Scott Kazmir

Major League baseball player Scott Kazmir is a starting pitcher who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

1. Born: January 24, 1984
2. Birthplace: Houston, Texas
3. Nickname: Kid K
4. Uniform Number: 19
5. Position: Starting pitcher
6. Bats/Throws: Left/Left
7. Named American League Player of the week in 2006
8. Led American League in strikeouts in 2007

A highly touted prospect, Kazmir was the first pick of the New York Mets in the 2002 draft. He was part of a highly controversial trade in 2004, when the Mets sent him to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitcher Victor Zambrano. Zambrano pitched poorly with the Mets, and Kazmir, who debuted with the Rays in August, 2004 has excelled. In 2005, his first full season with Tampa Bay, Kazmir struck out 174, while compiing a 3.77 ERA, and a 10-9 record, all for a team which nearly lost 100 games. Kazmir was named to the All-Star team in 2006, and finished the season with an excellent 3.24 ERA. He performed even better in 2007, compiling another winning season (13-9) with the underperforming Rays, while leading the American League in strikeouts with 239.

Kazmir suffered a setback during spring training with an elbow injury which kept him benched throughout the first month of the season. However, Kazmir returned in May.

• Mahalo's Guide to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
• ESPN.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Weight: 170 lbs
  • Rookie Year: 2004

• January 24, 1984 Born

• 2001: Member of the United States Junior Olympic baseball team

• 2002: Drafted to the New York Mets

• 2004: Traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays along with minor league pitcher Joselo Diaz

• 2006: Elected to appear in the MLB All-Star Game

• 2007: Became American League Strikeout leader