Jaret Wright
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Birth Name: Jaret Samuel Wright College: None Personal: Wife Julie, Gunner Sam (2005)
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Born as the son of former major leaguer Clyde Wright, Jaret Wright’s career has followed the same paths as his father. Clyde spent 10 years in the majors finishing with a 100-111 record while playing on the Angels, Brewers and Rangers. Born in 1975 Wright grew up on the west coast and enjoys golf and surfing. He was named the league MVP and named High School Player of the Year by the Orange County Register and Los Angels Times. He played both quarterback and linebacker for the Katella football team and was named to the Gatorade West Coast All Star Team.Game 7 and the aftermath (1997-2002)
Jaret made a late appearance in the 1997 season for the Indians. He was 8-3 with a 4.38 ERA in his 16 starts and finished 5th in AL ROY voting. Of course he began that season in Akron (AA) where he was 3-3 with a 3.67 ERA before moving up to AAA Buffalo. Prior to coming to the majors his last 4 starts he compiled a 2-0 record with a 1.73 ERA. On June 24th Wrights contract was purchased from AAA Buffalo and he would make his first major league appearance later that night against ht Minnesota Twins picking up a win the Indians 10-5 win. (5 .2 IP, 7H, 5 R/ER) In his second start he would leave the game with a lacerated index finger after fouling off a bunt attempt. In Wrights 16 starts the Tribe went 12-4 and 4-1 in the post season. His three post season wins were the most since Tim Belcher in 1988. Of course his 1997 post season would be overshadowed by another rookie, Florida Marlins righty Livan Hernandez who would set a rookie record with 4 wins. At 21 years 9 months and 4 days he became the youngest pitcher ever to start a ALDS game, the tribe would win game 2 in New York. (November 2) He also picked up the win in Game 5 placing the Tribe in the ALCS. He would start game 4 of the World Series and the deciding Game 7. Wright left the game with the lead and was in line for a win before the Indians collapsed in the end. On July 1st 1998 Jaret tossed his first career shutout beating the Tigers 2-0 allowing just three hits. After a solid season it was time for the post season where Wright was manhandled for lack of better words. His 2/3 of an inning against the Red Sox was the shortest outing of his career. When the season ended he signed a 4 year deal thru 2002. In 1999 Jaret suffered the first of a string of injuries. After starting the season as the Tribes opening day pitcher against the Angels, a strain of the sub-scapulars muscle behind his right shoulder caused him to go on the DL two times in the second half of the season. He made only eight starts in the second half. After going though rehab he came back to struggle 1-3 with a 6.65 ERA. In May he was handed a 5 game suspension for hitting Darren Lewis with a curve ball in April. After being hit Lewis charged the mound. Later in May he would be fined for his part in a brawl with the Tigers. He came in as a reliever in Game 3 of the ALDS picking up a loss for his efforts of 2 innings allowing 5 runs. From 2000-2002 he would appear in just 2 games starting 22 of them. His 7-9 record between the years and ERA’s of 4.70, 6.52, and 15.71 made it look like his career was on the way out. In 2003 a rejected assignment to Buffalo may of changed his career. He signed with the San Diego Padres and was just awful pitching in relief 1-5 2 saves and a 8.37 ERA. His whip was over 2. Upon being placed on waivers by the Padres he was claimed by the Braves. A Brave new look (2003-2004) Following the season he was signed by the New York Yankees to a three year deal worth 21 million dollars. A stay in New York (2005-2006) Jaret’s start in the big apple got off to a bad start when he was placed on the DL (April 24) after tearing scar tissue in his shoulder. If there was one good thing during Wrights stint on the disabled list is that his wife Julie gave birth to son Gunner Sam in June. Wright finished 2005 5-5 with a 6.08 ERA in 13 games started. In 2006 Wright was respectable going 11-7 with a 4.49 ERA in 30 games, 27 of them starts. Though he compiled only 140.1 innings. The Orioles and Leo (2007) Wright was traded to the Baltimore Orioles on November 12, 2006 for Chris Britton and cash considerations. Wright was reunited with pitching coach Leo Mazzone who was his pitching coach with the Braves. Wright finished 0-3 in three starts for the team and finished the year with a 6.97 ERA. Pirates (2008) Wright was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates to a minor league deal on January 23 with an invite to spring training. |
