Jeff Baker

Jeff Baker
Baker with the Chicago Cubs in 2009.
Texas Rangers – No. 15
Utility player
Born: (1981-06-21) June 21, 1981 Bad Kissingen, West Germany
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 4, 2005 for the Colorado Rockies
Career statistics (through May 9, 2013)
Batting average	.267
Home runs	40
Runs batted in	184
Teams
Colorado Rockies (2005–2009) Chicago Cubs (2009–2012) Detroit Tigers (2012) Atlanta Braves (2012) Texas Rangers (2013–present)

Baker with the Colorado Rockies in 2008.

Jeffrey "Jeff" Glen Baker (born June 21, 1981) is a professional baseball player for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed. He was the 1999 Virginia Prep Player of the Year.

Baseball career

Colorado Rockies

Baker made his Major League debut in 2005, as the Opening Day third baseman for the Colorado Rockies, playing a total of 12 games. He had been added to the Rockies lineup as a replacement for injured third baseman Garrett Atkins and on the return of Atkins, Baker was assigned to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Rockies Triple-A affiliate.

Baker was drafted by the Rockies in 2004 after playing college baseball at Clemson University. While at Clemson, Baker set the school record for career home runs with 59 home runs, a feat he accomplished in three years. He was a three-time Baseball America All-American and a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award in 2002 (the award was won by Clemson teammate Khalil Greene).

In 2006, Baker played a full season for the Sky Sox hitting .305 with 20 home runs and 108 runs batted in (RBIs), playing primarily in right field. He was named to the Baseball America All-Minor League team. He was then called up to the Rockies in early September and was rewarded with significant playing time in right field.

Baker has served as a super-utility type player for the Rockies during the 2007–08 seasons. He is able to play all corner positions, and has developed skill at second base. During Spring Training 2008, Baker contended for the starting second baseman spot, but was eventually beaten out by Jayson Nix. After Nix failed to adapt to the major league level, Baker spent the remainder of the season platooning at second base with Clint Barmes and Omar Quintanilla.

Baker was assigned to the Modesto Nuts (Class A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies) as part of a rehab assignment for an injured wrist on June 19, 2009, according to modestonuts.com.

Chicago Cubs

On July 2, 2009, Baker was traded to the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Al Alburquerque.

Detroit Tigers

On August 5, 2012, Baker was traded to the Detroit Tigers for two players to be named later. He was designated for assignment on August 31.

Baker appeared in 15 games for the Tigers this month after he was acquired from the Cubs. The veteran has played second base and all four corner positions this year, while posting a line of .254/.293/.408 in 181 total plate appearances.

Atlanta Braves

On August 31, 2012, Baker was traded to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later.

Texas Rangers

In January 2013, Baker was signed by the Texas Rangers to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He was named to the 2013 Opening Day Roster in March.

Personal Information

Baker is the son of a retired US Army colonel and is actively involved in the Wounded Warrior program. During the offseason, his home is in Woodbridge, VA.

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)