Rays Top Ten Best Starters in Franchise History

Sep 15, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) throws the ball during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

#6 Jake Odorizzi – RHP – 6’2″ 190 lbs

Drafted: in 2008 by the Milwaukee Brewers, 1st rd. (32nd overall)

Acquired: from Kansas City along with LHP Mike Montgomery, 3B Patrick Leonard and RF Wil Myers in return for James Shields, Wade Davis, and Elliot Johnson

Stats

Resume among starters:

• GS: 63, T-17th
• IP: 367, 25th
• Wins: 20, 20th
• ERA: 3.75, 4th
• SO: 446, 13th
• AVG: .238, 4th
• Whip: 1.22, 4th

That Odorizzi was traded twice so early in his career is perplexing, but the gain for the Rays is a major loss for those who dealt him. He’s done nothing but impress since he’s been with the Rays, and by the time he’s done in Tampa, he may be among the top 2 or 3 of all Rays starting pitching records. If he had more time with the Rays, he would have been ranked 4th. As it is, we’ll settle on 5th and hope he continues on his current road to success.

Next: Now at #5, if it wasn't for injuries....