2008 Arizona Diamondbacks season
Encyclopedia
The Arizona Diamondbacks
' 2008 season
was the 11th season of the franchise in Major League Baseball
. Arizona tried to defend their NL West title
after winning the division the previous year
. But despite a franchise-best 20-8 start in the months of March & April, they couldn't maintain the division lead late in the season and collapsed with many losing streaks and stumbled to an 82-80 record, good enough for a second place finish, only two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers
.
had his best career start by winning his first 9 decisions. The only low point was that starting pitcher Doug Davis was being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer
, before he could get his first start. Characteristically, Davis made his first two scheduled starts before undergoing surgery on April 8th. Fortunately, his surgery was a success and was able to get back on the mound just 6 weeks later.
One of the more shining moments of April was when rookie pitcher Max Scherzer
made his major league debut by pitching 4.1 perfect innings of relief, where he struck out 7 Astros
. While doing this, Max passed Pete Richert
of the 1962 Dodgers
for the record for the number of consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever. Consequently, Scherzer was immediately promoted to the starting rotation, in the absence of Davis; he was relatively effective; in his four major-league outings (the aforementioned relief role against the Astros as well as three starts in Doug Davis' spot in the rotation), Scherzer had a 2.33 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
(Upon Davis' return, Scherzer was returned to the bullpen and optioned back to AAA Tucson in early June, and he eventually spent about a month on the Sidewinders' DL with shoulder inflammation. Davis, for his part, has had a less-than-stellar 2008 season, he is 4-7 with a 4.75 ERA as of late August.)
May was a much different month for the D-backs. The team saw a sharp decline in hitting and run production compared to April, and was their first losing month (11-17) since September 2006. The biggest disappointment had to have been the month-long slump right fielder Eric Byrnes
fell into, where he hit .195 and had only 8 RBIs. Much speculation about his strained hamstring causing him to not perform well eventually led to him being put on the 15-day DL on May 27th. He came back to action only to tear the left hamstring in late June, and was placed on the 60-day DL at that time.
The Diamondbacks continued to lead the NL west despite only being 47-48 at the All-Star break.
On July 17, 2008, Tony Clark
was traded back to the D-backs from the San Diego Padres for a minor league pitcher, Evan Scribner.
On August 5, Dan Haren
signed a four-year, $44.75 million deal with the Diamondbacks worth a guaranteed $41.25 million through 2012 and includes a $15.5 million club option for 2013 with a $3.5 million buyout.
Orlando Hudson
, one of the more consistent offensive D-backs players in 2008, underwent season-ending surgery on his left wrist August 9 in the wake of a collision with catcher Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves
. Hudson became a free agent in the offseason and signed with the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
LF Eric Byrnes
has been on the 60-day disabled list since late June, with a torn left hamstring, and was not expected to return to the lineup this season.
On August 11, 2008, Dallas Buck
, RHP Micah Owings
(pending clearing of waivers), and one other prospect were traded to the Reds (in last place in the NL Central at the time) in exchange for OF Adam Dunn
. Dunn, who was tied for the major league lead with 32 home runs, was expected to provide a significant boost to an offense that has struggled to score runs for most of the season. Dunn seemed quite positive about being traded to a ballclub in first place in its division in August. The move was seen by some fans as a belated attempt by the D-backs to counter the trade by their division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers
, for Boston Red Sox
power-hitting OF Manny Ramirez
on July 31; and also to compensate for the injuries to Hudson and Byrnes, generally considered two of the more "power-hitting" Diamondbacks on a team which has relied heavily on pitching and defense in recent years.
Owings, once considered an excellent pitching prospect for the Diamondbacks, has struggled in the 2008 campaign with a 7.09 ERA since April 21. Owings must clear waivers before being able to join the Reds, otherwise he will remain a member of the Diamondbacks through the remainder of the season.
On August 31, the Diamondbacks acquired former World Series MVP David Eckstein
to fill the hole at secondbase which was opened after Orlando Hudson was placed on the disabled list. Eckstein was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays
for Minor League pitcher Chad Beck.
As of September 25, the D-Backs fell out of playoff contention with a 12-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals
.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
' 2008 season
2008 Major League Baseball season
The 2008 Major League Baseball season began on March 25, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeating the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome 6–5 in the first game of a two-game series, and ended on September 30 with the host Chicago White Sox defeating the...
was the 11th season of the franchise in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. Arizona tried to defend their NL West title
National League West
The National League Western Division, or NL West, is one of the three divisions of Major League Baseball's National League. It was created in 1969 when the previously undivided National League expanded its membership to twelve teams, positioning half of them in an Eastern division and the other...
after winning the division the previous year
2007 Arizona Diamondbacks season
The Arizona Diamondbacks' 2007 season started with the Diamondbacks attempting to win the NL West Division. The Arizona Diamondbacks' biggest move in the offseason was when, on January 9, 2007, they got their 2001 World Series co-MVP back, pitcher Randy Johnson after making a blockbuster deal with...
. But despite a franchise-best 20-8 start in the months of March & April, they couldn't maintain the division lead late in the season and collapsed with many losing streaks and stumbled to an 82-80 record, good enough for a second place finish, only two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
.
Regular season
The 2008 season saw the best start in Diamondbacks history, going 20-8 in March/April and end up being way ahead in first place in the NL West. During the great start, Brandon WebbBrandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
had his best career start by winning his first 9 decisions. The only low point was that starting pitcher Doug Davis was being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid neoplasm is a neoplasm or tumor of the thyroid. It can be a benign tumor such as thyroid adenoma, or it can be a malignant neoplasm , such as papillary, follicular, medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer. Most patients are 25 to 65 years of age when first diagnosed; women are more affected...
, before he could get his first start. Characteristically, Davis made his first two scheduled starts before undergoing surgery on April 8th. Fortunately, his surgery was a success and was able to get back on the mound just 6 weeks later.
One of the more shining moments of April was when rookie pitcher Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer
Maxwell M. "Max" Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.-Early life:...
made his major league debut by pitching 4.1 perfect innings of relief, where he struck out 7 Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
. While doing this, Max passed Pete Richert
Pete Richert
Peter Gerard Richert is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Washington Senators , Baltimore Orioles , St...
of the 1962 Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
for the record for the number of consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever. Consequently, Scherzer was immediately promoted to the starting rotation, in the absence of Davis; he was relatively effective; in his four major-league outings (the aforementioned relief role against the Astros as well as three starts in Doug Davis' spot in the rotation), Scherzer had a 2.33 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
(Upon Davis' return, Scherzer was returned to the bullpen and optioned back to AAA Tucson in early June, and he eventually spent about a month on the Sidewinders' DL with shoulder inflammation. Davis, for his part, has had a less-than-stellar 2008 season, he is 4-7 with a 4.75 ERA as of late August.)
May was a much different month for the D-backs. The team saw a sharp decline in hitting and run production compared to April, and was their first losing month (11-17) since September 2006. The biggest disappointment had to have been the month-long slump right fielder Eric Byrnes
Eric Byrnes
Eric James Byrnes , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, the Colorado Rockies, the Baltimore Orioles, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Seattle Mariners...
fell into, where he hit .195 and had only 8 RBIs. Much speculation about his strained hamstring causing him to not perform well eventually led to him being put on the 15-day DL on May 27th. He came back to action only to tear the left hamstring in late June, and was placed on the 60-day DL at that time.
The Diamondbacks continued to lead the NL west despite only being 47-48 at the All-Star break.
On July 17, 2008, Tony Clark
Tony Clark
Anthony Christopher Clark, known as Tony , is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and current MLB Network studio analyst....
was traded back to the D-backs from the San Diego Padres for a minor league pitcher, Evan Scribner.
On August 5, Dan Haren
Dan Haren
Daniel John Haren is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.- High-school and college career :...
signed a four-year, $44.75 million deal with the Diamondbacks worth a guaranteed $41.25 million through 2012 and includes a $15.5 million club option for 2013 with a $3.5 million buyout.
Orlando Hudson
Orlando Hudson
Orlando Thill Hudson is an American professional baseball second baseman with the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-Early life and high school career:...
, one of the more consistent offensive D-backs players in 2008, underwent season-ending surgery on his left wrist August 9 in the wake of a collision with catcher Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. Hudson became a free agent in the offseason and signed with the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
LF Eric Byrnes
Eric Byrnes
Eric James Byrnes , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, the Colorado Rockies, the Baltimore Orioles, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Seattle Mariners...
has been on the 60-day disabled list since late June, with a torn left hamstring, and was not expected to return to the lineup this season.
On August 11, 2008, Dallas Buck
Dallas Buck
Dallas Buck is a Minor League Baseball player and former All-American baseball pitcher who played for the Oregon State Beavers of Oregon State University in college...
, RHP Micah Owings
Micah Owings
Micah Burton Owings is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks....
(pending clearing of waivers), and one other prospect were traded to the Reds (in last place in the NL Central at the time) in exchange for OF Adam Dunn
Adam Dunn
Adam Troy Dunn , nicknamed "Big Donkey", is an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed....
. Dunn, who was tied for the major league lead with 32 home runs, was expected to provide a significant boost to an offense that has struggled to score runs for most of the season. Dunn seemed quite positive about being traded to a ballclub in first place in its division in August. The move was seen by some fans as a belated attempt by the D-backs to counter the trade by their division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, for Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
power-hitting OF Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...
on July 31; and also to compensate for the injuries to Hudson and Byrnes, generally considered two of the more "power-hitting" Diamondbacks on a team which has relied heavily on pitching and defense in recent years.
Owings, once considered an excellent pitching prospect for the Diamondbacks, has struggled in the 2008 campaign with a 7.09 ERA since April 21. Owings must clear waivers before being able to join the Reds, otherwise he will remain a member of the Diamondbacks through the remainder of the season.
On August 31, the Diamondbacks acquired former World Series MVP David Eckstein
David Eckstein
David Mark Eckstein is a former American professional baseball player who was an infielder in Major League Baseball for ten seasons. He played college baseball for the University of Florida, and has played professionally for the Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona...
to fill the hole at secondbase which was opened after Orlando Hudson was placed on the disabled list. Eckstein was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
for Minor League pitcher Chad Beck.
As of September 25, the D-Backs fell out of playoff contention with a 12-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
.
Game log
2008 Game Log | |
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Roster
2008 Arizona Diamondbacks | |||||||||
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Roster | |||||||||
Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders | Manager Coaches (bench) (third base) (pitching) (hitting) (bullpen) (first base) |
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Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen basesPlayer | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | AVG | SB |
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Chris Burke | ||||||||||
Eric Byrnes Eric Byrnes Eric James Byrnes , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, the Colorado Rockies, the Baltimore Orioles, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Seattle Mariners... |
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Tony Clark Tony Clark Anthony Christopher Clark, known as Tony , is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and current MLB Network studio analyst.... |
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Jamie D'Antona Jamie D'Antona James Joseph D'Antona is a professional baseball infielder.D'Antona played college baseball for Wake Forest University where he had a .354 career batting average and 58 home runs. In , he was the ACC leader in slugging percentage, home runs, and RBI... |
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Doug Davis | ||||||||||
Stephen Drew Stephen Drew Stephen Oris Drew is a shortstop in Major League Baseball who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is the younger brother of Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew and former major leaguer Tim Drew.... |
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Adam Dunn Adam Dunn Adam Troy Dunn , nicknamed "Big Donkey", is an American Major League Baseball first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.... |
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David Eckstein David Eckstein David Mark Eckstein is a former American professional baseball player who was an infielder in Major League Baseball for ten seasons. He played college baseball for the University of Florida, and has played professionally for the Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona... |
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Robby Hammock Robby Hammock Robert Wade Hammock is a retired Major League Baseball catcher.-Career:Hammock was drafted three times: in 1995 by the Florida Marlins, in 1997 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and in 1998 by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played five seasons at various minor league levels from to... |
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Dan Haren Dan Haren Daniel John Haren is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.- High-school and college career :... |
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Orlando Hudson Orlando Hudson Orlando Thill Hudson is an American professional baseball second baseman with the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-Early life and high school career:... |
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Conor Jackson Conor Jackson Conor Sims Jackson is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed. He is 6'2" and roughly 225 pounds. His father is actor John M... |
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Randy Johnson Randy Johnson Randall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams.... |
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Miguel Montero Miguel Montero Miguel Angel Montero is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-Arizona Diamondbacks:... |
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Augie Ojeda Augie Ojeda Octavio "Augie" Ojeda is an American professional baseball infielder who is a free agent... |
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Micah Owings Micah Owings Micah Burton Owings is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks.... |
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Mark Reynolds Mark Reynolds (baseball) Mark Andrew Reynolds is a third baseman/first baseman in Major League Baseball who plays for the Baltimore Orioles. He is known both for his power-hitting abilities and for his record-breaking strike out totals... |
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Alex Romero Alex Romero Alexander Rafael Romero Galban is a professional baseball outfielder.-Baseball career:Romero was born on october 3, 1995. She is 5 feet tall and she currently attends Bishop Diego High School as an undrafted free agent... |
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Jeff Salazar Jeff Salazar Jeffrey Dewan Salazar is a Major League Baseball outfielder. He made his major league debut on September 7, .... |
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Max Scherzer Max Scherzer Maxwell M. "Max" Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.-Early life:... |
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Chris Snyder Chris Snyder Christopher Cornelius Snyder is a catcher in Major League Baseball who is a Free Agent. He has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He bats and throws right-handed.-High school and college:... |
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Chad Tracy Chad Tracy Chad Austin Tracy is a Major League Baseball third baseman, who is currently with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.-College & draft:... |
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Justin Upton Justin Upton Justin Irvin Upton is a National Major League Baseball right fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks.... |
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Brandon Webb Brandon Webb Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G... |
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Chris Young | ||||||||||
Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = StrikeoutsPlayer | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | R | ER | BB | K |
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Billy Buckner Billy Buckner William Jennings "Billy" Buckner is a Major League Baseball pitcher. Despite their similar names, Buckner is not related to retired Major League Baseball player Bill Buckner.-Kansas City Royals:... |
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Juan Cruz Juan Cruz (baseball) Juan Carlos Cruz is a Major League Baseball pitcher.-Career:Cruz was signed for the Chicago Cubs by scout Jose Serra. He began his pro career with the Cubs' Rookie Level team, the Mesa Cubs, where he went 2-4 with a 6.10 earned run average and 36 strikeouts in only 41.1 innings pitched... |
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Doug Davis | |||||||||||
Edgar Gonzalez | |||||||||||
Dan Haren Dan Haren Daniel John Haren is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.- High-school and college career :... |
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Randy Johnson Randy Johnson Randall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams.... |
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Wilfredo Ledezma Wilfredo Ledezma Wilfredo Jose Ledezma is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He has previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, and Pittsburgh Pirates... |
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Brandon Lyon Brandon Lyon Brandon James Lyon is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Houston Astros. He throws a 4-seam fastball, 12-6 curveball, slider, and changeup.-Toronto Blue Jays:... |
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Brandon Medders Brandon Medders Brandon Edward Medders is a professional relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He throws a 4-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and a cutter.... |
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Micah Owings Micah Owings Micah Burton Owings is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks.... |
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Jailen Peguero Jailen Peguero Jailen Lorenzo Peguero is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher in the Houston Astros organization. His uncle, Leo Peguero, was a minor league player in the Yankees organization... |
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Tony Pena Tony Peña Antonio Francisco Peña Padilla is a former professional baseball player, manager and current coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Pirates, Cardinals, Red Sox, Indians, White Sox, and Astros. Peña was the manager of the Kansas City Royals between 2002 and 2005. He... |
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Yusmeiro Petit Yusmeiro Petit Yusmeiro Alberto Petit is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball relief pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. Petit throws right-handed. He was signed by New York Mets as non-drafted free agent on November 15,... |
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Chad Qualls Chad Qualls Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in... |
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Jon Rauch Jon Rauch Jon Erich Rauch is a right-handed relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. At 6' 11" , he is the tallest player in Major League Baseball history. He is also an Olympic Gold Medalist.-Early years:... |
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Connor Robertson Connor Robertson James Connor Robertson is a currently inactive right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher... |
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Leo Rosales Leo Rosales Leonel Rosales is a free agent Major League Baseball relief pitcher.-Baseball career:Before and during his time at California State University, Northridge Rosales played with the East L.A. Dodgers, a SCC baseball team, his number 11 was retired on December 15, 2008Rosales graduated from Reseda... |
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Max Scherzer Max Scherzer Maxwell M. "Max" Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.-Early life:... |
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Doug Slaten Doug Slaten Douglas Slaten , is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals. He attended Venice High School... |
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Brandon Webb Brandon Webb Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G... |
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