Grant Balfour

Last updated

1+1⁄3 perfect innings in a 3–2 win; [9] the second on 18 June, entering the game trailing 1–2, and pitching 1+2⁄3 innings, recording three strikeouts, in a game the Rays won 8–3. [10]

He finished 2008 with a 1.54 ERA, a 6–2 record, 4 saves out of 5 opportunities, 14 holds, and 82 strikeouts over 58+1⁄3 IP in 51 appearances. He helped the Rays win their first divisional title and American League pennant (against the Boston Red Sox), losing to the Phillies in the World Series,

In 2009, he chose to skip the 2009 World Baseball Classic because the Rays asked him not to play for Australia while he was still under contract. [11] That season was much less successful for the Rays, who finished 84–78, 19 games behind the New York Yankees. Although he pitched considerably more innings and games pitched, he finished a disappointing 5–4, with 4 saves and a 4.81 ERA for the season with 69 strikeouts compared to the previous season's 82.

Balfour is known to shout at himself while on the mound and use profanity to fire himself up. On 2 October 2008, during Game 1 of the ALDS, he was involved in an exchange of words with Chicago White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera. With the bases loaded and two outs, his first pitch to Cabrera was outside for ball one. Cabrera then kicked the dirt in front of the batter's box in the direction of the pitcher's mound and according to Balfour, Cabrera told him to "throw it over the plate." Unaware of Balfour's behaviour while pitching, Cabrera was under the impression that he was the one being yelled at. The at-bat continued and ended with Cabrera striking out. Balfour stormed off the mound, yelling at Cabrera as he walked to the dugout. Balfour stated after the game that he told Cabrera to "go sit down" and that he "might have mixed one or two words in with it." Deemed a misunderstanding between the two, there were no further incidents in the series, with Balfour getting the final out as the Rays won three games to one. [12]

In December 2009, he signed a new contract with Tampa Bay, worth $2.05 million over one year. [13]

Oakland Athletics

On 18 January 2011, Balfour signed a 2-year, $8 million contract with the Oakland Athletics. [14] On 20 March 2012, he was named the Athletics' closer over Brian Fuentes. [15] Balfour held the closer role for the early part of the 2012 season but was demoted after a few blown saves to the role of setup man. In early August, Balfour regained the closer role from Ryan Cook. [16] Balfour went 3–2 in 75 appearances with 24 saves in 74+2⁄3 innings pitched in 2012. On 29 October, the Athletics decided to exercise their option for Balfour worth $4.5M. [17]

On 8 July 2013, Balfour set the record for most consecutive saves for the Athletics, earning his 41st in a 2–1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. [18] He was selected later in the month as a replacement All-Star pitcher for teammate Bartolo Colón. [19]

In 65 appearances, Balfour finished the year 38–41 in save opportunities, going 1–3 with a 2.59 ERA as the team's closer, striking out 72 in 62.2 innings with a .206 OBA. He pitched three scoreless innings in the ALDS against the Tigers, getting one win and one save.

In Game 3 of the 2013 ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, Balfour began cursing at Victor Martinez, who then answered back, leading to both benches clearing. Balfour claimed that Martinez gave him a "viral death stare" prior to exchanging words as he composed it on Twitter. The A's would go on to win the game 6-3 but lost the series in 5 games. [20]

Second stint with the Tampa Bay Rays

On 17 December 2013, it was reported that Balfour had come to an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles on a two-year, $15 million deal. [21] However, on 19 December 2013, it was revealed that the deal was in serious jeopardy as a result of issues that came up during his physical. [22] On 20 December, the Orioles announced that they would not be signing him and that they would look elsewhere for relief help. [23] Balfour responded that he was perfectly healthy and other doctors who examined him disputed the Orioles interpretation of his physical results. He said he would consider filing a grievance with the players association. [24]

Balfour subsequently agreed to a two-year contract with the Rays, worth $12 million. [25] After starting the 2014 season with a 6.46 ERA in 24 games, Balfour was removed from the closer role on 9 June 2014. [26]

He was designated for assignment by the Rays on 18 April 2015, [27] and released on 29 April. [28] Several days after the team released him, Balfour signed a minor league deal back with the Rays. [29] While pitching with Triple-A Durham, Balfour held a 2.79 ERA in eight games, owning an 11:4 K:BB ratio over 9+2⁄3 innings. He opted out of his contract on 28 May. [30]

On 29 April 2016, Balfour announced his retirement. [31]

Personal life

Balfour's father, David, was a rugby player and general manager and owner of the Sydney Blue Sox. David was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010 [32] and died on 10 March 2015. [33]

Balfour was inducted into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame in February 2015. [32]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Timlin</span> American baseball player

Michael August Timlin is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. Timlin played on four World Series championship teams in an 18-year career; the 1992 Toronto Blue Jays, 1993 Toronto Blue Jays, 2004 Boston Red Sox, and 2007 Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Érik Bédard</span> Canadian baseball player (born 1979)

Érik Joseph Bédard is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays. With Baltimore, Bédard was the staff ace, setting the franchise single-season strikeouts per nine innings record at 10.93 in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Kazmir</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Scott Edward Kazmir is an American former professional baseball pitcher who participated in 15 Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons between 2004 and 2021, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Hammel</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Jason Aaron Hammel is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays, Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Shields (baseball)</span> American baseball player

James Anthony Shields is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006 through 2012, the Kansas City Royals in 2013 and 2014, the San Diego Padres in 2015 and 2016, and the Chicago White Sox from 2016 to 2018. He was an All Star in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season</span>

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays' 2007 season, the tenth season in franchise history, involved the Devil Rays trying to improve on their 2006 season, where they finished last in the American League East, and managed to finish the season with a league-worst record of 66–96. During the offseason they signed Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura to a three-year deal. Their manager was Joe Maddon, who entered his second season with the Devil Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Sonnanstine</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Andrew Michael Sonnanstine is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays / Rays. Sonnanstine is a graduate of Wadsworth High School in Wadsworth, Ohio, and attended Kent State University. He also pitched for the Sanford Mainers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Russell</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Adam William Russell is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, and Tampa Bay Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burke Badenhop</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Burke Heinrich Badenhop is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Badenhop played college baseball at Bowling Green State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremy Hellickson</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Nationals. Following the 2011 season, Hellickson was named American League Rookie of the Year. In Tampa Bay, Hellickson was nicknamed "Hellboy" by local fans and media.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Torres (baseball)</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1987)

Alexander Jesus Torres Matos is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres and New York Mets. He is known as the first pitcher in Major League Baseball to take advantage of the league rules allowing pitchers to wear protective headgear full-time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 American League Division Series</span> Major League Baseball postseason

The 2011 American League Division Series were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played in two series. TBS televised all games but the Game 2's of both series in the United States. The Game 2's of both series were aired on TNT due to schedule conflicts with other ALDS games or the NLDS. The regular season finished on September 28, with the ALDS beginning September 30. Game 5 of the Yankees–Tigers series was played on October 6.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Cobb</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Alexander Miller Cobb is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth round of the 2006 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut for them in 2011. He previously played for the Rays from 2011 through 2017, the Baltimore Orioles from 2018 to 2020, and the Los Angeles Angels in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Colomé</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1988)

Alexander Manuel Colomé Pérez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heath Hembree</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Richard Heath Hembree, nicknamed Heater, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 220 pounds (100 kg), Hembree throws and bats right-handed. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2013 and has also played for the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Tampa Bay Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Tampa Bay Rays season</span>

The Tampa Bay Rays' 2013 season was the Rays' 16th season of Major League Baseball and the sixth as the "Rays". The Rays hoped to improve upon their 90–72 record and third-place finish from 2012. After 162 games, the Rays had a 91–71 record, but fell into a tie with the Texas Rangers for the last remaining wild card berth. The Rays won in a tie-breaker game on September 30 and then beat the Cleveland Indians in the ALWC Game on October 2. They advanced to play the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS, but lost the series in four games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 American League Division Series</span>

The 2013 American League Division Series were two best-of-five-game series to determine the teams that would participate in the 2013 American League Championship Series. The three divisional winners and a fourth team — the winner of a one-game Wild Card playoff — played in two series. TBS carried most of the games, with some on MLB Network.

The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) East division. Since its inception, the team's home venue has been Tropicana Field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Yarbrough</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1991)

Ryan Christian Yarbrough is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals. The Seattle Mariners selected Yarbrough in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diego Castillo (pitcher)</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1994)

Diego Castillo is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners.

References

  1. ↑ "Players by birthplace: Australia". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "Reynolds' eighth inning blast snaps D-backs losing streak". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 18 July 2007. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  3. ↑ Chastain, Bill (27 July 2007). "Rays trade McClung for Balfour". MLB.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  4. ↑ Chastain, Bill (13 December 2007). "Rays sign relievers Glover, Balfour". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  5. ↑ Chastain, Bill (29 March 2008). "Rays finalize their 25-man roster". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  6. ↑ "Tampa Bay Rays Transactions: April 2008". 3 April 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  7. ↑ Chastain, Bill (29 May 2008). "Balfour brings power arm to Rays 'pen". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  8. ↑ Chastain, Bill (31 May 2008). "Kazmir stifles Sox to join record books". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  9. ↑ "Floyd, Longoria power Rays; Kazmir shuts down Cubs". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 18 June 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  10. ↑ "Crawford's grand slam, 7-run seventh help Rays past Cubs". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  11. ↑ Chastain, Bill (13 February 2009). "Balfour skipping Classic". MLB.com. Archived from the original on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2009.
  12. ↑ "War of words: Balfour, Cabrera go at it". Tampa Bay Rays. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  13. ↑ Gonzalez, Alden (13 December 2009). "Balfour signs one-year deal with Rays". MLB.com. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  14. ↑ "A's officially announce Balfour signing". CSN Bay Area. 18 January 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. ↑ Miller, Doug. "A's pick Balfour over Fuentes for closer's role". MLB. MLB. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  16. ↑ "Closer role to be shared as Cook rights ship". MLB.com. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  17. ↑ Lee, Jane (29 October 2012). "A's pick up Balfour's option, decline Drew's". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  18. ↑ Skretta, Dave. "Athletics' Grant Balfour matches iconic save record". The Press Democrat. Associated Press. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  19. ↑ Hickey, John. "Grant Balfour makes American League All-Star team". Contra Costa Times. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  20. ↑ Dorset, Kenny. "Balfour, Martinez exchange words as benches clear at Detroit in ALDS Game 3". bleacherreport.com. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  21. ↑ "School of Roch: Orioles nearing agreement with Balfour (deal done)". masn.mobi. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  22. ↑ Kubatko, Roch (19 December 2013). "Orioles deal with Balfour in serious jeopardy". masnsports.com.
  23. ↑ "Orioles won't sign Grant Balfour". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  24. ↑ Rosenthal, Ken (20 December 2013). "Rosenthal: O's nullification of Balfour deal surprises physicians". Fox Sports.com.
  25. ↑ Chastain, Bill (23 January 2014). "Balfour agrees to two-year deal with Rays". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  26. ↑ "Balfour out as Rays' closer". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  27. ↑ "Grant Balfour designated for assignment by Rays". ESPN.com. Associated Press. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  28. ↑ Chastain, Bill (29 April 2015). "Balfour a free agent after release from Rays". MLB.com. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  29. ↑ "MLB: Tampa Bay Rays secure released Aussie pitcher Grant Balfour to minor-league deal". Fox Sports. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  30. ↑ Eddy, Matt (31 May 2015). "Minor League Transactions: 22–28 May". Baseball America. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  31. ↑ Topkin, Marc (29 April 2016). "Former All-Star reliever Grant Balfour officially retires". tampabay.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  32. 1 2 "For Rays' Balfour, a heartbreaking trip from home". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  33. ↑ Chastain, Bill (11 March 2015). "Balfour's father passes away following lengthy illness". MLB.com. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Grant Balfour
AAAA9505 Grant Balfour.jpg
Balfour with the Tampa Bay Rays
Relief pitcher
Born: (1977-12-30) 30 December 1977 (age 46)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 22, 2001, for the Minnesota Twins
Last MLB appearance
April 18, 2015, for the Tampa Bay Rays