Friday, January 16, 2009

Jeff Kent: An Appreciation

We've been asked to write a few kind words about Jeff Kent. Keeping in mind what our mothers taught us, this is what we came up with.

Relief pitcher Joe Beimel played for the Dodgers only three seasons, yet in that time he experienced highs and lows most players never see during their whole careers. Wherever he ends up this off-season, we can say we've rooted for a player who's not your typical professional athlete.

Joe Beimel in 2007.

First, the numbers: Beimel was a workhorse for the Dodgers, appearing in an average of 72 games per season. In 2007 and 2008 he was especially relied upon as a lefty specialist, logging fewer innings pitched than games played. He had an ERA of 2.02 in 2008, his lowest as a Dodger.

However, it was the 2006 post-season that defined Beimel's tenure as a Dodger. In New York on the eve of the NLDS, Beimel broke curfew and went to a bar, where he accidentally cut his hand on a broken glass. Initially he lied about the incident, saying it had occurred in his hotel room. The truth soon emerged, though—and Beimel was too injured to pitch.

The incident seemed to have affected Beimel dramatically. He spent the next 15 months alcohol-free and now says he drinks only socially. In addition, he has been very open in sharing his thoughts on those troubles—as well as the tattoo he says he got to remind himself about the consequences of that night.

2008 provided a measure of redemption for Beimel. Back in the playoffs, the Dodgers called upon him three times in the NLCS against the Phillies. Beimel surrendered two walks in Game 2 but also recorded one out each in Games 4 and 5. It may not have been a star turn, but for someone waiting to prove himself for two years, it must have been a relief.

photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images

8 comments:

QuadSevens said...

You gotta love a guy who learns from his mistakes. He's a standup guy that would be sorely missed if he doesn't sign with the Dodgers again.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Funny, I'm still looking for the Jeff Kent reference.

Steve Sax said...

so is Jeff.

Rob said...

And he never said anything bad about his mother.

Eric Stephen said...

Hilarious.

In some small way, I am almost happy the Dodgers didn't win a championship from 2005-2008, much like I took pleasure (after the fact of course) when Karl Malone and Gary Payton didn't gravy train a ring with the 2004 Lakers.

Alex Cora said...

Matt Damon.

Orel said...

Ben Affleck?

Orel said...

I know what you mean, Eric. Except an early championship might have gotten Kent to retire.