Ernerio Del Who?

The Astros acquired Enerio Del Rosario from the Cincinnati Reds today for cash considerations. Del Rosario, or EDR, is a control pitcher and showed above average stuff while in the Reds farm system. Over 5 seasons in the minors, the now 24-yr old posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 399.2 innings including a 2.54 ERA in 88.1 innings at Triple-A Louisville. He’s had some very limited experience in the majors this season but didn’t look quite as good. In 8.2 innings he gave up 4 walks while only striking out 3, although he’s never been a strikeout pitcher. EDR’s also given up 13 hits in that short time which is a recipe for disaster if anyone is keeping track. This move definitely qualifies as an ‘under the radar’ move as no one other than Houston fans, and many who are Houston fans, will notice. However, Del Rosario could be a useful middle relief guy next year along with Chacin, Wilton Lopez, and Tim Byrdak if he returns. And together, those four might help make up the most strikeout-deprived relief corps ever. But as Mark Buerhle is proving, who says you need to strike guys out? With the Killer L’s most likely in Houston to man the back end of games next year, EDR probably won’t have a flashy impact, but overall I like this move and it’s potential to help sure-up the pen for 2011.