Jody Gerut makes it big -- again
Posted May10, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Former Salem Avalanche outfielder Jody Gerut was called up by the San Diego Padres on Friday, playing in something of a Salemite reunion against the Colorado Rockies.
The Rockies were Salem's major league affilate for 10 years, and on the Colorado side of the diamond on Friday were starting pitcher Aaron Cook (Avs 2000-01), left fielder Matt Holliday (2000-01), third baseman Garrett Atkins (2001), right fielder Brad Hawpe (2002) and shortstop Clint Barmes (2001).
On the Padres' side, was catcher Josh Bard (2000) and Gerut.
Gerut, a second round draft pick by the Rockies in 1998, hit .289 with 33 doubles, 63 RBI and 25 steals as an outfielder for the Avalanche in 1999.
The Rockies traded Gerut and Bard to the Indians and he made his major league debut with Cleveland in 2003 and played two full seasons before he tore his ACL in Sept. 2004. He was bartered about in 2005 and then was out of baseball for nearly two seasons. He made ripples in the Venezuelan Winter League and was invited to the Padres' training camp this spring.
Gerut made the opening day roster, but was sent to Triple-A before he could dent his bat.
By the way, Gerut did not lead the Avalanche in steals. That honor went to infielder Chone Figgins, who had 27 for Salem in 1999. Figgins is now in his seventh season with the California Angels, and won a World Series with the Angels in 2002.
-- Jody Gerut
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