Who the #@$% is Josh Rupe?

Joshua Matthew Rupe is a non-roster invitee to Oriole spring training. Right now he is carrying a zero ERA in 11.2 spring innings. Most of those innings have come against other teams' non-roster invitees, so that ERA is deceptive. Still, it's time to take a longer look at the 28 year-old pitcher.

Rupe will be playing close to home. He went to high school at Greenbrier Christian Academy in Virginia. Young Josh pitched and played shortstop, leading his team to to the state title game in 2000. That year, Rupe went 6-1 with a 1.19 ERA, hitting .450. He was voted MVP of the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools. BJ Upton, two years younger than Rupe, also attended Greenbrier.

The Rupester spent a year at Liberty then transferred to Louisburg College (North Carolina), whose website describes it as the "oldest two-year college in the nation." Louisburg has produced several notable players, including Otis Nixon and Razor Shines. Despite rumors of mechanical problems stemming from the transfer, the White Sox took Rupe in the 3rd round of the 2002 draft, 90th overall. They handed him a $440,000 signing bonus.

Rupe got off to a good start in the Sox' system but Chicago traded him to the Rangers as part of a package for Carl Everett in July 2003. Many observers thought Rupe was the gem of a package that included Frank Francisco. He was projected to be a major league starter with four pitches that were average or better. His sinker and slider were considered especially good. He shot through the Rangers' system and had a successful major league debut in 2005, going 1-0, 2.79.

Sadly, that was the career high-point for Rupe. He lost much of the next two years to elbow injuries. Since then he has been a replacement level reliever for the Rangers and the Royals, racking up more innings in AAA than in the majors.

Is there any reason why he will do any more for the Orioles? Nope. Rupe appears to be right-handed relief depth. In 81 career major league games, 142 IP, he has allowed 13 home runs and only has a few more strikeouts than walks (83/71). There is nothing in his last year or two that leads me to believe he is due for a breakout. If you want a more cheerful conclusion, here is a "hometown boy makes good" article from HamptonRoads.com.

Good luck, Josh.