Brandon League
From BR Bullpen
Brandon Paul League
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 192 lb.
- Debut September 21, 2004
- Born March 16, 1983 in Sacramento, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Brandon League was touted as a future closer ever since he made his major league debut as a September call-up with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004. He has an outstanding fastball and complements it with a cutter that has a lot of movement, but a lack of control has hampered his success in the big leagues in his first years, forcing him to spend time in the minor leagues each year from 2005 to 2008. He made the Jays' bullpen out of spring training in 2009 after posting a 2.18 ERA over the second half of 2008 and finally seemed ready to cash in on his promise with the opportunity to shine presented by closer B.J. Ryan's early-season injury. However, while he pitched very well in low-pressure situations, he was unable to step up with the game on the line, and remained stuck in a lower-level role in the bullpen. In 67 games, he went 3-6, 4.58 but did strike out over a batter per inning.
After the 2009 season, the Blue Jays traded League to the Seattle Mariners in return for a very similar pitcher, Brandon Morrow, also a top draft choice with tremendous stuff but mixed results as a relief pitcher. League had his most consistent season so far with Seattle in 2010, appearing in 70 games with a 9-7 record and 6 saves, but his K/W rate fell to 56/27 in 79 innings, and he again experienced difficulties when pitching in more pressure-packed situations. Still, the Mariners should have been satisfied with his performance, but League was made to look poor in comparison as Morrow had a break-out season after being converted to a starting pitcher by the Blue Jays.
League finally got an extended shot at the closer role at the start of the 2011 season, as David Aardsma began the year on the disabled list. He converted his first 10 save opportunities before faltering in the 13th inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 10th and being charged with a loss. Still, he did so well over the first half that he was named to the All-Star team and finished the year with 37 saves and a 2.79 ERA.
Born in California, League grew up in Hawaii. He wears goggles on the mound.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- AL All-Star (2011)
- 30 Saves Seasons: 1 (2011)
