Jeff Baker
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| Jeff Baker | |
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| Chicago Cubs — No. 28 | |
| Utility player | |
| Born: June 21, 1981 Bad Kissingen, West Germany |
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| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| MLB debut | |
| April 4, 2005 for the Colorado Rockies | |
| Career statistics (through 2009 season) |
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| Batting average | .270 |
| Home runs | 26 |
| Runs batted in | 109 |
| Teams | |
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Jeffrey Glen Baker (born June 21, 1981, in Bad Kissingen, West Germany) is a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball who plays several positions as a utility player for the Chicago Cubs. He bats and throws right-handed. He was the 1999 Virginia Prep Player of the Year.
[edit] Baseball career
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 HR, 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 homers and 108 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 2007/2008 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.
On July 2, 2009, Baker was traded to the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Alberto Alburquerque. He is now wearing No. 28.
