Chad Lee Beck, born on January 17, 1985, is an American former professional baseball pitcher. This article delves into his career, from being drafted to his time in Major League Baseball (MLB) and beyond.
Baseball Field Diagram
Early Career and Minor League Success
Beck was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 43rd round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign. He began the 2008 season with South Bend, working out of the bullpen, as in seven games, he posted a 2-0 record with a 2.04 ERA, earning 19 strikeouts in 17.2 innings pitched. Beck was then promoted to the Visalia Oaks of the California League. With the Oaks, Beck appeared in 25 games, making 15 starts, as he had a 6-5 record with a 3.98 ERA in 95 innings pitched.
Beck began his first season with the Blue Jays organization in 2009, as he played with the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League as a starting pitcher. In 20 starts, Beck had a 6-8 record with a 5.94 ERA. Beck spent the entire 2010 season with Dunedin, playing in 41 games, making 11 starts for the team.
Ascent Through the Blue Jays System
The 2011 season began in Dunedin once again for Beck, however he appeared in only one game, allowing one run in 5.1 innings pitched, striking out seven hitters as he earned a no-decision. The Blue Jays moved Beck up to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Eastern League. Beck posted solid numbers with the Fisher Cats, going 7-4 with a 3.69 ERA in 22 games, starting 14 of them. Beck was then promoted again, moving to the Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League. Beck made eight starts with Las Vegas, going 2-4 with a 6.70 ERA in 41.2 innings pitched.
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Here’s a summary of Beck's minor league performance:
| Year | Team | League | Games | Starts | Record | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | South Bend | - | 7 | 0 | 2-0 | 2.04 |
| 2008 | Visalia Oaks | California League | 25 | 15 | 6-5 | 3.98 |
| 2009 | Lansing Lugnuts | Midwest League | 20 | 20 | 6-8 | 5.94 |
| 2010 | Dunedin | - | 41 | 11 | - | - |
| 2011 | New Hampshire Fisher Cats | Eastern League | 22 | 14 | 7-4 | 3.69 |
| 2011 | Las Vegas 51s | Pacific Coast League | 8 | 8 | 2-4 | 6.70 |
Major League Debut and Subsequent Transactions
Beck made his MLB debut on September 13, 2011, as Beck faced one batter against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in the eighth inning. On the first pitch Beck threw, Red Sox hitter Dustin Pedroia flew out to center field. Boston won the game by a score of 18-6. On September 21, 2011, Beck earned his first strikeout, as he struck out Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the ninth inning at the Rogers Centre.
Beck was recalled by the Jays on July 15, and was optioned back to Triple-A on July 26. The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Beck off waivers from the Blue Jays on October 25, 2012. Beck was designated for assignment on December 26 to make room on the roster after the Joel Hanrahan trade. Beck was claimed by the Blue Jays on January 4, 2013.
Beck was again designated for assignment on January 10, 2013, to make room on the roster for Tommy Hottovy. Beck was outrighted to the Buffalo Bisons on January 15. Beck started the 2013 season with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Beck was promoted to the Bisons on May 7, where he pitched in 8 games before going on the disabled list and missing June and July. He returned to game action in August, pitching for the GCL Blue Jays, before returning to New Hampshire to make one appearance before the season ended.
Chad Beck pitches Fisher Cats to a 2-0 win
Pitching Style
Beck is a four-pitch pitcher.
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