Vicente Padilla

From BR Bullpen

Bats Both, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 200 lb.

Debut June 29, 1999
Born September 27, 1977 in Chinandega, Nicaragua

[edit] Biographical Information

Vicente Padilla is is a pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He is best known for his work in the 2002 All-Star Game played in Milwaukee, WI. Representing the Philadelphia Phillies, he was the last pitcher available for the National League squad. He pitched two scoreless frames in extra innings, but when he could not continue, Commissioner Bud Selig declared the game a tie, as there were no pitchers left to take the mound.

Originally signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of Nicaragua, Padilla was one of the key prospects obtained by the Phillies when they traded their ace Curt Schilling to the Diamondbacks in 2000. He pitched very well for the Phillies in both 2001 and 2002, winning 14 games both years, and appeared to be one of the best young pitchers in baseball. However, he was shut down after 20 starts in 2003, going 7-7 with a 4.53 ERA. He was mediocre in 2004, as attested by his 9-12 record and 4.71 ERA. Still, when he became a free agent after the season, the Texas Rangers offered him a large salary, as a result of the small number of pitchers available on the market that offseason.

Vicente Padilla was actually a good pitcher for the Rangers in 2006, although the favorable hitting environment in Ameriquest Field obscured that to some extent. He won a career-high 15 games, against only 10 losses, and posted a 4.50 ERA, good for a 102 ERA+. Still the Rangers' fans were looking for an ace, and his contribution was considered disappointing in light of his sizeable salary. His reputation went down another notch in 2007 when injuries limited him to a 6-10 record with a career-high 5.76 ERA in 23 starts. He then made a surprising comeback in 2008, taking advantage of the Rangers' outstanding hitting to post an 8-3 record with an ERA under 4.00 in his first 14 starts.