What is going on with all these position players pitching in big-league games this year? Usually a phenomenon that, as I recall, occurs once or twice a season, in 2009 there have already been five such instances. Nick Swisher (Yankees), Cody Ross (Marlins), Jonathan Van Every (Red Sox), Josh Wilson (Diamondbacks), and Paul Janish (Reds) have taken the hill with their teams down late in the game.
Just three position players were called on to pitch in 2008, but the 2009 season is well on its way to witnessing double-digits.
It’s worth noting that infielder Josh Wilson has now pitched for two teams (Tampa Bay in ’07 and Arizona in ’09), but Wilson, who was recently picked up by the Padres, has a chance to separate himself even further from the rest of the pack. Wouldn’t it be cool to see a position player pitch for two different teams in one season?
How ‘bout that?
How about Joe Mauer? Not only is he hitting .417 with an .819 slugging percentage since his return from the Disabled List on May 1st, but he is looking good behind the plate as well. In case you missed Mauer’s indescribable play against the Yankees on Sunday, here it is. Pretty impressive, huh?
How about Victor Martinez? After playing in just 73 games in 2008 following mid-season surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow, Martinez has come out swinging thus far in ’09, leading the majors with a .400 batting average. The 30-year-old Venezuelan has already reached his totals from last year in walks, runs scored, home runs, and total bases.
How about Evan Longoria stepping it up against the Red Sox? In 10 games against Boston this season, the Rays’ slugger has hit five home runs and five doubles, driven in 21, and slugged a Ruthian .875.
Injuries are Bad for Ball
Noah Lowry is scheduled to have a rib removed and is out for the season. The Giants’ promising young lefty hasn’t pitched since 2007, when he won 14 of his 26 starts and had a 3.92 E.R.A. To make matters worse, Lowry’s agent recently accused the team’s medical staff of misdiagnosing Lowry’s arm injury last year, which he claims led to the wrong surgery being performed and the incorrect corresponding rehab work. Bad for Ball – no matter who is to blame.
Eric Chavez’s career is in jeopardy after doctors discovered a herniated disk in his back. Chavez, who won a Gold Glove six years in a row (2001-2006), has played in just 121 games since the beginning of the 2007 season. If he’s done, Chavez’s offensive numbers include 1,250 hits and 229 home runs over 12 seasons – each and every one of them in Oakland.
Keywords: Bad for Ball, Eric Chavez, Evan Longoria, Joe Mauer, Josh Wilson, Nick Swisher, Noah Lowry, position players, Victor Martinez
