The Career of Matthew Purke (MLB 11)

[Scott]

After failing to sign with the Texas Rangers in the 2010 MLB Draft. Hard throwing lefty Matthew Purke finally has signed. Purke is scheduled to announce which team he has agreed to play with shortly.

Profile Card - Matthew Purke
	Matthew Purke | SP Columbus Clippers
	Height: 6-3	Bats/Throws: L/L
	Weight: 175	Age: 20 years old
	Season G W-L ERA GS SV HLD IP BB SO WHIP 2011/AAA Playoffs 2011/AAA 2011/AA 2 25 21 1-0 6-3 3-1 1.93 2.40 2.24 2 10 7 0 0 0 0 5 4 14.0 82.2 68.1 2 13 7 11 48 51 1.14 1.13 1.20

World Series Champions
2011 - Texas Rangers

[Scott]

Achievements

11/12/11 -- Re-signed with Indians for 1 year. (AAA)
9/21/11 -- Lost AAA National Championship
9/17/11 -- Won AAA Championship Series
9/7/11 -- Won AAA Divisional Series
6/16/11 -- Rays trade P Matthew Purke & P Chris Archer to Indians for CF Grady Sizemore.

Interview
Purke has been officially drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays. "I'm real excited to be in a tough division in the AL East. I feel like I should be ready to compete in the majors real soon."

Reporter: So Matthew, what pitches do you throw anyway?
Matthew: I throw a 4 seam fastball, slurve and changeup. Although my changeup is still pretty raw.

Reporter: You signed for just 30K, why so little?
Matthew: I just want to play, the money will come later. I would have preferred a longer contract, but I'll show them I'm worth it.

Reporter: I noticed Tampa has you in the bullpen, do you see yourself as a starter?
Matthew: Definitely. I started in HS & at TCU. I'll work my way through the bullpen, after all they did have me skip the AFL and Single-A. The competition in the AA will be legit.

[Scott]

During Purke's first month he had his fair share of ups and downs...

The Good
10 GP
4 HLDs
15 IPs, 10 K
.250 vs. LHB
The Bad
4.50 ERA
17 H in 12 IP
1.58 WHIP
The Ugly
.375 vs. RHB

[Scott]

Second Advancement Highlights

After starting off in the pen, the club has finally decided to move Purke into the starting rotation. Here's my stat line from his first start...

6.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1.42 ERA, 3 K, 3 BB. My control wasn't where it should have been, but I'll settle for it. I've now got my ERA down to 2.10 and my WHIP is just 1.07 now.

[Scott]

Another solid outing. This time I went 6 innings, gave up 5 hits, 2 ER and struck out 3 while walking 0. Too bad they couldn't score any runs for me and I got the loss. I feel more and more dominant as the games go on.

[Scott]

After posting some very good numbers lately, Matthew Purke has been called up to AAA. Although it is only a bullpen role, he is very excited. He's also received a pay raise of 45K, which is pretty nice. Purke is currently listed as the #9 pitcher in the organization.

[Scott]

1st Appearance in AAA

Purke is beginning to leave his mark on the Durham Bulls. Even though it was only a mop up role. He came in and went 2 innings, struck out 2, but did give up 3 hits. "I was kind of nervous, these guys are a lot better than the AA hitters," Purke said. He has added a little velocity on his fastball, hitting 94 today. That's what strength and conditioning will do for you.

Purke's 1st K in AAA

[Scott]

Last 5 Games:
6/20/11 - 1.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, BB, HR
6/22/11 - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER
6/25/11 - 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER
6/27/11 - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER
6/30/11 - 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER

Notes: After really struggling in the 1st game, Purke finally settled down. He needs to learn to pitch better to these hitters though.