Jose Valverde

Valverde began his professional career signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an undrafted amateur free agent on February 6, 1997. In 1999 he joined the Diamondbacks minor league affiliates, and continued his conditioning there for four years before being called up to the majors. He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks on June 1, 2003, playing in a total of 54 games his rookie season. He continued to split his time between the Diamondbacks and their affiliates over the next two seasons, before becoming their closer in 2005. Valverde continued as the Diamondbacks closer over the 2006 season, only missing a couple of months in the summer.

He returned to the Diamondbacks for his most successful season to date in 2007. Valverde only pitched 64 innings over 65 games, but in doing so, he became the Diamondbacks all-time saves leader. He was also selected to his first All-Star Game, but did not play. The same year he was selected as the National League Saves Champion and the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year, given to the best pitcher late in the MLB season.

On December 14, 2007 the Diamondbacks traded Valverde to the Houston Astros. Fast Facts

1. Full name: José Rafael Valverde
2. Born: July 24, 1979
3. Hometown: San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
4. Signed as undrafted free agent in 1997
5. 2007 NL All-Star Reserve

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