Minnesota Twins
Rookie Relief Pitcher, Willie Eyre, was born on July
12, 1978 in Fountain Valley, California. He was a 1996
graduate of Cyprus (UT) High School where he was All-Region
in 1995-96 and All-State in 1996. He attended the College
of Eastern Utah where he was an All-American selection
as an outfielder in 1997 and 1999. He is the brother
of Giants' pitcher Scott Eyre.
In 2002, Willie began his season at Ft.
Myers. Early in the spring, he struggled with right
shoulder tendonitis, but still managed to have a 3-game
win-streak, going 3-0, 3.45 (15.2 IP, 6 ER), with one
save in 8 games. During the summer months, he did not
allow an earned run in 9 consecutive appearances and
had a season-high 5 strikeouts. In 2003 and 2004, he
spent all of his time pitching in the minors.In October
2005, the Twins purchased the contract of Willie Eyre
from Triple-A Rochester.
Willie is a decent mid-level prospect
who could have an impact in 2006. He went 10-3 with
a 2.72 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings in Triple-A
and will compete for a big-league spot next spring.
He could be a long reliever and spot starter, either
position suits him well. However, Francisco Liriano
and Scott Baker are the Twins higher profile prospects
who will get first crack. |
