Jake Esteves

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Jake Esteves (born July 31, 1975 in Auburn, California) went to LSU along with Kurt Ainsworth, and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 6th round of the 1998 Amateur Draft.

He started out as a spot starter at Bakersfield in 1998 but did not have much effect. But in 1999, Esteves posted amazing numbers for the first two months at class A San Jose. He went 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 games (11 starts). He struck out four batters for every one he walked, and gave up only 59 hits in 71 2/3 innings. All of these numbers showed that Esteves was ready for the next level and the pitcher was promoted to AA Sherevport (now Norwich).

He posted similar numbers there, leading many Giants fans to believe that he could be a starter within a couple of years. But in February 2000, he got surgery on his shoulder and never returned to his former level of play, only managing to pitch in 18 games over the rest of his minor league career, and earning just two wins. He has not played in the minor leagues since 2002.

[edit] Notes

If he had not had his injury, it is likely he would have been a Giants starter for several years along with other young players such as Jerome Williams (now on the Chicago Cubs.)