Brian Bruney

Brian Bruney

Bruney with the Washington Nationals
Pitcher
Born: (1982-02-17) February 17, 1982
Astoria, Oregon
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 8, 2004, for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Last MLB appearance
June 24, 2012, for the Chicago White Sox
MLB statistics
Win–loss record 19–12
Earned run average 4.68
Strikeouts 252
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Brian Anthony Bruney (born February 17, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox. He won the 2009 World Series with the Yankees, beating the Philadelphia Phillies.

Professional career

Arizona Diamondbacks

Bruney was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks after graduating from Warrenton High School in 2000. Bruney pitched in the minors from 2000 to 2003, making his major league debut on May 8, 2004 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bruney had a good rookie year with the Diamondbacks, posting a 4.31 ERA and striking out 34 batters in 31.1 innings. In 2005, the Diamondbacks tried Bruney as their closer, and he saved 12 games in 16 opportunities. Overall, the 2005 season turned out to be a poor showing for Bruney. He posted a 7.43 ERA in 46 innings. In May 2006, Bruney was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks. He was later signed as a minor league free agent by the New York Yankees.

New York Yankees

Bruney with the Yankees in 2007.

Bruney pitched for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. Bruney received a call-up to the big club. Armed with an upper-90's fastball, mid-80's curveball and an aggressive approach, Bruney took advantage of this second wind and quickly established himself as one of the better relief pitchers in the Yankees bullpen. Bruney finished 2006 with a 1-1 record and a 0.87 ERA in 19 games (20.2 innings).

In 2007, he spent time on both the Yankees' major league roster, and their Triple-A team. He ended the season with a 4.68 ERA in 58 major league games.

Bruney reported to Spring Training 2008 having lost 20 pounds in the offseason, in addition to gaining speed on his fastball. On April 25, 2008, it was learned that Bruney would likely miss the remainder of the season due to a fracture in his foot (Lisfranc) but he chose to forgo foot surgery in order to rehab the injury. After spending time rehabbing in the minors, he returned to the Yankees on August 1 following the trade of Kyle Farnsworth. He was slated to be Mariano Rivera's primary setup man going into the 2009 season.[1]

In 2009, Bruney spent part of the season on the disabled list, but managed to collect a 3.92 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 39 innings pitched. On June 13, 2009, Bruney criticized New York Mets closer Francisco Rodríguez, calling his antics on the mound "unbelievable" and saying that Rodriguez has "got a tired act." Rodríguez responded after the Mets won that day's game by saying "somebody like that, it doesn't bother me," and suggesting that Bruney "better keep his mouth shut and do his job, not worry about somebody else. I don't even know who the guy is. I'm not going to waste my time with that guy. Instead of sending messages through the paper, next time when you see me at Citi Field, come up to me and say it to my face."[2] During batting practice the following day at Yankee Stadium, Rodríguez confronted Bruney on the field, pointing and shouting at him before teammates from both sides could separate the two.[3]

Bruney did not appear in the ALDS against the Twins or the ALCS against the Angels, but was added to the World Series roster.[4] On October 28, it was announced that Bruney would be replacing backup catcher Francisco Cervelli on the 25-man roster for the World Series.[5]

Washington Nationals

Bruney with the Washington Nationals during spring training in 2010

On December 7, 2009, Bruney was traded to the Washington Nationals for Jamie Hoffman, Washington's pick in the 2009 Rule 5 draft.[6] On May 25, 2010, the Nationals released him after being designated for assignment on May 17.[7]

Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets

Bruney signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on June 1, 2010, but was released on June 21 after pitching in  3 1⁄3 innings with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. Bruney signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on July 2, 2010. Bruney became a free agent after the 2010 season ended.

Chicago White Sox

In December 2010, Bruney signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.[8] He had his contract purchased on May 30, 2011.[9] He made his debut with the White Sox on May 31 against the Boston Red Sox, allowing 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning. On August 5, the White Sox designated Bruney for assignment.[10] He was released on August 15.[11]

On January 23, 2012, Bruney re-signed a minor league contract with the White Sox. He was called up from AAA Charlotte on June 22, 2012 after Philip Humber was placed on the DL.

Personal

As a child, Bruney was an extra in the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Kindergarten Cop.[12]

Bruney married his wife Stacey on February 2, 2002.[13] The couple and their daughters Shelby, Bri, and son Bo live in Warrenton, Oregon.

References

  1. ↑ AP (2009-01-30). "Yankees, reliever Bruney settle at $1.25 million". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-30.
  2. ↑ "Brian Bruney rips Francisco Rodríguez's celebrations, but K-Rod gets final shot"
  3. ↑ "Mets' Rodríguez confronts Bruney after comments"
  4. ↑ King III, George A. and Brian Costello.Yankees mull adding Hinske or Bruney to roster, New York Post. Published October 27, 2009. Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  5. ↑ Yankees add Bruney, Hinske World Series roster, Sports Illustrated. Published October 28, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2009.
  6. ↑ Hoch, Bryan. Yankees deal Bruney to Nationals, MLB.com. Published December 7, 2009. Retrieved December 7, 2009.
  7. ↑ Ladson, Bill (2010-05-25). "Nationals release reliever Bruney". MLB.com. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  8. ↑ http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/13/the-white-sox-sign-brian-bruney/
  9. ↑ Nicholson-Smith, Ben. "White Sox Designate McPherson For Assignment". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
  10. ↑ Padilla, Doug. "Sox address curious move to recall Stewart". ESPN. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  11. ↑ Axisa, Mike. "White Sox Release Brian Bruney". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  12. ↑ Kepner, Tyler (February 15, 2009). "Odds and Ends on Posada, Brackman and Bruney". The New York Times.
  13. ↑ "Brian Bruney Bio" gaylordsports.com Accessed 19 February 2010 Archived February 25, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
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