Andrew

Brown

Brown pitched just one inning last year due to an elbow injury, but he remains one of the Dodgers’ better pitching prospects. He struck out four in three scoreless innings this spring.

Despite an excellent K/BB all season long, Brown had an ERA around 5.00 a couple of months ago. Now he’s down to 3.41, and he’s given up 47 hits and has a 74/16 K/BB ratio in 60 2/3 IP. The Indians haven’t need him -- they’ve barely needed the superior Fernando Cabrera -- but he’s a very good relief prospect.

Brown is probably just the newest 12th pitcher of the day. If he works a couple of innings in a game, he can be sent down for a fresh arm. His only chance of avoiding a demotion back to Triple-A is if neither Matt Miller or Arthur Rhodes is able to return before Sept. 1.

Brown has kept his ERA in the twos all year long, but because of his high walk total, the Indians haven’t given him a chance until now. While he has the stuff to be very useful out of the pen, the club isn’t going to show much patience with him if he struggles to throw strikes.

The story of his season. Brown has a 2.36 ERA for Buffalo, but since he’s walked 32 in 45 2/3 innings, the Indians have yet to give him an opportunity. He might remain in the minors until September.

Brown underwent Tommy John surgery several years ago and complained of weakness in the elbow this spring However, Jacksonville manager Dino Ebel is optimistic the injury isn’t major. ''We’re hopeful,’' he said. ''He is probably going to go to the doctor and get an MRI. Right now he is day-to-day.’'

Brown spent three days with the Indians last month, but he didn’t get into a game. He finished with a 3.36 ERA and an 81/19 K/BB ratio in 69 2/3 IP for Buffalo. He should be ready to help out as a middle reliever.

Brown, 26, is still a decent gamble and the A’s have to like that he doesn’t need to be included on the 40-man roster. He had a 2.78 ERA and a 43/15 K/BB ratio in 35 2/3 innings for Triple-A Portland. Better command could make him a very effective major league reliever. Still, we’ve been saying that for about three years now.

The 26-year-old Brown was picked up in the Milton Bradley trade. He is out of options, so the A’s probably wouldn’t be calling him up unless they planned on giving him an extended look. He had a 2.88 ERA and a 49/15 K/BB ratio in 40 2/3 IP for two Triple-A teams.

The A’s released Brown after he had elbow surgery in late January. Now that he’s ready to begin rehabbing, the A’s decided to sign him and pick up the tab. He isn’t expected to contribute until after the All-Star break.