Kason Gabbard

Kason Ronald Gabbard (born April 8, 1982 in Oxford, Ohio) is a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. A 29th round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2000, Gabbard served as a starter and reliever for the 2006 team, and made 7 starts for the Red Sox in 2007.

Contents 1 Professional Career 2 Gabbard's Moment in the Sun 3 Scouting Report 4 Awards 5 Trivia 6 External Links

Professional Career

Gabbard made his major league debut on July 22, 2006 at Seattle, allowing 2 runs and 8 hits in a 5.1 inning losing effort.

He earned his first major league win on September 6, 2006, after pitching 7 shutout innings of 3 hit ball against the White Sox at Fenway Park in a 1-0 victory.

After starting 2007 at Triple-A Pawtucket, Gabbard was called up to Boston on May 20 to pitch against the Atlanta Braves, replacing the injured Josh Beckett. He allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 7 over 5 innings to pick up the victory. He was optioned back to Pawtucket after the game, but would return to Boston on June 26 when Curt Schilling was placed on the 15-day Disabled List. Gabbard made 7 starts for the Red Sox in 2007 posting a perfect 4-0 record with a 3.73 ERA in 41 innings. He walked 18 and struck out 29.

On July 31, 2007, Gabbard was traded to the Texas Rangers with minor-league outfielders David Murphy and Engel Beltré for Eric Gagne. Although some analysts call Beltré the centerpiece of the deal, Gabbard will provide immediate impact as a majors-ready starting pitcher.

2009 - After the Rangers' 2009 spring training camp, Gabbard was sent outright to the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks.
On April 23, 2009, the Red Sox re-acquired Gabbard from the Rangers for cash considerations. They assigned him to the Pawtucket Red Sox.
As of July 27, Gabbard is on a rehab assignment in the Red Sox farm system, currently pitching for the single-A affiliate Lowell Spinners.

Gabbard's Moment in the Sun

• July 16, 2007: At Fenway Park, Gabbard pitched a masterful complete game shutout in a 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals, allowing only 3 hits, 1 walk and striking out 8.

Scouting Report

SoxProspects Scouting Report

Lefty suffered nagging injuries over his first few year in pro ball. When healthy, Gabbard has a mid-to-high 80s fastball, a good breaking pitch, and changes speeds well.

Awards

• 2004 Florida State League All-Star
• 2004 Eastern League Pitcher of the Week (August 15, 2004)
• 2006 Eastern League Pitcher of the Week (May 7, 2006)

Trivia

• Is the 4th person selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 2000 Draft to be called up to the Major Leagues (Manny Delcarmen, Freddy Sanchez, and Chris Duffy before him).

• Gabbard is a perfect 4-0 when pitching at Fenway Park.

External Links

• Baseball Cube
• David Laurila interview (5/28/05)