New Arrival: Grant Balfour, p, Oakland Athletics
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Remember Oakland relief pitcher Grant Balfour? Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Balfour had a 12-season career in the big leagues. However, his most remarkable performance was during his three-year period with Oakland. From 2011 to 2013, he averaged 66 innings and an impressive ERA+ of 156. The Athletics had some fantastic teams during that time, and the bullpen–with pitchers like Balfour, Sean Doolittle, Ryan Cook, Jerry Blevins, and Pat Neshak–more than made up for the sometimes weak starting pitching.
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The pinnacle of Balfour’s career was in 2013 when he notched 38 saves and earned his first and only All-Star selection. Balfour’s peak with the Athletics remains unforgettable, as his fiery presence on the mound—often expressed vocally—resonated with the passionate Oakland fans, renowned at the time for their own fervent enthusiasm in the stands.
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Like so many great pen arms, his career ended swiftly. Following his All-Star selection in 2013, he signed with the Tampa Rays for two years and $12 million. His first season he pitchers to a 76 ERA+ and was removed from the closer role, and the next season was released after 4.1 innings. He would not pitch in the majors again and retired in 2016.