

Born April 4, 1986 in Oceanside, CA USA

[edit] Biographical information

Mitch Einertson has had an up-and-down career. He had big years in 2004 and 2007 but struggled in 2005 and 2006 and the first half of 2008.

Einertson was a 5th-round draft pick in 2004, taken by the Houston Astros. He debuted that year with the Greeneville Astros, hitting .308/.415/.692 with 24 home runs and 67 RBI in 63 games. He tied the 44-year-old Appalachian League homer record of Joy Gritts. He led the Appy in RBI, slugging, total bases (157) and extra-base hits (39). He was second in runs (53) and 4th in OBP. Mitch then homered in two of three playoff games to help Greeneville to a title. The Californian was promoted to the Tri-City Dust Devils and added another home run in two games there. He was named Appalachian League Player of the Year. Baseball America named him the league's top prospect.

Einertson slumped in 2005, batting .234/.353/.352 for the Lexington Legends with just 7 home runs and 99 strikeouts in 355 AB. He hit .304 against southpaws but .212 against right-handers. He was not much different in 2006 with Lexington, hitting .211/.276/.359 with 12 home runs.

In 2007, Mitch had his second great season. With the Salem Avalanche, he had a batting line of .305/.365/.482 with 14 outfield assists, 40 doubles and 87 RBI. He led Astros farmhands in doubles. He paced the Carolina League in doubles and was second in average behind Billy Hart, mere percentage points off the pace. He tied for the lead in outfield assists and double plays (5). He was two RBI behind leader Brad Corley. Einertson made the All-Star outfield alongside Jordan Schafer, Corley and Jose Duarte and won his second MVP award. He was rated the #11 prospect in the circuit by Baseball America, between Matt Whitney and Daniel Cortes.

Einertson hit .262/.313/.427 for the 2008 Corpus Christi Hooks. He made eight errors, tying for the lead among Texas League outfielders. He started 2009 on an unimpressive note, batting .260/.321/.389 in 88 games for Corpus Christi. He was then suspended 50 games for his second violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program for a drug of abuse.