Josh Banks #38

Attended Severna Park High School where he played baseball, football and basketball...was first team All- State in football and baseball...drafted out of high school by Baltimore in the 34th round of the 2000 draft but did not sign...Would go on to attend Florida International University where he was first team All-Sun Belt Conference... drafted out of FIU by Toronto in the second round of the 2003 draft...Twice named the R. Howard Webster Award winner (Team MVP) while pitching in Torontofs minor league system...2005 with New Hampshire (AA) and 2007 with Syracuse (AAA)...Signed to a minor league deal by Houston for the 2010 season and invited to Major League Spring Training on Jan. 8, 2010.

2009

Began his campaign with Triple A Portland bouncing between the rotation and bullpen...spent a week on the seven-day DL from April 14-21...through June 13 was riding a four-game winning streak and was 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA (17ER/62IP) in 14 games, including eight starts...had his contract purchased by San Diego on June 16...made two relief appearances (2ER/6.1IP) before making his first MLB start of the season on June 30 vs. HOU...went 7.0 innings and earned the win after allowing three runs on five hits, including a two-run home run by Lance Berkman...in his next three games (two starts), went 0-1 with a 12.54 ERA (13ER/9.1IP) before being designated for assignment on July 18...outrighted back to Portland on July 20 and finished the season at Triple A...granted free agency on Oct. 6.

2008

Claimed off waivers by San Diego from Toronto on April 23 and assigned to Triple A Portland...recalled by San Diego on May 22...3-6 with a 4.75 ERA (45ER/85.1IP) in 17 appearances (14 starts) with the Padres...in 14 San Diego starts, went 2-6 with a complete game and a 5.19 ERA (44ER/76.1IP)...allowed an unearned run in his first career complete game on May 31 at SF in a 5-1 win, allowing six hits with no walks and five strikeouts...outrighted to Portland on Aug. 29...1-1 with a 5.93 ERA (20ER/30.1IP) in nine games (four starts) over two stints with the Beavers.

2007

Was recalled by Toronto from Syracuse (AAA) on Sept. 4...Made his Major League debut Sept. 11 vs. NYY...Retired Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon in order (1.0IP)...Sept 27 at BAL made his debut as a starter in his hometown of Baltimore...Received a no-decision in an 8-5 loss, 5.1IP, 9H, 5ER, HR, K...MINORS: Was named the R.HOWARD WEBSTER award winner (MVP) for Syracuse...Is now one of 23 players to have won the award on more than one occasion (2005 & 2007)...Posted a record of 12-10 with a 4.63 ERA in 27 starts in Syracuse...The 12 victories represent a career high at one-level...Tossed three complete games which ranked T-2nd in the International League...Worked 169.0 innings which was the 2nd most among all International League pitchers...Was the Organizational Pitcher of the Month for June (2-3, 3.80 ERA, 30K. 5BB)...Did not walk a batter in 10 of his 27 starts and never walked more than two in a game...Walked just 24 batters in 169 IP...Led Syracuse in wins (12), innings pitched (169), complete games (3) and starts (27).

2006

Led the SkyChiefs and ranked third in the International League with 170.2 innings pitched... Ranked first on the team and fifth in the league with 126 strikeouts... In August was named as a Blue Jays Minor League Star of the Month.

2005

Was named as the R. Howard Webster award winner at New Hampshire (AA)...Ranked fifth in the Eastern League and first on his team with 162.1 innings pitched and 145 strikeouts... Issued just 11 walks on the season and only three in eleven starts after the end of June... Made a team-high 27 starts...Selected to participate in the Eastern League All-Star Game...Named Blue Jays Minor League Star of the Month in April, was 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA... Also earned that honour in August when he held a 1-1 record with a 2.15 ERA...July 6 to August 16, tossed 55.0 innings pitched in which he did not issue a single base on balls...Was selected by Baseball America as the 5th best prospect in the organization.

2004

Began the season with Dunedin but was elevated to New Hampshire after going 7-1 with a 1.80 ERA through 11 starts, with 60 strikeouts and eight walks in 60.0 IP... Was selected as the top pitcher in the Blue Jays organization in both April and May... Prior to his promotion to Class AA was selected to participate in the Florida State League All-Star Game... Pitched to a 6-6 record with a 5.03 ERA in 18 starts, after going 0-3 in his first seven starts with New Hampshire (AA)...Ranked 19th in Baseball America's year-end list of the top 20 prospects in the Florida State League.

2003

The 2003 second round draft pick ranked second in the New York-Penn League with 81 strikeouts and seven wins and 4th in ERA at 2.43... Posted a 7-2 record in 15 starts... Gave up just ten walks in 66.2 innings of work... Only once gave up more than one walk in a game...Earned his first professional win on June 23 holding Jamestown scoreless over five innings of work... Named as the fifth best prospect in the league by Baseball America in its year-end review of the top 20 prospects in each league.