The Toledo Mud Hens visit Norfolk’s Harbor Park for a four-game series starting today. I’ll be working tonight’s and tomorrow night’s games. Before this series begins, I’ll finish up my review of the terrific starting pitching from the preceding Scranton series.

May 2 — Scranton — Jason Hirsh — 7 1 0 0 3 3 (Game Score 75) (Winning Pitcher)

Hirsh was a top prospect in the Astros organization. He was traded to Colorado in the ill-fated Jason Jennings trade in 2007, and pitched fairly well for the Rockies in 2007. Then he hurt his arm, and found himself in the Yankees system. He’s still only 28 years old.

Hirsh was not overpowering, but he was in complete control of the game. He had a four-pitch sixth inning, resulting in three fly outs to right field. He should be able to be a successful spot starter/long man in the major leagues, and could make it as a #4/#5 starter.

May 2 — Norfolk – Brandon Erbe – 6 3 1 1 3 6 (Game Score 65) (Losing Pitcher)

The 22-year-old Erbe — a Baltimore native and resident — is one of the second-tier Orioles pitching prospects behind Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, and Zach Britton. Erbe had struggled in his first few starts with Norfolk, but delivered a good performance against Scranton.

Although Erbe pitched well — the only run he allowed was driven in on a slow ground ball that scored a runner who had reached on a leadoff triple — I doubt he has a future as a starter. His delivery looked very effort-ful, and could lead to injury down the road. He is more likely to be a successful relief pitcher, possibly a power closer.