The lefty introduced himself to the league as a 20-year-old in 2004. Then, from 2005-08, he went 45-34 with a 3.51 ERA and 742 strikeouts in 689 2/3 innings. He led the league in strikeouts in ’07. He was an All-Star in 2006 and ’08. He was the undisputed ace of the Devil Rays.
The final year of that stretch, however, marked a moment of change for the Tampa Bay franchise. The “Devil” was removed from the team name, and the Rays were suddenly championship contenders. Kazmir was still good in ’08, but he had company. Matt Garza, James Shields and Edwin Jackson were all in their early to mid-20s, and they all shined alongside Kazmir.
It wasn’t earth-shattering, then, when Kazmir was traded to the Angels last summer for Sean Rodriguez and a couple of minor leaguers. He had gone 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA for the Rays to that point, losing his edge as a top-flight pitcher.
Things haven’t gotten much better with the Angels, for whom he is 10-12 with a 5.16 ERA.
It wasn’t that long ago that Kazmir was among the best of the best. Will he get back there? Text ‘SOX1’ to 542542 if you think he will, or text ‘SOX2’ to 542542.
