Evan Meek: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|American baseball player (born 1983)}} |
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{{Infobox MLB player |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} |
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| name = Evan Meek |
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{{Infobox baseball biography |
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| image = |
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|name = Evan Meek |
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|image = Evan Meek on April 14, 2014.jpg |
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| caption = |
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|image_size = 240 |
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| team = Pittsburgh Pirates |
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|caption = Meek with the Orioles in 2014 |
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| number = 44 |
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|position = [[Pitcher]] |
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|5|12}} |
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|birth_place = [[Bellevue, Washington]], U.S. |
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|bats = Right |
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|throws = Right |
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|debutleague = MLB |
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| debutdate = April 2 |
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|debutdate = April 2 |
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| debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates |
|debutyear = 2008 |
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|debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates |
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|debut2league= KBO |
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| statyear = April 1, 2008 |
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|debut2date = July 23 |
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| stat1label = [[Win (baseball)|Win-Loss]] |
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|debut2year = 2015 |
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|debut2team = Kia Tigers |
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| stat2label = [[Earned run average]] |
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|finalleague = MLB |
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| stat2value = 27.00 |
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|finaldate = September 25 |
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| stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s |
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|finalyear = 2014 |
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|finalteam = Baltimore Orioles |
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| teams = <nowiki></nowiki> |
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|final2league= KBO |
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*[[Pittsburgh Pirates]] ({{by|2008}}-present) |
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|final2date = September 28 |
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|final2year = 2015 |
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|final2team = Kia Tigers |
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|statleague = MLB |
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|stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]] |
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|stat1value = 7–11 |
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|stat2label = [[Earned run average]] |
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|stat2value = 3.63 |
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|stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s |
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|stat3value = 160 |
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|stat2league = KBO |
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|stat21label = Win–loss record |
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|stat21value = 4-0 |
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|stat22label = Earned run average |
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|stat22value = 4.44 |
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|stat23label = Strikeouts |
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|stat23value = 25 |
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|teams = |
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* [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] ({{mlby|2008}}–{{mlby|2012}}) |
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* [[Baltimore Orioles]] ({{mlby|2014}}) |
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* [[Kia Tigers]] ({{Baseball year|2015}}) |
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|awards = |
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* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]]) |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Evan David Meek''' (born |
'''Evan David Meek''' (born May 12, 1983) is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]]. He is best known for giving up [[Derek Jeter]]'s final hit at [[Yankee Stadium]]. He played for the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] and [[Baltimore Orioles]] in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) and was selected to one [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]]. Meek has also played for the [[Kia Tigers]] of the [[KBO League]]. |
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== |
==Amateur career== |
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Meek attended [[Inglemoor High School]] in [[Kenmore, Washington]]. Afterwards, he played for [[Midland College]] in [[Midland, Texas]]. Then he transferred at semester to play at [[Bellevue Community College]] also in [[Washington (state)|Washington]].<ref>[http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Evan-Meek.shtml] Thebaseballcube.com</ref> |
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==Pro career== |
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Evan Meek attended [[Inglemoor High School]] in [[Kenmore, Washington]]. Afterwards he played for [[Bellevue Community College]] also in [[Washington]].<ref>[http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Evan-Meek.shtml] Thebaseballcube.com </ref> |
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===Minnesota Twins=== |
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After being selected by the [[Minnesota Twins]] in the [[2002 Major League Baseball draft]], Meek began playing for the Twins affiliate in the [[Appalachian League]], the [[Elizabethton Twins]]. In 2004, Meek played for Elizabethton and the [[Quad Cities River Bandits]]. Meek started the 2005 season with the [[Beloit Snappers]]. Meek was released by the Twins in June 2005. |
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===San Diego Padres=== |
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After being select by the [[Minnesota Twins]] in the [[2002 Major League Baseball Draft]] Meek began playing for the Twins affiliate in the [[Appalachian League]]. After three years in the Twins organization Meeks spent the next two seasons in the minor league ranks of the [[San Diego Padres]] and the [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]].<ref>[http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=24558] Baseball-Reference.com </ref> In the 2007 [[Rule 5 Draft]] Meek was selected away from the Devil Rays by the [[Pittsburg Pirates]]. This means Meek will have to remain on the [[Major League Baseball rosters|active roster]] for the Pirates for the entire [[2008 Major League Baseball season|2008 season]] or else the Pirates will have to offer him back to the Devil Rays for half the amount they paid for him.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3144489 Pirates Make Room For Rule 5 Draft Pick Meek By Releasing Castillo.</ref> |
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Meek signed with the [[San Diego Padres]] in September 2005. He started the 2006 season with the [[Lake Elsinore Storm]]. In August 2006, Meek and a [[player to be named later]], ([[Dale Thayer]]), were traded to the [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] for [[Russell Branyan]].<ref name="trade">{{cite web|url=http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060824&content_id=1627613&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb|title=Devil Rays get righty Meek for Branyan|last=Klemish|first=Dawn|date=August 24, 2006|access-date=August 20, 2012|archive-date=March 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310052057/http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060824&content_id=1627613&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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=== |
===Tampa Bay Devil Rays=== |
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Meek finished the 2006 season with the [[Visalia Oaks]]. He pitched the 2007 season for the [[Montgomery Biscuits]]. |
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Evan Meek made his major league debut on April 2, 2008 with the [[Pittsburg Pirates]]. He first added to his [[Pitchers of record|record]] on April 7, 2008 with an overtime loss to the [[Chicago Cubs]]. |
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===Pittsburgh Pirates=== |
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In the 2007 [[Rule 5 draft]], Meek was selected from the Devil Rays by the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. This required that Meek remain on the [[Major League Baseball rosters|active roster]] of the Pirates for the entire [[2008 Major League Baseball season|2008 season]] or else the Pirates would have to offer him back to the Devil Rays for half the amount they paid to acquire him.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3144489 Pirates Make Room For Rule 5 Draft Pick Meek By Releasing Castillo].</ref> |
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Meek made his major league debut on April 2, 2008 with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. He would record his first career loss in extra innings against the [[Chicago Cubs]] on April 7, 2008. Meek made nine relief appearances, going 0–1 with a 6.92 [[Earned run average|ERA]], before being designated for assignment on May 4, 2008. He was offered back per Rule 5 guidelines on May 14. The Pirates paid cash to keep him and sent him down to their minor league teams. After pitching 9 games with the Double-A [[Altoona Curve]], Meek was promoted to the Triple-A [[Indianapolis Indians]]. |
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[[File:MG 4036 Evan Meek.jpg|200px|thumb|Meek during his tenure with the [[2009 Pittsburgh Pirates season|Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009]]]] |
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Meek spent the 2009 season in the bullpen with the Pirates. He finished the season with a 1–1 record in 41 appearances, had a 3.45 ERA, gave up 2 home runs, 0 hit batsmen, 29 walks, 42 strikeouts, a .209 average against, and a 1.34 WHIP, in 47.0 innings pitched. |
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The [[2010 Major League Baseball season|2010 season]] was Meek's first full season in the Majors. He was often asked by manager [[John Russell (catcher)|John Russell]] to pitch multiple innings in relief. Meek's performance rivaled other excellent [[closer (baseball)|closers]] like [[Joakim Soria]] and [[Brian Wilson (baseball)|Brian Wilson]] despite not being one himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/evan-meeks-maturation/|title=Evan Meek's Maturation|publisher=FanGraphs.com|date=2010-05-20}}</ref> Early in the season when Dotel had given up runs in six straight games as the closer, Meek had an opportunity in the role and earned his first Major League [[save (baseball)|save]] on April 29, 2010 to close out a 2–0 win over the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300429119|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715051541/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300429119|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Doumit drives in two in first and Pirates coast past Dodgers|publisher=ESPN|date=2010-04-29}}</ref> On May 14, 2010 against the [[Chicago Cubs]] at [[Wrigley Field]], Meek entered the game in the 6th inning with the score tied 6–6, and he pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four of the seven Cubs hitters he faced including [[Derrek Lee]], [[Xavier Nady]] and [[Alfonso Soriano]] in the bottom of the 7th. The Pirates rallied behind his strong pitching to win the game 10–6.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=300514116|title=HR, five hits each for McCutchen, Jones vs. Cubs|publisher=ESPN|date=2010-05-14}}</ref> |
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Meek delivered one of his finest performances of the season against the [[Washington Nationals]] on June 10, 2010, coming in to relieve Pirates starter [[Zach Duke]] with the bases loaded and no outs. He quickly forced [[Willie Harris]] to line into a double play before retiring [[Cristian Guzmán]], needing only six pitches to get out of the inning with no runs in.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300610120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613220753/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300610120|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 13, 2010|title=Nationals become last team in majors to sweep series this season|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> Due to his excellent work, he was named to the [[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010 MLB All Star Game]]. At the time of his selection on July 4, 2010, Meek carried a 4–2 record with a 0.96 [[Earned run average|ERA]], a mark that lead all [[National League (baseball)|National League]] relievers. "It's surprising", Meek said. "A lot of starters and closers go to the game. I've always said there are a lot of great middle relievers out there who deserve to go to the game. I think they're overlooked a little bit. It's amazing to be selected, an overwhelming feeling."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_688961.html|title=Evan Meek named to National League All-Star roster|publisher=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|access-date=2010-07-04|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908082339/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_688961.html|archive-date=2012-09-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meek was the first Pirate reliever selected who was not a [[closer (baseball)|closer]] since [[Mace Brown]] in 1938 – before the closer position emerged. The Pirates celebrated his nomination at [[PNC Park]] with an 8–5 victory over the visiting [[Philadelphia Phillies]], a game where Meek was the winning pitcher.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300704123|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717033002/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300704123|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Pirates extend recent dominance of Phillies with surge in 7th|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> |
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On August 3, 2010, Meek recorded his first career base hit, off fellow reliever [[Jordan Smith (pitcher)|Jordan Smith]] of the [[Cincinnati Reds]]. Meek finished the 2010 season with a 2.14 ERA, 70 strikeouts, 4 saves, 15 [[Hold (baseball)|holds]], and a 5–4 record, all career-highs. |
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After several injuries in 2011, Meek saw a decrease in fastball velocity.<ref name="hmeekhmeek">{{cite web|url=http://www.piratesprospects.com/2012/03/pirates-notebook-no-reason-meeks-velocity-wont-return.html|title=Pirates Notebook: No Reason Meek's Velocity Won't Return|last=Robinson|first=Kristy|date=March 13, 2012}}</ref> |
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Meek started the 2012 season with Pittsburgh, but on May 1, Meek was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Meek was 0-0 with a 5.59 ERA in 9 games with a .293 opposing batting average. He was recalled to the Pirates on July 21, 2012, after an injury to reliever [[Juan Cruz (baseball)|Juan Cruz]]. But was sent back down on July 26, to make room for highly anticipated prospect [[Starling Marté]]. Meek was [[designated for assignment]] by the Pirates on September 10, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120910&content_id=38200640&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Bucs promote three, designate Meek for assignment|last=Meisel|first=Zack|date=September 10, 2012}}</ref> In October 2012, Meek elected minor league free agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/10/minor-moves-28-players-elect-free-agency.html|title=Minor Moves: 28 Players Elect Free Agency|last=Axisa|first=Mike|date=October 6, 2012}}</ref> |
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===Texas Rangers=== |
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On December 6, 2012, Meek signed a minor league contract with the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] the deal included an invitation to spring training. He elected free agency after the season on November 4. |
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===Baltimore Orioles=== |
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On February 5, 2014, Meek signed a minor league contract with the [[Baltimore Orioles]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Orioles sign RHP Meek to minor league contract|url=http://gazette.com/orioles-sign-rhp-meek-to-minor-league-contract/article/feed/85920|agency=Associated Press|work=The Gazette|location=Colorado Springs|accessdate=June 28, 2014|date=February 6, 2014}}</ref> After a strong spring training, he made the Opening Day roster. On May 2, he was optioned to the Triple-A [[Norfolk Tides]]. He was recalled on May 15, and then designated for assignment on May 16.<ref>{{cite web|title=Orioles recall Brach, designate Meek|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=10943763|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|access-date=May 16, 2014|date=May 16, 2014}}</ref> Instead, the next day Meek was optioned back to Norfolk. On May 28, he was sent outright to Triple-A [[Norfolk Tides]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/05/orioles-outright-evan-meek.html |title=Orioles Outright Evan Meek |date=May 28, 2014 |accessdate=May 30, 2014 |first=Jeff |last=Todd |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> He had his contract selected to the major leagues again on June 6. On September 25,, Meek gave up a walk-off single to [[New York Yankees]] future hall-of-famer [[Derek Jeter]] in Jeter's final game at [[Yankee Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/09/25/derek-jeter-walk-single-final-home-bat-winner|title = Derek Jeter hits walk-off single in final home at-bat, leaves Bronx a winner}}</ref> Subsequently, it was also Meek's last game in MLB. He was again sent outright to Triple-A [[Norfolk Tides]] on October 29. He elected free agency after the season on November 3. |
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===Washington Nationals=== |
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On January 21, 2015, Meek signed a minor league contract with the [[Washington Nationals]].<ref>[http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/01/nationals-evan-meek-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html Nationals, Evan Meek Agree To Minor League Deal]</ref> He was released on July 20. |
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===Kia Tigers=== |
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On July 20, 2015, the [[Kia Tigers]] of the [[Korea Baseball Organization]] announced that they had signed Meek to a one-year deal worth $150,000. Meek filled a roster vacancy created by the club's release of former MLB pitcher [[Philip Humber]] on the same day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pitcher with MLB perfect game released by S. Korean club|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2015/07/20/0200000000AEN20150720005300315.html|accessdate=20 July 2015|publisher=[[Yonhap News]]|date=July 20, 2015}}</ref> He became a free agent following the season. |
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===Somerset Patriots=== |
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On May 5, 2016, Meek signed with the [[Somerset Patriots]] of the [[Atlantic League of Professional Baseball]]. He was released on July 20, 2016. In 10 games 9.1 innings of relief he went 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 8 strikeouts. |
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===Lancaster Barnstormers=== |
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On July 26, 2016, Meek signed with the [[Lancaster Barnstormers]] of the [[Atlantic League of Professional Baseball]]. He became a free agent after the 2016 season. In 15 games 13.2 innings of relief he went 1-2 with a 7.24 ERA and 17 strikeouts. |
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==Scouting report== |
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Meek's [[four-seam fastball]] normally sits around 95 mph, although he is capable of reaching 97–98 mph on occasion. It is his primary pitch, throwing it slightly over half the time. Despite missing the final two months of the [[2009 Major League Baseball season]], he added 8 pounds of muscle during the off-season and promised that he would be able to hit 100 mph in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/archive/2010/01/13/minicamp-day-1-meek-the-monster.aspx|title=Minicamp, Day 1: Meek the monster|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=2010-01-13|access-date=2010-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116184217/http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/archive/2010/01/13/minicamp-day-1-meek-the-monster.aspx|archive-date=2010-01-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since his command has improved throughout his career – 5.55 walks per 9 innings in 2009 to around 2.10 in 2010 – opposing batters have shown more willingness to chase the pitch, even out of the strike zone to due his ability throw his other pitches for strikes. |
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However, after several injuries in 2011, Meek saw his fastball velocity decrease into the low to mid 90s, ranging from 90-95 mph.<ref name="hmeekhmeek"/> |
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Meek's [[curveball]] is his primary off-speed pitch, with the velocity sitting around 79–82 mph. |
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Meek throws a [[cutter (baseball)|cutter]] that was rated in August 2009 as the 3rd most effective cutter in Major League Baseball because of its runs above the MLB average.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/231162-heres-a-thought-mlbs-10-most-effective-cutters#page/9|title=Here's a Thought: MLB's 10 Most Effective Cutters|publisher=Call to the Pen|date=2009-05-08}}</ref> The pitch has "unfair biting" movement, even against left-handed batters, according to Dejan Kovacevic of the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]''. Average velocity is 92–93 mph and he normally likes to use it when he gets ahead in a count as a strikeout pitch. It is normally a very difficult pitch to hit well, helping him limit the number of extra base hits he allows. |
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Meek also throws a fourth pitch, an off-speed [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] that is seldom used in pressure situations. The pitch normally sits around 80–82 mph, mainly incorporated to keep hitters out of a rhythm. His ability to throw four pitches well however, makes him rare as a relief pitcher as the normal reliever only possesses a three-pitch arsenal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports-town/pbc-blog/103185-tomorrows-meek-story|title= Tomorrow's Meek story|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=2010-06-21}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist|2}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} |
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{{Baseballstats | mlb=457425 | espn=28934 | br=n/meekev01 | fangraphs= | cube=M/evan-meek}} |
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{{baseballstats|mlb=457425|espn=28934|br=m/meekev01|fangraphs=5109|brm=meek--001eva}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Meek, Evan}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Meek, Evan}} |
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[[Category:1983 births]] |
[[Category:1983 births]] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bellevue, Washington]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Baseball players from King County, Washington]] |
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[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]] |
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[[Category:National League All-Stars]] |
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[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]] |
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]] |
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[[Category:Baltimore Orioles players]] |
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[[Category:Elizabethton Twins players]] |
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{{2000s-baseball-pitcher-stub}} |
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[[Category:Quad Cities River Bandits players]] |
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[[Category:Beloit Snappers players]] |
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[[Category:Bellevue Bulldogs baseball players]] |
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[[Category:Lake Elsinore Storm players]] |
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[[Category:Visalia Oaks players]] |
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[[Category:Montgomery Biscuits players]] |
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[[Category:Altoona Curve players]] |
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[[Category:Indianapolis Indians players]] |
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[[Category:Bradenton Marauders players]] |
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[[Category:Round Rock Express players]] |
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[[Category:Norfolk Tides players]] |
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[[Category:Scottsdale Scorpions players]] |
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[[Category:Venados de Mazatlán players]] |
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[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in Mexico]] |
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[[Category:Syracuse Chiefs players]] |
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[[Category:Somerset Patriots players]] |
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[[Category:Kia Tigers players]] |
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[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in South Korea]] |
Latest revision as of 15:22, 17 July 2024
Evan Meek | |
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Pitcher | |
Born: Bellevue, Washington, U.S. | May 12, 1983|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
Professional debut | |
MLB: April 2, 2008, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
KBO: July 23, 2015, for the Kia Tigers | |
Last appearance | |
MLB: September 25, 2014, for the Baltimore Orioles | |
KBO: September 28, 2015, for the Kia Tigers | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 7–11 |
Earned run average | 3.63 |
Strikeouts | 160 |
KBO statistics | |
Win–loss record | 4-0 |
Earned run average | 4.44 |
Strikeouts | 25 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
Evan David Meek (born May 12, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He is best known for giving up Derek Jeter's final hit at Yankee Stadium. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB) and was selected to one All-Star Game. Meek has also played for the Kia Tigers of the KBO League.
Amateur career
[edit]Meek attended Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington. Afterwards, he played for Midland College in Midland, Texas. Then he transferred at semester to play at Bellevue Community College also in Washington.[1]
Pro career
[edit]Minnesota Twins
[edit]After being selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft, Meek began playing for the Twins affiliate in the Appalachian League, the Elizabethton Twins. In 2004, Meek played for Elizabethton and the Quad Cities River Bandits. Meek started the 2005 season with the Beloit Snappers. Meek was released by the Twins in June 2005.
San Diego Padres
[edit]Meek signed with the San Diego Padres in September 2005. He started the 2006 season with the Lake Elsinore Storm. In August 2006, Meek and a player to be named later, (Dale Thayer), were traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Russell Branyan.[2]
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
[edit]Meek finished the 2006 season with the Visalia Oaks. He pitched the 2007 season for the Montgomery Biscuits.
Pittsburgh Pirates
[edit]In the 2007 Rule 5 draft, Meek was selected from the Devil Rays by the Pittsburgh Pirates. This required that Meek remain on the active roster of the Pirates for the entire 2008 season or else the Pirates would have to offer him back to the Devil Rays for half the amount they paid to acquire him.[3]
Meek made his major league debut on April 2, 2008 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He would record his first career loss in extra innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 7, 2008. Meek made nine relief appearances, going 0–1 with a 6.92 ERA, before being designated for assignment on May 4, 2008. He was offered back per Rule 5 guidelines on May 14. The Pirates paid cash to keep him and sent him down to their minor league teams. After pitching 9 games with the Double-A Altoona Curve, Meek was promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.
Meek spent the 2009 season in the bullpen with the Pirates. He finished the season with a 1–1 record in 41 appearances, had a 3.45 ERA, gave up 2 home runs, 0 hit batsmen, 29 walks, 42 strikeouts, a .209 average against, and a 1.34 WHIP, in 47.0 innings pitched.
The 2010 season was Meek's first full season in the Majors. He was often asked by manager John Russell to pitch multiple innings in relief. Meek's performance rivaled other excellent closers like Joakim Soria and Brian Wilson despite not being one himself.[4] Early in the season when Dotel had given up runs in six straight games as the closer, Meek had an opportunity in the role and earned his first Major League save on April 29, 2010 to close out a 2–0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.[5] On May 14, 2010 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Meek entered the game in the 6th inning with the score tied 6–6, and he pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four of the seven Cubs hitters he faced including Derrek Lee, Xavier Nady and Alfonso Soriano in the bottom of the 7th. The Pirates rallied behind his strong pitching to win the game 10–6.[6]
Meek delivered one of his finest performances of the season against the Washington Nationals on June 10, 2010, coming in to relieve Pirates starter Zach Duke with the bases loaded and no outs. He quickly forced Willie Harris to line into a double play before retiring Cristian Guzmán, needing only six pitches to get out of the inning with no runs in.[7] Due to his excellent work, he was named to the 2010 MLB All Star Game. At the time of his selection on July 4, 2010, Meek carried a 4–2 record with a 0.96 ERA, a mark that lead all National League relievers. "It's surprising", Meek said. "A lot of starters and closers go to the game. I've always said there are a lot of great middle relievers out there who deserve to go to the game. I think they're overlooked a little bit. It's amazing to be selected, an overwhelming feeling."[8] Meek was the first Pirate reliever selected who was not a closer since Mace Brown in 1938 – before the closer position emerged. The Pirates celebrated his nomination at PNC Park with an 8–5 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, a game where Meek was the winning pitcher.[9]
On August 3, 2010, Meek recorded his first career base hit, off fellow reliever Jordan Smith of the Cincinnati Reds. Meek finished the 2010 season with a 2.14 ERA, 70 strikeouts, 4 saves, 15 holds, and a 5–4 record, all career-highs.
After several injuries in 2011, Meek saw a decrease in fastball velocity.[10]
Meek started the 2012 season with Pittsburgh, but on May 1, Meek was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Meek was 0-0 with a 5.59 ERA in 9 games with a .293 opposing batting average. He was recalled to the Pirates on July 21, 2012, after an injury to reliever Juan Cruz. But was sent back down on July 26, to make room for highly anticipated prospect Starling Marté. Meek was designated for assignment by the Pirates on September 10, 2012.[11] In October 2012, Meek elected minor league free agency.[12]
Texas Rangers
[edit]On December 6, 2012, Meek signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers the deal included an invitation to spring training. He elected free agency after the season on November 4.
Baltimore Orioles
[edit]On February 5, 2014, Meek signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.[13] After a strong spring training, he made the Opening Day roster. On May 2, he was optioned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. He was recalled on May 15, and then designated for assignment on May 16.[14] Instead, the next day Meek was optioned back to Norfolk. On May 28, he was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk Tides.[15] He had his contract selected to the major leagues again on June 6. On September 25,, Meek gave up a walk-off single to New York Yankees future hall-of-famer Derek Jeter in Jeter's final game at Yankee Stadium.[16] Subsequently, it was also Meek's last game in MLB. He was again sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk Tides on October 29. He elected free agency after the season on November 3.
Washington Nationals
[edit]On January 21, 2015, Meek signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.[17] He was released on July 20.
Kia Tigers
[edit]On July 20, 2015, the Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization announced that they had signed Meek to a one-year deal worth $150,000. Meek filled a roster vacancy created by the club's release of former MLB pitcher Philip Humber on the same day.[18] He became a free agent following the season.
Somerset Patriots
[edit]On May 5, 2016, Meek signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He was released on July 20, 2016. In 10 games 9.1 innings of relief he went 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 8 strikeouts.
Lancaster Barnstormers
[edit]On July 26, 2016, Meek signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent after the 2016 season. In 15 games 13.2 innings of relief he went 1-2 with a 7.24 ERA and 17 strikeouts.
Scouting report
[edit]Meek's four-seam fastball normally sits around 95 mph, although he is capable of reaching 97–98 mph on occasion. It is his primary pitch, throwing it slightly over half the time. Despite missing the final two months of the 2009 Major League Baseball season, he added 8 pounds of muscle during the off-season and promised that he would be able to hit 100 mph in 2010.[19] Since his command has improved throughout his career – 5.55 walks per 9 innings in 2009 to around 2.10 in 2010 – opposing batters have shown more willingness to chase the pitch, even out of the strike zone to due his ability throw his other pitches for strikes.
However, after several injuries in 2011, Meek saw his fastball velocity decrease into the low to mid 90s, ranging from 90-95 mph.[10]
Meek's curveball is his primary off-speed pitch, with the velocity sitting around 79–82 mph.
Meek throws a cutter that was rated in August 2009 as the 3rd most effective cutter in Major League Baseball because of its runs above the MLB average.[20] The pitch has "unfair biting" movement, even against left-handed batters, according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Average velocity is 92–93 mph and he normally likes to use it when he gets ahead in a count as a strikeout pitch. It is normally a very difficult pitch to hit well, helping him limit the number of extra base hits he allows.
Meek also throws a fourth pitch, an off-speed slider that is seldom used in pressure situations. The pitch normally sits around 80–82 mph, mainly incorporated to keep hitters out of a rhythm. His ability to throw four pitches well however, makes him rare as a relief pitcher as the normal reliever only possesses a three-pitch arsenal.[21]
References
[edit]- ^ [1] Thebaseballcube.com
- ^ Klemish, Dawn (August 24, 2006). "Devil Rays get righty Meek for Branyan". Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
- ^ Pirates Make Room For Rule 5 Draft Pick Meek By Releasing Castillo.
- ^ "Evan Meek's Maturation". FanGraphs.com. May 20, 2010.
- ^ "Doumit drives in two in first and Pirates coast past Dodgers". ESPN. April 29, 2010. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012.
- ^ "HR, five hits each for McCutchen, Jones vs. Cubs". ESPN. May 14, 2010.
- ^ "Nationals become last team in majors to sweep series this season". ESPN. Archived from the original on June 13, 2010.
- ^ "Evan Meek named to National League All-Star roster". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
- ^ "Pirates extend recent dominance of Phillies with surge in 7th". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012.
- ^ a b Robinson, Kristy (March 13, 2012). "Pirates Notebook: No Reason Meek's Velocity Won't Return".
- ^ Meisel, Zack (September 10, 2012). "Bucs promote three, designate Meek for assignment".
- ^ Axisa, Mike (October 6, 2012). "Minor Moves: 28 Players Elect Free Agency".
- ^ "Orioles sign RHP Meek to minor league contract". The Gazette. Colorado Springs. Associated Press. February 6, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
- ^ "Orioles recall Brach, designate Meek". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 16, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
- ^ Todd, Jeff (May 28, 2014). "Orioles Outright Evan Meek". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
- ^ "Derek Jeter hits walk-off single in final home at-bat, leaves Bronx a winner".
- ^ Nationals, Evan Meek Agree To Minor League Deal
- ^ "Pitcher with MLB perfect game released by S. Korean club". Yonhap News. July 20, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
- ^ "Minicamp, Day 1: Meek the monster". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. January 13, 2010. Archived from the original on January 16, 2010. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
- ^ "Here's a Thought: MLB's 10 Most Effective Cutters". Call to the Pen. May 8, 2009.
- ^ "Tomorrow's Meek story". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 21, 2010.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
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