So many superlatives here for Mr. Thielbar...
First, and most importantly, he is a native of Northfield, MN! Always good to have another Minnesotan on the roster. Out of HS he went to South Dakota State, and was selected by the Brewers in the 18th round of the 2009 first-year player draft. In 2009, he pitched in 2 rookie-level leagues, the Arizona and the Pioneer. Between those two places, he appeared in 16 games, starting 2, and was quite impressive. In 47 IP, he accumulated a 6-1 record with a 1.53 ERA. He posted a solid 1.13 WHIP, but was really impressive was his k/BB ratio (6.6/1) and his k/9 rate (9). He also did a great job keeping the ball in the park, giving up only one homer.
In 2010, Caleb took a step back, accumulating 9 appearances in the rookie pioneer league, and 30 in the low-A Midwest league, all as a reliever. He posted an 0-2 record, with a 5.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over 67.2 innings. This was likely caused by the fact that his k/BB ratio dropped drastically from 2009 (3/1), his k/9 rate plummeted (7), as well as giving up 8 dingers.
In 2011, for some reason I can't seem to find on the almighty internet, he did not play in the Brewer's system, but was signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent on August 18, and was able to appear in 3 games, spanning 7.1 innings at Fort Myers. He began 2012 back in Fort Myers, and in his age 25 season, is showing some signs of returning to his 2009 form. So far in thsi short season, he has appeared in 5 games, all in relief, and gone 1-1. He has yet to allow an earned run in 10.1 innings, and has only allowed one unearned run. He has an outstanding 7.5/1 k/BB ratio, and has struck out an impressibe 13.4 batters per 9 innings. Given that he is 25 and still in A-ball, this is a big year for Caleb, as you would think he'd have to get to New Britain this year and show some success if he hopes to be a big league contributor.
Will this success continue? Stay tuned to find out!
