Sean Gleason, relief pitcher

Who is he?

The primary 2011 closer at Frederick (High-A), promoted to the Tides in August to help them complete the season. He’ll pitch the 2012 season at age 26.

Gleason had a great year as a starter in Low-A in 2008, then had a miserable year as a starter in High-A / AA in 2009. Shifted to the bullpen for 2010, he pitched fairly well in High-A / AA, which earned him the closer’s role in High-A for 2011. Even though he had 32 saves in 50 appearances, he didn’t really pitch well at Frederick (4.53 ERA) which probably made it easier to promote him.

Gleason gets by with great control; his walk rate as a relief pitcher is around 2.5 / 9 IP. His record doesn’t provide any indication that he’s going to have a major league future, but if he pitches well in AAA he might get a callup. He’s also a candidate to be released in spring training if he doesn’t impress.