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Email me at btimmermann@gmail.com

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Most infuriating pitcher in my recent memory retires
2006-03-06 11:16
by Bob Timmermann

Kirk Rueter has decided to finally hang 'em up and isn't pursusing a job with any major league team. And it's likely no one is pursuing him either.

I saw that Rueter is infuriating because I can't think of a pitcher who ever won as often (lifetime record of 138-92) with so little to offer as a pitcher.

Rueter struck out more than 100 in a season only twice, in 1997 and 1998 when he struck out 115 and 102 respectively. His career ERA+ was 97 and he spent a good chunk of his career in "Large Telecom Company-themed" park in San Francisco. But in Rueter's last two seasons, he went 11-19 and had an ERA over 5.

He even got lucky as a batter in the 2002 World Series. Do you remember this 5th inning from Game 4 of the 2002 World Series (courtesy of Retrosheet)

GIANTS 5TH: Rueter singled to pitcher; high chopper, funny
hop; On a bunt Lofton singled to third [Rueter to
second]; right on line, fair, then foul, then Glaus picked it
up just as it came back fair; Aurilia singled to right
[Rueter scored, Lofton to third]; Kent hit a sacrifice fly to
right [Lofton scored, Aurilia to second (error by Salmon)]; Bonds was walked intentionally; Santiago singled to center
[Aurilia scored, Bonds to second]; Snow flied to right; Sanders
struck out; 3 R, 4 H, 1 E, 2 LOB. Angels 3, Giants 3.

Baseball's ears will get smaller now.

Comments
2006-03-06 11:56:22
1.   Joe
Maybe he'll get picked up to perform a live-action version of "Toy Story".
2006-03-06 12:16:43
2.   Bob Timmermann
Don't they have a "Toy Story on Ice"?
2006-03-06 18:32:54
3.   grandcosmo
He was a league average pitcher who for many years had the luxury of having Barry Bonds in his lineup when he took the mound. That probably explains the the winning percentage.

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