- Full name Dave Pember
- Born 05/24/1978 in Cincinnati, OH
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 09/03/2002
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Milwaukee officials often talk about Pember's mental toughness, but what the young righthander went through in the final two months of his 2002 season would shake even a grizzled veteran. Nearing the end of a satisfying Double-A season, Pember was promoted to Milwaukee and thrust into a starting assignment at Wrigley Field. He gave up four hits and five walks, allowing three earned runs in 32⁄3 innings while taking a 10-1 loss. Pember pitched better in a mop-up role, then headed to the Arizona Fall League. It was clear that his careerhigh 165 innings and whirlwind tour of the majors had taken their toll, as he got creamed on a regular basis. The Brewers are confident that his confidence won't be rattled, but they don't belief in his stuff as much as his makeup. With an 88-89 mph fastball, Pember doesn't have much margin for error. His secondary pitches, a curveball and change, are average, so he needs fine command to succeed. He's a diabetic but has dealt with the condition since he was 17 and it hasn't held him back. He'll get some time in Triple-A to open 2003.