Jeff Kent
From BR Bullpen
Jeffrey Franklin Kent
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
- School University of California
- Debut April 12, 1992
- Born March 7, 1968 in Bellflower, CA USA
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Jeff Kent, the 2000 MVP, is a second baseman and five-time All Star whose Hall of Fame credentials will become apparent in the next 2 to 3 years. He has a reasonable chance of ending his career with 500 doubles, 400 home runs, and 1500 RBI's, which would give him a strong shot at the Hall given that he is a second baseman.
As a testment to how unusual he is, of the ten most similar players (based on the similarity scores method, through age 37), only Ryne Sandberg is a second baseman.
[edit] Early career
Born in California, Kent went to high school and then college in California before being chosen in the 20th round of the draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. He led the short-season New York-Penn League with 13 home runs in his first pro season in 1989. Kent played in the Blue Jays minor league system for 3 years before coming up to the majors in 1992. He showed good power in Single A ball in 1989 and 1990, but struggled a bit in Double A ball in 1991.
[edit] Mature career
Kent was a solid player in the early years, but didn't become a star until he came to the San Francisco Giants when he was nearly 30 years old. His power went up, but he was not usually in the top 10 in the league in home runs. Instead, he was usually one of the leaders in doubles.
He made the All Star team 5 times in the period from 1999 to 2005.
He continues to hit well at an advanced age. In 2005, he was by far the biggest offensive force on the Los Angeles Dodgers, with 36 doubles, 29 home runs, and 105 RBI. Although he has missed 30 games due to injuries in 2006, he is still close to the team lead in home runs.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1992 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- 5-time NL All-Star (1999-2001, 2004 & 2005)
- NL MVP (2000)
- 4-time NL Silver Slugger Award Winner (2000, 2001, 2002 & 2005)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 12 (1993, 1995, 1997-2005 & 2007)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1998, 2000 & 2002)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 8 (1997-2002, 2004 & 2005)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 3 (2000, 2002 & 2005)
| NL MVP | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 2000 | 2001 |
| Chipper Jones | Jeff Kent | Barry Bonds |
[edit] Records Held
- Home runs, second baseman, career, 339
