More on new Diamondback Ian Kennedy

UCLA Bruins v USC Trojans

Most have focused on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ acquisition of Edwin Jackson as the key to the trade consummated Wednesday that sends Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the Detroit Tigers.

There’s a good reason for that. Jackson has been one of the more consistent pitchers in the American League over the last two seasons. In fact, only 11 A.L. pitchers had more than Jackson’s total of 27 wins in 2008 and 2009.

But the other pitcher the D-Backs acquired, right hander Ian Kennedy, may end up being the steal in this whole 3-team, 7-player swap.

Here’s more about Diamondbacks’ right hander Ian Kennedy:

  • Went 24-12 with a 3.09 ERA in 47 career starts from 2004-2006 at USC. Struck out 380 batters and walked 105 in 311.1 innings as a Trojan.
  • Drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2006 MLB First Year Player Draft. Kennedy was the 21st player chosen overall, and was the 13th pitcher selected, behind the likes of Luke Hochevar (1st), Andrew Miller (6th), Clayton Kershaw (7th), Tim Lincecum (10th), and Max Scherzer (11th).
  • In four minor league seasons, Kennedy has compiled a record of 19-6 with a 1.95 ERA, with 273 strikeouts and 77 walks in 248.2 innings pitched.
  • Made his MLB debut on September 1, 2007, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs (1 earned) over 7 innings in a 9-6 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The pitcher he beat that day was none other than Edwin Jackson, now his teammate.
  • Kennedy gave up his first major league home run in that game, a solo shot by B.J. Upton, whose brother Justin, is the Diamondbacks’ right fielder.
  • Had surgery on May 12, 2009 to correct an aneurysm located under his right armpit.
  • Started 4 games for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees before undergoing surgery. Went 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA over 22.2 innings of work. Struck out 25 and walked only 7.
  • Pitched in one game for the eventual 2009 World Champion Yankees, working one inning of relief in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on September 23rd. Kennedy struck out 1, walked two and threw 28 pitches while picking up a hold.

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