Today In Brewer History: Happy Birthday, Manny Parra

On this day in 1982 Manny Parra was born in Carmichael, California. He went to college at American River College in Sacramento before the Brewers selected him in the 26th round (778th overall pick) of the 2001 draft, and began his professional career in 2002.

Injuries slowed Parra's development a bit but when he was healthy he was seen as a top prospect: Baseball America ranked him as the #69 prospect in all of baseball in 2004, and after three years off the list he was back as the #72 prospect in 2008. He has a 3.11 career ERA over 117 minor league appearances, and threw a perfect game for AAA Nashville in 2007.

Unfortunately, success in the big leagues has been elusive for Parra. 2012 was his fifth major league season and he has a career 5.12 ERA and 4.6 walks per nine innings. 2012 was his first full season as a reliever, which probably projects to be his long term role. His future with the Brewers is somewhat uncertain, as he's a candidate to be non-tendered this winter.

If Parra's Brewer career is over he'll finish eleventh all time among left-handed Brewers in innings pitched (513), 12th in wins (26), sixth in strikeouts (479) and eighth in walks (262).

Parra turns 30 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:

• 2006-08 Brewer Laynce Nix, who turns 32.
• Brewer bullpen coach Lee Tunnell, who turns 52.
• 1994 Brewer Dave Valle, who turns 52.
• 1953-62 Milwaukee Brave Joe Adcock, who would have turned 85. We noted his birthday in this space last year.
• 1963-65 Milwaukee Braves manager Bobby Bragan, who would have turned 95.