Who Is Jake Peavy?
BOSTON (CBS) - Jake Peavy is expected to make his Red Sox debut on Saturday, but before Boston's big July acquisition can toe the rubber, here are a few interesting tidbits about the 32-year-old right-hander.
- After being named the high school player of the year for the state of Alabama, Peavy was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round (472nd overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft. He turned down an offer to pitch for Auburn University in order to accept a contract with the Padres.
- Though he mainly relies on his four-seam fastball and slider, Peavy also has a two-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, and cutter in his arsenal.
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- Made his MLB Debut on June 22, 2002 against the New York Yankees. He allowed just one run on three hits in six innings while striking out four, but took the loss as the Padres fell 1-0.
- Led the National League with a 2.26 ERA in 2004, and in strikeouts in 2006 with 216.
- Gave up Barry Bonds' 700th career home run in September 2004.
- Peavy was the captain of Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, starting the opening game -- a 2-0 win over Mexico.
- Started the 2007 All-Star game for the National League.
- Was the unanimous winner of the 2007 NL Cy Young award after clinching the pitching triple crown that season with 19 wins, a 2.54 ERA and a career-high 240 strikeouts.
- After spending his first six and a half seasons with the Padres, Peavy was traded to the Chicago White Sox on a deadline day deal in 2009. He remains the Padres all-time leader in strikeouts with 1,348 and tied for second in wins with 92.
- Won his first Gold Glove with the White Sox in 2012.
- Has struggled in his only two postseason starts. Allowed eight earned runs in just 4.1 innings in his playoff debut in the 2005 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, and then five earned runs over 5.1 innings the next year -- also against the Cardinals in the NLDS. He is 0-2 with a 12.10 ERA in his two career postseason starts.
- Peavy and his wife Katie have three sons; Jacob Edward II, Wyatt, and Judson Lee.
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- Peavy is very active in the community, and has the Jake Peavy Foundation that benefits cancer research in memory of grandmother, Dama Lolley, who lost her battle with cancer in January.
- Follow Peavy on Twitter: @JakePeavy_44
