Kevin Millwood

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kevin Millwood
Texas Rangers — No. 33
Starting Pitcher
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
July 14, 1997 for the Atlanta Braves
Selected MLB statistics
(through the end of the 2006 season)
Wins-Losses     123-87
ERA     3.85
Strikeouts     1437
Former teams

Kevin Austin Millwood (born December 24, 1974 in Gastonia, North Carolina) is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who plays for the Texas Rangers.

Millwood was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 11th round of the 1993 amateur draft. After a couple of years in the minors, Millwood made his debut with the Atlanta Braves on July 14, 1997. A year later he won 17 games. Millwood formed a part of the Braves' star pitching rotation, which also consisted of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine, which at that time was regarded by many as the best in the National League.

The 1999 campaign was one of Millwood's best. He posted career highs in wins (18, also achieved in 2002), ERA (2.68), strikeouts (205) and WHIP (0.996). He finished third in the National League Cy Young voting (losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks' Randy Johnson) and 26th on the National League MVP ballot. He was selected an All-Star in 1999, his only appearance in the Midsummer Classic.

Before the 2003 season, Millwood was traded by the Braves to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Estrada, probably in order to cut their payroll in the midst of economic difficulties. He went 14-12 with his new team, including throwing a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants on April 27. This was one of only two no-no's ever thrown at the now-demolished Veterans Stadium — the other was thrown by Terry Mulholland — coming in the Phillies' final season at the stadium.

In 2005, Millwood signed a one-year contract as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians. He came back from injury well, leading the American League in ERA (2.86). However, he only managed a record of 9-11, having horrible run support. He was tied for 6th in the balloting for the Cy Young Award. On December 26, 2005 the Texas Rangers signed Millwood to a four-year, $48 million deal (with an option for a fifth year).

Through the end of the 2005 season, Millwood has compiled a career 107-75 record with 1280 strikeouts and a 3.76 ERA in 1559 innings. He has a 3-3 career playoff record, with an ERA of 3.92.

[edit] External link