Jason Kubel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Jason Kubel**

Minnesota Twins — No. 16
Left field
Born: May 25, 1982 (1982-05-25) (age 26)
Bats: Left	Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
August 31, 2004 for the Minnesota Twins
Selected MLB statistics (through June 5, 2008)
Batting average	.261
Runs batted in	127
Home runs	29
Teams
Minnesota Twins (2004, 2006-present)

Jason James Kubel (born May 25, 1982 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota) is a professional baseball player who plays in the outfield for the Minnesota Twins. He bats left and throws right. His ability to hit for average while maintaining plate discipline could make him a middle of the order type of hitter. He is also well known for his strong arm, typically from right field. Although he did well in a September call-up in 2004, he suffered a serious knee injury in the Arizona Fall League in 2004, which caused him to miss the entire 2005 season. Kubel returned to action in spring training 2006, made the Twins opening day roster, and started in right field on opening day. However, he got off to a slow start at the plate and was optioned to AAA Rochester on April 16, 2006. Kubel returned to the Twins lineup on May 23, 2006 as a replacement for the injured Shannon Stewart. He hit well in his return, including a game-winning, walk-off grand slam in the 12th inning against the Boston Red Sox on June 13, 2006. Since then continued soreness in his knees limited his playing time and success for the rest of the 2006 season. His 2007 statistics showed improvements, playing 128 games with 418 at-bats. On July 6, 2007, Kubel drove in a career high seven runs in a 20-14 victory over the Chicago White Sox

During the 2008 season, Kubel has primarily played in the designated hitter slot due to the acquisition of left fielder Delmon Young from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jason Kubel played at Highland High School in Palmdale, California.

[edit] External links

Jason Kubel: The Forgotten Hero (Minnesota Public Radio).

Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference

[edit] Career statistics

Season	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG
2004	MIN	23	60	10	18	2	0	2	7	1	1	6	9	.300	.358	.433
2006	MIN	73	220	23	53	8	0	8	26	2	0	12	45	.241	.279	.386
2007	MIN	128	418	49	114	31	2	13	65	5	0	41	79	.273	.335	.450
Total		224	698	82	185	41	2	23	98	8	1	59	133	.265	.320	.428