This article reflects on B.J. Ryan's career with the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting his success, struggles, and ultimately, his departure from the team.
B.J. Ryan turns 49 today. Looking at his picture, I see that he looks like a former neighbour of mine, Scott. Off-topic, but I’m terrible with names. Around then, I used baseball players’ names to help me remember. Unfortunately, the player I picked for Scott was a former pitcher, Scott Terry, and I spent six months calling him Terry. But I digress. I’m sure you remember B.J. He had been an excellent reliever for the Orioles for several years.
Then, in 2005, he got the closer role, making 36 saves with an ERA of 2.43. It was perfect timing for him. He became a free agent after the season. During the winter between the 2005 and 2006 seasons, JP Ricciardi decided it was time for the Blue Jays to spend a pile of money to catch the Yankees and Red Sox and end our long stretch without making the playoffs. So he traded for Lyle Overbay and Troy Glaus. They also signed Bengie Molina and A.J. Burnett as free agents. He also gave Ryan an insane amount of money to become the Jays’ closer ($47 million over five years). In 2006, Ryan was terrific. 38 saves, a 1.37 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 72.1 innings. It still seemed like too much money for a closer, but at least we had an All-Star, not that it got us to the playoffs. We still finished a distant 2nd to the Yankees, ten games back. And that’s pretty much where the good times ended with B.J. He had Tommy John surgery in early May of 2007, missing the rest of the year. He returned strong in 2008, getting 32 saves with a 2.95 ERA in 60 games. His strikeout numbers were down, but he still struck out more than a batter an inning. In the spring of 2009, his velocity was down. He missed some time with ‘shoulder inflammation.’ When he did pitch, he was awful, putting up a 6.53 ERA in 20.2 innings and walking 17 before being released on July 8th, which ended his major league career. The Jays have had lousy luck on big contracts for closers. It wasn’t B.J.’s fault; everything lined up perfectly for hi
B.J. Ryan Toronto Blue Jays Baseball MLB Closer Free Agency Injuries
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blue Jays trade for 3-time Gold Glove winner Andrés GiménezAndrés Giménez, shown in this October 2024 file photo, has won three Gold Gloves for his defensive skills. The second baseman is due $96.5 million US in guaranteed money remaining as part of a $106.5 million, seven-year contract he agreed to before the 2023 season.
Read more »
Roger Clemens' Time With The Blue JaysThis article reminisces about Roger Clemens' two-season stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting his dominant performance and subsequent trade to the New York Yankees.
Read more »
Toronto Blue Jays in Race for Free Agent Juan SotoThroughout the off-season, the Toronto Blue Jays have been in competition with other teams for free agent superstar Juan Soto. Despite their efforts, sources suggest that Soto might prefer to stay in the United States, making it unlikely for the Blue Jays to outbid the New York Mets or New York Yankees.
Read more »
Toronto Blue Jays Eyeing Jordan Romano on Free Agent Market; Sign Kevin GowdyRoss Atkins mentioned the tough decision not to offer Jordan Romano a contract, considering his free-agent potential instead. The team is interested in strengthening their bullpen, possibly with a one-year contract plus options. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays signed right-handed pitcher Kevin Gowdy, previously from the Dodgers' system, as a depth player.
Read more »
Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins 2024 Tip O’Neill award as top Canadian playerThe honour is awarded annually by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to the Canadian player judged to excel on the field while ‘adhering to baseball’s highest ideals’
Read more »
Today in Blue Jays History: The Big Trade34 Years Ago Stand Pat Gillick made the most significant trade in Blue Jays’ history. Tony Fernandez and Fred McGriff went to the Padres for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter. I remember when 32 years...
Read more »