Tony Graffanino

Tony Graffanino

Graffanino with the Brewers in 2007
Infielder
Born: (1970-06-06) June 6, 1970
Amityville, New York
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 19, 1996, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
April 26, 2009, for the Cleveland Indians
MLB statistics
Batting average .265
Home runs 58
Runs batted in 302
Teams

Anthony "Tony" Joseph Graffanino (/ˌɡræfᵻˈniːnoʊ/; born Graffagnino, June 6, 1972) is a former American Major League Baseball second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop. Though he never officially retired, Graffanino has not played since 2009.

Career

Graffanino is primarily a contact hitter (just 481 strikeouts in 2787 big-league at-bats) who is able to get on base (career .336 OBP) – and his speed is above average, with 53 stolen bases in 78 attempts. He excels as a situational hitter, being capable of hitting behind the runner and dropping down a bunt. As a fielder, he has the ability to play every infield position and left field. He has an above-average arm, which helps him in the LF and on the left side of the infield.

During Graffanino's minor league career, he spent time with Pulaski in 1990, the Idaho Falls Braves of the Pioneer League in 1991, the Macon Braves of the South Atlantic League in 1992, the Durham Bulls in 1993 and the Greenville Braves of the Southern League in 1994.

After spending three years with the Atlanta Braves,  2 1⁄2 seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and another  3 1⁄2 with the Chicago White Sox, Graffanino played only second base for the Kansas City Royals in 2004, but moved around more in 2005. Obtained by the Boston Red Sox for Chip Ambres and Juan Cedeño after the All-Star Game,[1] he started at second base following the cut of Mark Bellhorn.

In 2005, Graffanino hit .298 for the Royals and .319 with the Red Sox for a combined .309 (117-for-379), a career high. He also posted career numbers in RBI (38), runs (68), doubles (17), games (110), and hits. He received some notoriety, particularly in New England, for making an error in the fifth inning of Game Two of the 2005 American League Division Series which led to three unearned runs. The runs came on a two out, three run home run by White Sox 2B Tadahito Iguchi which proved to be the game-winning hit.[2] The Red Sox were swept in that series.

Graffanino was claimed off waivers by the Royals prior to the start of the 2006 season. He hit .268 in 69[3] games for the Royals before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at the 2006 All-Star Break for left-handed pitcher, Jorge De La Rosa.

In 2007, Graffanino struggled to begin the year, but after the call up of talented prospect Ryan Braun, Graffanino seemed to be invigorated and raised his sub .200 batting average to over .240 over a month's time. He slugged nine home runs in only 231 at bats that season. But on August 8, Graffanino tore his ACL, ending his season with a .238 batting average. After the 2007 World Series, he officially became a free agent.

On June 24, 2008, he signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. He hit .315 in 25 games and became a free agent at the end of the season. In February 2009, he re-signed with the Indians. In October 2009 Graffanino became a free agent.

Facts

References

  1. ↑ Cafardo, Nick (July 20, 2005). "It's a Busy Day For Dealing; Graffanino and Hyzdu Aboard; Embree is Out". The Boston Globe. p. F.5. Retrieved November 29, 2011. (subscription required)
  2. ↑ Jenkins, Lee (6 October 2005). "Red Sox Create Another Moment of Infamy". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 June 2010.
  3. ↑ http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=graffto01
  4. ↑ "Faith binds many on Sox".
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