WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2009
A-:  4-2-0, 2.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 56.2 IP, 1.1 BB/9, 7.8 K/9 

Pitched fairly well as part of State College’s “rotation” of pitchers who alternated between starting and long relief, generally pitching about four innings at a time either way.  His strength was excellent control.  Opponents hit .263 against him and his K rate was decent.

2010
A:  8-6-0, 4.27 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 128.2 IP, 1.7 BB/9, 6.0 K/9

Erickson led the West Virginia staff in innings, making 20 starts and 11 relief appearances.  He pitched well as swing man in the first half, with a 2.68 ERA.  In the second half he was strictly a starter and got hit harder, posting a 5.40 ERA.  At all times Erickson threw strikes but didn’t miss many bats.  He had a reverse platoon split, as left-handed batters hit only .220 against him while right-handed batters hit .306.

2011
A+:  3-2-3, 4.33 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 70.2 IP, 2.5 BB/9, 6.5 K/9 

Spending the year in the Bradenton bullpen except for a few spot starts, Erickson put up somewhat weaker numbers.  He had a little more trouble with HRs, allowing the same number (9) as the previous year in almost 60 fewer innings.  He again had a reverse platoon split, with left-handed hitters posting a .773 OPS against him and right-handed hitters .698.

Erickson appears to have settled in as an organizational pitcher.  He’s pitched respectably enough that the Pirates could move him up to Altoona if they believe they’ll need the innings.  Otherwise he’ll probably return to Bradenton.