Brandon Backe

46-Year-Old PitcherP
 Free Agent  
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Brandon Backe in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a one-year, $1.55 million contract with Houston in January of 2009, avoiding arbitration.
PFree Agent  
Shoulder
September 11, 2010
Backe (shoulder) said he plans to throw in front of scouts in the offseason, Aylson Footer of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Backe has not pitched in the majors since June 18, 2009, but it sounds like he would be willing to accept a non-roster invitation to spring training 2011.
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
Backe struggled in his first full year back from Tommy John surgery, going 9-14 with a 6.05 ERA in 31 starts. He once again posted a nice strikeout rate, fanning 127 in 166.2 innings, but he surrendered 36 home runs and his WHIP was a staggering 1.67. Backe has a live arm and has shown flashes in the past, but he’s one to avoid in mixed leagues, and he’s really just a marginal pitcher in NL-only leagues. You can probably find options with more upside during the endgame of your draft.
Backe made a successful comeback from Tommy John surgery in 2007, as he returned in September to go 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA in five starts. Predictably, his strikeout numbers were down from his career rate of 6.02 strikeout per nine innings; he struck out just 11 in 28.2 innings. However, the mere fact that he was able to get back on the mound 12 months after his surgery and still pitch well gives us hope for the future.
Backe will miss the 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Astros are hopeful he can return to the mound in 2008.
Maddening. Backe can look like waiver bait in one start, and like a Hall of Famer in the next. He's had some of the most memorable outings of the past two postseasons, but his regular-season numbers in that time are unimpressive. Take that larger sample seriously, and be wary of a significant investment.
Backe found his way into the Astros' rotation when both Andy Pettitte and Wade Miller were lost with season ending shoulder injuries. Backe did an admirable job down the stretch as the third starter, and his future in the Astros rotation is pretty secure following the team's decision to non-tender Wade Miller. 2005 won't be the year that Backe has his breakout, but he's a player worth tracking for the future.
Backe's 5.44 ERA last year was a little misleading; in this year's Bill James Handbook, he's credited with a component ERA of 4.64, which makes more sense, because of his 28 appearances last year, most were pretty effective. Could conceivably get a shot at a fifth starter role, but more likely to pitch long relief.
Backe went 4-6, 4.68 in 20 games (14 starts, 92 innings) at Double-A Orlando last year, in addition to brief stint as a long man in the Tampa Bay pen. A converted outfielder who's looked promising at times, he'll likely spend the bulk of 2003 at Triple-A. Probably a year away, at least, from having roto impact.
More Fantasy News
PFree Agent  
Shoulder
September 5, 2010
Backe (shoulder) pleaded no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges, stemming from a 2008 post-wedding reception ruckus with police at an upscale bar, the Galveston County Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
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PFree Agent  
Shoulder
July 10, 2009
Shortly after his release, Backe informed the Astros that he could not move his arm above the shoulder, the Houston Chronicle reports. Backe was checked out by the team doctor, who first diagnosed the tear.
ANALYSIS
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PFree Agent  
Shoulder
July 9, 2009
Backe has been diagnosed with a partial thickness tear of his right rotator cuff, the Astros' official site reports.
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PFree Agent  
June 29, 2009
Backe cleared waivers on Monday, and has rejected an assignment to Triple-A Round Rock. He will be a free agent, the Houston Chronicle reports.
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Brandon Backe: Time in Houston Over?
PHouston Astros  
June 26, 2009
The Astros designated Backe for assignment after Friday's game, the Houston Chronicle reports.
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